Dream Camp at Trinity College continues to inspire and enrich children from some of Hartford’s most challenged neighborhoods One of the strongest indicators of our impact is the number of families who choose to return year after year
This was a transformational year We successfully transitioned our leadership team, broadened our curriculum and program offerings, enhanced staff training, and reintroduced our etiquette and healthy eating initiatives
Highlights
Staff strength & continuity: Our team of dedicated teachers, social workers, child advocates, and college/graduate students delivered consistent, high-quality programming and leadership throughout the year.
Scale & reach: Dream Camp served 199 children ages 6–14 across the 2024–2025 after-school and summer programs, representing 15+ schools across Hartford.
Safety & care: Under seasoned directors (42+ years of combined experience) and two registered nurses (20+ years of experience), we maintained an excellent safety record with no medical accidents or emergencies.
College-going culture: We continue to cultivate strong post-secondary aspirations among our oldest campers and alumni through advising, readiness supports, and mentorship sustaining a culture that expects and prepares students for college success
Arts, academics & athletics: Reading, arts, science, sports, and performing arts remain highly popular, building skills and confidence across age groups
Etiquette + Healthy Eating: We strengthened our etiquette program alongside weekly cooking classes (Teaching Kitchen) to provide a well-rounded culinary and life-skills experience
Workforce pathways: We built new partnerships with the State of Connecticut’s Summer Youth Employment and Learning Program (SYELP) to deepen our high-school program and internship placements 100% of 10th–12th graders participated
Curriculum & choice: We updated curriculum and incorporated camper choice into daily schedules to better address diverse interests and learning styles
Families & Team
Camper and family surveys continue to offer glowing remarks about our program, curriculum, and staff. The Dream Camp team at Trinity College is an exceptionally experienced, mission-driven group truly amazing people doing extraordinary things helping campers realize their potential every day. The following pages present a summary of program offerings and outcomes from the 2024–2025 program year. Thank you for your generous support in giving us the opportunity to serve inspiring children throughout Hartford on Trinity College’s beautiful campus. With your continued partnership, we look forward to making Dream Camp even more successful in the years ahead.
Warm regards,
Michael J Rouse Executive Director
2024-2025 AT A GLANCE
199 children participated in Dream Camp programs
374 hours of programming during those critical hours outside of school
92 schools served with Dream Camp programming
96% of campers returned to Dream Camp this year
12 Dream Camp Alumni on Staff!
AFTER SCHOOL ACADEMY
Additional Academic Support
More than half of our staff work directly in schools and bring that expertise to our program, providing individualized academic support to each camper during daily learning sessions This targeted instruction helps strengthen core skills while fostering confidence and personal growth in a supportive, nurturing environment
New Enrichment Activities
In addition to daily STEM, art, and sports activities, campers engaged in a newly introduced program focused on self-expression and personal exploration. Monthly all-camp events were held to foster community building and strengthen peer relationships. This included holidays, birthdays and special events.
Camper-Focused Staff
Monthly staff trainings focused on promoting the social and emotional development of campers, covering topics such as conflict resolution, fostering a growth mindset, and encouraging positive self-talk. Feedback from campers and families consistently affirms that children feel safe, valued, and well-supported in our after-school program.
Camper-to-staff ratio during critical after school hours
“Thanks to all the staff for the amazing work they did with all the campers this year. You guys are great“ - Norma (Parent)
Total hours of after school programming per camper
Following our investment in a more robust meal and etiquette program, we observed: Increased daily attendance Decreased behavioral incidents Near-zero food waste
JUNIOR CAMP Grades 1-4
Academic Enrichment
Our Junior Campers engaged in daily 'Project Discovery' sessions centered around the exciting 'Mess Fest' theme, promoting handson learning, creativity, and exploration. In addition, campers took part in grade-level reading activities designed to support literacy development in a fun and engaging way.
Physical Activity
Campers took part in daily physical education, building skills in sports such as swimming, soccer, basketball, baseball and more. Through these activities, they developed important life skills including perseverance, teamwork, sportsmanship, and the value of active play and enjoyment.
Arts Exposure
Campers participated in daily art and Creative Performing Arts classes, where they spent five weeks collaboratively preparing a conjoined production Through this experience, campers gained a deeper understanding of the dedication, teamwork, and creativity required to bring a performance to
“Great camp overall. My sons said that it’s the only camp they want to attend every summer. ” - Hermia (parent)
of famili recomm Dream C friends
SENIOR CAMP Grades 5-9
Fostering Creativity
Through Creative Expression, campers continued their journey of self-discovery by exploring art, music, and media Activities ranged from designing custom shirts and writing original songs to creating multimedia self-portraits, providing meaningful opportunities for personal reflection and creative growth
Multi-Sport Programming
Middle and high school campers participated in a variety of sports, including volleyball, basketball, badminton, flag football, pickleball, and handball Dream Camp is committed to exposing youth to diverse physical activities, encouraging skill development, teamwork, and the confidence to try something new
Real Life Experiences
Following instruction in basic kitchen safety, campers engaged in hands-on cooking sessions focused on healthy, budget-friendly recipes they could easily replicate at home. Dishes prepared included flatbread pizza, meatballs, and ramen, promoting both confidence and independence in the kitchen.
