Our Mission & History Since 1982

Our Story Lives in Every Summer.

For over four decades, Camp Mark Seven has been a home where Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and KODA campers grow, connect, and celebrate language and life in the heart of the Adirondacks.

Keep The Magic Alive - Donate Today

Our Story Lives in Every Summer.

For over four decades, Camp Mark Seven has been a home where Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and KODA campers grow, connect, and celebrate language and life in the heart of the Adirondacks.

Keep The Magic Alive - Donate Today

Our Story Lives in Every Summer.

For over four decades, Camp Mark Seven has been a home where Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and KODA campers grow, connect, and celebrate language and life in the heart of the Adirondacks.

Keep The Magic Alive - Donate Today

Our Mission & Vision

Mission

Camp Mark Seven (CM7) is a lakefront retreat center in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains that provides a wide variety of community services and spiritual growth, which finds its roots in the Catholic traditions and values. CM7’s primary goal is to provide a comprehensive approach to full development and enhancement of individuals coming from all walks of life and faith, providing them with recreational, educational, leadership, and spiritual programs for the deaf, hard-of-hearing, Koda/Coda, and hearing participants.

CM7 offers a diverse choice of programs for deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing individuals of all ages. CM7 is open to members of all faiths; everyone is welcome. A Catholic mass is offered for interested individuals when Father Tom or a visiting priest is on site. For those who wish to participate in private mediation, we have a chapel overlooking the woods with a view of Fourth Lake.

Information on the organization’s governance is available upon request.

Vision

CM7 is a welcoming and inclusive community motivated by the spiritual, moral, and social needs of our society. The location, facility, and seasonal programs create unique opportunities for life-long personal growth, companionship, and joviality of all participants at CM7. With these unique opportunities, CM7 offers to:

Empower the lives of individuals related to the deaf community.
Promote and cherish the beauty of American Sign Language.
Enrich the summer camp experience for deaf, hard-of-hearing, Koda/Coda, and hearing individuals through specialized programming.
Create a peaceful and nurturing environment of solitude and nature at CM7 for spiritual growth through prayers, faith-sharing, Deaf Bible Week seminar, and directed-retreats.
Provide opportunities for those in financial need to participate in various CM7 programs through campership and other financial support.
Implement opportunities for private retreats, community gatherings, and special events.

Our Journey Through Time

1981

The Mark Seven Deaf Foundation (M7DF) and Father Tom Coughlin outbid five other parties in bankruptcy court to purchase the historic former Mohawk Hotel property on 7.2 acres.
1982

Camp Mark Seven (CM7) launches its first programs for deaf and hard of hearing children.
1992

M7DF becomes a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
1997

CM7 pioneers the nation’s first Kids of Deaf Adults (KODA) Camp program.
1998

CM7 earns accreditation from the American Camping Association (ACA).
1999

Receives the ACA Eleanor Eels Award for Innovative Camping and Program Excellence.
2001

Launches a joint annual 5K & 10K Walk/Run with the Central Adirondack Association in Old Forge, NY.
2004

First M7DF Capital Campaign begins, raising $300,000 over several years. The Friends of the Foundation donor recognition program is established.
2006

Hosts a dinner fundraiser in Maryland featuring MLB player Curtis Pride.
2007

CM7 celebrates 25 years and KODA Camp’s 10th anniversary with a major reunion. The Tree of LIFE donor wall is unveiled.
2008

Surpasses Capital Campaign goal; completes Waterfront Beautification Project with fencing and lifeguard stations.
2010

Hosts the Metamorphosis Gala at Lincoln Center, NYC, honoring Meredith “Muffy” Greenough.
2012

CM7’s 30th anniversary; tennis court resurfaced and renamed the multipurpose court.
2013

Launches the Deaf Film Camp (DFC) program.
2014

DFC’s ASL rendition of Pharrell’s “HAPPY” goes viral, reaching 1.7M+ views and garnering national media coverage. Mohawk Lodge roof is replaced.
2015

Tree of LIFE is updated and renamed the Tree of LOVE; M7DF hosts the CM7 Gala: A Green Carpet Premiere at the Museum of the Moving Image, NYC.
2016

M7DF purchases the 4.7-acre Wilcox property next door, expanding CM7’s campus.
2017

Installs new waterfront dock and builds a volunteer-crafted bonfire pit. Celebrates CM7’s 35th anniversary, KODA Camp’s 20th, and DFC’s 5th.
2018

