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ESF DREAM CAMP Annual Report
Dream Camp 2022-23 Students served
174
Overall attendance
89%
Hours of programming
479
Veteran team members
59%
Team members onboarded
75
Volunteers welcomed
98
Dear Friends, If 2022-23 had a theme, it would undoubtedly be "Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!" Dream Camp has fostered numerous partnerships throughout the year, propelling us forward with optimism and confidence in delivering exceptional experiences for our students and their families. Our partnership with Mastery Charter Smedley Elementary School for the After School Academy remains as robust as ever, providing comprehensive support for our Dream Camp students year-round. Furthermore, our 2023 Summer Camp found a welcoming home at Chestnut Hill Academy, a trusted host for ESF Camps for over two decades. This year, we proudly forged new and enriched partnerships with esteemed organizations including the Philadelphia Phillies, The First Tee, Reading Allowed, and USA Swimming. These collaborations have allowed us to expand our horizons and offer even more valuable experiences to our participants. In 2022-23, the mantra "Together Everyone Achieves More" resonated more powerfully than ever before. I want to thank you, our donors, for your generous support on this remarkable journey. You have helped ensure the health, safety and future of the youth of Philadelphia. Your support has been instrumental in making our dreams a reality. I also want to thank our amazing team. As we came out of the pandemic, they demonstrated great commitment and self-sacrifice by setting a great standard for our Dream Campers. We are so excited about what the future holds for our Dream Campers and I thank you for your support. With gratitude,
Michael J. Rouse Executive Director ESF DREAM CAMP FOUNDATION 2022-23 ANNUAL REPORT
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Program Recap
After School Academy
Dates: October 3 – December 16, 2022 & January 9 - April 28, 2023 Daily Routine: Welcome, snack, and review the Dream Camp 3 R's: "I will respect myself, respect others, and respect the environment around me" Students participate in 2 of the following activities: Homework help and literacy enrichment Physical education: Martial arts with Olympic hopeful Ms. Stacia Golf with The First Tee Outdoor recess Project Discovery: STEM projects, KiwiCo kits, Art TransfrVR Virtual Reality career exploration (grades 5-6)
37 2 HOURS OF PROGRAMMING
“I like being here all the time and I don't want it to end!” ~ Saint Eloi
Special Events Author visit with Philadelphian John Butler Rebecca's Mission book giveaway Phillies Phitness Clinic with Giant Food Stores and Phillies Youth coaches
ATTENDANCE
94%
70% of students grew in self-management the ability to regulate emotions and behavior, take positive risks, and persist through life’s challenges (measured by Hello Insight survey too l)
ESF DREAM CAMP FOUNDATION 2022-23 ANNUAL REPORT
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Program Recap
Academic Year Special Events
10-week Middle School Book Club
Ice skating social
Temple Admissions event
Basketball game social
Weekend camping trip
Educational Zoom sessions
90% or more students reported that Dream Camp: Creates safe spaces for young people to work with or learn about people who are different from themselves Creates opportunities for young people to try things they have never done before Frequently reminds young people that we expect them to try hard and do their best Takes the time to really understand young people and their lives outside the program Carves out time in our day to learn about and listen to young people (measured by Hel lo Insight survey too l) ESF DREAM CAMP FOUNDATION 2022-23 ANNUAL REPORT
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Program Recap Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander 3%
2023 Summer Camp
White Multiracial 5% 2%
50% male 50% female
America Indian/ Alaskan Native 9%
Attendance
Black or African American 81%
85%
Day Camp Activities Grades 1-4:
53
Art Day Campers Literacy Music & Movement Project Discovery with Franklin Institute Curriculum Sports Swimming Daily Jr. Quest - Team Building and Problem Solving
Senior Camp Activities Grades 5-9:
77
Literacy Senior Campers Sports Swimming Daily Fine Arts Choice: Art, Dance or Music Production Quest - Team Building and Problem Solving True Life Adventure - Photography, Cooking, Sewing Healthy Living - Martial Arts & Your Road to Success
ESF DREAM CAMP FOUNDATION 2022-23 ANNUAL REPORT
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Program Recap
2023 Summer Camp Events
Camp Show “Dreaming through the Decades”
Phillies Clinic with Phillies Youth coaches
What If You Fly?
