The DREAM Program, Madison Park, July 2014

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The Village Mentoring Organization

The Madison Park Village DREAM Update July 2014 Our Madison Park and Ruggles-Shawmut youth enjoyed a fun-filled July. The summer interns provided a wide variety of trips and activities throughout the month. Several of the youth served are new to DREAM and now interested in getting involved in school-year DREAM. DREAM Programming:  July 2: Youth from Orchard Gardens, Madison Park Village, and Ruggles-Shawmut participated in a combined community activity. The youth made their own tie-dye creations, which included t-shirts and socks.  July 9: Six youth from Madison Park Village and Ruggles-Shawmut went to the Joseph Tierney Learning Center in South Boston to participate in a community outreach activity hosted by the New England Aquarium. Youth got to learn about, touch, and hold, various tide pool creatures. The youth had a great time learning about hermit and horseshoe crabs, starfish and snails.  July 11: The interns hosted a Pajama Day in Madison Park Village featuring popcorn and a movie.  July 16: The interns planned a Scavenger Hunt which was to take place along the Freedom Trail. However, due to rain that day, the interns took the youth to the AMC theater along the Boston Commons to see the film Earth to Echo.  July 18: Two youth from Madison Park Village and one from Ruggles-Shawmut joined DREAM youth from other Boston Programs for a trip to Duxbury. The group visited Sarah and Jeff, friends and supporters of DREAM, for an afternoon of swimming and basketball.  July 23: The interns brought youth from Madison Park Village, Ruggles-Shawmut and Orchard Gardens to the Mason Pool in Roxbury. The group enjoyed swimming and getting some relief from the hot summer sun.  July 25: Six youth from Madison Park Village and Ruggles-Shawmut visited the New England Aquarium. The youth had the opportunity to touch stingrays, watch the sea lion show, and learn about marine life.  July 30: The interns held an end-of-summer celebration in Madison Park full of snacks and games. The event included DREAM participants and their families.  July 31: Six youth from Madison Park Village and Ruggles-Shawmut went bowling with youth from other DREAM communities at South Boston Candlepin. The afternoon was filled with laughter and pizza and marked the final activity of DREAM summer for all communities.

41 Dearborn St., Roxbury, MA 02119 | (617) 699-8408 | boston@dreamprogram.org

Summer Trip Recaps

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The Roseway: DREAM sent youth in grades 4th through 8th aboard the Roseway schooner from July 14th through July 18th. Over seven youth from Madison Park Village participated in at least one full day activity, with many attending multiple days. While aboard the boat, the group met other DREAM mentees and worked as a team to learn about community, communication, trust, and self worth. Throughout the week our youth learned skills including how to raise the 2,000 pound sails, steer the ship, chart the boats route, and tie different types of knots.

Boston College Trip: Boston DREAM hosted its first ever college week for DREAM youth in grades 6th through 12th the week of July 21st through July 24th. Youth from Somerville, Cambridge, and Roxbury toured Emmanuel College, Roxbury Community College, Boston University, and Suffolk University. During the visits, youth learned about the college application process, student life, and academics.

DREAM Office:  Program Director Hiring: Jason Desrosier ended his time with DREAM at the end of July. We are currently accepting applications for the Program Director position.

Interviews are planned to be held in August and we are excited to bring on an outstanding new member in the coming months.  Program Empowerment Director Transitions: My Americorps term with DREAM comes to a close on August 4th. DREAM is currently in the process of filling my position, and should have a new PED onboard by the Fall.  Summer Appeals: DREAM is amidst its Summer Appeal. Letters were sent out in order to continue funding the wonderful summer activities that are offered each year.

Keep DREAMing!

Katie Purcell Program Empowerment Director Massachusetts Promise Fellow/Americorps Member Katie@dreamprogram.org