Holds a major Philadelphia-area fundraiser and wins the Best of Old Forge Award.
2019

Purchases the former hotel waterfront property, uniting three adjoining properties. Hosts the first Polar Bear Swim fundraiser.
2020

For the first time in history, CM7 closes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Demolishes five cottages and the Wilcox house for future expansion.
2021

Limited reopening with family weeks, Active Deaf Adults, and ASL Immersion programs.
2022

CM7’s 40th anniversary; fully reopens with record enrollment (54 Deaf Campers) and near-capacity KODA programs.
2023

A landmark summer with maximum-capacity programs; acquires a Triton boat, 15-passenger van, and John Deere Gator thanks to an anonymous donor.
2024

Renovations begin at Hilltop House, enhancing facilities for future guests.
2025

M7DF hosted a successful CM7 Gala at the iconic TWA Hotel, NYC, on May 17th, launching the CM7 Million Campaign with 175 guests in attendance.
2025

M7DF Board of Directors held their annual Fall meeting at CM7 and celebrated a major milestone with a ground-breaking ceremony to officially kick off construction of the new Boat Shed.
2027

CM7’s 45th Anniversary Celebration will be held in the fall during Labor Day Weekend – Friday, September 3rd to Monday, September 6th, at CM7 in Old Forge, NY.

The Camp Mark 7 Hospitality

Whether you’re hosting a retreat, attending a conference, or simply looking to recharge in the Adirondacks, CM7 provides warm, rustic accommodations and flexible gathering spaces. Enjoy the comfort, the quiet, and the hospitality that make CM7 unforgettable.

Explore the CM7 Experience

Facilities

The Mohawk Lodge, which faces pristine Fourth Lake, is over 100 years old and is 1,800 feet above sea level in the heart of the Adirondacks. One may sit on a long veranda with lawn-facing lodge chairs. By the waterfront, there is our sandy beach with a long dock and a bonfire seating arena, next to a multipurpose court for various games.

On the main floor there is a dining hall, kitchen, and a small chapel. There is also a lounge on the lower level with an original stone fireplace and two separate rooms where one can do arts and crafts or play pool. The large-sized multipurpose room can hold up to 100 people, and is ideal for group meetings or hilarious skits.

The dorm-style bedrooms on the upper floors vary in size, and have two to six bunk beds or twin beds. Guests may bring their own sheets or sleeping bags and towels. Each bathroom has individual sinks, stalls and showers, hostel style.

In addition to lodging fees, meals (breakfast, lunch, and supper) are provided at an additional cost.

Accessibility note: CM7’s main lodge is a historic, rustic facility built in 1897 and has limited physical accessibility. Stairs are required to access different areas and floors of the lodge, and there are no elevators. For more information about the facility and accessibility considerations, please visit our FAQ page.

M7DF Board of Directors

Dr. Gerard Buckley

Director
New York

Retired President of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at Rochester Institute of Technology (NTID/RIT) and now President Emeritus, NTID. A recipient of the 1985 Distinguished Alumni Award from RIT/NTID, Dr. Buckley brings more than 30 years of leadership in Deaf education, along with deep institutional expertise, advocacy, and strategic vision. His leadership continues to help guide CM7’s long-term growth and impact.
Father Tom Coughlin

Founder Member
Kentucky

Founder of Camp Mark Seven (1981); Board Director. Father Tom is the first ordained Deaf priest in the United States and has devoted more than five decades to ministry, advocacy, and service within the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Through his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication, he established Camp Mark Seven as a nationally treasured gathering place where campers and families could fully experience language, culture, faith, and communication-accessible community in an affirming environment. His lifelong commitment continues to shape the spirit, mission, and future of CM7 for generations to come.
Jeffrey Dallos

Director
Virginia

Program Analyst at the United States Department of Defense. Jeffrey brings strategic and operational insight to the Foundation, supporting informed decision-making, fundraising efforts, and organizational effectiveness as CM7 continues to grow. His family has maintained a strong connection to Camp Mark Seven through years of camper and staff involvement, including his daughter, who attended KODA Camp for five years beginning in 2011, and his twins, who attended KODA Camp for six years beginning in 2014 and are now serving their third year on KODA staff.
Frank Dattolo

