Week 6: It's a Big DEAF World!!

On our sixth week, we headed to Nashville, TN to join a similar program to KSSP called CSS (Camp SummerSign) through Brentwood Baptist Deaf Church in Brentwood, TN.

Pictures coming soon!

Week 5: When I Grow Up...!

During the 5th week of KSSP we met some Deaf role models who have different jobs here in Bowling Green. First, we met Beth Driver, who is the Deaf Ministry Coordinator at First Baptist Church and she told us all about the work she does. Then we visited Nancy Perry at Western Kentucky University, where she is both a student (studying graphic design) and the ASL lab manager. She gave us a chance to practice our art skills. Last, we visited the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation here in Bowling Green and met Sherry West, the local RCD (Rehab Counselor for the Deaf) and her interpreter (Lindsey Goins) and learned about Sherry's work in supporting Deaf people as they seek jobs.

Now we see that there are SO many things we can be!

I. Ms. Beth Driver - Deaf Ministry Coordinator, First Baptist Church of Bowling Green

Beth showing the KSSP kids how to use a VP (videophone).
(That's Sherry she's calling for the demo!)


"OK!" (Cylee is fascinated)

Beth also showed us other technology, like her laptop and webcam.

Snack time back at FBC. Sarah says, "HEARING!"

II. Then we headed to WKU. Here is a group of KSSP'ers excited to visit this big campus!

Tammy and Steve Hammer with a group of KSSP kids arrive at WKU.

Nancy teaching about her studies in graphic design and art.

Some of Nancy's art work!

Nancy telling the kids about her work in the ASL lab as the lab manager.

We wrapped our time at WKU with the kids getting to practice their own art work.

Anthony was our KSSP artist. Aaron is learning from a great mentor!

III. Then, we ended our day at the Office of Vacational Rehabilitation

Mrs. Sherry West - RCD in the Bowling Green office.


Sherry and her staff had prepared great goodie bags for the KSSP kids!

Sherry with her interpreter, Lindsey Goins.


KSSP kids and staff learning about VR and employment.

Cylee watching in her own way! :-)

We did some role playing. Here is Tammy teaching us about self advocacy, especially when it comes to Deaf peoples' right to have an interpreter (at any doctor's office, lawyer's office, etc.) (ADA!).

Week 4: Water Fun and Safety!

Week 4 was a SPLASHIN' good time! We had a great performance by Kids on the Block teaching us about water safety. Then, we headed off to the Russell Sims Acquatic Center for a day of fun in the sun (and water!)

Nycheala enjoying the water

Aaron having fun!

Sarah beautiful in blue!

Tristin hangin' in the water!


Matthew swimming!


BFF (Sarah and Abriana)!


What is it Lenny? A bird? A plane?....??

Elizabeth lovin' her time with KSSP kids!
(Tristin and Cylee)

Week 3: Bilingual Literacy

On our 3rd week, we learned about being bilingual! Ms. Heidi Givens (of Daviess County Public Schools) taught us about English! We met at the Bowling Green Public Library and Heidi taught us all about the different types of English (in its printed form). Then, each KSSP kid picked a staff member and we paired up and went on a book hunt. Then, the child picked a book to read to the staff member they were with. It was a great time of reading and learning!

Then, we headed back to FBC and Wilton McMillan (Deaf) (of KY Department of Education) taught us about ASL! He gave us a great history of ASL and exposed the kids (and staff) to ASL ABC Stories. Then the kids had the chance to create their own ABC stories!

Heidi teaching!


Jennifer reading with Callie.


Wilton with Aaron and Miranda with Taylor

Josh with Gavin.

Steve reading with Tristin.

Beth with Tyree.

Lenny reading with Kaley.

Hughie with Sarah.

Wilton teaching about ASL!

Wilton helping Aaron with an ABC story.

Kaley not ready to reveal her masterpiece!

Week 2: Creative Expressions!!

On our 2nd week, we had a great time learning about how to expression our emotions, especially in creative ways! Michelle Niehaus, from KCDHH, came and presented. Then, we had special guests Ruth Bruffey (Deaf) and Nancy Perry (Deaf) who helped with our craft time as the kids found creative fun ways to spend their day. We also had more time playing in the R.O.C.!


Heidi teaching to start the day

The kids were provided bags, shirts, and wrist bands to match their group colors.

Ruth Bruffey helping our red group with their shirt decorations.



Ruth helping Nycheala with her shirt.


BFF!!!


Ruth and Nycheala working on her surf board picture frame.



Hands working on a picture frame.

Nancy Perry explaining the letter art.

Anthony and Tyree working on their letter art.


Nycheala in the Jump House!


Miranda leading an impromptu game!

Week 1: Fun with Friends!

On the first day of KSSP was a great start! We spent the morning playing games and getting to know each other. We had corn hole, bottle bowling, a jump house, a gesture game, a hand game, and hot potato. We ended our day with a great lesson by Hope Harbor about emotions and how to handle them. Here's some pictures of our first day of KSSP 2009!

The Jump House at the R.O.C.

KSSP Kids enjoying the Jump House!

Blue group (oldest) playing the Hand Game
(lead by Heidi Givens)

Bottle Bowling
(lead by Josh Bruffey)

Hope Harbor presenting to KSSP!