As children you and I likely never went through the horror of being told "Baby, Daddy has gone to heaven." Or, "Honey, Mommy won't be coming home again" because they were killed serving in the military or as first responders.

 

    That shatters a child's world.

 

    There is little you and I can do about that. But we can do something.

 

    Friends of ours have generously opened up their 266 acre Texas ranch as a non-profit, all volunteer summer camp for these Gold Star children. It's called Echo Hill Ranch. There are cabins, a dining hall, horseback lessons, tennis, hiking, arts and crafts, swimming holes, cookouts, and much more, all with volunteer instructors.

 

    For many this is the first time in their lives that they can be with other kids who understand their loss, because they all share it. They come to the camp and can just be kids together.

 

    Near the end of the camp session the kids paint a rock with what they want to say to their Dad or Mom. Then they hike up Echo Hill and place it on the summit. Those inscribed rocks will be there as long as the earth remains.

 

   All contributions go to running the camp. No one takes a dime in salary, compensation, expenses or any other way. It is run entirely by volunteers and financed by contributors who care about these Gold Star kids.

 

   It is completely free – as in no cost to the families. Even the children's transportation to and from the camp, no matter where they come from, is included.

 

    The camp owners Kinky Friedman and his sister Marcie Friedman take their responsibilities very seriously. Please take a few minutes to watch this video: https://youtu.be/XrXod-W_qhU

 

    A child who has lost their Dad or Mom at such a young age can come to Echo Hill and have life-changing experiences. Even more than that, Echo Hill gives them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bond with other Gold Star children. They will get to know others their age who are also going through the loss of a parent. They will become friends with children who can speak to their heart, to comfort each another, because they are the only ones who can truly understand and share their pain.

 

    Echo Hill is unique. It is much more than just another summer camp. The focus is to help in some small way to begin the healing process for these Gold Star children who have been so deeply hurt.

 

    Will you join us in helping to heal these little hearts?

 

    Please go to https://echohill.org/ It has all the info on what the Friedmans are doing and how to contribute. Marcie would be more than happy to talk with you about the camp. Her number is 830-589-2520.

 

   Contributions are fully tax deductible since Echo Hill is a 501(c)(3) charity. You can contribute on the secure website above or send a check made out to "Echo Hill Inc." and mail to:

Echo Hill Ranch
Gold Star Camp
965 Echo Hill Road
Medina, Texas 78055

 

    Thank you for considering this.

 

    Bill and Alison Mencarow
    (The Paper Source)