“The experience in itself will stick with her for a lifetime. I will continue to send her to Dream Camp as long as they’ll have her. This has been a great experience since day 1 ”
- Jesseka (parent)
98%
of families reported that they plan to return to Dream Camp next summer
Youth LeadershipBREAKTHROUGH
This summer, our Young Leadership Program excelled with its most successful summer yet Dream Camp effectively integrated leadership development with meaningful work and learning opportunities, strengthening campers' connections to one another and the program A new partnership with the Summer Youth Employment & Learning Program (SYELP) expanded these opportunities, offering valuable new pathways for growth High school campers participated in two tailored experiences that balanced career readiness with active engagement in the Dream Camp community They enjoyed reconnecting with peers while developing essential job skills, gaining exposure to the professional world, and earning income
9th Grade Discovery Program
Rising 9th graders embarked on a journey of leadership self-discovery, engaging in a program designed to help them identify their strengths, build leadership skills, and set meaningful short- and long-term goals Through integrative experiences, campers also strengthened their communication and collaboration with peers This specialized program lays a strong foundation for continued growth as they prepare to enter the Mentor-In-Training program next year
10th-12th Grade Leadership Program
The Dream Camp Mentors-In-Training were standout participants in our Youth Leadership Program, each serving in internship roles tailored to their interests including junior counselor, specialist teacher’s aide, media specialist, and production assistant Under the guidance of supervising mentors, participants received weekly evaluations and were compensated through the Summer Youth Employment & Learning Program (SYELP) This intentional partnership expanded both the hours and financial support available, helping to ease economic pressures as campers transition into young adulthood In addition to hands-on experience interns participated in structured reflection and peer support hare successes, address challenges, and continue
MENTOR IN TRAINING SPOTLIGHT
Julius Beltran camper since 2016
“This year marked my first as a Mentor-in-Training (MIT) at Dream Camp, although I have been attending since I was six. This unique experience allowed me to connect with both counselors and campers on a deeper level, drawing from my past as a camper to understand their feelings and challenges.I particularly want to give a shout-out to my counselor, Dayshani, who was a fantastic leader and supported me throughout the five weeks of the program, to Sam for giving me the opportunity to prove myself, and to all the other counselors for their support and encouragement. I realized that stepping into a leadership role was a great fit for me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to grow in this capacity. I'm looking forward to the possibility of returning next year to continue this journey.”
“Observing my son Julius Beltran during his five-week MIT program at ESF Dream Camp Trinity has been a truly rewarding experience. I witnessed remarkable growth in him, especially in terms of confidence and independence It was heartening to see him step into a leadership role, taking on responsibilities with pride
The feedback from the staff and counselors was overwhelmingly positive They highlighted how helpful he was with his fellow campers & noted the strong connections he built with them This reinforced my belief that, when given the right opportunity, Julius would not only rise to the occasion but truly thrive. I’m incredibly proud of him and excited to see where this newfound confidence will take him in the future.”
- Julianmarie Santiago (Mom)
Program Facts and Figures
1. My child’s social and emotional growth
2. Variety of programming offered
3. Serving all stages of my child’s life Top 3 things parents/guardians appreciate:
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
David Sandoval is longtime member of Dream Camp Trinity since the early 2000s, who has witnessed the camp’s transformation over the years. With a background in journalism and a master’s in sports broadcasting, his path differs from many colleagues, but his commitment remains the same. Shaped by his own experience in the Dream Camp system, David is dedicated to guiding the next generation helping kids learn, grow, and enjoy a safe, fun-filled summer and after-school program.
2025 2006
“What I’ve loved about Dream Camp is how much staff prioritize being some of the best role models for kids within a short amount of time I’ve noticed such core values since I was a camper and MIT, and ever since I’ve worked with Dream Camp I’ve done my best to become that role model for the kids that I work with”
James Reid-Dorsey is currently a sophomore mechanical engineering major at Howard University. Years ago, he was a camper at Trinity Junior Camp, formerly Trinity Dream Camp. Starting the summer before first grade he explored Trinity College’s campus through a variety of activities with fellow campers and built strong connections with counselors and coaches
“Over a decade after first stepping onto Trinity College’s campus, I returned Now I’d be fulfilling the position of those who made my experience as a camper invaluable, and getting to experience Dream Camp from this other perspective made it even more special to me In addition to several memory-filled summers, Dream Camp would go on to allow me to be a part of what makes the program remarkable. I don’t believe it’s possible to concisely talk about all that Dream Camp has truly been to me over the years, but I’m confident that the program helped shape me and won’t be something I ever forget!”
