OUR MISSION
The mission of The Discovery Center is to shape positive attitudes about race and differences, reduce isolationism between urban and suburban/rural schools, and improve math, science and language arts skills.

OUR VISION
The Discovery Center works toward a future where people of all ages recognize, accept and value and celebrate individual and cultural diversity.

FOUNDERS
Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward

PHILOSOPHY
The continued de-facto segregation and uneven opportunities available to our nation's children perpetuates polarization in schools, communities and the workplace. However, our nation's extraordinary racial, cultural, religious and socio-economic diversity offers a rich tapestry from which we can teach and learn about shared values that form the foundation of our democratic society.

The Discovery Center is designed to encourage positive relationships, attitudes, understanding and acceptance among students, teachers, and parents from diverse races and cultures. Activities and academic programs enable participants to enhance feelings of self-worth, develop appreciation of the similarities and differences of others, recognize the negative effects of prejudice and stereotyping, and learn of contributions of diverse cultural groups to our present world.

HISTORY
History & Program: The Discovery Center began in 1992 as a pilot program of The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, a program benefiting children with life threatening illnesses, championed by Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. In 2002, The Discovery Center began as a separate 501 (c) 3 and incorporate in the State of Connecticut as a non profit. The program brings together 4th, 5th and 6th grade students from Central Connecticut's urban centers and surrounding suburban/rural communities for a year round diversity and team building training with a focus on improving math, science and language arts skills and interest.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
These are the men and women who's support and guidance have helped make these programs possible.

Chair, Robert Haggett
Executive Vice President & COO of Newman's Own Foundation, Farmington & Westport, CT

Vice Chair, David Hess
President, Pratt & Whitney, East Hartford, CT

Vice Chair, Willajeanne F. McLean
Professor of Law, University of Connecticut Law School, Hartford, CT

Secretary, Cheryl Kloczko
Administrator of Special Projects, Torrington Public Schools, CT

Treasurer, Paul Stefanik
President, Gammons Hoaglund Company, Manchester, CT

Fernando Betancourt
Consultant to Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs

Elsa Chin
Senior Financial Analyst, Hartford Financial Services, CT

Judith Keppelman
Partner Robinson & Cole - Estate Planning and Probate.

Gerald H. Martin
Principal of Rawson Elementary School, Hartford, CT

Diane Kearney
Director of Adult Education, Manchester/CT Public Schools

Lynn Pasquerrella,
President elect of Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA

Barbara Taylor
Financial Advisor
ING, Windsor, CT

Cynthia Womack
Principal, Washington Media Arts Magnet School, Manchester, CT

LEGAL COUNSEL:

John J. Murphy
Attorney at Law

ADVISORY COUNCIL:

Dr. S. Edward Weinswig
Professor of Education, Emeritus; University of Hartford

Elena Blackwood
President, Richwood Consulting Group, LLC, Farmington, CT

Mr. Carroll Brewster
Former CEO-Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, Richfield, CT

Michael Brockman
Owner
CT's Own Volvo of Milford, CT

Mr. Benjamin Cruse
Dean of Students & 5th Grade Teacher
Achievement First Academy, Hartford, CT

William DeRosa Jr.
Managing Partner, Anthem Asset Management, LLC, Farmington, CT

Robert Forrester
President & CEO of Newman's Own Foundation, Farmington & Westport, CT

Dr. Pauline Fusco
Retired Principal
Sunset Ridge School, East Hartford, CT

Dr. Walter Harrison
President, The University of Hartford

Amy Hines
Senior Vice President
The Alford Group-Payne Forrester Division, Farmington, CT

Elizabeth Jeffrey
Former Executive Director The Discovery Center, Hailey ,ID

R. Curtis Johnson
Consultant – Bonds, Granby, CT

Madeline McKernan
Executive Assistant, University of Hartford Magnet School, West Hartford, CT

Margaret Patricelli
Vice President
Patricelli Family Foundation, Simsbury, CT

Ann R. Stravalle-Schmidt
General Counsel, Jacobs Vehicle System, Bloomfield, CT

PROGRAM STAFF

These are the men and women who work with the children at the camp.

Spring 2010 Counselors & Staff

Previous Counselors:

• Fall 2009 Counselors

• Spring 2009 Counselors

• Fall 2008 Counselors

• Spring 2008 Counselors

• Fall 2007 Counselors

• Fall 2006 Counselors

• Spring 2006 Counselors

• Fall 2005 Counselors

• Spring 2005 Counselors

• Fall 2004 Counselors

• Spring 2004 Counselors

• Fall 2003 Counselors