Julies Dream

Julies Dream works to overcome the barriers that prevent youth from low-income communities in Atlanta from experiencing the transformative power of the outdoors. Julies Dream currently partners with several Atlanta nonprofit organizations who serve children in under-resourced communities in Atlanta. Through these partnerships, Julies Dream has provided dozens of outdoor adventures ranging from local hikes to rafting the Nantahala River to backpacking in Colorado. Julies Dream focuses on providing awe-inspiring outdoor adventures and wilderness experiences due to the profound impact these experiences have on every aspect of child well-being, including mental, physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual health; and on a childs ecological literacy and stewardship of the natural world. Julies Dream served over 200 youth in 2023, over 95% of whom are children of color; and nearly every child qualifies for free or reduced lunch.In 2023, Julies Dream hired two excellent Program Coordinators and began serving four new organizations. Julies Dream expanded programming to include year-round afternoon and weekend opportunities in addition to regular school break and summer programs.Julies Dream programs included excursions to:Atlanta area: Chastain Horse Park, Stone Mountain Park, Kennesaw Mountain State Park, Georgia Aquarium, Sweetwater Creek State Park.Georgia: Jekyll Island, Cumberland Island, Okefenokee Swamp, Red Top Mountain, Tallulah Falls, Ellijay, Healing Hearts and Horses, Amicalola Falls.Beyond Georgia:oAmelia Island, FLoCollegiate Peaks Wilderness, COoCrested Butte, COoSnowmass Wilderness, COoNantahala River and Smoky Mountain National Park, NCoBrevard, NCoChattanooga, TNActivities included hiking, camping, backpacking, mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.