campfire at night with moon and stars in background

Friday, April 17th to Sunday, April 19th, 2026

Join us for a weekend of American Sign Language and Deaf Culture! We will spend the weekend immersed in ASL and nature at YMCA Camp Wapsie. This is a voice-off experience and provides the opportunity to engage with Deaf Mentors, join interactive workshops, and connect through authentic ASL conversations. Through games, storytelling, and community, y ou'll build confidence, fluency, and a deeper appreciation for ASL and Deaf Culture. We will also enjoy the talent of Dack Virnig who will be presenting a workshop and performing for us on Saturday evening!

This will be an ASL-only environment. We will not be using our voices this weekend. Come and prepare for immersion in ASL and Deaf Culture!

 

 


 

Hosted by the University of Iowa ASL Program

ASL Program Page

Registration

Prices can be found below, with Early Bird registration available until Jan. 31st, 2026.

Registrant

Early Bird

Regular

University of Iowa Students

$100

$125

All Others

$125

$150


 REGISTER TODAY!
This is a 2-step process. First, you will fill out and submit the initial form. Then, you will be taken to a payment page. Be sure to complete both steps in order to attend!

Before Feb. 1st, you can get a full refund. Before March 1st, you can get a 50% refund. 
On and after March 1st, no refunds will be issued.

Schedule of Events

Friday, April 17th

4:00 - 5:15 PM

Camper Arrival/Check-In

  • go to assigned cabins and settle in
  • meet Deaf Mentor
  • discuss and create a sign name for cabin
5:30 - 6:30 PM

Dinner

  • eat with and get to know your cabinmates
  • continue discussing sign name for cabin (if needed)
7:00 - 8:30 PM

Ice Breaker Activities

  • brainstorm and practice SKIT for Saturday afternoon performance
9:00 - 10:00 PMCampfire Stories & S'Mores
10:00 PMBack to cabins
(Faculty/Staff/Deaf Mentor free time)

Saturday, April 18th

7:00 - 7:45 AMNature Hike
8:00 - 9:15 AMBreakfast
9:30 - 11:30 AM

Workshops

  • options for workshops will be posted here shortly
11:45 - 12:45 AMLunch
1:00 - 3:00 PMCamper's Choice
Options:
-Time to Relax
-Zip Line (paid at time of registration)
-Scavenger Hunt
-Outside Time
-Trivia
3:15 - 3:45 PM

SKIT Practice

  • practice with Deaf Mentor and cabinmates
4:00 - 5:15 PMSKIT Performances
5:30 - 6:30 PMDinner
6:45 - 8:45 PMDack Virnig Performance in the Outdoor Chapel
9:00 - 10:00 PMCampfire
10:00 PMBack to Cabins
(Faculty/Staff/Deaf Mentor free time)

Sunday, April 19th

7:00 - 7:45 AMNature Hike
8:00 - 9:15 AMBreakfast
9:30 - 11:30 AM

Workshop

  • options for workshops will be posted here shortly
11:45 AM - 12:15 PMWhole Group and Cabin Pictures
12:15 - 12:45 PMClosing/See You Next Year!
headshot of ASL performer and presenter Dack Virnig

Presenter and Performer

Dack Virnig is a fourth-generation Deaf man, born and raised in Minnesota. From an early age, American Sign Language (ASL) played a central role in his life and identity. Growing up in a rich signing environment, Dack was captivated by the expressive power of ASL. His mother shared fairy tales through beautifully crafted signs, while his father's imaginative use of classifiers brought stories vividly to life. These early experiences sparked Dack's lifelong fascination with the artistry and storytelling potential of ASL.

His passion for visual storytelling emerged at a young age when he entered his first ASL contest, where he won first place. That moment proved transformative, inspiring him to explore how his imagination could be expressed through his hands and the visual medium of ASL.

Throughout his academic years, Dack remained deeply involved in ASL performance, participating in seven high school dramas, five college productions, and even acting in a Deaf film. He later launched his own YouTube channel to share his original ASL stories, attracting a dedicated following who encouraged him to continue showcasing the beauty and creativity of the language.

For over a decade, Dack has brought his storytelling and workshops to audiences across all 50 states and 23 countries. Each experience has deepened his understanding of culture, language, and connection. These elements continue to shape and enrich his performances and workshops to this day.