Weekly Phunky Phest
ESF DREAM CAMP FOUNDATION 2022-23 ANNUAL REPORT
Rebecca’s Mission Book Giveaway
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Program Recap Advanced 1 level
40
Advanced 2 levels
46
Advanced 3 levels
6
Did not advance
8 0
92
small group lessons 1:3 in water ratio ESF DREAM CAMP FOUNDATION 2022-23 ANNUAL REPORT
New Learn to Swim Program
*Note: these students had more absences than other children and/or several had significant apprehension, which eased over time.
10
advanced at least 1 swim level
20
30
12
6 Aquatics team members
40
50
students passed the deep water test
1 volunteer & over 160 ribbons distributed
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Preparing for the Future
Middle & High School
Mentor in Training (MIT) & Young Leaders Program (YLP) MIT Class includes leadership, public speaking, communication 12th Graders serve as Junior Counselors in specific areas of camp High School Symposium for students in grades 7-8 Career Symposium for students in grades 9-12 University of Pennsylvania Hospital Aspire Program presentation Presentation by STEM professors for high school students Field trips to Phila. Art Museum and Comcast Technology Center Special sessions with Directors of USLI High School Help Program Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication The Art of Awareness Interview Skills
Program Partners
ESF DREAM CAMP FOUNDATION 2022-23 ANNUAL REPORT
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Program Recap
Dream Camp Alumni Corp
“I’ve been a Dream Camper for 11 years. I started in January 2013. As a staff member, this is my second year. As a camper, I just loved having to be somewhere during the summer that wasn’t home. As a high school Pathfinder in camp, I learned to be more mature, because a lot of the younger kids looked up to us. We learned to lead by example and set an example for the younger campers, so they would have something to look forward to when they were that age. Now as a Pathfinder counselor, I am trying to teach my Pathfinders to set that example for the younger children.” ~ Imani McIntosh, sophomore at Arcadia University
Dream Camp Family
Once you join the Dream Camp team, you become a lifelong member of our community. The profound impact of working at Dream Camp ensures that our alumni staff remain deeply connected to our mission. Each year, like a cherished tradition, former team members eagerly return to visit, forging enduring connections with both our students and the dedicated current staff.
ESF DREAM CAMP FOUNDATION 2022-23 ANNUAL REPORT
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Program Recap
Dream Camp Analytics
TOP 3 ASPECTS parents / guardians appreciate most:
The program serves the life cycle of the child (K-12) 1
My child's social and emotional growth The wide range of programs
2
6
2 4
3
7
1 6 10
3 36
1 2
11
4
7
3
2
2
9 4
1
7
5
2
Number of students in each ZIP Code listed in gold Frankford North Philadelphia
1
Northeast Philadelphia Kensington and Richmond area
9 remaining students live in 9 additional zip codes
4.6 Average score when we asked parents: on a scale of 1-to-5, to what extent has Dream Camp met the emotional and social needs of your child(ren)?
As reported by our summer students… have built positive relationships 94% Iwith other campers this summer have built positive relationships 88% Iwith the counselors Camp genuinely cares 94% Dream about me and my family
89% I feel safe at Dream Camp
ESF DREAM CAMP FOUNDATION 2022-23 ANNUAL REPORT
100% of families reported they rely on Dream Camp to provide opportunities their child would not have otherwise
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Program Recap
Feedback
“My child Faith learned to become more social and each day she came home excited with a new adventure. My child Isaiah stepped into his leadership skills and learned how to be more aware and help all students he came in contact with. Both of my children learned to swim and are very proud of themselves.” ~ Iyanna, Parent
L to R: The youngest of the White Family, Steven and MarReese, enjoy ice skating with team member Alisha Gooding and alumni Crystal Davis.
