🎉 INTRODUCING... the One, the Only... 🎉
🌺 THE HUMAN VOLCANO OF HAWAII! 🌊

She bodysurfed across the Pacific on a wave of pure chaos, powered by Spam musubi and sheer willpower! She’s part counselor, part glitter tornado, and 100% fueled by FUN.
 

She’s been evading naptime since birth, and trust us—if you see her standing still, tap her gently. That’s not calm. That’s a trap. She’s just recharging.
 

Armed with gallons of paint, a mischievous grin, and more energy than a triple-shot espresso, she’s here to make this the most unforgettable, uncontainable, and unbelievably colorful camp experience EVER!
 

Hold onto your hats, your snacks, and your spare t-shirts...

Give it up for... ReBecca 🎨💥🔥

"Hello! My name is Bethanie, I'm an ASL interpreter and also a TAP Manager for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Center. I enjoy photography, crafts, fishing, ziplining, swimming (basically all things outdoors). I'm looking forward to helping everybody have a super fun time!  I look forward to volunteering at SoF and I'm so excited to capture all the fun we'll have this summer!"

Hello, Signs of Fun family! My name is Lauren, and I’m excited to be returning to Signs of Fun for my 5th year (and counting)! As a recent ITP graduate, I am now working as a freelance ASL/English interpreter in the DMV area. Growing up, I was always busy creating my own science experiments and spending summers at various STEM/STEAM camps, which sparked my lifelong love of learning. I can’t wait to see where our curiosity will take us this summer, and I’m thrilled to share in the adventure with all of you!
My other favorite thing is Signs of Fun Camp. I love coming to Signs of Fun and I wouldn’t miss it. At camp, I like to fish and go swimming. I also like to make new friends and see old friends. Can’t wait to see everyone again this year!

Hi! I’m Amber, and I’m so excited to be at camp with you! I love making sure everyone feels included, welcome, and ready to have fun. You’ll usually find me playing silly games, doing arts and crafts, or exploring outside.

I think it’s super important that everyone can communicate and be heard, and I love using American Sign Language (ASL) to help make that happen. Even if STEAM stuff isn’t my superpower, I’m always ready to learn and cheer you on! Let’s make camp awesome together!

Hello! My name is Emily, and I am from Minneapolis, MN. After graduating last year from ITP, my interpreting focus has been a mix of freelance and educational, and I am LOVING it! In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends, enjoying the great outdoors and music, and exploring new places. This is my first time being involved with Signs of Fun, and I am very excited!

My name is Victoria, and this is my second time at SoF camp! I graduated from my interpreting program in 2024 and have been working in school settings and community settings in the DMV area. In my free time, I enjoy dancing, painting and kayaking. This summer will be full of fun activities and making new friends. I am stoked to see S.T.E.A.M. is joining this summer. I can't wait to see what we can create, discover and explore together.

Hi! My name is MaryRose Gonzalez. I was born Deaf and raised in a hearing family. This means I have a dual perspective. I can see where the parents struggle and where our campers crave role models within the deaf community. For these reasons, I am a Deaf mentor. I love showing families that acquiring language, though while a bit difficult, it can still be fun. There are so many cultural experiences I can help families obtain via my tutelage.

I am also a strong advocate for our deaf community. I am an Independent Living Skills instructor, I work in the school system with Deaf/HH children, and a family tutor/mentor for those just learning to navigate the deaf community.  I am a fierce advocate for the Deaf community and represent this via the ASL Coffee Podcast

I look forward to seeing your teens sign up to be a part of the Virginia Association of the Deaf when they turn 18.

My name is Lori.  Signs of Fun Camp has been a part of my summers for more than two decades. 
 

I have been teaching for 40+ years and I continue to educate students and parents whenever possible. Signs of Fun Camp allows me to interact in a relaxing and enjoyable setting (away from the academic constraints of testing and IEPs).

There is nothing better on earth than witnessing the spontaneous communication and true joy that I see on the faces of all of those who attend. I'm looking forward to seeing all of your smiles soon!!

I bring the FUN in Signs of Fun with just a look! I see what’s happening in the moment and turn it into something exciting. Trust me, there’s no way we’ll be bored while I’m around!

I’m Jordan from Bristow VA, and I was born hard of hearing due to Goldenhar Syndrome. I didn’t learn sign language until high school, but now I use it daily to communicate! I currently attend Radford University and major in Art Education and minor in American Sign Language.

Growing up I went to camp, but always with hearing people only, so it was pretty difficult to enjoy, but I’ve only been with Signs of Fun for a short time, and greatly enjoy working with the kids and helping them make art- with my hearing aids off!

Hi!! My name is Alexa! I am an interpreter originally from North Carolina, but now I work in the DMV area!  I have my bachelors in ASL and Interpretation, and I love working at camps!  This is my first year at Signs of Fun and I am so excited!  Some fun facts about me are that I love reading, I’ve been involved with STEM/STEAM teams and camps for around 16 years, and I am allergic to Moose!

Hello everyone! My name is Cindy, and I'm excited to join SoF this year! I have my degree in Deaf Studies and graduated from my Interpreter Training Program last year. I love using my hands to communicate AND create, especially through crafting and fun projects! I'm thrilled that STEAM will be joining in on the fun! I cannot wait to see your awesome ideas and imagination in action. Let's make this summer full of creativity, curiosity, and a whole lot of laughs. I cannot wait to make amazing memories with all of you!

