AnnualReport ESF DREAMCAMP 22 23
Dream Camp
2022-23
Overall attendance
Teammembers onboarded
DearFriends,
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
ProgramRecap
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)
Special Events
Author visit with Philadelphian John Butler
Rebecca's Mission book giveaway
Phillies Phitness Clinic with Giant Food Stores and Phillies
Youth coaches
AfterSchoolAcademy ATTENDANCE
HOURS
“I like being here all the time and I don't want it to end!”
~ Saint Eloi
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 tool)
ProgramRecap AcademicYearSpecialEvents
10-week Middle School Book Club
Temple Admissions event
Weekend camping trip
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 Hello Insight survey tool)
Ice skating social Basketball game social Educational Zoom sessions
ProgramRecap
DayCampActivities
Grades1-4:
SeniorCampActivities
Grades5-9:
Senior Campers 77
ProgramRecap
Phillies Clinic with Phillies Youth coaches Camp Show “Dreaming through
Rebecca’s Mission Book Giveaway
*Note:thesestudentshadmoreabsencesthanotherchildrenand/or severalhadsignificantapprehension,whicheasedovertime
Aquatics team members small group lessons 1:3 in water ratio
1 volunteer & over 160 ribbons distributed
PreparingfortheFuture Middle&HighSchool
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
ProgramRecap
DreamCampAlumniCorp
ears. I started in January 2013. As a staff member, this is oved 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.
ProgramRecap
The wide range of programs TOP 3 ASPECTS parents / guardians appreciate most:
The program serves the life cycle of the child (K-12)
My child's social and emotional growth
DreamCampAnalytics
Number of students in each ZIP Code listed in gold
Frankford North Philadelphia Northeast Philadelphia Kensington and Richmond area
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)? 4.6
I have built positive relationships with other campers this summer
I have built positive relationships with the counselors
Dream Camp genuinely cares about me and my family
100% of families reported they rely on Dream Camp to provide opportunities their child would not have otherwise
ProgramRecap Feedback
“My child Faith learned to become more social and each day came home excited with a new advent child Isaiah stepped into his leadershi and learned how to be more aware an all students he came in contact with B my children learned to swim and are proud of themselves.”
~ Iyanna, Parent
WeaskedourASAstudents…
WhatdoyoulikebestaboutDreamCamp?
“thatallthestaffcaresabouteachstudent” “theteacherscareaboutme” “goingoutsideandwhenwedoactivitiesliketherollercoaster” “IalwayshavesomethingtodoandIcancommunicatewithmypeers” “Ilikethemartialartsandalltheactivitiesthatweareabletodo,likemakingicecre andartprojects”
L to R: The youngest of the White Family, Steven and MarReese, enjoy ice skating with team member Alisha Gooding and alumni Crystal Davis.
ProgramRecap
STAFF TO STUDENT RATIO
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & APPRECIATION
26 are currently in school
28 are college graduates
21 are teachers and educators
4 are Dream Camp alumni
Board & Full Time Staff
BOARD MEMBERS
Roger Braunfeld, Board Chair
Mark Solomon, Vice President
William Stewart III, Treasurer
Rhonda Cohen, Secretary
Michael J. Rouse, Co-Founder & Executive Director
EXECUTIVE STAFF
Michael J. Rouse, Co-Founder & Executive Director
Lafay Johnson, Program Director
Danielle Nicoletti, Site Director (Summer)
Kath Cloran, Managing Director
Bryan Carter
Sylvia DiBona
Adam Landau
Steve Piltch
Dr. Nat Williams
2022-23Review
EXPENSES
INCOME
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
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
LookingAhead
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.
