Public Speaking Camp
Continue to main contentImprove your public speaking skills, learn to do advanced research all while staying on SEMO's beautiful campus!
If you are a rising high school junior or senior or a recent high school graduate, this camp is for you. You'll refine your public speaking skills, learn to do advanced research, complete information triage, and synthesize information from multiple sources to refine or create ideas and arguments for effective delivery. And you'll do all of this while staying two nights on SEMO's beautiful campus.
The work you complete while at camp will culminate in a professional presentation for an audience that will include a local non-profit leader.
Camp Dates and Costs
- June 6 - 8, 2025
- Cost is $200
Get Registered!
Are you interested? Spots are limited so sign up now.
Medical Liability Release Forms
To participate in our summer camps, SEMO requires a medical liability release form. Please download and fill out the PDF forms below and upload via the web form.
Schedule
June 6
| Time | Activity |
| 1 - 1:30 p.m. | Participant Arrival and Camp Check-In |
| 1:30 - 2 p.m. | Check-In at Residence Hall |
| 2 - 5 p.m. | Team Building and Exploring Extemporaneous Speaking and Advocacy |
| 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. | Dinner |
| 6:30 - 7 p.m. | Processing and Next-Day Planning Session |
| 7 - 9 p.m. | Free Time in Residence Hall |
| 10 p.m. | Lights Out |
June 7
| Time | Activity |
| 8 - 9 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9 a.m. - Noon | Team Building, Research and Information Triage, Speaking Practice |
| Noon - 1 p.m. | Lunch in the UC |
| 1 - 3:30 p.m. | Research and Writing |
| 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Pool Party |
| 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. | Dinner |
| 6:30 - 7 p.m. | Processing and Next-Day Planning Session |
| 7 - 9 p.m. | Free Time in Residence Hall |
| 10 p.m. | Lights Out |
June 8
| Time | Activity |
| 7:30 - 8 a.m. | Pack and Clean Room |
| 8 - 9 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9 - 10 a.m. | Practice/Warmups |
| 10 a.m. - Noon | Presentations (families welcome) |
| Noon - 1 p.m. | Check-Out |
What do I need to know?
Address:
We will meet for registration at Merick Hall, located right on SEMO's campus. The address is 1 University Plaza, Cape Girardeau, MO, 63701. After registration, you will have the chance to put your possessions in your room before we start with the day's activities.
Parking:
We encourage participants to park in the lot on North Henderson Avenue, between Normal Street and Broadway. This lot sits right across from Merick Hall, where we will have camp workers help direct you to registration and provide a parking pass. If you drove yourself and need to keep your car there throughout the weekend, contact the camp director, Mr. Smentkowski (nsmentkowski@semo.edu), to request a parking pass that you will be given at check-in.
Clothing and Packing:
It is recommended that students bring appropriate school attire that is befitting the season for three days and two nights. While most workshops will be indoors, we will also be walking between buildings often, so pack accordingly. It is also recommended that you bring a swimsuit for a visit to the pool as well as a change of formal attire for presentations. Be sure to pack toiletries and personal care products as needed.
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701