CHD’s Adult Mental Health-Holyoke program recently held its annual summer camp at Camp Holy Cross in Goshen, MA. Every year, clients choose a name for the four-day overnight camp, and this summer they settled on Camp Jubilee because they were celebrating its 25th anniversary.

“The experience is life-changing for clients, especially for many of them who have never been to a summer camp,” said Moira Boyce, a former manager at AMH-Holyoke who began this camping tradition in 2001, when it was christened “Camp Starfire.” She planned the first camp with Audrey Higbee, Julie Schwager, Tom Stevens, Kat Sargent, Kofi Dwamena, Glen Lawrence, Laura Wallace, Marge Bowler, Jason Haas, and Kathy Barker.

“Being in the fresh air and outdoors in a natural relaxing environment is transforming for all,” said Kathy Barker, AMH-Holyoke’s administrative manager.  “What is also truly amazing is how all staff come together to make it happen each year. Three delicious hardy meals are made each day by the kitchen staff serving 50 to 60 people—and more than 100 people on Picnic Day.”

Each year up to 40 campers stay four days and three nights, and some participants visit for the day. Activities include the opening ceremony, swimming, canoeing, fishing, hiking, a continuous campfire with nightly s’mores and storytelling, arts and crafts, volleyball, tie dye, softball and kickball games, a dance with DJ, movie night, board games, a pie eating contest, and journaling.

Jason Haas and several colleagues made everyone’s meals in the first years of camp, and then Walter Lesure and Sarah Capistrant, along with a loyal team of staff took, on the kitchen duties. There are many staff who volunteer to transport day campers to and from Goshen, and program nurses assure first aid kits and medical supplies are provided and oversee clients’ Medication Administration Program (MAP).

Wildlife spotted on the grounds during Camp Jubilee were two bald eagles and a great blue heron.

Special thanks go to overnight staff from our group homes, under the direction of Kofi Dwamena, as well as the Springfield College graduate Occupational Therapy (OT) program and OT Professor Amanda Rodriguez, for invaluable assistance with OT students facilitating activities.