Each summer ten young-adults who have faced great challenges in the system go on the trip of a lifetime, funded and organized by Dream Camp Foundation. It began in 2007 when Joe Patane invited ten high-level need youth from New Jersey to the California home of Steve Wozniak, inventor of the first commercially successful personal computer and co-founder of Apple Inc., to explore their interest in technology. Inspired by the success of his foundation’s previous kids teaching kids productions, but understanding that high-need teens require more structured programs and ongoing support in order to thrive, Dream Camps were born.
This little seed grew and now Dream Camps take place across the country and world. By taking youths from the most challenging of circumstances and exposing them to arts, sciences, technology, health and wellness, animals, travel, and so much more, Dream Camp opens their eyes to the possibilities their future holds for them. The campers are generally fostered, abused, and/or neglected youth with mental health and/or behavioral challenges, but have amazing seeds of positivity bubbling inside of them. They are given a personal, genuinely loving and life-changing experience. High level industry professionals, celebrities, teen & adult mentors and others who genuinely care about the well being of the youth of today and in the future, volunteer their time and talents at the camp. The campers are from all over America and the world. They come together for one week to build unbreakable bonds in a positive, safe, and nurturing environment. Dream Camp Foundation aims to excite kids about possibilities in areas they wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to experience, and to encourage them to explore subjects that spark their interest on their own.
Ongoing support is a fundamental tenant of Dream Camp programs. We support and encourage the campers to pursue the interests gained at camp in their home environment, at school, or in their local community. Past campers often return as mentors to current campers, completing a wonderful cycle of serving, and empowering a cycle of positive growth.
