REPORT CARD 2013 HARTFORD,
CT
Changing the World…One Child at a Time
Table of Contents Student Profile.............................3 Program Overviews................ 4-6 Mentors & Staff...........................7 Dream Camp Graduates.........8 The Road Ahead.................. 9-10
The mission of the ESF Dream Camp Foundation (Dream Camp)
is to transform the lives of low-income, urban youth through innovative yearlong educational programs that nurture the individual, educate the mind, and inspire the spirit. In partnership with families and schools, Dream Camp develops young leaders who embrace challenges, seize opportunities and overcome obstacles, and are inspired to live their dreams.
The Trinity Dream Camp was started in 1998 on the campus of
Trinity College in Hartford, CT. In the past 16 years, Dream Camp has provided more than 2,750 Dream Camp Scholarships to underserved children to attend the after-school, summer, and mentoring programs in Hartford. Through the generosity of one major donor and several other individuals, companies, foundations and grants,
Dream Camp’s Reach............11
all tuition, fees, transportation and supplies are provided for Dream Camp students free of charge.
Student lives are changed and measurable results are achieved
through four core Dream Camp programs. The After-School Academy, Summer Camp Program and Dream Camp’s Young Leaders Program and Mentors in Training Program have made a profound difference in the lives children and their families from Hartford.
Educational success is the primary focus, however, a holistic
approach is taken to develop the comprehensive Dream Camp curriculum in order to ensure academic achievement as well as character development and physical health.
Dear Friends, It is often said that to state your case, to convince others of the value you bring to your cause, that you must have the numbers, the measureable results that demonstrate that you are on the road to success. And while I agree with that in theory, there is another part of me that suggests numbers do not tell the whole story. As you read the following pages, you will see that the statistics and the measurable results we have achieved are awe inspiring. They validate for all of us that we are making a difference, that for the past 16 years we have provided underserved children from Hartford with an opportunity to improve their educational outcomes. If you have had the opportunity to visit Dream Camp, you understand that the moment you arrive on the campus of Trinity College whatever impressive statistics you know about Dream Camp simply take a back seat to the personalities of our students, mentors and staff. From the outset, Dream Camp’s mission has been clear - to nurture, educate and inspire our Dream Camp students. Our dedicated staff is instrumental in creating a safe environment where our children can overcome hurdles and learn to succeed. Students that I first met 16 years ago, their very first year of Dream Camp, have now graduated from college. I know the obstacles they have overcome to get to this point. The desire and spirit to be the best we can be lives in each one of us. Dream Camp exists to cultivate that spirit, to inspire our students, and to encourage them to become the best they can be. How would I state our case? Dream Camp is making a difference each and every day. I hear the inquisitive questions our students ask in their quest for knowledge. I see the determination on their faces as they find solutions to math problems. I witness their realization that college is an achievable goal. I invite you to visit Dream Camp, to meet our students and staff. I am confident that the memories you take away will stay with you. And there is simply no way to measure that.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Rouse Dream Camp Co-Founder
Student Profile Howell McFarlane, Dream Camp’s Ichiban Award Recipient for Employee Excellence Returns to Trinity as Student
Howell McFarlane was one of the original campers at Dream Camp at Trinity College, starting as a 6 year-old in 1998. Over the next 10 years he returned as a camper always stating that one day he would be a student at Trinity College and follow his dream of becoming a teacher.
He participated in the Mentor-in-Training
program, a leadership development program for teens, and later joined the Young Leaders Program, a job development program and a means for Dream Camp to acknowledge its high-achieving camp alumni by hiring them as junior counselors. Working as a camp counselor, Howell’s patience, care and leadership had a tremendous impact on one young camper with special needs, he was able to complete the summer session, something which had not been possible the previous year. Howell’s attributes made him a very popular counselor and most deserving of the Ichiban Award. Howell’s arrival at Trinity as a student was initially delayed. One of the more rigorous academic schools in the country, he initially was denied admission at Trinity and started his academic career at Lincoln College. Not one to easily give up, Howell worked hard at Lincoln, applied and was able to join the Class of 2015 at Trinity College. He is also a proud member of the Trinity Men’s Basketball Team. Howell McFarlane is truly living his dream!
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AfterSchool Academy Measurable Outcomes
127
Students Served
100%
of graduating seniors will attend College
Redesigned Curriculum – Knowing that our program has a great deal of potential working with our students during the school year, our after-school curriculum was restructured. More academics were brought into the program by way of science experiments, spelling bees for each grade, as well as social studies activities that challenged students to name all 50 states and capitals. Activities were designed specifically for each age group, so mentors were able to jump right in with the lesson for the day. Volunteers from Trinity College – The Trinity College student mentors volunteered consistently in the After-School Academy and showed their continuing commitment to the Dream Camp students and the program. If you were to spend an afternoon at our After-School Academy, you would see our students engaged in a variety of academic and enrichment activities including: • Reading Workshops (both group and one on one) • Math reinforcement activities • Chess • Team Building Activities • Arts & Crafts • Students were asked to reflect on their own life experiences and write lyrics. In Hip-Hop genre, two students performed their material in front of their peers. • Students were asked to complete a science experiment and produce a Science Fair at the end of the semester.
