a relationship with Jesus

Circle of Friends

Circle of Friends retreats are a ministry to families who share a special bond – each of them has a child with a disability.   It is our prayer that during their stay at Gilmont, all participants would experience love, laughter, and a chance to relax.

The Purpose:

• To give parents (caregivers) of children with disabilities a weekend free of full responsibility from their children.
• To give special needs children, and their siblings, opportunities to share with other special needs families, participate in activities that include everyone, and feel loved and accepted.
• To engage volunteers in service that is sacrificial, patient and kind.

The way it works:  The entire family comes to camp, and all the children are cared for by trained volunteers until bedtime each day. The volunteers are teenagers and young adults; they also stay the whole weekend.

Activities include:  ropes course, swimming, hiking, crafts, canoeing, volleyball, basketball, duck-duck- goose, a talent show, and more!  Adults have the option of observing or participating in any planned activity.   Parents have the opportunity to talk with others who can share how they have dealt with different trials and tribulations.

Background:  Circle of Friends Camp (CFC) started on Labor Day weekend 1998. This camp was formed through the cooperative efforts of Camp Gilmont and Windridge Equestrian Center.  CFC camp has been led since 2001 by Charlotte Hansen a retired teacher and now ventriloquist.  Local volunteers aged 14 through college lead the daily program.  CFC partners a volunteer and a child from different families for the entire weekend.  This allows the parents of these families to relax and enjoy their weekend. This camp has taken place on Labor Day weekend since 1998. Because of increased need, Circle of Friends expanded the program in 2006 to include a second camp on Memorial Day weekend.  And in 2007, a third weekend in August was added.

You are invited to support this ministry!

• CLICK HERE for a fact sheet about Circle of Friends – helpful when sharing with a group.
• CLICK HERE to make an on-line donation.
• CLICK HERE to apply to be a volunteer.
• CLICK HERE to apply for a family application