California Hands & Voices

A nonprofit organization

0% complete

$5,000 Goal

Northern California Hands & Voices Family Camp

Established 2013 • Held Every Labor Day Weekend in Nevada City, CA

Each Labor Day weekend, families from across Northern California gather in the beauty of Nevada City to build friendships, share experiences, and create lasting memories. 

California Hands & Voices Northern California Family Camp is designed for families with children who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, or Deaf Plus—from birth through the transition to adulthood. It is a place where families can connect, recharge, and grow together in a supportive and inclusive environment. 

At camp, children participate in age-based groups led by trained and caring volunteers—many of whom are Deaf or Hard of Hearing themselves—serving as powerful role models. Through activities like campfires, skits, field games, and arts & crafts, children build confidence, friendships, and a strong sense of identity.

While children are engaged in enriching activities, parents attend workshops focused on topics such as advocacy, communication, family wellness, and navigating the journey of raising a Deaf or Hard of Hearing child. These sessions create space for meaningful conversation, shared learning, and ongoing support.

Family Camp is more than just a weekend—it’s a community. Many families return year after year, and over time, former campers often come back as volunteers, giving back to an experience that once made a meaningful difference in their own lives.

Most importantly, Family Camp is a place of belonging. We welcome all families—regardless of communication modality, background, or educational path—and celebrate the diversity within our community.

With the support of generous donors and dedicated volunteers, Northern California Hands & Voices Family Camp continues to provide life-changing experiences where families feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Join us in sustaining this impactful tradition—because every family deserves connection, support, and a place to belong.

Mission

California Hands & Voices is dedicated to supporting families with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in a respectful and non-judgmental manner regarding language opportunities, communication tools or educational approaches. We’re a parent-driven, non-profit organization providing families with the resources, networks, and information to improve communication access and educational outcomes for their children. Our outreach activities, parent/professional collaboration, and advocacy efforts are focused on enabling children who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing to reach their highest potential.

Needs

All funds raised directly support the Family Camp experience by helping cover essential costs such as camp t-shirts, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, program supplies, volunteer camp fees, and more. Your support ensures that families can fully participate in a welcoming, accessible, and enriching environment.

Equity Statement

Equity Statement

At California Hands & Voices, we are committed to advancing equity by ensuring that all families of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children—regardless of race, ethnicity, language, income, geography, or background—have access to the information, resources, and support they need to thrive.

As a parent-driven organization, we honor and respect the diverse experiences, identities, and communication choices of the families we serve, including those who use American Sign Language, Listening and Spoken Language, or a combination of approaches. We believe every family deserves to feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to make informed decisions for their child.

We actively work to reduce barriers, amplify underrepresented voices, and build inclusive spaces where all families can connect, learn, and belong. Through our programs, advocacy, and partnerships, we strive to create a more equitable system of support for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and their families across California.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

California Hands & Voices

Year Established

2012

Tax id (EIN)

27-2152925

Guidestar

Mission Category

Community Improvement, Capacity Building

Operating Budget

$100,001-$250,000

Organization Need

Funding: Program, In-Kind Donations, Volunteers, Funding: Unrestricted

Demographics Served

Individuals with disabilities, General population, Youth & Children

Local Counties Served

Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Yolo

Address

15274 ANDORRA WAY
SAN DIEGO, CA 92129

Service areas

Sacramento, CA, US

El Dorado County, CA, US

Yolo County, CA, US

Placer County, CA, US

Colusa County, CA, US

Phone

858-432-3238

Social Media