For immediate release
For more information, contact:
Abby White, Vermont Land Trust, abby@vlt.org, (802) 793-7282
Michelle Tomlinson, The DREAM Program Inc., mtomlinson@dreamprogram.org, (802)338-8979
Camp DREAM in northern Vermont receives support from conservation community
Fletcher, VT — The DREAM Program (DREAM), a Vermont nonprofit, worked with the Vermont Land Trust (VLT) to buy an island on Metcalf Pond, the two organizations announced today. DREAM bought and conserved the one-acre island with funding support from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board and will add it to Camp DREAM, its overnight, year-round adventure based camp for youth from low-income housing neighborhoods and rural communities across Vermont.
“This is a great example of our Vermont community coming together to ensure that all youth have access to incredible out-of-school time opportunities and adventures,” said DREAM Executive Director Mike Foote.
Located at the northern end of 71-acre Metcalf Pond, the island was privately owned and locally known as Rich Island. DREAM purchased it in January to add to Camp DREAM, their 50-acre overnight camp less than a quarter mile to the southeast. The island will be available to about 800 youth each year, as part of the beloved camp. Camp attendance, including all transportation, is offered at no cost, to ensure access for youth from low-income households.
Lindsay Vajda from the Bennington Housing Authority said, “Opportunities for overnight camps, eco-friendly activities, introducing them to the outdoors and inspiring the next generation of environmentalists is not an option to most of our children and youth living in subsidized housing, without Camp DREAM.”
For 20 years, Camp DREAM has focused on building the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and stewards, offering environmental programming and a safe space for youth to play, explore and connect with the natural environment. Through no-cost programming, trusting relationships with caregivers, and committed transportation assets, Camp DREAM reduces barriers to Vermont’s outdoors.
“Coming out of the pandemic, it is clearer than ever that all youth, and especially the most vulnerable, need opportunities to connect with each other, find meaning and purpose, and engage in healthy outdoor activities,” shared Elise Oshlag, Camp DREAM’s Director.
Marsh and wildlife habitat protected
The island boasts a stunning marsh to the north and a boating entry on its southern shore. Its forested, wetland and shoreline spaces provide habitat for a range of wildlife, including loons and bald eagles, and contribute to the diversity on Metcalf Pond. The island’s conservation ensures the land’s natural resources will remain undeveloped and be thoughtfully managed.
“This is a wonderful little island in a spectacular setting,” said VLT Project Director, Bob Heiser. “You just have to see a kid’s face light up at the mention of visiting an island to know the impact of ensuring this type of access for all kids, now and into the future.”
History of Camp DREAM, plans for the island
Camp DREAM began in 2003 when DREAM bought and conserved 50 acres with over 600 feet of shoreline on the eastern side of Metcalf Pond. Over the years, DREAM has transformed the mostly wooded property into a place for kids to be in nature and experience the wonder and adventure it can bring. The camp welcomes youth from across Vermont and further afield who would normally not have access to an overnight camp. DREAM plans to use the island to expand waterfront adventures for their campers and offer ecology education programs. Possibilities include transforming the small hut into a nature lodge for ecological programs, expanding waterfront adventures for campers with day-expeditions by canoe, and leading occasional, small-group overnight primitive camping.
“Among the many new adventures that this island will catalyze, it will be a special canoeing destination, create new overnight camping options, provide a unique environment for campfires and ceremonies, and act as a basecamp for marsh exploration and pond stewardship,” said Mike Foote, Executive Director of DREAM.
DREAM is planning a ribbon cutting ceremony later this summer and is currently running a campaign inviting their camp alumni and other community members to name the island. The conservation was funded by a significant grant from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board.
“This project is a stellar example of how our conservation and housing goals complement each other,” said Gus Seelig, Executive Director at the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. “The DREAM Program was started in part by a VHCB AmeriCorps alum, so we are proud to see DREAM’s impact continue to grow and we’re pleased to support this project. We congratulate the Vermont Land Trust and the DREAM Program for ensuring that Vermont youth have equitable access to all the outdoors have to offer.”
About Vermont Land Trust
Rooted in Vermont since 1977, the Vermont Land Trust unites land and lives for the enduring benefit of people and the place we share. We have protected more than 630,000 acres of land and foster life-long connections to farms, forests, and community spaces that define Vermont. Learn more at vlt.org.
The DREAM Program’s Mission is to bridge the opportunity gap for at-promise youth. Our program design and delivery centers partnership with the communities we serve, ensuring that every initiative is tailored to meet their unique needs and aspirations. Our approach combines a dynamic spectrum of community and school-based mentoring, summer and after-school enrichment, local and regional adventures, and overnight camp programming. In addressing systemic barriers and fostering inclusive, empowering program environments, we are committed to nurturing potential, inspiring dreams, and transforming lives, one youth at a time. Learn more at dreamprogram.org.
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