Camp for children, respite for parents with Elena Cassella of Foundation for Dreams

Helping Families Go Beyond

This week, we speak with Elena Cassella, Executive Director of Foundation for Dreams. Foundation for Dreams, through their signature program Dream Oaks Camp, provides year-round weekend and summer residential camp sessions for all children with varying ability levels and chronic and/or terminal medical conditions.

Dream Oaks Camp is a place where children can go to be "normal" and parents can get a respite from their daily lives. Their unique programs focus on each child’s abilities and are specifically designed to strengthen their social skills, behavioral skills, and comprehensive profound skillset in a safe, barrier-free environment. As a child attends their program, parents collaborate with staff to identify two targeted goals for the child to progress towards while at camp. Dream Oaks Camp makes an astonishing impact on both their campers and parents, with everyone wanting to go back for another weekend!

Timestamps:

(00:00) Episode introduction and updates

(01:00) Introducing Elena Cassella and Foundation for Dreams

(04:25) Dream Oaks Camp Program

(08:00) What has to be considered for total inclusion?

(12:10) Favorite success stories for students and families

(18:50) Progress reports for the family

(20:50) How can families get started with Dream Oaks Camp?

(25:00) What can we look forward to in the future?

(28:10) How can the community help support the Foundation for Dream’s mission?

(30:57) A letter from a camper’s parent

Join us every month for a new episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Visit beyondthespectrum.org for more information.