Archive for the 'June 2007' Category

06-13-2007

DEAF CAMPING IN HAVANA

This annual Deaf camping in ILLINOIS (not Cuba!) is creeping up.  I like many of my cohorts have planned this event annually, but, this year I’m not able to go.  Usually everyone including me would plan the third weekend of June around this annual Mecca for the Midwestern deafies.  This year was the exception.  However, just because I’m not going, does not mean I don’t want it to be another one of the fabulous (or crazy) weekend.  So, I’m writing about this and spreading the news near and far.

Havana camping has been around for ages!  The earliest that I can remember was sometimes around the mid 70’s.  It was originally held with the proceeds going to Illinois School for the Deaf Alumni funds and to fund some children activities at ISD.  Later on, a deaf snowmobile association took over and the proceeds went towards that club.  Now, the event is held and run by members of Illinois Deaf Camper that was originally set up by Richard Howell and his crew.

Everyone (well, not everyone NOW, but in old days) knows a guy name “Duck” or “Ducky” who ran the show. 

Many coda as toddlers, tweens, and teens continue to go there year after year when they became eligible to drive.  It’s also a good time for friends to catch up on each other considering the fact that most are scattered all over Illinois.  For the past few years, not only Illinois show up.  We’ve had people from Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.  If there’s more from other states, I wouldn’t be surprised.

What’s there to do there?  Other than the normal camping experience, the campground has a nice pool.  The campground is located in the middle of a big cornfield and it gets really HOT, I mean HOT down there which explains why many baby boomers bought an RV or Pop-up tent so they can enjoy the air conditioning while they are sleeping.  Mind you, most don’t stay in the RV or Pop-up all day!   There are people who bring fans for their tent.  Most just go to the pool often to cool off.  Some years the weather is perfect, others are HOT.  The campground used to have a big, I mean BIG water slide that is separate from the pool area.  That had to be torn down due to age and liability.  It was old.  Many of us who went there as kids remembers it very well.  There’s a put put golf area, fenced in deer and peacock feeding area where many deers are rescued after being injured.  There is also a small pond where one can fish.  I know many find it hard to believe, but I spoke with the owner two years ago and he confirmed that he had stocked up the pond with catfish, bass, and other worth to catch fishes.  So, I guess they might be a pretty good size by now.  If you’re more interested in getting a bigger fish, there’s Illinois River nearby about 11 miles west.  Famous for it’s catfishes. 

The campground has its own events for the weekend and they provide hay ride for the kids every evening. The deaf have their own events.  During the daytime there’s money prize for volleyball tournaments (most have to sign up by early Saturday morning) and many players find team members by Friday night.  If you find and fill your team, keep your fingers crossed that none of them got too drunk on Friday night, otherwise you’re gonna have to find another player(s) Saturday morning.  There are also other money prize games such as horseshoes and just recently they added Texas Hold ‘em Poker tournaments for Friday and Saturday nights.   There’s lots of games for kids and lots of prizes.  Toys galore!Back in the old days, two generous ladies, Christine and Brenda used to go out and buy toys, candies and limited number of super water guns!  All the kids’s goal was to get the water gun so they can rule the campground for the weekend.   Now, most of the prizes for kids comes out of Illinois Deaf Campers fund.  Many also donate to the fund as well for the camping club to keep it going year after year. The big pavilion is the “headquarters” where one will find it open all day long on both Friday and Saturday.  There’s some people who have some exhibits of their own to display such as scrap booking sales or arts and crafts.  I believe last year they had some pager booth too.  Lunch and Dinner is provided for those who don’t want to cook on Saturday for a cost.  Sodas and beer are sold at the pavilion as well.

At night, the pavilion is open to social and shows such as skits and then there’s door prize both nights and raffle drawings.  After everything is over usually around the time when we ‘re all supposed to be quiet.  Quiet we’re not!  Many small parties are found in several campsites.  You might find one big party if you’re lucky.  The owner is understandable and as long as we all behave and keep noise to a reasonable level, everyone is happy.  This is the second owner of that camp ground.  Both first and second owner have been real nice to deafies all these years.  Some hearing people who own their own RV or “summer home” such as cabin or permanently set up trailer at the campground knows some ASL.  Many work in the camp store, which by the way has many things.  Nearby town about 11 miles East has a store similar to walmart, and two grocery stores.  There’s also a motel and a few fast foods.  Anything you forgot or need, you can always get it.  I’ve known some to buy tents because their tent ripped for some reason or when setting up tent,  can’t find tent stakes, etc   The campground store is always prepared with lots of ice for us.  But, most of us tend to zoom to town to get drinks and ice and other perishables.  I know some group or families take turns going to store for others.  Great team work and one BIG family.

At one point, Havana camping ceased to exist.  That was sometimes in the mid 90’s I believe.  To many of us it feels like Havana has always been around, but, the fact is - it did cease to exist at one point.  Except, few faithful continue to go to that camp ground even though no official Deaf camping event was hosted.  Most are deafies that live nearby.  One lady with her triplets continued to go year after year in hopes that someone will revive the old summer tradition.  And it was revived!  Thanks to Richard Howell and his crew.

Havana is not really located in Havana, Illinois!  No..it’s not located in Cuba.  Really, the campground we all lovingly call “Havana” is really located in Topeka, Illinois which is located 11 miles east of Havana.

Other than Camp Ground normal cost, Illinois Deaf Campers ask that deafies donate a fee, usually it’s around 5 dollars per weekend or 3 dollars if you’re a member.

It’s not too late to plan and go! 

Here’s the link:

http://www.deaf-center.org/idc07.htm

Posted by critic in Deaf Culture, June 2007 | 3 Comments »