The Camp DayDreams Mission
Camp DayDreams develops, challenges, and empowers Rochester’s urban youth to serve themselves, family, and community as vibrant individuals and engaged citizens. We accomplish this through our fun and unique year-round, recreational, social, and educational programs.
The Camp DayDreams Program
Camp DayDreams is a unique recreational, educational, and social youth development program for Rochester’s urban youth. Over 130 of Rochester's urban youth annually participate in our “Camp and Grow” program that includes a week-long summer camp sessions and school year family focused events designed for reinforcement & reunion. Thanks to a generously supportive Rochester community, we provide this opportunity at a nominal cost to our camp families.
Starting at age 8, children return to our camp year after year. At ages 15-17 campers participate in a leadership development program with added year round activities and responsibilities. After completion of the leadership program, campers are eligible to be volunteer staff members.
Through our strong volunteer base, we maintain a camp staff to camper ratio of at least 1 to 2. We operate out of the Boys & Girls Club in Rochester. The Club serves as a year round meeting place for campers, parents, and staff as well as an administrative office.
The Camp DayDreams (CDD) Guiding Principles
SAFETY
CDD is a safe place. The campers (and their parents) do not have to be worried about violence at camp. The campers can be children at camp. They are safe while they play and explore the great outdoors.
FUN
CDD is children having fun. Campers and staff laugh, sing, dance & feel joy!
COMMUNITY
CDD is a family. At CDD, we take care of each other. For a week we all live, play and work together. We share good times and we work through challenges together. We reunite 6 times during the school year to celebrate our community.
LEARNING
The “magic” behind overnight summer camp is - kids having fun while they are learning life skills. They are at camp away from their parents and they are learning how to take care of themselves. The campers are learning in an environment where they are safe, having fun and where they can get the help they need.
NATURE
Campers and staff are immersed in a natural environment for the week of camp. Campers are encouraged to explore, experiment and learn from their surroundings. Specific activities are nature centered giving the campers new educational opportunities.
SERVICE
Starting with our dedicated staff volunteers, campers see people participating in service projects. They see what a group of volunteers can accomplish. During the school year, there are opportunities for campers to participate in service projects at CDD. It is a requirement for campers to participate in community service.
DREAMING
We all want kids to dream greatly. At CDD, the campers are immersed in an alternative environment where they are exposed to many new things. Through this experience the children “dream” about things not experienced in the city.
