Stony Brook University is set to host a unique program this summer aimed at supporting children and teens who stutter. The initiative, known as Camp Dream. Speak. Live., is a weeklong intensive treatment program developed by the Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research at The University of Texas at Austin.
The camp will take place from July 28 to August 1 at Stony Brook Southampton, running daily from 9 am to 3 pm. It welcomes participants aged 6 to 17, with a capacity for up to 32 attendees. Notably, the camp is free for families due to the support of the Arthur Blank Center and Stony Brook University.
Joy Kling, director of the camp and clinical assistant professor at Stony Brook University, expressed enthusiasm about the program's objectives: “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 camp's focus is not on achieving fluency but on empowering young individuals to communicate confidently and positively impact their lives despite stuttering challenges.
Since its inception over a decade ago, Camp Dream. Speak. Live. has expanded globally, reaching thousands of children across various continents including North America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Stony Brook University joins this international network committed to providing support and fostering transformation.
Participants will engage in workshops, personalized coaching sessions, group activities, and peer interactions under professional guidance aligned with the Blank Center’s methodology.
Families interested in enrolling their children or professionals looking to volunteer can contact Joy Kling via email at joy.kling@stonybrook.edu for further information or participation details.