Camp Hope delivers thrills and smiles for Holy Angels residents

MOUNT HOLLY — Residents of Holy Angels recently had the opportunity to spend the summer at Camp Hope enjoying a “safari adventure.” Camp Hope officially opened in 1994, designed to expand and enhance the specialized programs, services and recreational opportunities for Holy Angels’ residents and other participants.

“Summer is always my favorite time of year because of Camp Hope,” said Holy Angels resident Mark. “I love going out to the camp, taking some boat rides, walking the nature trail and having fun with my friends.” Holy Angels, founded in 1955 by the Sisters of Mercy, provides residential services and programs for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and fragile medical conditions. This year’s “safari” theme enabled programming staff to create multi-sensory games and adventures for the campers. The 15-acre property on the South Fork of the Catawba River features a wheelchair accessible nature trail, boat dock, lodge, campfire pit and pavilion.

“Camp Hope has always been a place of growth, joy and connection. The camp allows our residents to experience the great outdoors, smell the flowers and feel the cool breeze and the warmth of the sun on their face,” said Kerri Massey, Holy Angels’ president and CEO. “We love being able to give our residents this special summer camp experience.” The highlight of the adventure is always a boat ride on the “Spirit of Maria,” named after the first resident of Holy Angels, Maria Morrow. Every ride is captained by a dedicated volunteer who gives their time to be specially trained on how to drive the boat.

“When I first started driving the boat more than a decade ago, I was told I could see the face of Jesus in these residents, and it’s true,” said volunteer captain John Gannon, parishioner of St. Matthew in Charlotte. “If I’m ever in need of a smile, I go to Holy Angels. It’s a blessing to be a part of this organization.”

The good news for Holy Angels’ residents, staff and volunteers is that the summer season extends well into fall as Camp Hope remains open through October, providing many more smiles and “mercy moments.”

— Shawn Flynn

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