Camp Interact 2026: Supporting Inclusive Communication in Our Community
This summer, Jake Li, founder of Make Spanish Casual, volunteered at Camp Interact 2026 at the UT Dallas Callier Center in Richardson from August 3–7.
Camp Interact is a weeklong therapeutic day camp for children entering second through sixth grade who experience social skill and communication difficulties. Throughout the week, campers participated in structured lessons, drama, team-building exercises, games, funshops, and other interactive activities designed to build communication skills, confidence, and meaningful connections with others.
As a volunteer, Jake worked directly with campers throughout their daily activities. He helped facilitate games, supported group participation, encouraged campers during challenging moments, and assisted in creating a welcoming environment where each child could engage in ways that felt comfortable to them.
One of the most meaningful lessons from the week was that communication does not look the same for everyone. Some campers communicated through conversation, while others relied more on gestures, facial expressions, visuals, movement, or simple interactions such as a high five. Each form of communication carried meaning.
That experience closely reflects the mission of Make Spanish Casual. Language access is not only about translating words from one language to another. It is also about recognizing that people communicate in different ways and making sure they are given the patience, resources, and opportunities they need to be understood.
Inclusive communication means meeting people where they are. It can mean speaking more clearly, using visual support, learning another language, adapting an activity, giving someone additional time to respond, or simply being willing to listen differently.
Through Camp Interact, Jake was able to see these ideas put into practice every day. The experience strengthened his commitment to making communication more accessible and helping create communities where differences in language or communication style do not become barriers to participation.
At Make Spanish Casual, we believe that communication creates connection. Whether someone speaks a different language, is learning a new one, or communicates in a different way altogether, everyone deserves the opportunity to feel heard, included, and understood.
We are grateful to the UT Dallas Callier Center and Camp Interact team for their work supporting children and families across the North Texas community.
Event: Camp Interact 2026
Dates: August 3–7, 2026
Location: UT Dallas Callier Center Richardson
Volunteer: Jake Li, Founder of Make Spanish Casual