The C.A.M.P. Program
What is the Speech Language Pathology in Motion C.A.M.P. Program?
Communicate, Articulate, Make Friends and Play at the Speech Language Pathology in Motion C.A.M.P. Program, a week long speech and language enrichment program for children 3 to 12 years old. The goal of the program is to help children practice critical speech and language skills with peers, while also participating in a positive summer experience.
The C.A.M.P. Program is made to feel like summer camp, however there is a strong focus on speech and language skill development. Three individualized speech or language goals are selected for each participant, based on their needs. The goals are targeted throughout the week, providing hundreds of opportunities for practice across activities. There is a strong focus on peer interactions and pragmatic language skills built into the program.
Activities include equine movement, creative arts, group lunch/playground, language games, and swimming. Each activity is led by a licensed speech language pathologist (SLP). The program is offered on the property of Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, a 13 acre facility in Islandia, NY. The program runs for 2.5 hours and AM and PM sessions are offered.
The program offers a high level of support. Each child is provided with a 1:1 aide and group leader. We keep our group size small to set our clients up for success. Groups typically have 4 to 6 children in them.
The C.A.M.P. Program has attracted interest from near and far, with clients and interns traveling to us from as far as the U.K.
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Future SLPs
Our group leaders and 1:1 aides are currently studying speech language pathology. We are so excited to have future speech language pathologists as part of this program, as this not only gives our participants the opportunity to work with these skilled individuals, but also allows future speech language pathologists to gain hands-on experience with children with speech and language difficulties and learn from fully licensed SLPs.
The interns are provided with information regarding communication differences, strategies for supporting speech and language, information on taking data and motoring progress on goals, the use of visual supports and schedules, and how to modify activities to help the children succeed. The interns support the SLPs as they run activities throughout the week and are given ample opportunities to gain hands-on experience as they prepare for their future careers.
Parent Testimonials:
- "This experience is exactly what "J's" dad and I envision for a summer program for him. Being outside, being with peers, being with horses, being in the water...all while being surrounded by speech students and therapists who can carryover skill practice and just give him a fun experience in the sun..amazing! For my "non-verbal, non-ambulatory boy" to have a typical "camp week" is just incredible. Thank you!"
- "The C.A.M.P. Program for my son has been truly a wonderful and positive experience. "A" has been more engaged, initiating play with his sister and more talkative with his family. "A" has gained confidence and that has given him the ability to feel secure communicating and initiating at home. We are very pleased with his progress. The C.A.M.P. Program was the exact program I was looking for my son, and I would highly recommend it. I love how they focus on the kids abilities and their successes in a positive way. It gives them an all-around experience in arts, sports, horseback riding, and games to experience with one another and a proper support system."
- "M" had such a wonderful time at the C.A.M.P. Program! We loved the information sheets that were sent home each day. We are so happy that "M" was able to attend the program during her time off from school, when she would most likely regress. I think her teachers will be pleasantly surprised when she goes back to school in September. Fabulous job everyone!!"
- In just a week, "C" is making more sounds and trying to speak more. She seemed very happy when I picked her up each day, and she was excited to go each morning!"
Intern/Staff Testimonials:
- "This was a great experience to have right before graduate school! Thank you for the opportunity!"
- "This was such an amazing experience, that I am so lucky to have been a part of. I would recommend this experience to other aspiring SLPs!"
- Overall I think this was a great experience and I feel like I learned so much this week! I think we all worked together as a great team and I would love to help again in the future. Thank you so much for the opportunity!"
- "I had so much fun working with such awesome kids! I learned skills and got ideas that will help me in my clinical experiences this year. Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity!!"
- "It was a great experience to observe and engage in the speech therapy program in such a unique setting. This was an amazing opportunity and I would love to do it again!"
- "I really enjoyed working with my group. It honestly felt like a team. I thought all staff was perfectly matched in their roles. Thank you so much for this opportunity. I would love to intern/volunteer in the future"
- "I loved the C.A.M.P. Program and I had such a positive experience. I really did learn so much!"
- "I had an amazing experience working as a 1:1. I felt like I was able to learn from the SLPs and with their guidance, I had a lot of hands on opportunities to help the kids practice speech and language skills. I enjoyed how the program was a fun way for the kids to work on their goals while they were able to have a great time, play and learn. I was able to learn a lot in just one week!"