How It Works

We provide hunting and fishing experiences that include the entire family, but these are not designed as “family vacations” per se.  Each dream-granting situation is a unique experience for the child, his/her family, and Catch-A-Dream.  We ask that the “requests” be genuine desires of the child (as opposed to parent aspirations) and that these be reasonable in expectation and age-appropriate. There is a general process by which a child is referred, qualified and granted a dream.

First Step: Dream Referral

Catch-A-Dream accepts Applications from one of several potential referral sources:

1. The child
2. The child’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
3. A medical professional treating the child
4. Concerned friends or relatives

If the initial call comes from someone other than those listed above, we always ask that the family be notified to call directly on their own behalf to support the referral. Refer a child or apply online.

Second Step: Filling Out an Application

After the initial referral, the family of the potential dream child will fill out an application and return it to Catch-A-Dream. On this application, the dream child will designate his/her top three outdoor dream adventures.  We ask that the “requests” be genuine desires of the child (as opposed to parent dreams) and that these be reasonable in expectation and age-appropriate.

Third Step: Determining Eligibility

After the application has been received, a medical certification form is sent to the child’s attending physician. The child’s attending physician makes the final determination of whether the child is medically eligible and whether the child is physically and emotionally able to participate in the designated activity.

Fourth Step: Application Review

Once all eligibility requirements are met and all required forms have been submitted by the family, the Application is reviewed by the Board of Directors and either approved or not approved based upon policy and eligibility criteria.

Fifth Step: Fulfilling the Dream

After confirmation of the child’s eligibility, and upon review and approval of the Application by the Board of Directors, Catch-A-Dream notifies the family and identifies the supporting partner that can best host the child and make the dream a reality. Once a venue and dream trip are identified plans are finalized. The dream experience often touches dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of people who either help coordinate or are directly involved in the dream.