Dreams come true at East County camp

Campers go 'Hollywood' at Dream Oaks Camp.

  • By Pam Eubanks
  • | 9:54 a.m. July 13, 2017
  • East County
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Lakewood Ranch resident Olivia Bryant felt a bit like she was a star in the  “Harry Potter” movie series as she brewed up a potion with whomping willow shavings, unicorn boogers and a splash of dragon’s blood.

“I feel like a wizard,” the 13-year-old agreed, while at Foundation for Dreams’“Hollywood”-themed Dream Oaks Camp program July 10 through July 14.

She and other campers created their unique protection potions, which they later dumped outside the dining hall July 12.

More than 35 campers with special needs enjoyed the weeklong summer camp, filled with activities such as horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts and more.

Camp director Kristen Carlton said each of the foundation’s seven, weeklong camps target ages 7 to 17.

“It’s amazing every week,” she said of the summer program.

Foundation for Dreams provides year-round weekend, spring and summer residential camps for children with varying ability levels and chronic/terminal medical conditions. It has offices and shares facilities at the Southwest Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America’s Camp Flying Eagle, off Upper Manatee River Road.

Campers spent many mornings out on the Manatee River.
Campers spent many mornings out on the Manatee River.
Braden River High senior and camp counselor Zach Marshall, 17, helps camper Brandon Todd apply sunscreen before a morning of canoeing.
Braden River High senior and camp counselor Zach Marshall, 17, helps camper Brandon Todd apply sunscreen before a morning of canoeing.
Counselor Jenna Baines gets Dallas Adams, 9, ready for his canoe voyage.
Counselor Jenna Baines gets Dallas Adams, 9, ready for his canoe voyage.
Benson Dean, Jonathan Luallen, Brandon Cafee and counselors Josh Audet and Arielle Teets push off into the Manatee River.
Benson Dean, Jonathan Luallen, Brandon Cafee and counselors Josh Audet and Arielle Teets push off into the Manatee River.
Counselor Christine Lewicki enjoys time with Kayla Gable and Hillary Pozas, both from Desoto County.
Counselor Christine Lewicki enjoys time with Kayla Gable and Hillary Pozas, both from Desoto County.
Counselor Lance Meckly, at the front of the canoe, will help steer his campers through the Manatee River.
Counselor Lance Meckly, at the front of the canoe, will help steer his campers through the Manatee River.
Nolan Middle School's Olivia Bryant, 13, makes a potion inspired by
Nolan Middle School's Olivia Bryant, 13, makes a potion inspired by "Harry Potter."
Gracie Pfotenhauer, 11, of Gullett Elementary, makes a potion with the help of counselor Phoebe Bond, of Lakewood Ranch High School.
Gracie Pfotenhauer, 11, of Gullett Elementary, makes a potion with the help of counselor Phoebe Bond, of Lakewood Ranch High School.
Lakewood Ranch High junior Olivia Dyce adds
Lakewood Ranch High junior Olivia Dyce adds "crushed falcon claws" to the potion of Michael Federici, 12.

 

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