Finding Their Voice at Camp SAY AU 2025
Every year, the Stuttering Association for the Young Australia (SAY: AU) hosts a summer camp in Creswick, Victoria, creating a space where young people who stutter can come together, feel heard, and build lifelong connections with staff and campers who stutter. For many young people, this is also the first time they meet another person who stutters. This January, Camp SAY: AU once again welcomed campers from across Australia—and for the first time, New Zealand—into a community where every voice matters.
From the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, Dr. Elaina Kefalianos is the Vice President of SAY: AU, which launched in Melbourne, Australia in 2019. Dr. Georgie Johnson, who has also been involved in the organisation since its genesis, is the Camp Director and worked on shaping this year’s experience alongside the SAY: AU team. What began in 2023 with just 11 campers has grown into a thriving family of 30. This year’s camp was a rich tapestry of laughter, challenge, and deep personal reflection, a week where young people could speak openly however they wanted, and not feel judged or ashamed.
Magic, Adventure, and Connection
One of the most anticipated highlights of Camp SAY: AU 2025 was “Harry Potter Day,” where the magic of storytelling met the magic of self-expression. Staff transformed into professors and villains from the wizarding world, leading campers through a day of spellbinding activities—Potion making, wand crafting, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and even a lively game of Quidditch. Sorting into Hogwarts houses fostered team spirit, and for many, it was a chance to step into a world where imagination reigned supreme. As excitement carried well into the evening, getting everyone to bed on time was no small feat—but the shared laughter and newfound friendships made every moment worthwhile.
Beyond the fantasy and adventure, the Harry Potter Day also provided something even more profound for our campers: a precious opportunity to connect and have fun with others without having to think about their stutter. This can be a relentless daily struggle for many young people who stutter.
The Power of Sharing
Amidst the fun and games, some of the most meaningful moments unfolded around the open campfire—a signature tradition of Camp SAY: AU. On this night, campers and staff who stutter were invited to share their experiences in front of the entire group. For many, this was the first time they had ever spoken openly about the challenges of living with a stutter.
The stories shared were raw and deeply moving. Some spoke of being mocked at school, the struggle to make friends, or the frustration of being misunderstood. Others reflected on the weight of stigma and the exhaustion of trying to hide their stutter. There were also moments of happiness, and one camper, after sharing their story, looked around at their newfound community and said, “This is the best experience of my life. This camp has made me feel proud to have a stutter.”
Camp SAY: AU is more than just a camp. It is a movement, and its impact will be felt for years to come for many of these young people.
Dr. Georgie Johnson and Dr. Elaina Kefalianos are currently gathering data on the camp’s impact, exploring the psychosocial changes experienced by campers. By analysing these outcomes, they aim to highlight the transformative effects of Camp SAY: AU on confidence, connection, and overall quality of life. Their goal is to share these findings through publication, to help link more young people who stutter into a community.
By Georgie Johnson.
