Since 1992
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ROME — Anyone observing Camp Ray of Hope for the first time would never guess it’s a place for grieving families. They would see people of all ages participating in outdoor activities like boating and swimming, getting massages, eating treats around a campfire, and attending activities like cooking class and art centers.
Most importantly, the viewer would see lots of laughter, hugging and love. What brings everyone together at Camp Ray of Hope is the common experience of the death of a significant person in their lives.
Camp Ray of Hope is a weekend retreat held annually for those who have lost someone they love. It was founded in 1995 to give grieving individuals and families a place to come together and learn new ways to cope with their loss, to meet others with similar circumstances, to remember special times, to make new friends, and to have fun.
Participants come from all over the state to spend time with their families as they process the death of their loved one. Along with spending special time together, family members also participate in bereavement groups with others their own age. Adults will be with adults, teens with teens, and children with children. The outcome is always healthy self-care techniques to help with understanding the loss.
Camp Ray of Hope is also a safe place for individuals to participate in a weekend retreat to meet others who have lost someone dear to them. Tears and talking about the loss of a loved one are welcomed and encouraged at the camp. In fact, everyone at Camp Ray of Hope comes for the same reason — a broken heart from the loss of a loved one. Counselors are there to walk the path with the bereaved in a serene environment, where fresh air and healthy surroundings support inner peace and healing. It’s a great place to remember your loved one and to spend some time healing with others.
This year’s Camp Ray of Hope is will take place Friday, Sept. 15, through Sunday, Sept. 17, at Pine Tree Camp, 114 Pine Tree Camp Road. For more information, contact Jillian Roy, bereavement coordinator at Hospice Volunteers of Waterville at 207-873-3615 or email at jroy@hvwa.org.
