Camp Information and What to Expect | The Listen Foundation

Founded in 2001 and adopted by the Listen Foundation in 2018, Listen CI Camp is a one-of-a-kind program supporting pediatric cochlear implant (CI) recipients and their families in achieving a life of independence in a world of listening and spoken language (LSL). The camp fosters an inclusive environment where CI recipients and their families learn, connect, and grow together. Through recreational activities, peer mentoring, and educational workshops, participants gain the confidence and skills needed to navigate the CI journey. Held annually in Estes Park, Colorado, the camp welcomes families for four days and three nights of sharing success

We hope that you will join us!

CAMP DATES AND TIMES:

Check in for Listen CI Camp runs from 3:00-4:30pm (MT) Thursday, with activities beginning promptly at 5:00pm (MT). Campers depart Sunday morning by 9:30am (MT). See the registration page for details. The two camp sessions are divided based on the age of the child(ren) who uses a cochlear implant:

June 26-29, 2025 CI Recipients Entering 5th Grade – 2025 High School Graduates
July 24-27, 2025 CI Recipients Age 3 – Entering 4th Grade

CAMP MISSION:

The mission of Listen CI Camp is to provide education and support to pediatric CI recipients and their families who are pursuing LSL outcomes through a comprehensive approach that provides a supportive space in which to practice LSL skills, while learning from the lived experiences of families striving for similar goals.

CAMP IS FOR THE FAMILY:

Eligible Attendees Include:
Children ages 3-18 years who use bilateral, bimodal, or unilateral cochlear implants
Siblings ages 0-18 years
Parents /Legal Guardians

To provide the camp opportunity for as many families as possible, rooms are limited to one per family and the YMCA strictly limits occupancy to 5 family members per room, regardless of age. Please do not register grandparents, friends, cousins, or children outside the age range.

Programming is based on the age range of 3-18 years. For siblings under three, we provide inclusion in the family group activities as well as cribs and highchairs (be sure to request these during registration).

The summer of high school graduation is the last season to attend as a camper. After graduating high school and completing a year of college or work, camp alumni are encouraged to apply as volunteers!

CAMP LOCATION AND VENUE:

Listen CI Camp is held at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado (address and map at bottom of webpage). Families are responsible for their own transportation to/from camp. Travel options include driving to the YMCA or flying to Denver International Airport (DEN) and either renting a vehicle and driving from there (approximately 1.5-2 hours) or taking a shuttle from the airport directly to the YMCA (www.estesparkshuttle.com). Free parking is available on-site.

Camp takes place on the 860-acre, beautiful mountain campus of the YMCA. We are housed in a hotel-style lodge on the YMCA campus that is dedicated just for us. Each family will have their own room which is equipped with two queen beds, a pullout twin mattress, private bath, mini refrigerator, coffee maker, tower fan, and ceiling fan. Rooms are not air conditioned. Occupancy is limited to five family members, regardless of age. Buffet style meals are served in a private dining room for our group. There are no televisions and limited Wi-Fi.

ACTIVITIES:

A typical day includes joining together for meals, participating in a wide variety of age appropriate large and small group activities designed to foster relationships and confidence, educational sessions for parents, and time with young adult CI and sibling mentors who model LSL. All activities take place solely on the YMCA campus. Children’s activities may include team building, climbing wall, archery, axe throwing, aerial challenge course, campfires, s’mores, movie night, mini golf, gaga ball, swimming, science and animal activities, story time, bubbles, art, roller skating, and more. Parents attend a CI and Sibling Mentor Panel discussion and participate in topical breakout sessions related to the LSL journey. Families have the opportunity to meet with their CI device company and hearing health related organizations. Parents supervise their children at all times, with the few exceptions of when the kiddos are signed out to Listen CI Camp volunteers.

REGISTRATION PROCESS AND FEES:

Registration is on a first-come first-served basis. Space is limited and sells out every year. Camp registration generally opens in late January and payment is expected during registration. Registration cost varies based on family size. See the Camp Registration page for details on pricing.

The family portion of the registration fee covers 40% of the cost for each family to attend camp. To keep camp affordable for all, the Listen Foundation fundraises to cover the remaining 60% of the cost for every family to attend. Fees include all lodging, dining, and Listen CI Camp activities. Jackson Stables, on the YMCA of the Rockies property, offers horseback trail riding which is an entirely optional add-on during registration. (Note: Jackson Stables is not affiliated with the Listen Foundation or Listen CI Camp).

Regardless of circumstance, refunds are not available unless the Listen Foundation is able to fill your spot with another family. If a replacement is found, the registration fee will be refunded, less a $25 administrative fee. Families are strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance.

FINANCIAL AID /SCHOLARSHIP:

Financial assistance in the form of partial “camp scholarships” is available for a few families who are unable to pay the family portion of the registration fee. Applications typically open in October, please create a camp account to receive updates. Please see the Financial Scholarship page for additional information.

COMMUNICATION MODE:

Listen CI Camp is designed for pediatric cochlear implant recipients pursuing listening and spoken language outcomes. Listen CI Camp staff and volunteers, along with the YMCA staff who work with our group, are trained annually on best practices for communicating with youth who use LSL in conjunction with CI technology. Families are welcome to bring remote microphones/FM/DM systems and use voice to text apps; our team is delighted to incorporate their use.

WHAT TO BRING:

Packing recommendations include casual clothing, closed toe athletic shoes, toiletries, backpacks, water bottles, rain jackets, and a flashlight. Please bring snacks and additional fans if desired. See the What to Bring page for a packing checklist. Weather can range from cold nights and rainy days in the low 30s to sunny temperatures in the 90s. There is usually great variability so layering clothing is highly recommended. All bedding and towels are provided. Cribs and highchairs may be requested during registration. If you bring coolers, please fill up with ice prior to arriving at camp.

HOW MANY FAMILIES ATTEND AND FROM WHERE?

The Listen Foundation contracts with the YMCA years in advance to reserve specific lodges; space is limited to the contracted lodge size. Presently, we house approximately 39 families per session. In past years, campers have come from 43 different states, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

ARE SPACES AVAILABLE TO FAMILIES OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES?

Camp is not limited to U.S. families. However, each family must provide their own transportation to/from camp. We cannot be responsible for helping with travel documents, arrangements, or transportation scholarships.

CAN MY CHILD VOLUNTEER?

Volunteers are an integral part of camp! We give priority in recruitment to young adult camp alumni, both those who use cochlear implants and siblings. Our mentoring program relies heavily on having former campers share their personal, educational, and work experiences. We also like to bring in students/young professionals who are in the fields of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology so that they can learn from the population they will be serving professionally. Please see the Camp Volunteers page for complete information

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST:

If you do not already have a camp account and would like to join our email list, please see our Camp Accounts & Email List page.