Mission Statement

Eastern Deaf Timberfest strives to preserve and stimulate cultural values of the Deaf community by providing affordable, educational, and outdoor recreational activities and social events in a safe, clean, and inviting environment through sound organizational leadership and management practices. EDT encourages people to open their minds and hearts to inspire personal growth, community integration, and enhanced awareness of the natural environment.

 9th Nature Camp for Families

Thursday evening, August 1 to Sunday morning, August 4, 2013
Yogi Bearʼs Jellystone Park Camp-Resort 16519 Lappans Road Williamsport, Maryland 21795
www.Jellystonemaryland.com

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE YOUTH/FAMILY CAMP

The Story of Eastern Deaf Timberfest

Timberfest in 2004

This story is given by the co-founders Bruce Hubbard and Ron Markel of how the EDT was formed.

After Bruce flew to Oregon for 10th Annual World Deaf Timberfest during 1991 Labor Day Weekend, he met Ron Markel during one of the Interstate Association of the Deaf (IAD) Dingo Night and Bruce talked about timberfest there that he learned a lot and wanted to have our own one since he knew that Ron is working for his own business of lumber. Ron did talk about to establish one because he had been gone to watch hearing professional lumberjack once in a while. Ron did discuss with Barry Jones who worked with him about having our own one.

After Ron's family, the Markel families, Barry Jones' family, Bruce's family, and some of IAD friends attended to the 2nd annual Northeast Deaf Timberfest during 1993 July 4th weekend, we decided to establish our own one. It was a good enough that Ron found a place in Carlisle, PA. Ron and Bruce called a special meeting with IAD officers and members.

We decided to have our own timberfest called EASTERN DEAF TIMBERFEST. The officers for two years term were slated Ron Markel, President; Barry Jones, Vice President; Bruce Hubbard, Secretary and Larry Adkins, Treasurer. The co-founders were Bruce, Ron, Barry, Larry, Sean Markel, Allen Markel, Ben Markel, Jim Markel and few other co-founders.

Bruce Hubbard and Sean Markel went to see Pennsylvania Senator, Harris Wofford, at his Senate Office Building in Washington, DC and asked him if he can get the flag for EASTERN DEAF TIMBERFEST. Two weeks later we met him and he presented us a certification letter with the Flag of the United States of America that was flown over the U.S. Capital on May 10, 1994. This U.S. flag was flown for EASTERN DEAF TIMBERFEST. We agreed to have this flag every timberfest. Today you can see our United States Flag on the top of our EDT's trailer.

Our first annual EASTERN DEAF TIMBERFEST was hosted by IAD at The Western Village Campground in Carlisle, PA during the 1994 Memorial Day Weekend and it was turned out a huge successful with 2,010 people coming. That U.S. flag was flown along with four other flags (MD, VA, PA and WV) to represent IAD. Our committees worked so hard to make our first timberfest success with the bless of Ron's family including his four brothers and but not only to them, IAD members, who involved with us, did superb job. Then the members of IAD decided to continue our annual timberfest.
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Timberfest Media Gallery

Timberfest 2012 at Yogi Bears Jellystone Park - Mill Run, Pennsylvania

20 June - Adult Activities
21 June - Logging
22 June - Adult Activities
23 June - Logging

21 June - Logging

Timberfest 2010 at Spring Gulch Resort Campground - New Holland, Pennsylvania

Logging
Adult Activities
Children Activities
Entertainment
Booth
Motorcycle
John Maucere

Timberfest 2008 at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp - Resort in Elmer, New Jersey

Logging
Adult Activities
Children Activities
Swimming
Entertainment
Booth
Motorcycle
John Maucere