Concordia University Ann Arbor brings learning to life this summer through its Move & Groove Youth Literacy Camp, an innovative, no-cost program designed to help young learners grow in both skill and confidence.
Held June 22–26, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on CUAA’s campus, the camp welcomes students entering kindergarten through third grade. Free registration includes daily lunches and snacks, helping ensure access for families across the community. Limited spots are available. Families can reserve a spot by emailing Erin.Laverick@CUAA.edu.
Led by CUAA faculty and facilitated by occupational therapy students as part of their clinical experience, the camp will accommodate 16 students total. The program reflects the university’s yearlong service initiative, Serving Our Neighbor with Compassion, highlighting a shared passion for meeting real community needs with care, expertise, and Christ-centered love while preparing Concordia students for meaningful, hands-on service.
Literacy that moves
Move & Groove Camp blends movement, music, and play-based learning with evidence-informed literacy instruction. Through hands-on, multisensory activities, children strengthen foundational reading skills, while developing fine motor coordination, visual tracking, and attention. The program’s interdisciplinary approach integrates occupational therapy principles with structured literacy strategies to support the whole child.
“We are deeply passionate about helping children succeed, and that starts with building strong foundations,” said Dr. Erin Laverick, associate vice president of Campus Operations and Student Success. “By combining movement, literacy, and care, we’re creating an environment where students can truly thrive.”
Skills for success
In addition to academic growth, students build socio-emotional skills through teamwork, creative movement, and collaborative play, growing as confident learners both in and out of the classroom.
The camp also supports parents by offering practical tools and insights into how motor development, sensory processing, and attention impact reading success, equipping families to continue learning at home.
Want in?
Concordia University Ann Arbor is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.
Click here to view a full list of the programs.