Founded in 1999, Camp Sertoma is a proud partnership between the Sertoma Clubs of the Great Plains Region and Confidence Learning Center, nestled on the shores of beautiful Sylvan Lake in central Minnesota. For over two decades, Camp Sertoma has been a place where Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind youth come together to learn, grow, and belong.

For many campers, this is a once-a-year opportunity to be surrounded by peers who share similar experiences—free from communication barriers and judgment. In an environment where communication is fully accessible, friendships form naturally, role models inspire confidence, and self-esteem soars.

Our campers travel from both rural and metro communities across the Great Plains—including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska. Camp Sertoma is one of the very few overnight camps in the region specifically designed for DHH youth, making it a truly special and meaningful experience.

  • Campers who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, with or without the use of hearing technology, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, or bone-conduction devices, are welcome to join us at camp.

  • Campers do not need to use American Sign Language (ASL) to attend Camp Sertoma. Campers come to us with a wide range of communication preferences and abilities. Some campers are fluent ASL users, while others are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and may use spoken English, hearing devices, cochlear implants, or a combination of communication methods.

    While ASL is not required, we encourage all campers to learn some signs, or build on the skills they already have, during their time at camp. Many campers find that becoming more comfortable with signing helps them connect more easily with peers and staff.

    We make every effort to communicate using both American Sign Language and English during all camp activities. Our goal is to create an inclusive, supportive environment where every camper can fully participate, feel understood, and build meaningful, lifelong friendships. A shared commitment to accessible communication helps make that possible.

  • Yes. Camp Sertoma is one of the few overnight camps in the Great Plains region specifically designed for Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth.

  • Campers are supervised 24 hours a day. We maintain a strong staffing ratio of approximately one staff member for every five campers to ensure safety, support, and meaningful connections.

  • 2026 Camp Sertoma registration opens Feb. 1, 2026.

    Either complete the paper brochure/application form and fax, email or mail it to our camp directors, or go to the registration page and apply online. Answer all the questions on the application and that will help us to determine your camper’s eligibility to attend.

  • Camp Sertoma is operated through a partnership between the Sertoma Clubs of the Great Plains Region and Confidence Learning Center. The Sertoma Clubs provide long-standing support and funding to make camp accessible, while Confidence Learning Center hosts Camp Sertoma at its beautiful, fully equipped campus on Sylvan Lake in central Minnesota.

    Camp programming is carried out by a dedicated team of trained staff, counselors, and volunteers who are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and communication-accessible environment for Deaf and Hard of Hearing campers. Together, this partnership ensures Camp Sertoma remains a high-quality, supportive, and life-changing experience for youth across the Great Plains.

  • The true cost of camp is approximately $900 per camper. Thanks to support from Sertoma Clubs and community donors, families in the region are asked to pay a reduced fee of $250.

  • No child is ever turned away from Camp Sertoma due to financial need. The Great Plains Camp Sertoma Club maintains a scholarship fund supported by generous donations from Sertoma International as well as contributions from private individuals, community partners, and organizations. The Great Plains Camp Sertoma Club and supporters help raise critical funds that directly offset camper costs and expand scholarship availability—ensuring more campers can experience the life-changing impact of Camp Sertoma.

    Scholarship consideration is built directly into the camp application process. Families may indicate their need for financial assistance by answering a few questions on the initial application form. You will be notified when your child’s application is accepted whether they are eligible for a partial or full scholarship.

    In addition to these donations, Sertoma SPIRIT fundraising efforts play a vital role in making camp accessible. Through Sertoma SPIRIT, campers participate in fundraising initiatives in their own communities to raise funds for their camp adventure. More information on Sertoma SPIRIT can be found in the “Join The SPIRIT” tab on our website or by contacting sertomaSPIRIT@gmail.com.

  • A Health History and Custody Release form must be completed, which provides our camp staff with detailed information about your camper’s health, including past and present conditions, medications they take, allergies and special needs. This form needs to be completed by the parent/guardian or by the camper’s doctor along with an physical exam documentation requirements.

    You must also complete pages for insurance information and a consent to treat form. You must also review and sign the Parent Agreement, which indicates your understanding of our policies and procedures. In addition, campers must also review and sign the agreement, indicating your camper understands the code of conduct.

  • Absolutely! When you check in your camper on the first day of camp, you can meet their counselors and see where your camper will be bunking for the week. However, once you have ensured that they has settled in, we encourage you to allow your camper time with their new friends to get acclimated, and you can depart the facility.

  • Yes and no. We will share photos on our social media pages each day and do our best to capture as many campers as possible. We may also include brief notes about the activities campers are enjoying.

    While we love keeping families informed, we are not able to respond to individual check-in requests during the camp week. Our staff’s primary focus is providing a safe, engaging, and memorable experience for your camper, which means limited time for checking email or phone messages.

    If you do not hear from us during the week, please consider that good news! We will always contact you promptly if there is a specific concern or something that requires your attention.