The Arkansas Deaf-Blind Community (ADBC) is very excited to host the fifth Deaf-Blind Retreat in Arkansas on October 19-22, 2017. It will be held at the beautiful Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center in Ferndale about 10 miles west of Little Rock. The theme of the retreat will be “HARVEST TIME”. This retreat is for adults who are deaf-blind. It is also an excellent opportunity for Support Service Providers (SSPs) and volunteer-interpreters who want to enrich their experience to work and have fun with deaf-blind campers. ADBC is working hard to make this retreat as exciting and enjoyable as possible, and we hope you will consider coming and join the fun.
RETREAT SCHEDULE
The retreat begins at 3:00 PM on Thursday, October 19th and ends at 11:00 AM on Sunday, October 22nd.
DEAF-BLIND CAMPERS
We will accept 30 deaf-blind campers. Campers must be 18 years or older and be able to interact in activities. We are accepting campers mainly from Arkansas and neighboring states. If there are spaces available, we will accept some campers from other states. If we receive more than 30 camper registrations, they will be put on the waiting list until further notice, and we will be sure to let you know.
SSPS/VOLUNTEER-INTERPRETERS
We would like to invite about 60 SSPs and volunteer-interpreters who are also 18 years or older to this retreat. While those having some experience working with deaf-blind individuals are of great benefit, experience is not strictly required. Since this retreat is designed for the enjoyment of the deaf-blind campers, the SSPs should be free of any serious health issues in order to work fully and without any obstacles.
OBSERVERS
We will gladly accept some observers at the retreat. Observers must be 18 years or older and will pay the same registration fees as Deaf-Blind Campers.
ONE-DAY VISITORS
We are happy to welcome visitors who are also 18 years or older to spend the day on Saturday, October 21 only. There is a $50 registration fee which includes meals and Saturday night party only. No sleepovers, please!
HOUSING
The Brown Conference Center has 31 regular motel-style rooms with two double beds and 5 wheelchair accessible rooms with one double and one single bed. The Williams Lodge has 8 motel-style rooms with three single beds in each room. Each room has a private bathroom. Sheets and towels are provided in all rooms.
All deaf-blind campers will sleep at the Brown Conference Center. Please let us know if you need to use the wheelchair accessible room. The deaf-blind camper’s SSP can share the same room.
Observers, SSPs and volunteer-interpreters will be assigned in rooms at the Brown Conference Center and Williams Lodge. We are hoping to put everyone at one side of the camp site. Upon some unforeseen overflow, we will open up a dormitory cabin on the other side and assign some SSPs there. Sheets and towels will also be provided in the cabin.
NOTE: We will be assigning 2 to 4 people per room at Brown Center and 3 people per room at Williams Lodge. NOTE: Upon availability, if you have medical issue and have a letter from your doctor, you could stay alone in a room at the Brown Conference Center at an extra cost.
CAMP T-SHIRTS
The words “ADBC Fifth Deaf-Blind Retreat” will be at top or around the surprise picture, and the bottom will show Harvest Time, Ferncliff Camp and October 19-22, 2017. The T-shirt color is DARK GREEN.
REGISTRATION FEES Per Person
Deaf-Blind Camper $200.00
If Alone in Room $300.00
Observer $200.00
If Alone in Room $300.00
SSP/Volunteer Interpreters $50.00
___ If Alone in Room (Brown Motel Only) $200.00
One-Day Visitor (Saturday Only & No Sleepover) $50.00
T-Shirts (See T-Shirt Order Form) $15.00 - $21.00
The registration fee includes room, meals, unlimited coffee/hot tea/hot chocolate service, field trip, and activities. We will go to the State Fair or Family Farm for our field trip this year.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE & PAYMENT
Registration deadline is August 31, 2017. We would appreciate if you could mail your registration and payment as early as possible so we would have plenty of time to make preparations for the retreat.
For DB campers and Observers who need to make a few payments, please call and discuss this with Arthur Babin (see contact information below) as soon as possible. Please note that you will be put on Waiting List until you make your full payment. Also, if at all possible, please try to make all payments by August 31st.
Please mail all completed forms and a check or money order payable to ADBC at Post Office Box 25913, Little Rock, AR 72221-5913.
CANCELLATION POLICY
No refunds will be made for cancellations after September 30th except for medical or personal emergency with proof.
QUESTIONS
Call Arthur Babin at 501-246-8102 (Videophone) or send him an e-mail at adbabin@sbcglobal.net.
Hope to see you at our retreat in beautiful Arkansas.

ADBCly yours,
Arthur Babin, Retreat Chairperson