Hunta Williams, DeafBlind, hails from New York City. He has attended four different deaf schools and graduated from Lexington School for the Deaf. Hunta received a Bachelor of Science degree in culinary management at The Art Institutes International Minnesota. He furthered his education at the graduate level by achieving a Master's degree in Sign Language Education from Gallaudet University. Professionally, he has worked as an ASL teacher, Tutor, Sign Model, Deaf interpreter, Co-Navigator, Consultation, Activist, and Sign Language Specialist.
 
His professional skills have also been used in the community, where he has provided his expertise on topics such as individual and disability rights advocacy, linguistic culture and cultural competency, sensitivity, awareness, and accessibility. As though he is not busy enough, Hunta remains active in the community. Additionally, Hunta works tirelessly with the Transgender community, Black Deaf Community, DeafBlind community, and as a Community Educator.​
In his free time, he loves to play disc golf, read, watch movies, and play sports. He enjoys spending time with his old friends, nephews, and goddaughters. The most important part of his life is his wife, Sheena Williams, and their dog, Spot, an Emotional Service Animal (ESA). Also, he loves cooking international foods and specializes in Jamaican cuisine.

Hi! I'm Stefanie! I was born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, and I now live in New Kent County with my very little cat and my very big dog! I love doing things outdoors - cycling, hiking, swimming, kayaking, you name it! I am a CODA, and I have been an interpreter in the central Virginia area for a couple of years! ​

Wendy has worked with the University of Virginia Darden School of Business for over 20 years. Wendy spent 13 years working in the office of admissions and then spent 7 years as the Assistant Dean for the Full-Time MBA Program where she provided strategic leadership for the MBA program development and delivery. Wendy left Darden in 2019 and throughout the pandemic, held a variety of positions which allowed her to engage with students and the community. Wendy’s love for Darden and the admissions team sparked her interest in returning to a full capacity role within the Admissions team in 2022. In 2022 she also decided to start her ASL journey. She worked with a private tutor and now meets regularly with an amazing deaf woman who helps her to build her ASL skill and knowledge of deaf culture.  This will be her second year at SOF! In her free time, Wendy enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs and is anxiously awaiting her first grandchild due in July!

Aloha! My name is Nalani. I was born in Hawaii and raised in Virginia, and I've been signing since I was about 8.  I graduated from Radford University in May 2021 with a major in Computer Science and a minor in ASL. I currently work as a software developer and I enjoy making websites in my free time (like this one!). 

Hi Campers and Families,

I am a mom of a Deaf son first and a certified interpreter second. I have been an interpreter for over 15 years, motivated by the need to communicate with my son. This has led me to great opportunities and relationships with a beautiful community of Deaf individuals and their families, too. I have been a part of SOF as a parent, counselor, and supporter on and off for more than 20 years (since my son was 4). I have seen kids come to camp as campers, enjoying a week of fun, then growing up to become counselors, giving back what they received as campers themselves. I plan to continue giving what was given to my son as a young camper. I have two dogs, who I adore, in my spare time; I love to kayak, bike, work-out and spend time outside. I love SOFC and know your kids will, too! I look forward to meeting your children and watching them interact within their own culture, sharing their experiences as Deaf youth, including those who care for them.

I embrace acceptance wholeheartedly! There's truly nothing and no one I won't welcome, no matter how unique they may be. I hold both an associate's degree and a bachelor's degree in ASL Interpretation, and I’m thrilled to be entering my second year at Signs of Fun. My first year was an incredible blessing and reminded me of the joy that comes from being playful and connected to my inner child. This year, I can hardly contain my excitement for the STEAM activities with the campers! I have such fond memories of STEAM fairs from my own childhood, and I can’t wait to share that joy and spark curiosity together! Let’s make this year unforgettable!

Hi everyone! My name is Maddy, and I’m a second-year ASL minor at the University of Virginia. My major is neuroscience, so I’m super excited to dive into all things STEM at camp!! This will be my second year at Signs of Fun, and I’m so ready to see all of your smiling faces again. Cheers! 

My name is Carlafrances Jones. I am Deaf and have Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy. Having cerebral palsy doesn’t stop me from being me. I love to cook. I love to listen and make music in my quiet time. I love to travel. I volunteer my time at the Disability Resource Center and I love working with kids

Hi my name is Bradley (B3). I've been a staff member for Acorn Acting Camp in MI for two years before moving to VA and becoming a counselor at Signs of Fun Camp! I can't tell you my favorite part because I loved it all! I'm getting ready for a big FIESTA! Are you?

“Hi, I’m Noberto, but you can call me Bert! I’m excited to be back at Signs of Fun Camp this summer. This camp is such a special place where creativity, learning, and connection come together. I’m always inspired by the energy and ideas everyone brings.

This year’s S.T.E.A.M. theme is going to make things even more exciting, and I’m ready to explore new ways to learn, grow, and have fun with all of you. Let’s make this summer unforgettable!”

Hola! My name is (Janet) Arlene Van Horn. I have a BS in Special Education and a Masters of Education in Early Childhood Special Education, as well as a teacher for students that are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. I taught in the public school system in both New Jersey and Virginia for over 35 years. I was also an adjunct professor at local community colleges.

I started the Signs of fun Camp in 1995 so that my preschool students would have access to communication (ASL) in the summer and have a camp experience. The camp not only benefits the students but their parents as well. The parents have the opportunity to share and get support from each other.

​

After retirement, I moved to NJ to care for my elderly parents. I continue to be active and very supportive of the Signs of Fun Camp.