|
|
Will there be a Immersion Experience in Kansas
City this year?
No, currently plans only include one AZ Immersion Experience for
2007. Unfortunately it has been difficult to secure a location that is
suitable for the type program that we offer. While the Elms Resort and
Spa is beautiful, its layout creates a challenge for the dynamics of our
no-voice rule. Another setback is the “historical tax” that comes with
the territory.
TOP OF PAGE
Registration is from 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 noon on Saturday the 7th.
Upon arrival, follow the “AZTI signs” to the registration table. The
staff will greet you, give you a general information packet along with
your nametag. You will then sit with a staff member for an evaluation of
your signing skills. Following your evaluation, we will then direct you
to the retreat center registration for room check-in.
If you are flying into the Phoenix Airport, your flight should arrive
in PHX no later than 9:30 am on Saturday and depart no earlier than 3 pm
on Wednesday
TOP OF PAGE
Room assignments will already be made. I have done my best to honor
any requests that were made with regards to roommates, but no promises
have been made. (SMILE.) Each room has a large bedroom with 2 beds, a
hide-a-bed in the sitting room, a refrigerator and balcony. For the
greatest immersion experience it is best to room with someone that you
do not know. This will help you learn new vocabulary, build receptive
skills and make new friendships.
TOP OF PAGE
Think cool and comfortable! Since many of you are coming
from other states, you have probably never experienced a
Phoenix summer. If you want to know what it will be like,
turn on your oven to 475 degrees for one hour then put your
head in it… and…Wha~la! it’s July in Phoenix. OK, maybe
its not that bad, but it will be hot. However, all our
activities will be inside the beautiful air-conditioned
retreat center and sometimes you may feel a bit chilly, so
keep that in mind. NO short shorts, halter tops, spaghetti
straps or tops that reveal too much.
Dress must be appropriate. There is a swimming pool,
which is available during late night activities and break
times, so you will want to your swim suit.
TOP OF PAGE
- A good sense of humor and a willingness to be
stretched.
- Personal toiletries
- Bedding and towels are provided. (The retreat center
is AWESOME)
- Your camera. FYI- you will NOT have much time for a
video camera.
- P.J.’s
- Snacks for your rooms and late night activities. Bring lots of
chips, candy, drinks and goodies to share with others.
- Notebook and pen.
- Water bottle, sun- screen, sun glasses, chap- stick,
breath savers etc.
- Did I mention snacks? Nuts, healthy foods, cookies.
- It’s a good idea to bring Tylenol, Aspirin, or Advil. Many
suffer from learning too much to fast. GRINS
TOP OF PAGE
Once your check and printed registration form has been received in
the mail, the registrar will reply to you via E mail (PLEASE be sure
your e mail address is correct and will not change) to inform you your
spot is temporarily being held.
Your check will be deposited and we will await full payment. When your
full payment is made, the registrar will notify you via E mail that your
spot is secure.
If we have not received full payment by June 1st, your spot will be
given away to the next person on the waiting list and you will lose your
deposit.
You will NOT receive anything in the snail mail.
That’s it FOLKS. Its simple!!! Then all you do is show up on Saturday,
July 7th between 10:00 am and 11:00 am.
I trust that everything you need to know will be answered on this FAQ
page.
TOP OF PAGE
What exactly does the “No voice”
rule mean?
The “No voice” rule is one of the principles that make
the immersion program effective. We will shut our voices off
at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday following orientation. Anyone using
voice thereafter will be asked to leave the retreat with no
refund. We will have earplugs available for any that would
like them. The “No voice” rule applies to telephones, TV’s,
radios, etc. There will be a computer and TTY available to
use. Any outgoing calls must be made on the TTY- this is
part of understanding Deaf culture. If you are a beginner
don’t worry. Use any form of communication you can including
writing, miming, fingerspelling or rolling on the floor
kicking and screaming- just don’t voice! SMILE.
TOP OF PAGE
Each day will be filled with fun, excitement and
educational challenges. You will NOT be bored! Each morning
will include breakfast followed by 3 “class type” sessions,
with your skill level. Break for lunch, then and 2 more
“class type” sessions and 1 workshop. Following dinner we
will enjoy evening activities, which will impact you
forever. Just when you thought you couldn’t laugh anymore,
we have the “late night” fun and games scheduled. I’m not
going to say anything, BUT you need to watch out for Joan,
Robert, Vicki and Barb….. “O Lord have mercy!” We will
conclude the week on Wednesday with a brunch. We hope to be
gone by noon.
TOP OF PAGE
Visitors are not a good idea! You will not have time for them and
they may cause you to voice and be asked to leave. The idea for the
retreat is to shut out the world and focus your time and energy on
building your skill and knowledge. However, do invite family and friend,
especially from the Deaf community, to the “Performance and Drams
Night,” which will be Tuesday the 10th at 7:00 p.m. at Spirit in the
Desert Retreat Center. Family friends and members of the Deaf community
will skits by AZTI participants and staff
TOP OF PAGE
The Center is located on 6 scenic acres in Carefree, a
quiet, desert community 45 minutes North of Sky Harbor
International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona.
- I-17: Going north on Interstate I-17
- From Phoenix: Turn right at the Carefree Highway
exit,
- Continue east until reaching Scottsdale Road,
- Turn left, (Scottsdale Road changes names to Tom
Darlington Road),
- Turn right onto Bloody Basin Road,
- Turn left at the stop sign onto Sidewinder,
- Keep to the right on Elbow Bend and look for the
Lutheran Retreat Center sign.
Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center
7415 E. Elbow Bend Rd.
Carefree AZ 85377
www.Spiritinthedesert.org
Click here for MapQuest Map
TOP OF PAGE
Participants will be fully responsible for getting to Spirit in the
Desert Retreat Center. There will be no transportation made available by
AZTI. Please check the internet or with a travel agent on car rentals.
You may inquire with the retreat center directly with regards to
possible shuttles that service the area.
PLEASE NOTE: Flights into Phoenix should arrive no later than
9:30 am on Saturday and depart no later than 3:00 pm on Wednesday. The
drive is estimated at between 30 and 45 minutes depending on traffic.
TOP OF PAGE
Credit Cards, Purchase order’s and
Scholarships?
Sorry, AZTI currently cannot accept credit cards.
Purchase orders from schools or places of employment are acceptable
however they cannot be accepted as the $100.00 deposit. If PO’s are
used, a check must be rendered by Friday, June 1, 2007.
Sorry, AZTI does not offer scholarships for its program. I suggest
seeking financial aide from their places of employment.
TOP OF PAGE
Rand Rom, one of our instructors, who is also a professional artist,
has helped me design the extremely cool logo for our T-shirts. You will
definitely want to purchase one. T- Shirts will sell @ $10.00 each for
sizes M-XL and an additional $2 for XX –XXX. If you would like to
purchase a T-shirt, you must order it when registering! The shirts are
100% white cotton and have the new 2007 logo across the front. You will
be proud to wear this very eye catching T- shirt. Order one for yourself
and for your sign language buddies back at home. They will love you for
it. Free T shirt by returning to AZTI. TOP OF PAGE
|
