Camp Philosophy and
Objectives

Camp DREAM Mission Statements

For the children of DREAM, this mission translates into our Camp program (both summer and winter sessions) through the following objectives:

• The development of a healthy self-concept, centered around increasing campers’ sense of self-reliance, bolstering interpersonal skills, and interacting with exciting, dynamic, and responsible staff role models.


• The appreciation of the simple wonders of Camp’s natural surroundings through an emphasis on environmental education.


• The encouragement of a spirit of adventure through unique outdoor experiences.


• The continual inspiration of feelings of connectedness to DREAM and the larger community of DREAM children and mentors throughout Vermont.


• The reinforcement of Camp ownership through campers’ conceptualization, design, and completion of Camp service projects.


• The establishment of campers’ confidence that the skills and friends they have gained at Camp DREAM will be reliable and motivational supports in their lives outside of Camp and DREAM.

For mentors, our objectives include:

• The promotion of Camp as a center of collaboration for mentor retreats, training workshops, networking between local DREAM programs, and social gatherings.


• The availability of camping gear, resources on Camp activities, and environmental education curricula for use by mentors during school-year DREAM activities.


• The facilitation of mentor ownership in Camp through mentors’ involvement as both paid and unpaid staff, work-crew volunteers, and consultants on Camp development.


• The empowerment of mentors to create and tailor Camp sessions appropriate to the specific needs of the children in their local DREAM programs.

For the larger Camp community:

• To be a good neighbor to the nearby residents of Fletcher, Vermont and to be a steward of the pristine beauty of Metcalf Pond.


• To be a resource and a shining example to other camps and similarly-minded programs for children.


• To be a tireless advocate for environmental education and awareness.


• To assert our voice within the community of Vermont and to promote responsible land conservation and management on a larger scale.