PROVIDENCE — With summer just around the corner, the staff and counselors of Mother of Hope Camp are preparing for another safe and fun season on Echo Lake. As they eagerly await the return of campers, they continue to do so with guidance from the state, following safety guidelines in an effort to protect its campers and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, while still providing activities that campers and families love about Mother of Hope.
Camp Director Michelle Ficocelli shared that “through prayer, diligence and quite a bit of luck,” last year’s season was COVID free.
“We intend to keep the same protocols in place as we did last year. This year we have a better understanding of what to do and how it affects others. Social distancing is a big part of keeping everyone safe. Our groups are small and separate. Our property is large enough to maintain social distancing between groups each day.”
Ficocelli added that the American Camping Association and the RI Association of Camps has helped camps stay informed and up-to-date on all the latest and changing information.
“They have worked tirelessly for camps to be able to open safely and to keep campers safe. We feel good about the summer of 2021. We will continue to prepare and pray.”
The director shared that she is grateful for the many experienced staff that will be returning to the diocesan day camp this year with their joyful and playful attitudes.
“When they’re together there is an energy about them and they bring that energy to the campers. The campers really see the love they have for each other, the camp and them. They don’t just work at camp, they live camp; the campers feel it and it motivates them also.”
Long-time camper Anastasia Malec, 14, has been attending Mother of Hope for 9 years. She enjoyed her time so much that she has returned every summer, all summer long. Malec is now in the Counselor in Training program at Mother of Hope.
“I want to help the little campers enjoy camp,” said Malec. “I want to help plan camp events from start to finish. I have had lots of great counselors over the years who taught me about the four F’s: faith, fun, friendship and of course — fresh air.”
The parishioner of St. Joseph Church in Central Falls, treasures the lasting friendships she has made over the years at Mother of Hope. Over time, Malec says she has become outgoing and adventurous because of the positive challenges that the camp has given her.
“We have a beautiful campus on the lake, surrounded by nature to enjoy. Experiencing Mass outdoors and in the amphitheater puts me so in touch with God’s natural beauty and wonders of the outdoors, all at the same time. I look forward to swimming in the lake where I learned how to jump off the dock. Being outside with nature is the best: hiking, fishing and all of the different weekly themes that they have make it so much fun.”
Camp enriches the life of a child, explained Ficocelli, who shared that every summer they receive phone calls from parents expressing their appreciation for all that the camp has to offer.
“They tell us how much fun the camper had, how much they have grown or how much they have learned. Camp is a nurturing place, where you are surrounded by caring adults.”
Ficocelli explained that donations to the annual Catholic Charity Appeal are vital to Mother of Hope Camp’s mission to provide young people of all faiths and backgrounds with the opportunity to grow physically, socially and spiritually in a Catholic Christian community under the guidance of a trained and caring staff. The appeal enables the camp to offer a broad range of recreational, educational and faith-centered activities.
“Donations to the annual Catholic Charity Appeal directly help Mother of Hope Camp,” she said.
“Without the Catholic Charity Fund there would be no camp. The subsidy is essential to providing for the facilities and staff that make the experiences so wonderful for our campers.”
As a 501(c)(3) agency, the camp works especially to help children of less fortunate families benefit from the many advantages of the Mother of Hope experience.
For more information, including registration, sponsoring a camper or making a donation, visit motherofhopecamp.com.
GIVE HELP
If you are financially able, please consider making a donation online by visiting givecentral.org/2021CCA or by texting the word “Appeal” to 401-496-9889. Your gift will immediately make a positive impact in the lives of your neighbors in need.
LEARN MORE
Visit www.dioceseofprovidence.org/cca to see the good work of your donation to Catholic Charities in the diocese.
