Dream Catchers camp fosters growth in local students

The second week of Dream Catchers camp has begun on campus this week. Dream Catchers is a learning experience designed to enhance literacy among elementary and middle school students of several AISD schools. Through this annual day-camp hosted by HSU, students learn and grow in many aspects, including academically, socially, and emotionally.

Dream Catchers has provided students from Ortiz and Martinez elementary schools with hands-on learning experiences, group projects, and a lot of fun. The camp focuses on science and literacy, with the goal of students gaining a deeper understanding of the world around them.

There is also a middle school Dream Catchers session that takes place in the afternoons. Secondary education majors and alumni help teach this language arts camp.

HSU education majors, alumni, faculty and staff, and local AISD teachers make this camp possible. HSU students majoring in education help teach lessons, guide activities, and in turn they gain more experience in a classroom-like setting. This benefits the students attending the camp, because they get to form personal connections with fellow students, teachers, and the education majors.

Dr. Renee Collins, associate dean of the Irvin School of Education, is also the director of the Dream-Catchers summer camp. She helps coordinate the events of the camp each year and is proud of the work that has been done for the young students. “The fourteen HSU education majors are designing and implementing developmentally appropriate science literacy instruction while embedding Texas Parks & Wildlife curriculum, fine arts, and technology,” said Collins.

The HSU Education majors are thankful to be able to gain experience in the profession that they are currently working toward. Caitlin Dunnells, a senior elementary education major from Killeen, Texas has enjoyed this rewarding experience. Going into the second week of Dream Catchers, she says she is more confident in her ability to manage a classroom and connect with students.

Caitlin Dunnells helps her second grade students complete an activity

According to Dunnells, she and her fellow education students took the whole week before the camp started to decorate classrooms and plan lessons and activities. The hard work is worth it to Dunnells, as the experience is providing her with more than it may seem. “I am so thankful for this experience that helps guide me in the right direction, but also allows me to learn from both the students and my mentor teacher,” said Dunnells.

Dream Catchers camp is free to attend, due to the generous funding from sources around Abilene, including Community Foundation of Abilene, HSU alumni, and local businesses.