The Mizzou Speech and Hearing Clinic recently wrapped up its annual Camp Connect, a week of activities designed for kids aged 10-14. The camp helps teens and tweens improve their communication skills and “connect” with others around them through language and team-building activities.

Megan Martin, a second-year graduate student in the Mizzou Speech-Language Pathology program, was one of several Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences students who helped with this year’s camp. Martin said her favorite part of Camp Connect is seeing participants learn to navigate tricky social situations over the course of the week.

“It’s just a great spot for kids to come be kids and kind of learn about communicating and interacting with others,” Martin said. “It’s a safe space for all kids — all learners.”

In addition to educational activities and group discussions, campers participated in physical challenges — including an obstacle course and water balloon toss — meant to bring them together as a team. Camp Connect is coordinated by Cody Higgins, an assistant clinical professor with the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences.

See the video below for a closer look at Camp Connect.