Programs

Camp Isola Bella

A Treasured Summertime Tradition: Camp Isola Bella

Camp Isola Bella has brought happiness and joy to countless campers for over 60 years, and ASD is looking forward to the 2026 season!

The camp's philosophy, "learning through experience," is put into effect in three ways:

Self-esteem and a positive attitude come from having successful social experiences with peers and lots of friendly encouragement from the staff. We provide specific situations that are designed for each camper to set goals and challenge themselves while discovering their own skills and abilities. At the same time we provide opportunities that stimulate the development of each camper's self esteem. Specific knowledge and skills are taught with a "learn by doing" approach.

Physical fitness is developed through sports and recreation programs, fostering campers' emotional, physical and intellectual growth.

A wide range of activities are offered to provide appropriate challenges for the wide range of skills and interests campers bring to the island. Campers will keep up their skills and learn many new ones through our fun leadership and literacy activities that are woven throughout the program.

Owned and operated since its beginning by the American School for the Deaf, Camp Isola Bella follows the School's American Sign Language/English Bilingual approach to communication, which incorporates American Sign Language, speech, reading, writing, and the use of assistive hearing technology. Staff are willing and able to meet campers where they are to provide the best summer camp experience for each child. This approach minimizes communication barriers so students and staff can focus on having fun and learning together. Children of Deaf Adults (CODAs), as well as children with deaf siblings are also welcome to attend Camp Isola Bella!

Highly qualified, professional staff, both deaf and hearing, come to Isola Bella with experience in education, childcare and counseling. A small staff-to-camper ratio ensures plenty of individual attention and high-quality programs. Excellent medical care and facilities are available 24 hours a day. Please note that campers with special needs, including medical conditions, will require prior medical approval for registration and enrollment purposes. Transportation of campers from the local airport, bus or train station is available upon request.

Youth Session
June 28th - July 10th
Ages 8-12

Teen Session
July 12th - July 24th
Ages 13-17

Registration will be open soon for Summer 2026

We are also excited to announce that we have recently completed a renovation of the camp. With help from our generous alumni and donors we built two new cabins, an athletic complex, picnic areas, and completed many other upgrades which will allowed us to open up enrollment for more campers!

Camp Isola Bella Medications

Due to funding received from the State of Connecticut through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the American School for the Deaf is pleased to offer scholarships to interested deaf and hard of hearing students (grades K-12) to attend any deaf summer camp in the United States during the 2025 summer season (including ASD’s Camp Isola Bella). To be eligible for a scholarship, interested campers must be permanent residents of the State of Connecticut. The maximum scholarship award is $1,000. PLEASE NOTE: There are limited scholarships remaining which will be awarded on a first come, first served basis.

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