ROME — Camp Ray of Hope, a place for grieving families to gather, will take place from Friday through Sunday, Sept. 15 to 17, at the beautiful Pine Tree Camp.

Camp Ray of Hope is a weekend retreat held annually for those who have lost someone they love. It was founded in 1995 to give grieving individuals and families a place to come together and learn new ways to cope with their loss, to meet others with similar circumstances, to remember special times, to make new friends and to have fun

Family members will participate in bereavement groups with others of their own age to write stories about their loved ones, draw pictures, participate in arts and crafts, and go on nature hikes, all with the focus of finding healthy ways to express their confusion and anger.

People of all ages will participate in outdoor activities, receive massages, have treats around a campfire and attend activities like cooking class and art centers.

Participants come from all over the state to spend time with their families as they process the death of their loved one.

FMI: Jillian Roy, bereavement coordinator at Hospice Volunteers of Waterville, 207-873-3615 or [email protected].