Isaiah - 8th Grade Faith - 4th Grade All 5 of my children have grown through Dream Camp and the impact has been fantastic. Dream Camp has always been very supportive of each student and their need to grow -- whether it be at home, personal or school. We have 3 college graduates, one entering college this year and a senior in high school. Dream Camp has taught, encouraged, and reinforced the values of respecting one another, helping one another, having a positive attitude, how to relate to each other, and how important giving back is. They have provided employment and the necessary tools to tackle life’s challenges. So for that Dream camp and staff, I thank you! ~ Carmetta White, Mother of 5 Dream Camp Alumni
We asked our ASA students…
What do you like best about Dream Camp? “that all the staff cares about each student” “the teachers care about me” “going outside and when we do activities like the roller coaster” “I always have something to do and I can communicate with my peers” “I like the martial arts and all the activities that we are able to do, like making ice cream and art projects”
ESF DREAM CAMP FOUNDATION 2022-23 ANNUAL REPORT
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Program Recap STAFF TO STUDENT RATIO
1:6
Seasonal Staff & Trainings
61 team members 59%
26 are currently in school
Dream Camp veterans
28 are college graduates 21 are teachers and educators 4 are Dream Camp alumni
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & APPRECIATION Team members feel valued with continuous professional development and appreciation events while working in our programs. Staff participate in the selection of awards for their peers weekly and at the end of the season.
Board & Full Time Staff BOARD MEMBERS
EXECUTIVE STAFF Michael J. Rouse, Co-Founder & Executive Director Lafay Johnson, Program Director Danielle Nicoletti, Site Director (Summer) Kath Cloran, Managing Director ESF DREAM CAMP FOUNDATION 2022-23 ANNUAL REPORT
Roger Braunfeld, Board Chair Mark Solomon, Vice President William Stewart III, Treasurer Rhonda Cohen, Secretary Michael J. Rouse, Co-Founder & Executive Director Bryan Carter Sylvia DiBona Adam Landau Steve Piltch Dr. Nat Williams
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2022-23 Review General and administrative 5%
Financial Summary Government Programs 2%
Fundraising 2%
EXPENSES Program Services 93%
Foundations 44%
INCOME
Corporate 52%
Individual Giving 2%
Our Generous Donors The Dream Makers $250,000+ Pine Street Group, LP Diamond Level $150,000-$249,999 The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation Platinum Level $100,000-$149,999 Gold Level $50,000-$99,999 David R. Clare and Margaret C. Clare Foundation Silver Level $25,000-$49,999 ESF Camps & Experiences Hamilton Family Charitable Trust The Huron Foundation Bronze Level $10,000-$24,999 Berstein Family Foundation Connelly Foundation DiBona Family Foundation Rebecca’s Mission Susan Smith & Martin Murphy
ESF DREAM CAMP FOUNDATION 2022-23 ANNUAL REPORT
Friends of Dream Camp up to $9,999 The 1830 Foundation The Ackerman Family Jacob Barger Kathryn Beck Rishi Chauhan The Cloran Family David & Rhonda Cohen Maggie Corcoran Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation The Gambescia Family Graham Partners, Inc. Cherry Gordan Richard & Terri Grossman Family Charitable Fund Rob and Jessica Hart Paul J. Hirsh Theresa Jackson Christian & Mary Lindback Foundation Christopher Ludwick Foundation The McKenna Family Choppy Rouse Lucille Santo Denise & Scott St. Germain Step Into Swim Stewart Family Foundation Holly and Larry Stone Wawa Foundation The Whitfield Family
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Looking Ahead
Outlook for 2023-24...
As we look ahead to the upcoming year for the ESF Dream Camp Foundation, there is an air of excitement and anticipation for the impactful initiatives and positive transformations that lie ahead. Collaboration will be our cornerstone -- building strong partnerships with schools, community organizations, businesses, and volunteers will enable the foundation to amplify its impact and reach more deserving youth.
By working together, we can create a network that uplifts and supports the next generation.The ESF Dream Camp Foundation recognizes that its impact extends beyond the duration of its programs.
Efforts will continue to maintain connections with program alumni, offering ongoing support, mentorship, and opportunities for them to give back as they continue to grow.The upcoming year holds immense promise. By empowering our students with skills, confidence, and a strong support network, the foundation will contribute to a brighter future for both young people and their communities.
ESF DREAM CAMP FOUNDATION 2022-23 ANNUAL REPORT
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MISSION The Mission of Dream Camp Summer Program and After School Academy is to transform the lives of youth living in historically under-resourced communities through innovative yearlong programs that nurture the individual, educate the mind and inspire the spirit.
VISION We strive to break the cycle of generational poverty in historically under-resourced communities by teaching children to create successful pathways for themselves. Dream Camp empowers them to become future leaders and contributors to the city.
Year Round Headquarters 750 East Haverford Road Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 610-922-8246
dreamcampphilly ESF Dream Camp Foundation ESF Dream Camp Foundation