MANATEE COUNTY, FL (November 8, 2024) – Manatee County is celebrating the expansion of special needs camping opportunities with the Foundation for Dreams. The dedication of their Dream Oaks Camp, located at 751 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish, will take place at 10 a.m., November 20, 2024.
Manatee County owns the 62-acre property where the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches operated summer camps and a residential program for foster children and at-risk youths for over three decades—through February, 2022. Structures on the property include a multipurpose building, maintenance building, learning center, three cottages, two houses, a pool and a basketball court.
The Foundation for Dreams’ mission is to celebrate the abilities and develop the strengths of children with special needs and chronic illnesses by getting out in nature… and experiencing camp. It is the only organization in Southwest Florida that provides year-round weekend and summer residential camp sessions for all children with varying ability levels and chronic and/or terminal medical conditions. While they have been able to do day and sleep-over camps at the nearby Camp Flying Eagle, this facility offers even more room for growth, and making even more dreams come true.
“This new space allows us to broaden our unique camp programs, creating a more vibrant, adaptable setting for year-round activities that support each child’s developmental journey,” said Elena Cassella, the executive director of Foundation for Dreams.
Since the property is a County asset being leased to the foundation, Manatee County will help the new tenants spruce the place up by reimbursing the foundation up to $1 million for remodeling the buildings and bringing facilities up to ADA standards.
“With a larger, fully equipped facility, we’ll have the capacity to collaborate with other organizations,” said Casella. “Together, we can share resources and expertise, creating a more comprehensive support network for families in our community.”