Now more than ever, Wilderness Programs are becoming popular and Adventure Awakening Programs are being scattered throughout the country. Challenging programs for the deaf and hard of hearing are not readily accessible to those who need and could benefit from them. This is not due to physical limitations, but rather to the communication barrier between the hearing and the Deaf.

The Deaf must have equal opportunities to practice safe risk-taking and to build intellectual capacities by immersing them in situations comprised of difficult and challenging tasks. By involving the Deaf and hard of hearing in these challenges, they will have the opportunity to develop character traits which will help them to succeed in school, work, and all other life endeavors.

Personal qualities such as self-confidence, initiative, tenacity and compassion are just a few of the qualities one can gain from a program such as this. "Individuals" learn best through direct experience or "learning by doing", (Harold "doc" Howe).

Conibear Guide Service meets the communication needs of the Deaf and hard of hearing in outdoor experiences. We have well trained guides fluent in ASL. The security of good communication allows everyone to leave the familiarity of everyday routines and focus on challenging themselves in new ways and developing new avenues of self-confidence.