Director
New York

Educational Specialist at the Lexington School for the Deaf and former Board Secretary. Frank is committed to supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth through educational leadership, program development, and community engagement that foster inclusion, confidence, and meaningful connections. Alongside fellow board members, Frank helped host two successful New York City fundraising events at Lincoln Center and the TWA Hotel, supporting CM7’s continued growth and mission.
Kelly Decker

Secretary
New York

Interpreter educator, mentor, and trainer in private practice. Camp Mark Seven has been part of Kelly’s life since 1982, when she began attending camp activities alongside her Deaf father, John Decker, one of the key individuals who supported Father Tom Coughlin in the establishment of CM7. Since then, she has participated in numerous clean-up weekends, events, and volunteer efforts supporting camp activities and programs. Kelly attended Deaf Camp as a camper in 1990, participated in the ASL & Deaf Culture Immersion Program in 2005, and attended the Coda Retreat in 2024. She continues to support governance, professional development, and organizational excellence, contributing to strong board leadership and continuity for CM7’s future.
Dr. Brian Greenwald

Director
Maryland

Co-Chair, Building Committee; PhD; Professor of History and Director of the Deaf Documentary Center at Gallaudet University. Brian brings expertise in practical leadership, helping guide the planning and development of key capital projects that support CM7’s long-term growth. He is nationally recognized for his work in Deaf history, documentary studies, and cultural preservation, helping advance national initiatives that preserve and share Deaf lived experiences and history. Brian is also the father of two KODA sons who love attending KODA Camp at CM7.
Deacon Billy Griffin

Director
Delaware

Deacon William Griffin, ordained in 2019 as the first Deaf deacon in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and paraprofessional at the Delaware School for the Deaf. A former Deaf camper in 1991 and staff member beginning in 1997, William brings lived camp experience, advocacy, representation, and a deep commitment to faith and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community within CM7. He is also the proud father of two Deaf Coda adults, further reflecting his longstanding connection to the community and mission of Camp Mark Seven.
Manny Hernandez

Director
Maryland

Senior Lecturer at The Catholic University of America; ASL storyteller and Crazy Classifiers coach. Manny also serves as Director of the ASL Immersion & Deaf Culture Program at Camp Mark Seven. As the parent of two KODA daughters who attended KODA Camp at CM7, Manny brings a strong personal connection to the camp community. Manny is nationally recognized for his work in ASL storytelling, visual vernacular, ASL poetry, and Deaf cultural arts, enriching the camp experience through storytelling, creative expression, and Deaf cultural arts.
Charmaine Hlibok

Director
Maryland

Former Board Chair; Chair, $7 Million Capital Campaign; retired Principal, Maryland School for the Deaf. A recipient of the 2026 NTID Distinguished Alumni Award, Charmaine continues a legacy of leadership, guiding transformational growth and helping shape the future of CM7 through strategic campaign leadership. As the mother of four Coda adults who attended KODA Camp for many years and have been part of the CM7 community for over 20 years, she brings professional leadership and a multigenerational connection to Camp Mark Seven.
Dr. Kim Kurz

Chair
New York

PhD; Professor and Director of the Sign Language Assessment and Resource Center at NTID/RIT, and Board Chair of the Lexington School for the Deaf. Kim provides strategic leadership and governance oversight, ensuring strong alignment between CM7’s mission and its long-term vision. Dr. Kurz is a nationally recognized contributor to research and publications in ASL linguistics, sign language assessment, Deaf education, and educational accessibility, helping advance language access and learning outcomes for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. As the mother of four Coda adults who spent many summers attending KODA Camp, she brings a longstanding family connection and deep appreciation for the CM7 community and its impact across generations.
Dr. Susan Mather

Director
Maryland

PhD; Retired Professor of Linguistics at Gallaudet University. Dr. Mather is nationally respected for her contributions to Deaf education, ASL linguistics, and language development research. As the mother of Deaf children and grandmother of two Deaf adults who attended CM7 Deaf programs, she brings both professional expertise and a longstanding connection to the camp community and its future.
Jane Moran Breiter

Vice Chair
New York

Special Assistant to the CEO at the Lexington School for the Deaf. Jane brings extensive experience in executive leadership, school operations, and community engagement within Deaf and Hard of Hearing education. Her leadership supports strategic planning, organizational development, and collaborative initiatives that strengthen the long-term vision of both CM7 and the community it serves.
Jeffrey Nardozza

