If you cannot open the attachments or need more information, please contact
Chris Morin at the Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance at
804-377-0335 or cmorin@....

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From the Survivor Caucus of the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action
Alliance...
____________________________________________________________________________
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Attached, please find a brochure, including a brief application form,
detailing Camp Mabon: A Journey with Mother Nature.

The idea for Camp Mabon was conceived after I spent a weekend with a sexual
assault survivor support group many years ago. I was the director of a
women's center in Pennsylvania at the time and the group had asked me to
lead a hike and conduct some activities that would lend some structure and
challenge to their gathering. The courage and delight I saw awaken in the
women who participated was astounding. They were able to identify new
strengths, both physical and emotional, by engaging in the natural world.
They gained confidence by testing themselves in an unfamiliar environment.
Burdens were lifted, barriers were overcome, and lives became larger and
lovelier. All were transformed.

Since then, I have dreamed of making Camp Mabon a reality for more women who
have survived sexual violence. In September of 2005, that dream became a
reality. The first Camp Mabon was an inspirational, life changing
experience for everyone involved. And each year since then, the Camp Mabon
planning group, which includes staff from the Virginia Sexual and Domestic
Violence Action Alliance (VSDVAA), members of the Survivor Caucus of VSDVAA,
and a consulting psychologist have worked to make this program a "peak
experience" for all who participate. Please take the time to read the
brochure enclosed to review specific feedback from participants.

It is important to note that Camp Mabon is not a clinical setting, nor does
it function as a support group, although many participants stay in touch
with each other after the camp. It has, however, proven to be a healing
experience for survivors in many different stages in their journey. We have
had participants who have suffered very recent violent trauma, adult
survivors of child sexual abuse, and women who have suffered sexual violence
by intimate partners repeatedly over a long period of time.

Camp Mabon is not therapy, but it is therapeutic. Camp leaders are trained
in crisis intervention and as sexual assault victim advocates so survivors
can be assured of emotional support.

The goal of the Camp Mabon project is to provide a positive, pivotal, and
transformative outdoor experience for twelve (12) women who are survivors of
sexual violence. Using a relatively risk-free outdoor experience, seasoned
facilitators gently guide survivors past their comfort zones to increase
self-confidence, face and master fears, find strength and comfort in their
bodies, and enjoy their senses in the natural world.

Camp Mabon will take place at Douthat State Park in Bath County, Virginia on
September 19-21, 2008, at NO COST to participants. Lodging, meals, and
materials are all included and assistance with transportation will be
provided on a limited basis.

Please complete the brief application form and either fax it, Attn. Chris
Morin, to (804) 377-0335 or mail it to her attention at VSDVAA, 5008
Monument Ave., Richmond, VA 223230 by July 25, 2008.

If you have any questions or would like further information about the
project, please contact Chris Morin, VSDVAA staff liaison to Camp Mabon, at
(804) 377-0335 or cmorin@....


Sincerely,


Deb Downing
Camp Mabon Project