Recent graduates (left to right): Yamarie ‘25 headed to Central Connecticut State University
Vannesa ‘25 headed to UConn
James ‘24 attending Howard University
Nevaeh ‘24 attending Norfolk State University
Joelle ‘24 attending Morgan State University
2025 TRINITY TRAILBLAZER
Beckett Hennessey, Summer Camp Staff
Beckett Hennessey stood out among the seven amazing Trinity students we had on staff this year He is majoring in International Studies with a minor in Hispanic Studies. While still exploring specific career paths, Beckett hopes to pursue a profession that involves travel, with a particular interest in teaching abroad
“I have worked at Dream Camp as a Day Camp Counselor for the last two summers and have absolutely loved my time at camp! The best part of the job is being able to work and engage with the campers through all of the day’s activities, and a lot of the time I have just as much fun as they do, especially at the pool. It’s really great to see how much the campers enjoy being at camp, and so being able to contribute to making their summers great is very rewarding “
25 MASTER TEACHER
omi McDonald, Creative Expression Specialist
Voted on by their peers, this honor is awarded to the Summer Camp team member whose teaching style and ability are creative, fun, captivating and all-around exceptional.
Nyomi is a Brooklyn native now living in Hartford, currently working as a Culture Coordinator while pursuing her MSEd in Therapeutic Recreation With a background in youth development, she is passionate about integrating Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and therapeutic recreation into classrooms to support student success and well-being
”Watching the kids grow in confidence and creativity through these projects has been one of my favorite experiences and I can’t wait for next year! Working with kids is both fun and meaningful to me because it allows them to discover new talents, build friendships, and Working with kids is both fun and meaningful to me because it allows them to discover new talents, build friendships, and forge lasting memories I love being part of this journey as it allows me to create and build a safe place for them to be the truest form of themselves!”
2025 ICHIBAN AWARD
Kimberly Loja, Junior Camp Counselor
Voted on by their peers, this honor is awarded to the Summer Camp team member who consistently excels and goes above and beyond the call of duty in many areas of camp.
Kimberly is a junior at Central Connecticut State University, where she is studying elementary education. She worked in both our after school and summer programs
“I’ve worked at Dream Camp for two wonderful summers Working at camp is my favorite part of the summer Our camp activities and challenges are so fun for our campers and counselors The relationships and memories I’m able to create with our campers is the greatest gift of working here As a future educator, I hope to bring my experience and knowledge that I’ve gained at camp to my classroom someday!”
PROGRAM PARTNERS
A
very special thank you to Mr. Paul Raether (’68) and his family for their continued support of Dream Camp.
We also thank: DONORS AND SUPPORTERS
Susan Smith and Martin Murphy
Landon Charitable Foundation
Stanley D. and Hinda N. Fisher Fund
James and Megan Fitzsimmons
Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
Elizabeth M Landon and Harriette M
Landon Charitable Foundation
The Barnes Foundation
Ensworth Charitable Foundation
Long Foundation
State of Connecticut, USDA
Throughout the year, Dream Camp offers special programs made possible through the generosity of our donors and supporters Two beloved traditions our Thanksgiving meals and the December 'Miracle on West' provide meaningful support to families during the holiday season. These events focus on households in need, ensuring that the wishes of every family member are fulfilled The impact extends far beyond the holidays, as families carry with them the lasting sense of being seen, supported, and valued by their community.
“I had a really rough school year, and spent a lot of time looking forward to coming back this summer. Thank you, this summer has been everything I was looking forward to and more!”
- Sarah (Staff)
OUTLOOK FOR 2025-26
With a strong focus on the future, there is growing excitement around the impactful initiatives and positive changes ahead. A key priority in the coming year is the expansion of our career and college readiness programming for high school campers ensuring they are equipped with the skills, resources, and guidance needed to pursue meaningful postsecondary pathways. We are forging ahead with new and dynamic community partnerships and programs that will enhance our impact and allow us to reach more deserving youth. Together, we aim to create a supportive network that uplifts the next generation, with particular attention to our oldest campers. We will also continue to strengthen relationships with alumni and leverage networks to expand opportunities for our entire Dream Camp community. By building confidence, fostering essential life skills, and expanding access to future-focused programming, ESF Dream Camp at Trinity College remains deeply committed to creating a brighter future for our youth and the Hartford community.
“Thank you for putting together a great camp for the kids over the years! No camp is perfect but Dream Camp is a sought after GEM in Hartford! I love �� Dream Camp and feel extremely lucky to have had my kids accepted into the program, and now my grandkids as well. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”
- Mildred (grandparent)
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 fo themselves. Dream Camp empowers them to become future leaders and contributors to the city.
