ESF Dream Camp Foundation

Dream Camp programming goals are to engage, educate, and inspire students to make decisions. Through the establishment of
life-long relationships that allow continuous, holistic growth to the individual.

Recognizing that knowledge isn't gained solely in the classroom but that lessons are learned at lunch, performing on stage, playing music with friends, and in our everyday interactions.

Through the of the implementation of the program's goals, students result in students having higher rates of overall well-being and confidence leading to lower rates of truancy and drop-out. Through their time at Dream Camp and exposure to new areas of interest, we push for each student to achieve an increased high-school GPA, higher reading, and writing proficiency. Overall, providing an improved college acceptance and graduation rate.

In the end, their experience at Dream Camp will teach and guide each student to the career path and employment opportunities they work towards.

Although at-risk groups often confront extensive barriers to attend programs like Dream Camp, at-risk students may have more to gain from attending. Dream Camp offers educational and academic enrichment opportunities to underserved communities in a comfortable and organized learning environment.

Dream Camp programs overview:

· After School Academy (ASA): Provided during the academic year at three locations in Philadelphia, ASA students are teamed with mentors who coach them on both academic and non-academic skills in the critical after-school hours. ASA provides homework help and tutoring twice weekly for 40 minutes per day, literacy development twice weekly for 30 minutes a day, and character development activities twice weekly for 40 minutes per day.

· Summer Program: Over five weeks campers practice sports fundamentals, participate in visual and performing arts programming, and partake in literacy curriculum to prevent summer slide.

· Young Leaders Program (YLP): Older teens are given the opportunity to experience leadership roles during the Summer Program. YLP students also participate in college and career-readiness workshops including interviewing skills, resume writing, SAT preparation, and public speaking. Through unique mentor-in-training courses, students learn how their positive behavior can have an impact on their younger counterparts.

To reach our goals, Dream Camp stays committed to providing a safe and structured learning environment for the underserved youth ages 5-18 during the out of the hours when children prove to be most vulnerable.

With the ability to provide free transportation for students from their homes or schools and back has allowed children from over 25 zip codes in the City of Philadelphia to attend Dream Camp programs. Dream Camp also provides employment opportunities and career pathways for young adults by providing training and hiring them to be camp counselors and ASA mentors.

By running this camp we aim to supply as many students with the materials to achieve their personal goals, educating the mind and inspiring the spirit.

ESF Dream Camp's ability to provide these families and students with educational and academic enrichment has only continued to grow over the years.

First, the After School Academy is offered at three locations: Bache-Martin Elementary School in the Fairmount neighborhood, Cornerstone Christian Academy in the Kingsessing neighborhood of South Philadelphia, and Temple University in North Philadelphia. About 100 students, 30-40 per site, are enrolled in the program, which provides transportation from seven area schools

The Dream Camp Summer Program works with students grades 1-12, serving 69 schools and up to 180 students over five weeks at Temple University. Working with Temple University and other institutions of higher education to identify college students who are qualified and have a passion for working with youth.

The Young Leaders Program (YLP) provides older teens with leadership and career path experience during the Summer Program. Through unique mentor-in-training courses, students learn how their positive behavior can have an impact on their younger counterparts. They also participate in workshops that focus on college and career readiness.

In the future, we hope to continue to expand in various areas such as space, increased enrollment and program options, students, and growth in technology opportunity.