HOLLYWOOD, Md. — Delegate Todd Morgan visited Greenwell State Park on June 19, 2025, to support Camp Sunrise, a summer camp for children ages 7 to 16 grieving the loss of a loved one. Hosted by the Greenwell Foundation in partnership with Hospice of St. Mary’s, the camp ran from June 18 to June 20, offering therapeutic activities to help campers process grief. Morgan’s visit underscored the importance of community support for the program, which utilized the park’s natural setting for healing activities like kayaking and horse connection sessions.
The camp, held at the 596-acre Greenwell State Park along the Patuxent River, provided a structured environment for children to explore their emotions through art projects, games, and outdoor recreation. Greenwell Foundation staff facilitated guided kayaking and equestrian therapy, activities designed to foster emotional resilience and peer connection. The program aimed to create a safe space where campers could learn they are not alone in their grief.
“It was inspiring to see the campers who attended Camp Sunrise go from being wary about coming to a ‘grief camp’ to being excited to show up every day,” said Patricia Watson, St. Mary’s Hospice Bereavement Coordinator. “Partnering with Greenwell Foundation allowed us to use new tools this year to help our campers navigate their grief, as we explored nature and practiced new skills! Our campers learned that they are not alone in their grief.”
Morgan began his visit at the park’s beach, greeting campers and staff engaged in kayaking and shoreline exploration. He posed for photos and addressed the group, offering encouragement. He then visited the park’s barn, where he met Greenwell’s equestrian staff and learned about the therapeutic benefits of horse connection sessions. Staff shared insights from the foundation’s Veteran & First Responder Therapeutic Recreational Retreat Program, which has expanded to serve more participants through tailored outdoor activities.
“The visit with Delegate Morgan exemplified the power of a private-public collaboration between two nonprofit partners set among the abundant natural environment of Greenwell State Park,” said Maria McDonald, Greenwell Foundation Executive Director. “Three different entities working toward one common goal, to provide the children of Camp Sunrise a safe and welcoming environment to help heal and restore. We are tremendously grateful for the opportunity to do so.”
Greenwell State Park, donated in 1971 by John Phillip Greenwell Jr. and Mary Wallace Greenwell, includes 166.6 acres of original land and 430 acres from the adjacent Bond property. Managed with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the park features 10 miles of trails, a fishing pier, and accessible amenities like a wheelchair-friendly kayak launch. The Greenwell Foundation, a nonprofit established in 1997, operates within the park, offering inclusive programs for individuals with and without disabilities, including therapeutic riding and nature camps.
Camp Sunrise’s activities were tailored to support emotional healing. Kayaking on the Patuxent River built confidence and teamwork, while horse connection sessions, led by trained staff, provided emotional support through animal interaction. Art projects and games encouraged self-expression and social bonds, helping campers process grief at their own pace. The park’s serene environment, with wetlands, forests, and historic structures like the 1880 Rosedale Manor House and 1838 log tobacco barn, enhanced the therapeutic experience.
The partnership between the Greenwell Foundation and Hospice of St. Mary’s addresses a critical need in St. Mary’s County, where access to mental health resources for youth can be limited. Hospice of St. Mary’s, located in Callaway, provides bereavement services alongside palliative care, focusing on emotional support for families. The Greenwell Foundation leverages the park’s resources to serve over 60,000 annual visitors and hundreds of program participants, including veterans and first responders.
Morgan’s visit highlighted the role of legislative support in sustaining community programs. Representing St. Mary’s County, Morgan’s presence boosted morale among campers and staff, reinforcing the camp’s value. The county, with approximately 114,000 residents, supports the Greenwell Foundation through commissioner funding, United Way contributions, and private donations, keeping program costs low.
The camp’s impact was evident in campers’ growing enthusiasm over the three-day program. Many arrived hesitant but left empowered, having built connections and learned coping skills. The park’s accessible facilities, including picnic areas and pavilions, supported the camp’s logistics, while its natural beauty provided a calming backdrop for grief work.
The Greenwell Foundation’s broader programs include charter fishing trips, trail rides, and kayak tours, with a focus on inclusivity. Its Veteran & First Responder Therapeutic Recreational Retreat Program, discussed during Morgan’s visit, offers extended sessions with therapists, reflecting the foundation’s commitment to diverse community needs. The partnership with Hospice of St. Mary’s may expand in future years, building on the 2025 camp’s success.
The collaboration operates under a rent-free agreement with the Maryland Park Service, which maintains the park. Parking fees of $3 for Maryland residents and $5 for out-of-state visitors help fund operations. The camp’s small staff, led by McDonald and Ally Rodgers, Summer Camp & Nature Director, worked alongside Hospice’s bereavement team to deliver individualized support.
Morgan’s engagement, from addressing campers to exploring equestrian therapy, demonstrated the power of visible support from elected officials. His visit underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing community needs, particularly for vulnerable youth. The Greenwell Foundation and Hospice of St. Mary’s plan to continue their collaboration, with potential for future camps to serve more children.
