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!
Avoid Historic Paris Bridge - It is closed.

Getting there: Avoid Historic Paris Bridge. It is closed.

Registration

Registration ended Friday, March 27th.

Refunds

No refunds issued after March 1st.

 

Hosted by the University of Iowa ASL Program

ASL Program Page

Suggested Packing List

Bring what helps you feel comfortable, grounded, and ready to be present. For a more complete list, see here.

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING WHEN PACKING

  • Comfortable clothing for learning, movement, and relaxation (including any rain gear, weather-pending)
  • Toiletries (including insect repellent, just in case!)
  • Towels and bedding for a twin size bunk bed (sheets and/or sleeping back, blanket, pillow)
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Flashlight or headlamp (for getting around camp at night)
  • Pen and paper for notes or reflections

OPTIONAL DRESS THEMES!

All dress themes are optional. Please wear what feels comfortable for you.

  • Friday Night: Wear something fun that represents the state you're from.
  • Saturday: Wear your retreat shirt, which you will receive upon arrival.
  • Sunday: Wear an ASL-related shirt.
PLEASE DO NOT BRING...

To help keep the retreat space safe, accessible, and comfortable, please do not bring alcohol, cigarettes/vaping products, animals/pets, or strong perfumes/colognes/heavily-scented products.

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.

logo for the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Certification Maintenance Program

Iowa State RID is an approved RID CMP sponsor for continuing education activities. This professional studies program is approved for .55 CEUs at the little/some level for all interpreters.

The University of Iowa promotes an environment of mutual respect free of discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or any other protected class.

logo for Associate Continuing Education Tracking
logo for ISRID (Iowa State Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf