Chatter Matters Camp
Through our partnership with Variety - the Children's Charity of Wisconsin, graduate speech pathology students and other student volunteers and instructors host this overnight camp for children who use augmentative or alternative communication (AAC) and their immediate family members.
What makes Chatter Matters unique is that it’s just like a traditional summer camp, but the activities are fully adapted for AAC users ages 5-15. Through activities like arts & crafts, adaptive sports, yard games, bowling, dance parties, and talent shows, campers improve social use of their communication device while building lasting friendships. By including parents and siblings to attend camp, families have fun creating lasting memories and connections with other families of children who use AAC.
This camp is available to children ages 5-15 who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication and their families.
Thursday, June 20 - Sunday, June 23, 2024
Camp is limited to 30 families. Maximum 5 immediate members per family including AAC user.
Upon camp acceptance, families will be notified via hard copy and email of approval and receive a registration link to provide a mailing address, email address, and the names, genders, ages and t-shirt sizes of attending family members. Families will be required to send a deposit of $100 (NON-REFUNDABLE) within two weeks of notification to hold their spots. Payment should be mailed to UW-Whitewater, Continuing Education Services, Roseman 2005, 800 W Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190, and made out to UW-Whitewater. The $100 will be applied to the fee associated with the family’s attendance.
If we do not receive the deposit payment AND a completed registration (completed AAC user and family information AND SLP survey) within two weeks, we will contact the next applicant on the waitlist and the family will be removed from the accepted attendees list. If families need more time to pay, email cesevents@uww.edu.
Cancellation is required in writing by emailing cesevents@uww.edu on or before May 1st. The family’s amount owed (minus any scholarship money or approved CLTS waiver funds) is also due May 1st.
A limited number of needs-based scholarships are available through Variety - the Children's Charity of Wisconsin. Please direct questions about needs-based scholarships to Dua Vang-Ramirez, Associate Executive Director for Variety - the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin at dua@varietywi.org or 262-777-2090, ext 108.
Your online registration and payment are always safe and secure. We accept MasterCard and Visa credit card payments in our online registration system. We will NOT accept credit card payments over the phone. We will accept checks made out to "UW-Whitewater" and mailed to UW-Whitewater Camps and Conferences, 800 West Main Street, Room 2005 Roseman Hall, Whitewater WI 53190.
Confirmation Emails
Once you register to attend an event (including waitlisted), a confirmation email will be sent to the email address you registered with. Contact cesevents@uww.edu if you do not receive this confirmation email. You must have a working email address on file with us to be able to receive important announcements and updates about this event.
Cancellations and payments: All registrant accounts must be paid in full 21 days prior to the start of the event. Registrants with outstanding balances after payment is due in full are subject to being removed from the event roster without a refund. Please contact Continuing Education Services at cesevents@uww.edu prior to this deadline if extenuating circumstances prevent you from completing a payment.
Refunds: All summer camp events require a minimum of a $100 non-refundable deposit.
In the event of a cancellation, Continuing Education Services should be notified no later than 21 days before the start of the event to receive a refund, less the deposit. Cancellation requests received less than 21 days from the start of camp will receive a refund minus a 50% late cancellation fee. Cancellations due to medical reasons will receive a full refund, less the deposit if the cancellation is requested and medical documentation is provided prior to the start of the event. Valid medical cancellations must include a signed letter from a licensed physician to qualify. NO REFUNDS will be given for withdrawal due to early departures, disciplinary reasons, or no-shows after the camp has started.
All cancellation requests must be submitted to cesevents@uww.edu; provide the registrant’s name, camp title, and medical documentation, if applicable. Refunds will be returned to the name and address of the payer.
We reserve the right to cancel any event for any reason; in such case, all fees paid will be refunded, or contact cesevents@uww.edu for alternate arrangements.
Cost Information
All participants are expected to remain on campus for the full duration of the camp.
- AAC user: $400
- Additional family members, including siblings between the ages of 3-16 years: $400 per person. Children 35 months (at the time of camp) and under, FREE, but must stay with parents full time.
- Up to 5 immediate members per family including AAC user will be allowed
A limited number of scholarships funds will be available through Variety - the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin. To become a Variety family, please contact Dua Vang-Ramirez at Dua@VarietyWi.org or 262-777-2090. Ext 108.
WI Residents: The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is an approved provider for Children’s Long-Term Support Program (CLTS) grants through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and those funds may be used accordingly. Contact your case workers if interested.
The camp fee covers lodging, meals, instruction, activities, camp t-shirts, and insurance. Additionally, if a participant registers in the required two weeks from camp acceptance, they are guaranteed a t-shirt in their preferred size.
