Stony Brook University will host Camp Dream. Speak. Live., a program aimed at empowering children and teens who stutter. The camp, developed by the Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research at The University of Texas at Austin, will take place from July 28 to August 1 at Stony Brook Southampton.
The camp runs daily from 9 am to 3 pm and is open to participants aged 6 to 17, accommodating up to 32 children. Thanks to support from the Arthur Blank Center and Stony Brook University, there is no cost for families.
Joy Kling, director of the camp and clinical assistant professor in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology in the School of Health Professions, stated, “Our speech language pathology graduate students are eager to support the campers, reduce stigma around stuttering, and create a space where every child feels empowered to speak freely and proudly.”
The focus of the camp is not on achieving fluent speech but on helping young people become confident communicators. The program aims to reduce any negative impact stuttering may have on their lives.
Since its inception over a decade ago, Camp Dream. Speak. Live. has grown into a global movement serving thousands annually across multiple continents including North America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Stony Brook University joins this network of support.
Activities include interactive workshops, one-on-one coaching, group activities, and peer connections led by professionals trained in the Blank Center’s methods. Families interested in participating or professionals wishing to volunteer can contact Joy Kling at joy.kling@stonybrook.edu for more information.