Treasurer
Florida

Retired Accounting Manager at Travelers Insurance. Jeffrey provides oversight of foundation and camp operational finances, helping ensure strong financial stewardship, budgeting, and organizational accountability as CM7 continues to grow. A longtime supporter of Camp Mark Seven and father of three adult Codas, he brings both professional expertise and a longstanding connection to the CM7 community and mission.
Alicia Pena

Director
Texas
Don Peterson

Director
Pennsylvania
Jim Tourangeau

Director
New York

Co-Chair, Building Committee; Senior Director, Office of External Affairs at NTID/RIT. Jim provides strategic leadership, partnership development, and oversight of key capital projects, helping advance CM7’s long-term development. A former camper in 1985 and 1986 and counselor in 1987 and 1988, Jim’s connection to Camp Mark Seven spans decades. He is also the father of two Coda sons who have grown up connected to the CM7 community.
Gregoire Youbara

Director
Washington, D.C.

Assistant Professor in the Department of World Languages and Cultures at Gallaudet University. Gregoire advances Deaf and Hard of Hearing education through global programs, multilingual learning, cross-cultural engagement, and international initiatives, including outreach efforts in Africa. His scholarly work explores Deaf and Hard of Hearing identity, language, cultural belonging, and communication-accessible communities through Deaf Studies and global perspectives. He also dedicates many volunteer hours supporting CM7 spiritual programs and serving on key committees that help sustain the camp’s mission and future.

M7DF Executive & Advisory Team

Kelly Lange

Foundation Director
Florida
Kelly leads the Mark 7 Deaf Foundation and helps families and donors support campers every summer.
- Foundation operations
- Donor stewardship
Learn more about Camp Mark 7.
Isabella Sterly

Camp Director
New York
Gregory Hlibok

M7DF Counsel
Maryland
Juliane Hlibok

Fundraising Director
New York

The CM7 Experience

Whether you’re hosting a retreat, attending a conference, or simply looking to recharge in the Adirondacks, CM7 provides warm, rustic accommodations and flexible gathering spaces.

Enjoy the comfort, the quiet, and the hospitality that make CM7 unforgettable.

What We Stand For

Belonging

Come as you are. At CM7, everyone has a place to connect, participate, and be fully themselves.
Language & Culture

ASL and Deaf culture are part of everyday life here—not an accommodation, but the heart of the CM7 experience.
Discovery

Camp is a place to try something new, take a few chances, and discover what you’re capable of.
Community

The people you meet at CM7 have a way of becoming your people—for the summer and often for life.

More Than a Camp

CM7 is where confidence grows, identities strengthen, and laughter echoes across generations.

Watch the CM7 Story

“My experience at CM7 cemented my decision to become an ASL interpreter. My signing improved tremendously, and I met incredible people along the way.”

Adira Koosis, NYC (ASL & Deaf Culture Immersion Week Camper)

Changing Lives Since 1982

7,500+

Campers have joined CM7 programs.
400+

Volunteers and staff each year.
100+

Acres of nature and connection.
∞

Endless memories created across generations.

Be Part of Our Story

Every hand that joins CM7 — as a camper, volunteer, or donor — helps build a world of connection and belonging.

Join the Team Support CM7

From Our Instagram

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Our Story Lives in Every Summer.

Our Mission & Vision

Mission

Vision

Our Journey Through Time

1981

1982

1992

1997

1998

1999

2001

2004

2006

2007

2008

2010

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2025

2027

The Camp Mark 7 Hospitality

Facilities

Activities

Fees

Reservations

CM7 Store

Weather

ACA Accreditation

M7DF Board of Directors

Dr. Gerard Buckley

Father Tom Coughlin

Jeffrey Dallos

Frank Dattolo

Kelly Decker

Dr. Brian Greenwald

Deacon Billy Griffin

Manny Hernandez

Charmaine Hlibok

Dr. Kim Kurz

Dr. Susan Mather

Jane Moran Breiter

Jeffrey Nardozza

Alicia Pena

Don Peterson

Jim Tourangeau

Gregoire Youbara

M7DF Executive & Advisory Team

Kelly Lange

Isabella Sterly

Gregory Hlibok

Juliane Hlibok

The CM7 Experience

What We Stand For

Belonging

Language & Culture

Discovery

Community

More Than a Camp

Changing Lives Since 1982

Be Part of Our Story

From Our Instagram