When we talk about “camp” in ASL, we could mean a few different things. It can refer to summer camp for kids, or it can refer to the act of camping outdoors. Because visual communication is so important, especially when you’re out in nature, knowing the signs for different camping activities and gear is essential.
This article will explore different signs related to “camp” in ASL, covering everything from activities you might do to the equipment you’ll need.
Shared experiences like camping are also culturally significant within the Deaf community, and knowing how to communicate about them in ASL helps foster connection and belonging.
Basic signs related to camp
If you’re planning to attend or work at a camp for the Deaf or a camp where ASL is used, you’ll want to be familiar with the signs for various camping-related terms.
General camping signs
- CAMP: To sign “camp,” form both hands into the “C” handshape. Bring both hands together to form a roof shape. The location is in front of you. To sign “summer camp,” sign “summer” first, then sign “camp.”
- OUTDOORS or NATURE: To sign “outdoors” or “nature,” use the “five” handshape, palms facing forward. Move your hands away from your face while wiggling your fingers. This sign relates to camping because camping usually takes place in a natural, outdoor setting.
- TENT: To sign “tent,” bring both hands together, fingertips touching, to form a triangle. This mimics the shape of a tent.
Signs for location and environment
- FOREST or WOODS: To sign “forest” or “woods,” hold your non-dominant arm in front of you, elbow bent, with fingers spread. With your dominant hand in the “five” handshape, wiggle your fingers as you move your hand up your non-dominant arm.
- LAKE or RIVER: To sign “lake” or “river,” use both hands in the “flat O” handshape, palms facing down. Move your hands forward in a wavy motion.
- MOUNTAIN: To sign “mountain,” bring both hands together to form a peak.
Activities at Camp
Whether it’s a day camp or a sleepaway camp, there are so many fun things to do! Here are the signs for some popular camp pastimes.
Outdoor Activities
- Hiking. To sign HIKING, make both hands into “V” handshapes, palms facing down. Move them forward, alternating, as if your fingers were walking. You can combine this with other signs to show where you’re hiking, such as HIKING MOUNTAIN.
- Swimming. For SWIMMING, use both hands, palms down, in a flattened “O” handshape (some people use a “B” handshape). Move your hands forward in alternating strokes. The sign can vary depending on the style of swimming; for example, you can make a butterfly stroke or a breaststroke.
- Fishing. The sign for FISHING involves holding your hands out in front of you as if you’re holding a fishing rod. Then, mime reeling in the line.
Campfire Activities
- Campfire. To sign CAMPFIRE, make two fists and stack one on top of the other. Then, flutter your fingers upward from the top fist to represent the flickering flames.
- Singing. For SINGING, make a flat “O” handshape with your right hand and move it forward from your mouth in a wavy motion. You can use this sign to talk about singing around a campfire.
- Storytelling. To sign STORYTELLING, hold both hands in front of you, palms up, and move them forward in a circular motion. Emphasize the visual nature of storytelling, which is especially important in Deaf culture.
Camping equipment and supplies in ASL
If you’re going camping with a Deaf or hard-of-hearing friend, it’s a good idea to know how to sign some of the words for essential camping gear. Here are a few to get you started.
Essential gear
- SLEEPING BAG: Flatten both hands and put them together, palms touching, near your cheek. Then move them away from your face as you open them up, as if you’re unzipping a sleeping bag.
- FLASHLIGHT: Hold your dominant hand in a fist, as if you’re holding a flashlight. Then flick your wrist back and forth as if you’re turning the flashlight on and off. This is an important one to know since you’ll want to be able to communicate visually at night!
- BACKPACK: With both hands in a “5” handshape (fingers spread), place them on your upper back, as if you’re putting on a backpack.
Food and cooking
- FOOD: Bring all fingers of one hand to your mouth repeatedly.
- COOKING: With one hand flat, palm up, use the other hand to flip an imaginary pancake.
- WATER: Touch your index finger to your chin, forming a “W” handshape.
Staying safe and communicating at camp
When you’re at a Deaf camp, especially one that’s Deaf-inclusive, it’s important to know some of the basic signs for safety and communication.
Important safety signs
Here are some signs that could be useful in an emergency:
- HELP: Make a thumbs-up with one hand, with your thumb pointing up. Then, place the flat of your other hand underneath your thumb and raise your flat hand upwards as if you’re helping the thumb to rise. This is an important sign to know in any emergency.
- DANGER: Hold one hand up in front of you, palm facing forward, fingers pointing up. Then, bring the other hand down, palm down, and hit the fingers of your upright hand. Repeat.
- FIRST AID: Touch the side of your index finger to your wrist.
Communication strategies
When you’re in an outdoor environment, it’s important to be clear with your visual signals and gestures. It’s also helpful for hearing people to learn basic ASL if they’re participating in a Deaf-inclusive camp. This promotes inclusivity and accessibility for everyone.
Of course, qualified interpreters play a key role in helping everyone communicate effectively.
Summary
In this article, we’ve covered some basic ASL signs related to camping, including signs for common camp activities, essential camping equipment, and crucial safety concepts.
Remember that using visual communication, such as ASL, creates a more inclusive and accessible camping experience for everyone. The ability to share experiences in nature should be available to all, regardless of hearing ability.
We hope you’ll learn and use these signs to enrich your own camping adventures and help make the great outdoors more accessible to the Deaf community.