Chatter Matters Communication Camp
Variety - the Children's Charity of Wisconsin hosts Chatter Matters Communication Camp, an overnight camp for children who use augmentative or alternative communication (AAC), and their immediate family members. Camp Volunteers include AAC specialists, professional mentors, graduate/undergraduate students in speech-language pathology and other related fields.
Chatter Matters offers traditional summer camp activities that are fully adapted for AAC users ages 5-18. Through activities like arts & crafts, adaptive sports, yard games, bowling, dance parties, and talent shows, campers improve social use of their communication device while building lasting friendships. By including parents and siblings, families have fun creating lasting memories and connections with other families of children who use AAC.
Camp Date: Thursday, June 19 - Sunday, June 22, 2025
ALL ATTENDEES ARE REQUIRED TO STAY ON CAMPUS FOR THE DURATION OF CAMP.
Camp is limited to 30 families. Maximum 5 immediate members per family including AAC user.
Application deadline: March 31, 2025. Upon camp acceptance, families will be notified of approval and receive a registration link to provide a mailing address, email address, and the names, genders, ages, and t-shirt sizes of attending family members.
A completed application AND a recommendation from the AAC user’s Speech-Language Pathologist must be submitted by the deadline in order to be considered.
Registration
Accepted Chatter Matters 2025 families, please join the "Chatter Matters Communication Camp" Facebook page for continuous updates regarding camp information.
Cost:
Camp cost for each participant is $500.00, which includes: lodging, meals, camp activities and associated supplies (e.g., arts and crafts, bowling, talent show, dance party, adaptive sports, etc.), parent education opportunities, and at least a 2:1 ratio (Campers : Volunteers, i.e. certified and/or licensed working SLPs and/or AAC experts, camp staff, alumni mentors, student volunteers, etc.).”
“A limited number of needs-based scholarships will be awarded via Variety - the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin.”
“Please direct questions about needs-based scholarships to Dua Vang-Ramirez, Associate Executive Director for Variety - the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin at dua@varietywi.org or 262-777-2092.
Deposit:
Families who are selected to attend Chatter Matters Communication Camp will be required to send a non-refundable deposit for $100.00 within two weeks of notification in order to hold their spots. Payment should be mailed to UW-Whitewater, Continuing Education Services, Andersen 2124, 800 W Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190 and made out to UW-Whitewater. The $100 will be applied toward the fee associated with the family’s attendance.
If a deposit payment AND a completed registration is not received within two weeks, we will contact the next applicant on the waitlist and the family will be removed from the accepted attendees list.
If families need more time to pay, email cesevents@uww.edu.
*A surcharge of 2.85% will be added to the final purchase price for all credit/debit card transactions, applied at checkout, to cover processing costs. Payment by check will be exempt from the additional surcharge. Checks can made out to "UW-Whitewater" and mailed to UW-Whitewater Camps and Conferences, 800 West Main Street, Room 2124 Andersen Library, Whitewater WI 53190.
The full amount due (minus any scholarship money or approved CLTS waiver funds) is due May 31st.
Your online registration and payment are always safe and secure. We accept MasterCard and Visa credit card payments in our online registration system. We will NOT accept credit card payments over the phone. We will accept checks made out to "UW-Whitewater" and mailed to UW-Whitewater Camps and Conferences, 800 West Main Street, Room 2124 Andersen Library, Whitewater WI 53190.
CLTS: WI Residents: The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is an approved provider for Children’s Long-Term Support Program (CLTS) through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and those funds may be used accordingly. Contact your service coordinator if interested.”
Variety: A limited number of scholarships funds will be available through Variety - the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin. Please contact Dua Vang-Ramirez at dua@varietywi.org or 262-777-2092 to learn more. 262-777-2090. Ext 108.
Refunds: All summer camp events require a minimum of a $100 non-refundable deposit.
Cancellation is required in writing by emailing cesevents@uww.edu and dua@varietywi.org on or before May 31st. The remainder of the family’s amount owed (minus any scholarship money or approved CLTS waiver funds) is also due May 31st.
Cancellations due to medical reasons will receive a full refund, less the deposit if the cancellation is requested and medical documentation is provided prior to the start of the event. Valid medical cancellations must include a signed letter from a licensed physician to qualify. NO REFUNDS will be given for withdrawal due to early departures, disciplinary reasons, or no-shows after the camp has started.
By registering for an event, you agree to our Registration Terms and Conditions. UW-Whitewater will hold all registrants responsible for their conduct. Serious misconduct or disruption will lead to immediate dismissal from event. Registrants dismissed from the event will not receive a refund. Please review the Terms and Conditions for more details.
Be aware that we recommend that all portable electronic devices be left at home, but ultimately it is your decision. We know that parents and children value the ability to be able to call each other at a moment's notice. For that reason, we do not prohibit cell phones at camp, but ask that cell phone use does not interfere with the event and other participants. Parents are responsible for setting clear guidelines for cell use with their child. We will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Preparing for the Camp
Before attending camp, it is important to download and read the information provided above, which will be available approximately three weeks prior to the start of camp. This information will include:
- Medication Requirements: If you will be taking medication at camp, you will need to complete the medication requirements section. This will ensure that the camp staff is aware of any medication you are taking and can administer it properly.
- Parking Details: The information will include parking details, so you know where to park when you arrive at camp.
- Check-in and Out Times with Locations: The confirmed check-in and out times with locations will be provided, so you know when and where to arrive and depart from camp.
- Confirmed Daily Schedule: The confirmed daily schedule will be provided, so you know what activities are planned for each day.
- Mailing Address for Camper Mail: The mailing address for camper mail will be provided, so you can receive mail while at camp.
- What to Bring: The information will include a list of items you should bring to camp, so you can be prepared for your stay.
- Other Important Information: The information will include other important details you need to know before attending camp.
If any medical information changes, it is your responsibility to notify Continuing Education Services at cesevents@uww.edu.
Participants will be staying in the air-conditioned Ma'iingan Hall pods located on the UW-Whitewater campus. The pods consists of 2 two-person bedrooms, closets, and a bathroom/shower stocked with hand soap and paper towels.
Parking
Parking permits are required on all vehicles parked on campus at all times, with the exception of only Lot 11 after 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday and noon Fridays to 11:00 p.m. on Sundays (unless special events are being held on campus). Permits or metered parking is available for purchase for those attending the session before 3:00 pm. More information on parking is on the Visitor Center website.
We receive many questions from registrants. We have prepared a page with answers to our frequently asked questions about registering and attending an event.
