Renew Hope Camp: Nurturing Hearts, Planting Seeds of Healing
Renew Hope Camp: Nurturing Hearts, Planting Seeds of Healing
On October 10th, Our Farm in Abbeville, SC, opened its doors to host a special day of healing and growth—Renew Hope Camp (RHC). Designed to support children struggling with mental health challenges and trauma, this unique program offered a safe, nurturing space for participants to learn valuable life skills and heal emotionally. With engaging activities and therapeutic modules, the day was filled with hope, learning, and connection.
A Day of Growth and Healing
Thirteen children participated in the camp, taking part in a variety of modules that emphasized emotional growth, educational opportunities, and healing. The camp was structured around three key themes: Boundaries, Respect and Focus. These concepts were woven into every activity, from organic gardening lessons to creative expression on the nature trail. Each camp or retreat at Our Farm is tailored based on the specific needs of the children and the feedback provided through pre-camp surveys. This session was no different, addressing topics crucial for the children, as suggested by a friend of Our Farm who had been working closely with the group.
Modules Offered: Purpose and Goal
Organic Gardening Analogy: Gardening has become a metaphor for life, teaching children the importance of nurturing their personal growth by tending to their own emotional “soil.”
Horse Interactions: Horses provided a unique way for the children to build trust, focus, and develop emotional connections.
Right Brain Development through Art: Art was used as a powerful tool for self-expression, helping children channel their emotions while reinforcing
the three key themes of the camp.
Nature Trail & Creative Expression: The children walked along the serene nature trail, reflecting and expressing themselves in a peaceful setting. At
the creek, they were given the opportunity to release a leaf as a symbolic act of forgiveness.
The environment at Our Farm is carefully designed to create a sense of safety and support, which allows children to open up and heal. With a small group size of six, each participant received personalized attention, making sure that no one was left behind.
The Healing Journey of Joy
One of the most profound moments of the camp was marked by the participation of a young girl named Joy. At just 12 years old, Joy has already faced more challenges than her fair share. Born to a mother who struggled with significant family issues, Joy's early life was tumultuous. Her birth mother, Karen, came to A Place for Us Ministry residential program during a dark chapter in her life—pregnant, homeless, and working a low-wage job. But through determination, Karen overcame her struggles, completed her GED, and went on to pursue a career in healthcare. Tragically, a battle with addiction would later rob Karen of her career, her daughter, and ultimately, her life.
On September 24, 2025, Karen passed away, leaving 12-year-old Joy to grapple with the painful loss. But thanks to the love and support of her father and stepmother, Joy was able to attend Renew Hope Camp at a critical moment in her life. During the camp, she had the opportunity to engage in healing activities that helped her process her grief, including a moment of symbolic forgiveness on the nature trail.
When asked what could make the camp better, Joy's response was simple yet powerful: "The children need to know they are never alone. Her words struck a deep chord with everyone involved in the camp and were a poignant reminder of the importance of community, support, and unconditional love—values that Our Farm holds dear.
A Strong Community Effort
The success of Renew Hope Camp was made possible by the dedication and hard work of an incredible team of volunteers. From the horse interactions, assisted by Zack, Isabella, and the rest of the horse team, to the gardening module, expertly managed by Olena and Vali, every moment was carefully crafted with attention to detail. Shirley Crawford, who led the nature trail and creek activity, gave the children the opportunity to release leaves into the stream as a symbolic act of forgiveness, reinforcing the camp’s core values.
Geordi Robinson, an artist from Greenville, led the art module. Geordi even provided the paint and brushes from his own supply. Brooklyn Overholt, who had interned through APFUMI, assisted Geordi and brought her talents to the camp. Together, they helped provide the children with a creative outlet for their emotions. And Crystal, Our Farm's administrative assistant, and her son Jon helped manage the equine module, working with Margaret, the miniature horse, to offer therapeutic horse interactions.
Each volunteer brought their own unique skills, but it was their shared passion for serving others that made the day so meaningful. It was clear that Our Farm is more than just a program—it's a family. A family bound by a common goal: to provide hope, healing, and love to those who need it most.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Our Reach
As Renew Hope Camp continues to make a positive impact on the children it serves, Our Farm is looking ahead to future opportunities to expand its reach. Plans are already in place for additional camps in 2026, with a focus on increasing volunteer involvement and enhancing infrastructure to ensure that weather conditions do not hinder the camp's ability to serve. Donations and community support will play a crucial role in bringing these plans to life.
We are also grateful for the opportunity to offer individual sessions for those who require more personalized support. The work being done, along with the conceptual interventions offered at Our Farm, is changing lives. We’re excited to continue growing and expanding the mission of Renew Hope Camp.
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