National Association of the Deaf

The NAD appointed Adele Ann Eberwein of Santa Fe, New Mexico as Director of the NAD Youth Leadership Camp (YLC). She will begin her duties immediately to prepare for the 2003 session of YLC, from July 22 to August 12, at Camp Lakodia, South Dakota. The previous YLC Director, Maureen Yates Burns resigned to focus on her family and career.

Eberwein's experience with YLC started as a camper in the summer of 1990. She became a staff member in 1994, then was an assistant director to Maureen Yates Burns during the 1999 and 2000 YLC sessions. "YLC has always been in my heart, as a camper, staff member, and now as director. I know I will give my best effort to creating a fun summer for the campers. They will leave with fond memories, enriched advocacy skills, and a desire to contribute to their communities," said Eberwein.

Burns was counselor in training for one year in 1998 and director for four YLC summer sessions from 1999 to 2002. A dedicated director, she created many wonderful impressions on staff members and campers. The staff at NAD headquarters enjoyed working with Burns; she had the headquarters’ complete confidence to handle the challenging job every summer.

Burns said, "It’s very hard for me to leave YLC. I know I will miss it very much. I have worked with over 320 campers and 60 staff members! I enjoyed every minute at YLC and with NAD especially with Nancy B. Rarus and Jennifer Yost. Thank you all for the wonderful memories! I know that YLC will be in good hands with Adele Ann is the Camp Director. She is the perfect person for this position. I look forward to hearing about YLC and its future accomplishments!"

Jennifer Yost, NAD Youth Leadership Coordinator, said, "I am looking forward to this summer, YLC is moving to a new place, has a new director, has a new group of staff members, and our campers are excited about becoming the first to experience a brand new environment at Camp Lakodia! I am sad to see Maureen Yates Burns go; she left an everlasting mark on all of her campers’ hearts. I look forward to working with Adele Ann, this will be a special summer for everyone."