Summer camp directors often talk of making campers feel like part of a community. It couldn’t be truer at Camp SAY (The Stuttering Association for the Young).
“One of the driving principles behind all of SAY’s programming, and particularly camp, is creating a sense of community for kids and teens who stutter,” says Camp Director Travis Robertson. “I know the impact of just what it means to meet another person who is like me. To meet another person who understands what I’m going through and gets me. It’s really awesome to see that happening for these kids at a young age.”
Camp SAY was established by The Stuttering Association for the Young in 2008 as a sleepaway camp in the Pocono Mountains for people ages 8-18 who stutter (shortened sessions also available). No child is turned away due to an inability to pay.
The camp features traditional summer programming, like archery, basketball, soccer, arts and crafts and other staples. There’s a lake, pool and waterfront activities, as well. There are traditions like Visiting Day; Buddy Day, where older campers serve as mentors, and Confident Voices, a performing arts program where campers create original works.
Speech therapy is also available. Some campers want to take a break from thinking about their stuttering over the summer, so they forgo therapy. Others want to take advantage of the supportive surroundings and embrace the idea. Either is good by Robertson.
“We’re open and available to meet campers wherever they are. Whether this is the experience that they’ve been looking at, or this is a brand-new experience and they need to take a really measured approach. We want to meet them where they are and give them the time that they need to adjust.”
48 Pocono Springs Way, East Stroudsburg, PA
646-403-3522
campsay.org