A group of children and teenagers who stutter participated in a week-long camp at Stony Brook Southampton, focusing on building confidence and communication skills. Camp Dream. Speak. Live., held from July 28 through August 1, was organized by Stony Brook University’s Department of Speech-Language Pathology in the School of Health Professions, in partnership with The Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research. This marked the first time the camp was offered in New York State.
The camp welcomed participants aged 5 to 16 for a free program centered on self-expression and connection. 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 created banners about their experiences with stuttering and developed friendships that supported their willingness to speak up.
“Rather than focusing on fluency, we focus on communication, confidence, and connection,” said Joy Kling, clinical assistant professor and program coordinator for Camp Dream. Speak. Live. “It’s about creating a space where stuttering is understood, accepted, and even celebrated.”
Graduate students from the Speech-Language Pathology program also gained hands-on experience by working one-on-one with campers throughout the week.
“The change I’ve seen from when they came on the first day has been amazing,” said Maya Klatsky, one of 32 graduate students involved in the camp. “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 while stuttering is considered a low-incidence area within speech-language pathology education programs, real-world therapy can differ significantly from classroom learning.
“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,” Kling added.
Eight-year-old Trey Hopkins attended from Springfield Gardens in Queens: “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 Stony Brook’s Department of Speech-Language Pathology: “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 his experience: “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.” He also shared challenges he faces at school when teachers or classmates try to finish his words: “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 was accompanied by his mother Jamie Rosso—a speech-language pathologist at Riverhead Charter School—who volunteered as supervisor during camp: “The biggest piece here is the confidence they’re promoting—what you have to say is important—and even if you struggle—say it anyway—resiliency is a big part of CARE acronym,” she said.“We’re all trying to coach them through that—and show some moments might be hard—but keep going—what you have to say is important—a lot of this model is confidence-building acceptance—and feeling like it’s okay.” She observed changes in her son over just one week: “And because of CARE acronym—and it being reinforced every day—that it’s okay—to still speak—and stutter—it allows him—to naturally step up—and continue—to say what he wants—to say,” she added.“This is a week where kids don’t feel—the need—to hide—their stuttering—you can see them start—to relax—because so much energy usually goes into trying—not—to stutter—the pressure—is not here—we’re not talking about fluency this week—we’re having fun—it’s all about acceptance.”
Support for Camp Dream.Speak.Live was provided by The Arthur M.Blank Center for Stuttering Education & Research; Dean Stacy Jaffee Gropack & staff; Vice President Wendy Pearson & staff; faculty & students; as well as local community partners including The Golden Pear,Limoncello Ristorante,and Southampton Publick House.
