WHO WE ARE

Board of Directors

Officers:

President: Raynetta Adams
Treasurer: Jack Schwartz
Secretary: KC Wolfe

Board Members:

Letitia Cheatham
Susan Higginbotham
Mark Stewart
Jack Welsh

Youth Advisory Board

Eden Giles
Karim Ferguson
Najiyah Moore

Staff Members

Founder/Executive Director: Patty Hillkirk
Health Center Director:  Patty Hewson, CRNP

Leadership Team

Therapist Younger Program: Callie Fraser, LCSW
Teen Program: Taj Brown
Teen Program: Derek Andress
Teen Program: Al Torres
Senior Counselor: Rae Rae Adams
Teen Program: Miss Tish Cheatham
Therapist & Teen Program: Ali Alstott, AM, LCSW
Younger Program: Kevin Nolan
Older & Teen Program: Jenn Brown
Teen Program: Derek Andress
Therapist: Emmalee Bierly, LMFT
Leaders in Training Program: Valen Nori
Leaders in Training Program & Health Center: Jack Welsh, RN

History

Patty Hillkirk had a dream in 1995 to start a camp for children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. While there were other camps for disadvantaged kids, and those with serious illnesses, the camp was envisioned as more than just an outdoor, fun experience. As a psychotherapist, Patty felt it was also important for the kids to have a special place that was safe, supportive and nurturing, a place to express their feelings of fear, sadness and anger with adults who understand and with children who may share their burdens.

Patty Hewson & Patty Hillkirk

During one week in August, children ages 5 -17 attend Camp Dreamcatcher. The children coming to camp may be coping with the HIV/AIDS infection of a family member, the death of one or both parents, or their own HIV/AIDS infection. The purpose of Camp Dreamcatcher is to provide children whose lives have been touched by HIV/AIDS with a chance to get away from home for a week and have fun! The children enjoy swimming, basketball, campfires, hiking, boating, arts/crafts, a carnival, scavenger hunts, horseback riding, an adventure challenge course, go-kart racing, miniature golfing and the much anticipated dance and Talent Show!! The camp also offers the children a chance to express their feelings in a safe therapeutic environment. Professionals in the fields of psychotherapy, music/art therapy, yoga and massage facilitate individual and group experiences for the children. In all, over 260 counselors, medical staff and other professionals volunteer their expertise to make the camp an unforgettable experience for the children.

There is no charge for any of the services offered by Camp Dreamcatcher. All funds are raised from foundations, corporations, individuals and fundraising events.

In 1999, we expanded our programs to meet the growing needs of the children we serve and Camp Dreamcatcher now offers the following programs throughout the year: