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Friends, Fun, and Connection at the Third Annual DHH Picnic

Friends, Fun, and Connection at the Third Annual DHH Picnic
DHH Program Picnic students signing each others shirts

For the third consecutive year, Federal Way Public Schools brought together deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) scholars from across the district for an inclusive, joy-filled picnic at Steel Lake Park—continuing a growing tradition focused on connection, celebration, and belonging.

The annual event is a districtwide field trip, welcoming students from nearly all schools in the FWPS DHH program. Scholars who use spoken language, sign language, or a combination of both gathered to socialize, meet peers with shared experiences, and reconnect with friends.

“We’re thrilled this is our third annual deaf and hard of hearing picnic that we’ve organized,” said Christina Frueh, program specialist for the district’s DHH program. “It is an inclusive field trip that involves scholars across the district… who may have some hearing loss and they get to come and socialize and meet students like them.”

The picnic featured a wide range of student‑favorite activities. Face painting, a rocket-launching STEM station, as well as playground time and lawn games created opportunities for fun and interaction, while volleyball and other group activities encouraged new friendships. New opportunities to enjoy art were also introduced that included bracelet-making for anyone to try their hand at.

DHH Program Picnic students playing jenga

A beloved tradition continued this year as well: students signed one another’s event T‑shirts, a ritual that symbolizes friendship and continuity as students move up grade levels and between schools. For many, the picnic feels like both a reunion and a milestone, as students reconnect with peers they know throughout the district. They enjoy the opportunity to catch up, have fun, and see what they can expect when they move up a grade.

This was confirmed when students were asked what their favorite part of the event was. “The best part? The games, seeing my friends, getting to hang out with them,” was Illahee scholar Jaxson’s answer, and student after student agreed, before jumping back into the constant stream of activities with their friends, new and old.

Community partners also returned to support the event. Students had the opportunity to meet a community police officer fluent in sign language and local firefighters, further strengthening community connections, or step inside a Federal Way Fire Department fire truck. KBTC also supported the event with remote-controlled robots at their booth, as well as a pin maker allowing for students to make their own pins.

DHH Program Picnic students and family pose with FWFD and truck
DHH Program Picnic student has his shirt signed by FWPD

The excitement doesn’t wear off, as students look ahead with anticipation for the coming year’s picnic. “Some of the first questions I get from kids in September are, ‘When is the picnic?’ and ‘What color is the T‑shirt?’” Frueh shared. “Kids remember this as a time they get to look forward to every year.”

Now in its third year, the picnic stands as a signature celebration—honoring the strength, joy, and unique journeys of Federal Way’s deaf and hard of hearing scholars and affirming a powerful message of inclusion for the whole community.

DHH Program Picnic students and staff

 

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