Accommodations
Participants will be staying in the air-conditioned Ma'iingan Hall pods located on the UW-Whitewater campus. The pods consists of 2 two-person bedrooms, closets, and a bathroom/shower stocked with hand soap and paper towels.
Families who are selected to attend Chatter Matters Communication Camp will be required to send a non-refundable deposit for $100 within two weeks of notification in order to hold their spots. Payment should be mailed to UW-Whitewater, Continuing Education Services, Roseman 2005, 800 W Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190 and made out to UW-Whitewater. The $100 will be applied to the fee associated with the family’s attendance.
If we do not receive the deposit payment within two weeks, we will contact the next applicant on the waitlist and the family will be removed from the accepted attendees list. If families need more time to pay, email cesevents@uww.edu.
Cancellation is required in writing by emailing cesevents@uww.edu on or before May 1st, after which time the deposit becomes nonrefundable. The remainder of a family’s amount owed (minus any scholarship money or approved CLTS waiver funds) is also due May 1st.
Additional Parent and Sibling Scholarship
WI Residents: The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is an approved provider for Children’s Long-Term Support Program (CLTS) grants through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and those funds may be used accordingly. Contact your case workers if interested.
A limited number of scholarships funds will be available through Variety - the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin. To become a Variety family, please contact Dua Vang-Ramirez at Dua@VarietyWi.org or 262-777-2090. Ext 108.
Camp Information Packet Details
Before attending camp, it is important to review the information provided below, which will be available approximately two weeks prior to the start of camp. This information will include:
- Medication Requirements: If you will be taking medication to camp, family will be responsible for storing and administering all medications.
- Parking Details: The information will include parking details, so you know where to park when you arrive at camp.
- Check-in and Out Times with Locations: The confirmed check-in and out times with locations will be provided, so you know when and where to arrive and depart from camp.
- Confirmed Daily Schedule: The confirmed daily schedule will be provided, so you know what activities are planned for each day.
- What to Bring: The information will include a list of items you should bring to camp, so you can be prepared for your stay.
- Other Important Information: The information will include other important details you need to know before attending camp.
Excited to come to camp?! Check out our general packing list to prepare for your stay.
Let us know how we can help! Contact us any time via chattermatters@uww.edu.
Arrival Information
Check in and Orientation
Campers must check in at the location mentioned in the Camp Information Packet. Clinicians will be available to help families get settled into their rooms.
Campus Map with Travel Times
Click here to download walking travel map on campus.
Driving Directions
Directions to the campus can be found online by clicking here. A campus map can be found here. Campus building addresses can be found here.
Parking
Parking details will be available in the Camp Information Packet. Notice: All campus parking lots require a parking permit. Information will be provided for permit acquiring prior to camp, no additional fees required.
By registering for an event, you agree to our Registration Terms and Conditions. UW-Whitewater will hold all registrants responsible for their conduct. Serious misconduct or disruption will lead to immediate dismissal from event. Registrants dismissed from the event will not receive a refund. Please review the Terms and Conditions for more details.
We will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is committed to equal opportunity in its educational programs, activities and employment policies, for all persons, regardless of race, color, gender, creed, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, marital status, Vietnam-era veteran status, parental status and pregnancy.
If you have any disabling condition that requires special accommodations or attention, please advise us well in advance. We will make every effort to accommodate your special needs.
By registering for this event you understand that the University may take photographs and/or videos of event participants and activities. You will be required to agree at the time of registration that the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater shall be the owner of and may use such photographs and/or videos relating to the promotion of future events. You will relinquish all rights that you may claim in relation to the use of said photographs and/or videos. Any media shared with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on social media or use of its hashtags grants the University use of media for any purpose.
Insurance
Registrants are encouraged to have their own health insurance as accident insurance provided by the University is limited. Each registrant will be covered by a limited accident insurance policy. The insurance includes primary coverage up to $10,000. Insurance does not cover pre-existing injuries and is for accidents only. The cost of insurance is included in the registration fee.
"We had such a positive experience during our time at camp. We learned a lot. My son loved all of it, and so did I. Would highly recommend."
"Camp was such an amazing experience for our entire family. Not only did it increase our son's AAC use, but our whole family learned so much and made lasting connections. Can’t wait to come again!"
"It was so powerful being at camp. This was our child’s first experience seeing others use AAC. The talent show and wonder wall were my personal favorites. There are so many times where our family is overwhelmed by stressors or things that are negative. Camp was so positive and neurodiversity affirming. Thank you!"
" Our older son especially benefited from the accepting environment at camp. Who would have ever thought he would perform on stage or lead a dance line!!"
