A Maine Camp for Deaf Children Carries On After an Unthinkable Loss

Last month, Dirigo Experience wrapped up its third year of camp activities for deaf children in Rome, Maine. Founded by the late Joshua Seal, a deaf interpreter and philanthropist, the summer camp hosts activities for deaf and hard-of-hearing kids aged 6 to 16. Campers engage in all kinds of activities, from dying t-shirts to playing sports and steering pontoon boats. Despite his tragic passing, the camp is going strong with the help of his friends and family.

Through Seal’s vision, Dirigo Experience lets deaf kids connect with each other in an engaging and open environment. Whether asking someone to repeat themselves or discussing deaf experiences, “everyone understands what it’s like,” says one camper. One of Seal’s partners, Kevin Bohlin, works hard to maintain the camp’s legacy, be it through paperwork or planning activities. One day, Bohlin hopes each of the six cabins will be filled with Maine’s deaf population, who may enjoy an enriching summer camp experience many deaf kids miss out on.

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