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@....
--------------------

Dear Sexual Assault Crisis Center Representative/Service Provider –

Enclosed, 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 18-20, 2009, at NO COST to participants. Lodging, meals, and
materials are all included and assistance with transportation will be provided
on a limited basis.

We are asking local sexual assault crisis centers and service providers to
support women who self-identify as survivors of sexual violence and who would be
interested in participating in Camp Mabon to 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 17, 2009.

Some suggestions on how to spread the word about Camp Mabon and explore which
survivors in your area are interested are:
 Please be aware that staff or volunteers who are survivors and who work
in the field are welcome to apply!
 Make copies of the brochure/flier to distribute to the entire staff
 Discuss the Camp Mabon opportunity during a staff meeting
 Make copies of the brochure/flier to distribute and discuss in your
support groups
 Make copies of the brochure/flier to discuss one-on-one with survivors
who you are working with
 Post the brochure/flier on the bulletin board in your office
 Make copies of the brochure/flier to discuss at your local sexual
assault task force/coordinating council meeting

All applications for participation must come through a sexual assault crisis
center or service provider so the success of Camp Mabon depends on you. Thank
you for your support of this project.

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


<<2009 SACC letter.doc>> <<2009 Camp Mabon Brochure front.doc>>
<<Camp Mabon Application PDF 2.pdf>> <<2009 CM
brochure-registration.doc>>

Deb Downing
Program Development Unit
Office of Training and Program Assistance
Department of Criminal Justice Services
1100 Bank Street
Richmond, VA 23219
telephone: 804-371-8635
fax: 804-786-0410
email: deb.downing@...


DCJS is proud to sponsor the second Virginia Victim Assistance Academy
to be held from July 26 - July 31, 2009. More information is available
at www.dcjs.virginia.gov/victims/

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