Today@Sam Article

Community Champions: Kassie Van Kampen

Feb. 4, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd

By Damikka Willis

For some people, passion is gained throughout their academic career. Other people take years to find their passion, but Kassie Van Kampen has envisioned her future ever since she was a high school sophomore. Her passion from high school has empowered her academics and positively contributed to her pursuits. Van Kampen’s participation in Sports and Movement (SAM) Camp demonstrates her dedication towards helping others. 

SAM Camp is a partnership between Sam Houston State University’s Department of Kinesiology and Huntsville Independent School District’s (HISD) Department of Special Education, where SHSU students enrolled in this Academic Community Engagement (ACE) initiative help HISD students with disabilities enhance their motor, fitness and social skills.  

Van Kampen is a sophomore majoring in kinesiology, and was introduced to the field through volunteering with her sister, a certified occupational therapy assistant and business owner. 

SHSU’s kinesiology program challenges students to comprehend the relationships between movement, exercise and skill. The course curriculum consists of the study of movement and exercise processes through clinical and practical learning. 

“When I began volunteering at my sister’s clinic, I really enjoyed the experience and working with kids,” Van Kampen said. “But I decided I wanted to pursue occupational therapy after observing these practices.” 

Her decision to work in occupational therapy and her passion for working with children is reflected by her participation in SAM Camp. By working with kids from contrasting walks of life, she has gained experience and differing perspectives during her time in the industry. 

“I love helping kids. If I see the opportunity to work with children, I’m going to take it. The experience is rewarding because being able to give them a little push and seeing them happy makes me happy,” she said. 

When Van Kampen received an email regarding SAM Camp, she saw the opportunity as a great way to obtain community service hours and gain hands-on experience within her major.  

“I tried the program for the first time in the fall of 2023 and it was really fun, so I decided to continue volunteering,” said Van Kampen. “I also learned that SAM Camp is associated with a higher-level course I’ll have to take eventually within my undergrad.”  

SHSU’s hosting of and Van Kampen’s participation in SAM Camp reflects the university motto, “The measure of a Life is its Service” by adapting physical activities to help the HISD students. The class was fulfilling for her and the children as she learned how to improve their daily lives through her participation in the camp. Van Kampen being able to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for the students created a sense of home and belonging that is essential when it comes to accessibility.  

After graduation, Van Kampen wants to continue helping children with their mobility by pursuing a master’s degree and working alongside her sister as a children’s occupational therapist. 

“I’ll be working with my sister because she already has a business, and we hope to be able to expand and take insurance,” said Van Kampen. “Her business is located in Madisonville, Texas. The town is pretty rural so many people have to drive long distances to get physical therapy-related services. By being beside my sister in Madisonville, I’ll be able to give families there a way to receive occupational therapy without having to go far.” 

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