25 Years of Happiness, Hope and Healing - Camp Sunshine

A Message from the Executive Director
Matthew M. Hoidal, Esq.
When I assumed my post as
Executive Director in
2001, it was a major point
in Camp Sunshine’s history, as the
organization transitioned from its
founding and former base at Point
Sebago Resort, to its brand new
home next door. Eager to begin ad-
vancing Camp Sunshine, I was also
mindful of the need to take time
to better appreciate and become
familiar with Camp Sunshine’s rich
history, and the people who helped
nurture and care for it for so many
years.
To this day, I love talking to people
about the days back at Point Sebago.
For those of us who were not
involved in the program back then,
it would be so great if we could go
back in time and be a part of Camp
Sunshine. And while that’s not
possible, we are all fortunate that
those who enjoyed those years were
so open and willing to share their
experiences with all of us. These are
the people whose contributions and
life commitments to Camp Sunshine
have inspired and guided me and so
many others as we embark on journeys
of our own with the organization.
Along with our dedicated staff
and board of directors, without whom
the program would be far less magical,
these are the people I am proud to
now call my friends.
Every great organization only succeeds
by remembering and honoring
its roots. In the eight years since
Camp Sunshine moved into its new
campus, the organization has undergone
tremendous growth, expanding
from 4 sessions in 2000 to the 25
sessions planned on our 25th anniversary
season. The campus has
grown, our volunteer and donor forces
have grown, awareness has increased,
and the need for the program always
“We Are Family”
continues. And yet as we change and
grow, our foundation, and the principles
that have defined who we are and
what we do, remain the same.
It’s no surprise that the song “We
are family” is a routine act during
karaoke at Camp Sunshine’s weekly
Parents’ Gourmet Dinner. Indeed,
if I had to choose one word to define
Camp Sunshine, it would be “family.”
Family is who we exist to serve, and
it’s the community of friends, volunteers,
donors, and all of the numerous
other caring and compassionate
people who have come together in
support of Camp Sunshine over the
years. No matter how much Camp
Sunshine grows, we will grow as a
family, remembering our heritage,
and honoring those who came
before us, while constantly striving
to enhance and perfect our familyfocused
programming.
Thank you all for welcoming me
into your family, and for giving me
this privilege of serving so many
families with you. I look forward
to sharing many more years with
you, and working together to bring
respite to the many more children
and families who need Camp Sunshine.
As you turn the pages throughout
this publication, I hope they evoke
nostalgic feelings and memories
of your involvement and reminds
you of the important role you have
played in Camp Sunshine’s 25 year
history.
Matt Hoidal, Esq.
Executive Director
2 5 Ye a r s o f H a p p i n e s s, H o p e a n d H e a l i n g
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