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CAMP SHOUT OUT IS A GREAT PLACE TO GROW
Camp Shout Out is a one-of-a-kind program located within a typical, overnight summer camp environment. For over a decade, CSO has gathered youth who stutter ages 8-18, board-certified fluency specialists, speech-language pathologists, graduate students, camp staff, and volunteers for approximately one week to grow as communicators.
The program draws upon research supporting the camp experience, therapy, and support for kids and teens who stutter. Guided activities are designed to encourage each participant to grow as a communicator through engagement in positive, motivating, and fun communication experiences.
Kristin Chmela develops and spearheads the hands-on training and holistic therapeutic program, in collaboration with Julie Raynor and Tom Chmela who bring summer camp and leadership training expertise. They are joined by a team of extraordinary staff including highly qualified experts in the field of stuttering as well as enthusiastic camp and recreation professionals.
Camp Shout Out 2021! August 1-7, Holton, MI
CAMP SHOUT OUT BY THE NUMBERS
Since 2011 Camp Shout Out has served:
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500+ Campers
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450+ Speech Pathologists/Grad Students
And provided:
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17,000+ hours of therapy and
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26,000+ hours of professional training
CAMP SHOUT OUT
IN THE NEWS
Click on the links to access articles and videos about Camp Shout Out:
CAMP SHOUT OUT STATEMENT
Diversity | Equity | Inclusion
Camp Shout Out strives to inspire all participants to evolve as individuals and communicators. Camp Shout Out is committed to realizing the dignity, worth, values, and personalities of each person. We make every effort to eliminate barriers that hinder an individual’s growth and potential. Camp Shout Out provides equal opportunities to all participants without regard to age, race, religion, ethnicity, veteran status, disability*, gender, gender expression or identity, or sexual orientation.
All are welcome at Camp Shout Out.
(*assuming the disability permits safe participation in the program)
LOCATED AT YMCA CAMP MANITOU-LIN
IN MIDDLEVILLE, MICHIGAN
Located 30 minutes south of Grand Rapids, Camp Manitou-Lin borders beautiful Barlow Lake in the heart of Yankee Springs. The space offers a wonderful place for fun, growth and enjoyment of the outdoors in a user-friendly environment. Address / Map
Cabins
Cabins with electricity and bunks provide the adventure of camp.
Indoor Spaces
Accommodations for large and small group activities.
Outdoor Spaces
Fresh air, sunshine, water and the natural surroundings make Camp Manitou-Lin a great space for Camp Shout Out to gather!
ARE YOU AN SLP OR GRADUATE STUDENT? CAMP SHOUT-OUT MAY BE THE PERFECT PLACE FOR YOU TO DEVELOP AND APPLY CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS WORKING WITH EXPERTS IN A NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.
CO-FOUNDERS AND CO-DIRECTORS

Co-Founder Kristin A. Chmela, M.A., CCC-SLP BCS-F
Kristin spends most of her time serving clients, mentoring colleagues, and training therapists, and is internationally recognized for her clinical work. Kristin’s passion for helping children who stutter, for almost 35 years, stems in part from her experiences growing up stuttering. She is an ISHA fellow, was a member of the initial cadre of recognized fluency specialists, and served as chair of the American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders, spearheading the transition to certification of specialists. Earlier in her career, she collaborated extensively with the Stuttering Foundation on educational videos and is senior author of The School-Age Child Who Stutters: Working Effectively with Attitudes and Emotions. She co-authored Working With School-Age Children Who Stutter: Basic Principle Problem Solving, and has published practical therapy products. As co-founder and co-director of Camp Shout Out, Kristin develops and facilitates the Training and Therapeutic Programs. Kristin has completed two 200-hour training programs in yoga, and several mindfulness training courses. Kristin loves spending time with her family, gardening, dancing, painting, and learning.

Co-Founder Julie Raynor, M.A., CCC-SLP
Julie has been a speech-language pathologist since 1986, working in a variety of settings. She currently is employed through Reeths-Puffer Public Schools in Muskegon, MI. Julie became interested in helping young people who stutter in 2007 when her young daughter woke up from a nap with a sudden and severe stutter. Since that time Julie has participated in numerous workshops and conferences dealing specifically with fluency. Julie has an extensive history of experience with summer camps first as an enthusiastic camper, camp staff member and volunteer for a variety of summer residential and day camp programs. Julie has been the recipient of multiple awards throughout her professional career including: Best Buy Teach Award, MEA Exceptional Person in Community Service, Michigan Lottery Excellence in Education, and National Life Group LifeChanger of the Year. Julie enjoys spending time with her two daughters who have been a part of Camp Shout Out since the beginning. She also enjoys running, reading and working in her garden.
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Leader-In-Training Director Tom Chmela, M.A., Ed.
Tom received his Bachelors of Science in Physical Education from Aurora College and his Masters of Education-Sports Administration from Eastern Illinois University. He taught Physical Education at Evanston Township High School for over thirty-three years, developing and implementing curriculum for Adaptive and Developmental Learning Programs, and instructing the Adventure Education Course, Junior Leadership and Senior Leader Programs. He holds a Certification in Adventure Education and has coached soccer for more than thirty-six years at the youth, high school, Elite Travel, and college levels. In addition to teaching, Tom has co-implemented workshops for children who stutter and their families incorporating a team building approach with his wife, Kristin.
STAFF
Click on photo to read full bios.
Kyle Pelkey
M.S., CCC-SLP
Virtual Programs Co-Coordinator
Diane Morean
Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Camp Facilitator