Thirty mentors. One hundred children. A bold adventure. That’s how Dream World began. In 1998 Kathryn Ross an AmeriCorps member started an after-school program. It served children at Templeton Court Apartments. Dartmouth students joined creating DREAM Directing through Recreation Education Adventure and Mentoring.
Dream World wasn’t always a non-profit. It started small. By May 1999 over thirty mentor-child pairs participated. Fundraising fueled trips to Boston Colorado Montreal and Washington DC. The iconic yellow and blue t-shirts were born. They helped keep track of participants on their first big Boston trip.
Dream World became a non-profit in 2001. Two graduating mentors founded it. Their vision? Loving adults meaningfully involved in children’s lives. They aimed to help children achieve their dreams. They wanted the children to have fun.
Dream World expanded. It reached the University of Vermont Champlain College and St Michael’s College. It expanded to nearby communities. To address programming gaps Dream World hired interns. It purchased land in Fletcher Vermont. Camp Dream was established for year-round adventures.
In 2009 Dream World reached Boston. It partnered with Boston University and the Orchard Gardens community. It also partnered with Northeastern University and the Madison Park community. This marked a move from rural to urban settings. Dream World continued to grow. It expanded to Philadelphia partnering with Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania. Camp Dream remained a central adventure destination.
The Covid-19 pandemic hit. Dream World adapted. It provided virtual adventures and mentoring sessions. There were video calls with dolphins. Dream World staff delivered supplies learning materials and snacks. Activity books and summer adventure magazines helped keep spirits up.
In summer 2021 Dream World resumed in-person programming. Eight weeks of daily Summer Enrichment followed. SummerCorps staff led the way. It was a celebration of community connection. Dream World continues to grow. It expands its reach impacting more communities. It’s a testament to the power of dreams and the people who help them come true. It’s the Dream World a place where adventure and mentoring flourish.