Focus Magazine of SWFL Swimsuit Heat Wave | Page 106

The “F.L.I.G.H.T” Children’s Cancer Center Family Camp
is a weekend camp for children who have recently been
diagnosed with cancer and “Camp Healing Heart” is a
bereavement camp for families who have lost a child
to cancer and are still needing support services. They
are also partnering with Jewish Family Children’s Services and have added three weekend camps that serve
children affected by substance abuse in the home. In
addition, Dream Oaks Camp programs have expanded to
include a Young Adult Camp for individuals ages 18-30
to fill the much needed gap in services.

“Zachary has been ‘special’ since he was born,” says
Leslie, a parent from Orlando. “At Dream Oaks Camp he
isn’t. He’s just like every other kid. He actually becomes
a leader and initiates activities instead of being a follower.”
As a camp session draws to a close, the contagious
smiles from the first day roll into belly laughs flowing
from the dining hall. Inside, a camper/counselor talent
show plays out and kids and adults alike beam with happiness. They have played hard – riding horses, swimming in a specially designed splash pool, creating art,
music and plays to name a few activities.
One camper clutches his counselor, burying his face in
the counselor’s lap. He doesn’t want to leave, let the fun
end.
“To me, this camp means an experience my son would
not otherwise have,” says Marty’s dad Daniel. “It
means a feeling of security, knowing he is cared for and
watched over by good, loving people.”

www.foundationfordreams.org
941-746-5659

During camp sessions, an intricate tapestry of life
emerges: children embracing their carefree youth,
young adult counselors growing into strong, nurturing
people and parents, who often don’t get a break all year,
a chance to spend time with a spouse or friends.
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06 FOCUS of SWFL 2014