Camp Shout Out Builds Great Communicators! Great communicators can express themselves using a variety of methods, both verbal and non-verbal. This project will directly and indirectly (through training) provide 200 young people who stutter with the opportunity to learn and participate in a drum circle, which focuses on rhythm, one of the world's earliest forms of communication.
Stuttering is a communication disorder occurring in 5% of school age youth often resulting in significant emotional & social consequences, including communication withdrawal, bullying, & shame. Many youth who stutter experience a great deal of fear when faced with everyday communication tasks such as ordering in a restaurant, speaking in class, or answering the phone. This fear of speaking can have significant academic, social and behavioral ramifications effecting grades and even career choices
Rhythm is thought to be one of the world's earliest forms of communication and by participating in structured rhythm exercises and drum circles young people who stutter will be able to improve skills such as: listening, understanding non-verbal communication, team work, turn-taking, sustained and selective attention and auditory memory. This will teach all participants that everybody can bring something to the group and all people have important ideas to contribute.
The Rhythm of Communication project will improve the self-confidence and assertiveness of young people who stutter by providing them with a successful communication opportunity as they learn and participate in a variety of small and large group rhythm exercises. This project will teach the participants that all people can make positive contributions to the group. The Rhythm of Communication project will most importantly give young people a VOICE that can be heard by all!
