WAY TO GO LINDSEY! Rev. Bryan Breault and Pilgrim Lodge camper Lindsey Morton at Camp Sunshine.  Lindsey was so moved by the mission presentation at PL, when she got home she made a collection of goods and funds on her own, and came to Camp Sunshine to volunteer, along with her mom!  Bryan and Lindsey are standing in front of all that was collected.  To read the letter Lindsay wrote to all her friends, scroll to the bottom of this page or click here.

Each year we choose a mission focus; alternating  between local and global ministries. This year we are working together with a great program right here in Maine nestled in the woods beside the shores of Sebago Lake. Since 1984 Camp Sunshine has offered a retreat for children with life threatening illnesses and their families. The program includes children under active treatment for cancer, kidney disease, lupus and juvenile diabetes. Since the program’s inception, over 3,400 families from 40 states and 9 different countries have been part of Camp Sunshine. They offer a program that is unique in the nation by focusing on alleviating the strain a critical illness takes, not only on the ill child, but also on other members of the immediate family. Families have a chance to have fun together and to meet other families facing similar challenges.

 

 

“From sun up to sun down our day was full of joy and laughter. This place is a Godsend. If I could bottle this place and mass produce what we receive, I would give it to everyone in the world to make every place like Camp Sunshine.”

-a Camp Sunshine family

 

This summer we are in partnership with Camp Sunshine remembering them in worship, sending craft projects, learning about their program and the challenges they face. We make an offering during the week to send families to Camp Sunshine next summer. The money we raise will be used to send as many families as possible to this life affirming program. Together we can make sure that other children, who have challenges beyond the understanding of most, can go to camp with their family and have an opportunity to have fun, build memories, and rest while receiving the medical care they need.

There is no charge to participating families

	Pilgrim Lodge Trip Camp "White Mountain Adventure"  stops at  Camp Sunshine  More Photos
The Camp Sunshine Mission Statement:  A life threatening illness robs children of their childhood and families of the joys of day-to-day family life. At Camp Sunshine, we work to restore some of the fabric of the family by providing happy memories and other opportunities to develop coping skills. The program offers professional counseling, worship, recreational opportunities and on-site 24-hour medical support for families
Camp Sunshine staff receive Gifts from Pilgrim Lodge campers on behalf of Camp Sunshine families

Lindsey Morton's Letter to her friends
 After returning home from Pilgrim Lodge.  Lindsey raised money and collected goods for Camp Sunshine and she volunteered, along with her mom to help out.  The following is the letter she sent:  

Hello,

I am Lindsey Morton a 13 year old in Middle School. I would like to ask your help in donating supplies to Camp Sunshine. I recently went to Pilgrim Lodge were our mission project was Camp Sunshine. A speaker came and talked about how much it meant to each family to get away from the “real world” for a week. It touched my heart and I would like to help now on my own but with your help. I’m sure many of you have heard of Camp Sunshine but here is an over view of what it is. Camp Sunshine is one of a kind. It is a camp for children with life threatening diseases and their families. It has counseling sessions for the parents and activities for the whole family even the healthy children are allowed to go. So I found their wish list and put down a couple of easy to get items.  If you want to help but aren’t able to get an item on the list a cash donation is okay (I will pick something up from the list for you). 

Camp Sunshine Wish List, AA and 9 volt batteries, Cold packs, Paper, reams of 8-˝ x11, Fun Kids Stickers, Umbrellas, Trash Bags, Paper Towels, Baby Wipes, First Aid Kits, Boxes of Tissues,  Glue, Household Light Bulbs, Basketballs, Volleyballs, Sports Ball/ Equipment, Birthday Candles, Kids Game, Prizes (party favors), Disposable Cameras, Red Bandanas, Ace Bandages, Pool Towels, Children’s and Teen Videos/ DVDS

Thank you for all your help! If you know anyone who is interested in donating please let them see the wish list. To find out more ways to help out or more about Camp Sunshine you can go to www.campsunshine.org.

there you go!!! can't wait to see you next year at Pilgrim Lodge!

Sincerely,

Lindsey Morton

If you would like to contribute to Pilgrim Lodge's effort to send families to Camp Sunshine, please send a check made payable to "Maine Conference UCC" with "2003 PL Mission" in the memo line, to:

Pilgrim Lodge Mission Program,
103 Pilgrim Lodge Lane,
West Gardiner, ME  04345