I’ve have worked with Foundation for Dreams since 2021. I have met so many cool kids, and I love that FDC can provide the peace of mind for parents that their children will be safe and cared for.
Being a part of the Dream Oaks team has been an incredibly inspiring journey for me. I have met so many incredible children and been able to see true positive change in their lives through their experiences at camp. I have seen campers who are shy and quiet completely come out of their shell, be silly and playful, make new friends, and find connection with others in ways they may have not experienced before. Working with these children has taught me so much about the importance of working with people where they are at, and holding space for all different forms of expression. My heart is so full of love and admiration for all of the wonderful people who dedicate their time to serving this community. I can’t think of a place that has made me feel more welcomed and inspired. Dream Oaks is truly a family!
This camp genuinely changed my life. Working here, it’s taught me patience, determination, unconditional love, real happiness, teamwork, and so much more. I can’t even begin to describe what Dream Oaks has done for me individually as well as for the kids we help. I love it here and it truly does have my heart forever.
Working at DOC has ben amazing I’ve got to experience many new things and have learned so much. I love getting to know the campers each week and watch them grow and have fun.
At first I was scared to start working at camp, but that fear quickly went away my first day. Not only were the staff very welcoming, but also the children who attend dream oaks camp. Working with the children has created a light in me that I never thought I would see. these children are the most lovable, sweetest and kind hearted human being you will ever meet. They have made me strive to become a better person and not just for them, but for the people around me. I hope all children with disabilities or chronic illnesses will be able to experience the life at dream Oaks someday!
Since 2019, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a counselor at this camp, and the memories and experiences I've gained each summer are truly invaluable. Through my time volunteering, I've developed skills that have enhanced my academic performance and enriched my everyday life. This camp has transformed my perspective on the children we serve, allowing me to appreciate their unique stories and challenges. Camp fosters an incredible sense of community, where both counselors and campers support and inspire one another. The impact of this experience goes far beyond the grounds; it has shaped who I am and how I relate to others.
I can not express enough gratitude for Foundation for Dreams. This was the first year our son attended the weekend and Summer camp. The staff was caring and we always felt he was safe and occupied with a wide varieties of activities. Wonderful place and people!
We are so fortunate to have Foundation for Dreams in this community! Foundation for Dreams provides Dream Oaks Camp which serves our Special Needs population and provides enriching experiences in weekend and summer camps. This is both a memorable time for campers and valuable respite time for families/caregivers. The staff is well-trained and truly loves our son and the other campers!
Dream Oaks summer camp is very well organized. There were 7 weeks of camp plus an extra week this year. Before the start of each week, I received an email about the schedule. The pickup and drop-off procedures are well organized as well. All the staff, including administrative staff and nurses, are always very responsive, friendly and nice. The only thing families need to be aware of is they need to start their application early, like March or April to secure a spot for their kids for the summer camp. Every week, new counselors were assigned, and they were very kind, friendly, and understanding. Having new counselors every week gave my son the chance to socialize, observe, and learn from different people. Opportunities for socializing with his peers or other role models during regular school time are more limited, as regular schools focus heavily on teaching academic skills. I think both academic and socials skills are necessary for all children on the spectrum, but teaching social skills can get more weight than teaching academic skills since they have a very limited friendship network in general unlike their peers.
This past summer both our kids attended a week of Day Camp at Foundation for dream oaks and loved it. The younger one was quite nervous the first day, but both cried as my husband drove them home on Friday afternoon. Although they are regularly at camp, they were so sad that their week as campers was over. FDC gives my boys a chance to spread their wings a bit – to try new things, be brave. It’s a safe place for them to play, grow and learn. I love camp, I love the Foundation for Dream Oaks Camp, and the lasting impact it has our kids and our family. I know that camp continues to be a place that capture our kiddos hearts. We will see you all next year!! Love ,The Siiman Family
This camp provides children and teenagers with special needs a place to be the kid they deserve to be. There are no limitations placed on the campers, no child is ever told "You can't do that". If there is a will to do something for the camper, the staff makes it happen. Wheelchair children have jump roped and played endless games of soccer. Kids have learned how to care for their own daily needs. The camp truly provides an enriching environment for their campers.