The Birchwood DREAM program, in connection with Champlain College, started in the fall of 2004. The Birchwood Manor Mobile Home Park is located in Milton, VT, fifteen miles north of Burlington, VT and consists of 172 homes. We began with twelve mentors and mentees and started off running with exciting Friday programs. Since then we have expanded to over fifteen mentors and are always looking to include more children. Over the years we have expanded our programming to include exciting trips to Boston, MA., Lake Placid, NY., Howe Caverns, NY., New York City, and Bolton Valley, VT.

Our programs consist of bringing our mentees to the Champlain College campus and hanging out in areas such as the gym or game room. We love exploring the surroundings with walks to Lake Champlain and Church St. Whether it's one on one or group time, our children's smiles alone can express the success of Birchwood DREAM. Our activities are directed towards helping our children recognize their options and creating lasting relationships between a college student and child. They appear to be a success so far as a few mentees have already expressed their interests in college.

The Birchwood DREAM program also spends time creating a relationship with the Birchwood community. We completed a Beautification Day (pics) where we installed five benches, one bus stop, and four flower gardens through out the park, a first for any DREAM program. The projects were completed by mentors, mentees, and residents. A few mentor's parents had the chance of helping out as well. The day was an excellent way to express how the DREAM program is here to make difference in as many children's lives as possible.

Champlain College is a small four year private college located on the hill of Burlington offering associates and bachelor degrees in over 30 different areas. From education to software engineering majors, a great group of mentors have emerged from the 1,950 full time student population.

Please explore our pages and see what we're up to. If you're a Champlain student, faculty member, local resident, and have questions, please email us: info@birchwood.dreamprogram.org

Last Update: 08/25/2007