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Summer Program Measurable Outcomes
250
Students Served
94%
attendance rate
Once again, Dream Camp provided a summer experience unlike any other for 250 students between the ages of 6 -16. Children participated in sports, arts & crafts, creative & performing arts, as well as science and reading programs. Meeting new friends, trying new adventures and challenging themselves academically will be some of the memories our students will have. And when schools opened in the fall, they walked into their classroom more confident and excited for the school year. Food Program – As our 2nd summer of the Eatiquette program began, it was obvious the Vetri Foundation for Children was ready for another successful summer. Our table captains donned their chef jackets and set the tables like professionals. Each day the cafeteria was alive with chatter as students discussed the topic of the day. Students were challenged to try new foods such as fish tacos, BBQ brisket, and fruit seed salad. Zumba – For a second year in a row, Zumba was incorporated into the summer program. Dream Camp students worked with a fitness instructor for 45 minutes each day and learned different dance styles. Activities included in our Summer Program are: • Robotics • Reading • Swimming • Healthy Living • Music recognition and production • Zumba and interpretive dance • Conflict Resolution • Sports (Volleyball, Basketball, Handball, Soccer, Football, & Tennis) • Ballroom Dance • One of the many highlights in this year’s Summer Program was the student’s Day Camp Show production of “The Legend of the Spirit Stick.”
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EDUCATE NURTURE 6
INSPIRE
Mentors & Staff
Mentoring “is a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement aimed at developing the competence and character of the mentee�. For many children, parents satisfy this role, however, there are a multitude of children who do not have someone to serve in the capacity of mentor. It is estimated that 20 percent of youth, approximately 8.5 million children, do not have supportive adults in their lives. The success of Dream Camp is built upon the relationships between staff and students. Staff members consider themselves to be mentors and get to know each child individually and learn about his or her talents, hopes and aspirations. With a mentee to mentor ratio of only three to one, mentors are able to create a real support system for the students. Mentors typically stay with the program for years and are able to see the children reach their goals. Our mentors are tremendous role models for our students because they can share their college experiences with students and are great examples of how the world opens up when you believe in your dreams. Some of the colleges that our mentors attend are: Boston College, College of the Holy Cross, James Madison University, Northeastern University, Trinity College, University of Connecticut and Wesley College.
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2013 Dream Camp Graduates 2013 Dream Camp graduates will be attending the following colleges and vocational programs
2013 DREAM CAMP HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES – EXCITED AND PREPARED FOR THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES THAT LIE AHEAD Dream Camp takes the opportunity whenever possible to develop creative, innovative programming that not only engages students but also introduces students to unique professions. Certainly the academic achievement fulfilled by our students is a measure of the success of Dream Camp. However, we are equally proud of the positive character traits that are without question, a common thread amongst our graduates. Whether our graduates are attending college, learning a trade or entering the workforce, we know their new peers will find them to be dependable, knowledgeable, compassionate and driven to be the best they can be. This may be the greatest testament to the role that Dream Camp has had in their lives.
“It’s our time to rise and shine, be what you want to be….express yourself!” Brianna – 9th Grade 12 8
The Road Ahead
The measurable outcomes achieved, speak volumes to the pro-
found difference Dream Camp has made in the lives of its students and graduates. Students who participate in the Dream Camp program demonstrate improved math and reading skills as well as overall improved academic performance. Dream Camp’s vision for the future: 1) Continue to provide underserved Hartford students with the opportunity to pursue their dreams. 2) Add programs to the curriculum that nurture the individual, educate the mind and inspire the spirit. 3) Build and grow an endowment to ensure long-term program sustainability and to be prepared for challenges that may lie ahead.
Dream Camp has been there and will continue to be there to pro-
vide Hartford’s underserved children with resources, leadership and guidance so they are given the best opportunity to succeed. At Dream Camp, students are prepared to think about their future, develop and demonstrate leadership skills and initiate plans to achieve their goals.
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Here are some of the ways you, your family or your company can become part of the dream: Visit: To truly appreciate the hard work, fun and excitement that takes place at Dream Camp, we encourage you to visit us. We know that you will walk away inspired by talking with our students, mentors and staff. Volunteer: There are many different ways that you can support Dream Camp through volunteering. Just as we know that each of our students has unique gifts and talents, we know that volunteers bring a variety of life experiences, skills and talents that can make a big difference to Dream Camp. Support: More than 2,750 scholarships have been awarded to students to attend since 1998. This could not have been accomplished without the financial support of individuals, businesses and foundations. We invite you to support Dream Camp by making a tax-deductible donation. We believe there is no greater investment than investing in our community’s children.
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Dream Camp’s Reach 1
1
TRINITY College HARTFORD, CT
1
After-School Academy and Summer Camp
5 3
1 24 1 8 81
1
2
10 44 1
2 1 1
This is a snapshot of Dream Camp’s 2013 enrollment. Each number rep-
1
resents the students residing in each zip code throughout Hartford. In addition, there are 59 Dream Camp students who are outside of the Hartford area. As you can see from the map, Dream Camp attracts students from all regions of Hartford. Providing free transportation for students from their
homes or schools and back is another way that we make the dream a reality. How are students referred to Dream Camp? Dream Camp begins to identify potential participants at the age of six. Teachers, social workers and guidance counselors from schools in communities in Hartford identify children who could benefit from Dream Camp. They select children who need the holistic support Dream Camp offers. Some of the students selected to participate in Dream Camp do not have adult role models in their lives, others are struggling academically and/or behaviorally and still others do not have the appropriate care during out-of-school hours. In addition to the students, Dream Camp also invites the families of its students to participate in helpful workshops and informational sessions. Once children engage in Dream Camp, they have the option of staying in the program through college. Dream Camp has been there and will continue to be there to provide Hartford’s underserved children with resources, leadership and guidance so they are given the best opportunity to succeed. Teachers, mentors, staff, volunteers, donors, and most importantly, the students, all share in the success of Dream Camp. Together, we make the dream a reality.
For more information on Dream Camp, please contact: Matt Proffitt, Program Director ESF Dream Camp at Trinity College 300 Summit Street, Hartford, CT 06109-3100 Phone 860-987-6209 email mproffitt@esfdreamcamp.org
www.esfdreamcamp.org
ESF Dream Camp Foundation is tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donor-supported organization.