PRESS RELEASE: July 7, 2008 For Immediate Release

MEDIA CONTACT:
Beverly Crowl, Public Relations Specialist
302-547-1816 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Camp New Hope children and teens enjoy homemade treats thanks to the University of Delaware’s Public Relations Office and Aramark Dining Service.

The caring and compassionate hearts of Delaware Hospice staff and volunteers joined the hurting hearts of children and teenagers who had recently lost loved ones at Lum’s Pond from June 23-26, and the magic of Camp New Hope was underway.

New Hope Coordinator, Barbara McKeever, said, “Camp New Hope is intended to provide an opportunity for children who have lost someone in the family to come together with other children who have had a similar loss. At Camp New Hope, each child is given an opportunity to tell their story. Very often, adults are concerned about letting them talk because we don’t want them to be sad, or perhaps they’re afraid that they’ll upset us. But these children have shown once again that given the supportive environment and the chance to be children, to play, to talk with others like them, they have a wonderful time even as they learn to express themselves and begin to cope with their loss. We offer support, but we remember that they’re children who need to have fun and that’s a large part of the week, as well.”

A day at Camp New Hopeis carefully structured to blend traditional, fun camp activities with special bereavement projects, such as writing poetry, creating a memory box or an ornament to hang on the tree for the memorial service, or painting a picture frame to honor a loved one.

Camper Cassidy Pyle said, “Camp New Hope is very welcoming and everyone there is very nice and really helps you through the tough times that you’re having. They had different fun activities that really helped you get your feelings out, and a lot of people here really understood what you’re going through. You feel like you’re not so alone.”

Stefan Losten said he was forced to come by his mother, but was happy to return the second day. His favorite activity was the paddleboating.

Delaware Hospice offers Camp New Hope as a community outreach program at no charge to participants, thanks to the generosity of volunteers and donors throughout the state.

One particularly heartwarming donation arrives at Lum’s Pond every year from the University of Delaware. The late Mary Hempel, former Director of Public Relations for the University and Delaware Hospice volunteer, organized annually a contribution of homemade cupcakes, brownies, and cookies from her co-workers. This effort has continued in her memory with the help of her sister, Barbara Hempel, and with the participation of individuals from the University’s Public Relations Office and the Aramark Dining Service. Delaware Hospice Bereavement Counselor, Alex Tyree, said, “I always tell the kids that our snacks are made by people from the University of Delaware just for you. They may not know you personally, but they love you and they care about you. It adds a very special touch to this very special Camp.”

This year the Delaware Racquetball Association and sponsor, Cardile Bros. Mushroom Co., raised $4,000 for the New Hope Program as beneficiary of its annual state doubles tournament. Delaware Hospice also appreciates the generosity of McDonald’s, Herr’s, and Wawa in helping to provide lunch to the campers.

Twenty volunteers committed to attending Camp for the week to support its campers and activities. Barbara McKeever said, “All our volunteers here have put their hearts into it and I couldn’t have had better support. Not only do they give us their time, but some give up their vacation; others go to work before camp and others go to work after camp.”

Community support of Camp New Hope enables Delaware Hospice to extend its program beyond Delaware Hospice families. Several children and teens who participated this year had lost family members who were not in a Delaware Hospice program.

Delaware Hospice nurse Mary Jane Schwab perhaps summed up the emotions of many when she said, “I restored my spirit here this week.”

by Beverly Crowl, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

About Delaware Hospice
Since 1982, Delaware Hospice has provided exceptional care and support to 30,000 patients and their families. Its mission is to help each patient, each day, live the fullest, most comfortable life possible. Delaware Hospice is the largest and only licensed, nonprofit, community-based hospice serving New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties in Delaware and southern Chester and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania. For more information about Delaware Hospice’s programs and services, upcoming events, or employment opportunities, call 800-838-9800 or visit our website.