Camp To Belong works to reunite siblings who have been separated by foster care, adoption or other out-of-home care. The week of camp provides these brothers and sisters the opportunity to have fun, create and share memories and bond together. Campers also meet other youth who have experienced similar life situations and learn that they are not alone.
Camp To Belong Maine held its inaugural camp in 2004 and we are excited to be holding our 6th session this year. To date we have hosted over 300 brothers and sisters and 150 volunteers. We are very fortunate to hold CTBM at the magical Camp Wigwam in Waterford, Maine. Camp Wigwam owner, Bob Strauss, and his staff have been instrumental in the success of Camp To Belong Maine and we are deeply grateful.
We are also extremely appreciative for the support we have received from community members, local organizations, and other volunteers who have provided in-kind donations, collected birthday gifts, sewn pillows and quilts, sponsored campers, taken photos, raised funds, and the list goes on.
Camp To Belong Maine would also not be possible without its collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services which has been part of the planning process from the beginning, supporting its staff to be counselors, identifying specific staff to serve as District Contacts for camper recruitment, and providing funding for camp management and camper registration fees.
Last, but certainly not least, we are proud to be part of Adoptive and Foster Families of Maine, Inc. (AFFM), which serves as our fiscal agent and non-profit home. AFFM "provides support services for adoptive and foster parents, and kinship providers. AFFM (also) provides the training, guidance, knowledge, and resources needed to handle complex issues as families open their hearts and homes to children."
As we approach the 7th camp session in August, we look forward to reuniting with veteran counselors, meeting new counselors and most importantly welcome veteran campers and new brothers and sisters who arrive to share the week together and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Warmly,
Heidi
Heidi M. Krieger, Director
Camp To Belong Maine
