The Past, Present, and Future of Camp

Many of you may remember when Camp DREAM was once a wooded area on the shores of Metcalf Pond, and you helped pitch tents and create camp in the middle of the woods! Many others may fondly think about the time spent at Main Camp talking about what camp used to look like and what it might become some day. And there are, of course, many, many more who can think of a time sweating in the heat, being cold in the snow, and working their tails off to get Camp DREAM to where it is today. All of these memories and those people who have gotten us to where we are today are invaluable when thinking about what Camp DREAM is and what it means. That’s why it’s so important to look back while looking ahead. Camp DREAM’s future is based on its past.

Over the next several years, we should see the development of several more imaginative structures and spaces at camp, which will expand Camp’s year-round programming and make our fifty acres on Metcalf Pond the most happening place to be in all of Vermont. Through the development process, Camp will build capacity to strengthen, connect, and broaden the DREAM community.

Some of the recent development at Camp DREAM over the past few years includes the completion of a Tree House and two Lean-To shelters that can sleep about 40 people total! We also built a program pavilion that allows activities to take place in a sheltered area when the weather gets bad, and a nearby playing field is perfect for lawn games. Last summer, we added on to our current field kitchen. We also must maintain the structures that we already have, which is why we built a swimming dock and floating dock for even more water fun, and continue to reassess existing structures for their best uses at camp. Future improvements, as outlined in the Camp Development Plan, will build upon these spaces while incorporating each in Camp’s long-term design.

As DREAM grows and changes, Camp DREAM grows and changes along with it. Over the next five years, we would like to see a staff cabin erected at Camp, as well as a septic field so that we can provide showers and composting toilets for DREAMers at camp. We are also moving right along in our plans to convert our veggie bus to a camp kitchen (you read that right!) and erect an all-season DREAM Lodge with may include a permanent Dining Pavilion. Additional facilities we’d like to develop include a nature hut, playing field, improved swimming and boating areas, and a high ropes course, among other fabulous ideas! Camp DREAM is a tangible example of how DREAMs can become reality when everyone’s hands are working towards a goal!

Camp is designed and built by DREAMers, for DREAMers. Facilities from the garden to the treehouse inspire creativity, encourage teamwork, and strengthen relationships among mentors, partners, and DREAM staff. Not to mention, sliding down a fire pole from your home in the trees is just wicked fun. New buildings and activities areas maintain Camp’s rustic atmosphere while facilitating creative exploration.

We know that once you come to camp, you’ll never want to leave such a magical place!