Hardin-Simmons Speech Camp Receives $3,000 Grant from Abilene Community Foundation

Each summer, Hardin-Simmons University’s Communication Sciences and Disorders Department (CSD) hosts Speech Camp, welcoming 75 to 100 elementary-aged students from across the Big Country to develop their communication skills. For HSU’s aspiring speech-language pathologists, the camp offers a unique opportunity: hands-on clinical experience at the undergraduate level.

This year, Speech Camp is reaching new heights. Thanks to a $3,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Abilene’s Future Fund, HSU is expanding its services by introducing music therapy and hippotherapy, setting a new standard for speech therapy programs.

“Future Fund members are pleased to support expanded opportunities for HSU speech camp attendees through the additions of music and equine therapy,” said Kassidy Nygaard, Community Foundation of Abilene Community Grand Manager. “We hope these modalities offer a unique chance for campers to learn and grow outside the classroom setting in a fun, hands-on way!”

“This grant allows us to take something already impactful and transform it into an experience unlike anything else available in our region,” said Becky Saterbak, department head and assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders. “By integrating multiple therapy disciplines, we’re not only providing top-tier services to the community but also preparing our students for the realities of collaborative, interprofessional work in their future careers.”

HSU’s Speech Camp has always been committed to providing speech services to children who might not otherwise have access to therapy during the summer months, and this expansion strengthens that mission. The addition of hippotherapy — a form of therapy that uses horseback riding to support speech development — along with the incorporation of music therapy, adds a new dimension to the camp’s innovative approach.

“By incorporating music therapy into our Speech Camp, we are bringing an additional tool that expands our reach to those children who may be resistant to the other games and activities,” said Jeanine Wheeler, MT-BC, board certified music therapist and adjunct professor in the College of Arts and Media. “We were fortunate to receive a grant that made it possible for a board-certified music therapist to provide daily services—something that would not have been achievable without this funding.”

Music therapy has long been a valuable adjunct to speech therapy, as it uses pitch and rhythm to aid in cueing speech and purposeful vocalization. When treating children with multiple needs, music can support verbal communication through song-based learning, prompt timely speech with rhythmic cues, and encourage variations in volume through dynamic vocal play.

Harnessing the Power of Movement for Speech Development

Hippotherapy enhances speech therapy by leveraging the rhythmic, repetitive movement of a horse to stimulate neurological activity. In a single 20-minute session, a horse takes approximately 3,000 steps, providing vestibular, tactile, proprioceptive, and visual sensory input — far more than a traditional speech therapy session could achieve in the same timeframe. This heightened sensory engagement improves attention, motivation, breath control, articulation, and coordination, making speech therapy significantly more effective.

“What an amazing opportunity for the community to see the possibilities that speech therapy offers,” said Dr. Wendy Anemaet, professor of physical therapy. “I am honored to serve alongside HSU’s speech therapists and dedicated students to bring these experiences to kids in Abilene. The Future Fund’s support is allowing us to turn an already great camp into something truly extraordinary.”

For children who aren’t comfortable with horseback riding, the camp also provides pet-assisted therapy with dogs, allowing students to practice speech through reading aloud and giving verbal commands.

A Multidisciplinary Approach That Stands Out

HSU’s Speech Camp isn’t just about speech therapy — it’s about the power of interdisciplinary collaboration. With music therapy led by the College of Arts and Media, physical therapy faculty guiding the hippotherapy component, and speech-language pathology students leading clinical exercises, HSU is offering a comprehensive, one-of-a-kind experience.

For Marlee Sorrells, a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders from Lindale, Texas, Speech Camp is the perfect opportunity to apply what she has learned before heading to graduate school.

“This is the last thing I will be doing before grad school, and I can’t imagine a better way to end my time as an undergrad,” Marlee said.

Summer Simmons, a senior from Abilene, recalls a life-changing moment from last year’s camp when a young participant finally mastered the /k/ sound after days of practice.

“We tried something new every day, working with my supervisor and fellow students to figure out what would help. On day four, it finally clicked,” Summer said. “The student was so excited, and when camp ended, he ran to tell his mother. Seeing that pride and sense of accomplishment was unforgettable.”

Looking Ahead: Expanding Speech Camp’s Impact

As Speech Camp continues to evolve, HSU is already planning for the future. The next goal is to expand even further by involving theatre majors in nonverbal communication training, creating a full-scale interdisciplinary module that engages even more departments across the university.

With innovation, collaboration and a heart for serving the community, HSU’s Speech Camp continues to set a new standard — helping children find their voices while preparing future speech-language pathologists to change lives.