A group of children and teenagers who stutter participated in a week-long camp at Stony Brook Southampton, where they focused on communication, confidence, and self-expression. The event, called Camp Dream. Speak. Live., was offered free of charge to participants aged 5 to 16. It took place from July 28 through August 1 and marked the camp’s first appearance in New York State.
The camp was organized by Stony Brook University’s Department of Speech-Language Pathology within the School of Health Professions, in collaboration with The Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research. Activities included improv sessions with actor Josh Schubart, marine science lessons from the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS), arts and crafts, a parade, and a talent show.
Campers made banners sharing what they wished others understood about stuttering and formed connections with peers who face similar challenges.
“Rather than focusing on fluency, we focus on communication, confidence, and connection,” said Joy Kling, clinical assistant professor and Camp Dream. Speak. Live. program coordinator. “It’s about creating a space where stuttering is understood, accepted, and even celebrated.”
Graduate students in speech-language pathology also participated by working directly with campers as part of their hands-on clinical experience.
“The change I’ve seen from when they came on the first day has been amazing,” said Maya Klatsky, one of the 32 graduate students who worked with the campers. “On the first day, some kids walked in with their heads down. Now, by the end of the week, they’re excited to speak at our open mic, raising their hands and proudly using the microphone. It’s amazing to see how much their confidence and energy have grown in just a few days. They came in unsure and left knowing their voice matters.”
Kling noted that stuttering is not common among clients that speech-language pathologists see in practice: “Stuttering is considered a low-incidence area,” said Kling. “Our graduate students learn about it in class, but therapy in the real world can look very different.”
“I truly believe this will be a meaningful and lasting experience for each of our students. This camp will inspire them to continue to work on communication, advocacy, resiliency, and education (CARE) with children who stutter,” added Kling.
Trey Hopkins, an eight-year-old camper from Springfield Gardens in Queens shared his thoughts: “It’s been great making friends and learning words like advocacy and resilience and what they mean, and what they mean to me.”
Renee Fabus chairs the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at Stony Brook University: “It’s amazing to see the campers grow more confident and comfortable as the week goes on. They’re building real friendships with other kids who understand them and maybe even friendships that will last a lifetime.”
Ten-year-old Charlie Rosso from Riverhead described how being around other children who stutter was new for him after experiencing bullying at school due to his speech difference: ”It’s kind of really new for me because I’ve never really been around people who stutter like me. Usually I’m around kids who just make fun of me for it. So it’s a new experience and it’s a lot of fun. I realized here that if kids make fun of me it’s just their problem. I don’t care. It’s just how I am. We’re each our own person.”
Charlie spoke about difficulties he faced at school when teachers or classmates finished his sentences for him; he now feels more empowered after attending camp: “Don’t let it hold you back just like I won’t let it hold me back anymore. I don’t care what the teachers say or what other kids say. I’m going to finish that word; I’m going to finish that sentence; I’m going to finish that work; I’m not going to let stuttering hold me back.”
Charlie’s mother Jamie Rosso volunteered as a supervisor during camp week while also working as a speech-language pathologist at Riverhead Charter School: “The biggest piece here is the confidence they’re promoting. What you have to say is important; even if you struggle say it anyway—resiliency is a big part of CARE acronym,” said Jaime.“We’re all trying to coach them through that—and show some moments might be hard—but keep going.What you have say important.A lot model confidence-building acceptance feeling like okay.”
Jamie observed positive changes resulting from daily reinforcement at camp:“And because CARE acronym being reinforced every day okay still speak stutter allows him naturally step up continue say what wants say,” added Jamie.”This week where kids don’t feel need hide their stuttering.You can see them start relax,because so much energy usually goes into trying not stutter.The pressure not here.We’re not talking fluency this week.We’re having fun.It all about acceptance.”
Support for Camp Dream.Speak.Live.was provided by The Arthur M.Blank Center for Stuttering Education & Research,the School Health Professions Dean Stacy Jaffee Gropack,Vice President Strategic Initiatives & Executive Director Stony Brook Southampton Wendy Pearson,faculty & staff Speech-Language Pathology Department,and community partners such as The Golden Pear,Limoncello Ristorante,& Southampton Publick House.
