Dream Oaks Camp Relief- Hurricane Irma

As Hurricane Irma headed towards Bradenton, FL, there were a few hours of darkness during which we had no idea whether Dream Oaks Camp had withstood the hurricane force winds and rain we heard raging around us. Morning revealed that all cabins were structurally in tact, but the property had suffered rather extensive damage with over 30 trees down and debris covering camp. 

Dream Oaks Camp provides adaptive year-round camping programs for children with special needs and chronic illnesses, including but not limited to autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, PTSD, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, rare and genetic diseases, and a wide variety of other diagnoses. We also provide specialty camps for children who experience substance abuse in the home, families who have recently adopted children, and families with children undergoing treatment for cancer. The amount of love, happiness, pride, and hope this place has caused; the number of memories, accomplishments, smiles, and miracles this place holds inside…there is so much good that has happened here. Here, dreams are alive and joy is evident. Here, what makes you different, makes you beautiful, and different abilities are not only accepted but celebrated. Here, campers feel home. 

The magic and spirit of Dream Oaks Camp reaches far past our grounds and in to our community, our state, and the hearts of each and every person touched by not only our camp, but camps from their own childhood. For the children we serve, camp is their happy place. It is the place they pack for weeks in advance, the place they ask to go to for their birthday, the place they work towards all week, month or year. For some, it is more magical than DisneyWorld, more fun than LEGOLand, more exciting than Christmas. 

With the extent and nature of the damage from Irma, we are met with the challenge of raising $30,000 to restore camp for our weekend programs and specialty camps. As a non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status, this amount takes a hit on funds necessary to run our program and provide “camperships” for families in need. Not only this, but due to severe safety and accessibility challenges, we physically cannot hold sessions until the damage is taken care of. With your support, we can come back stronger and with more purpose than ever! Please, help us keep camp present and thriving in the lives of these children.