‘The whole vibe of the camp is just so fun:’ Mother and Daughter Share How Sunset Point Camp Has Changed Their Lives

Fabienne’s daughter, Abigail, was just seven years old when the mother and daughter pair made the brave decision to leave Haiti and start a new life in the United States.

“When we first got here, we didn’t know a single person,” said Fabienne. “Everything was brand new.”

With limited English-speaking skills, Fabienne said securing a stable job was not initially easy. When she learned of Catholic Charities Boston’s ESOL and CNA/HHA program in Brockton, she promptly signed up for both.

Today, she credits these programs and her incredible teachers for not only helping her become fluent in English and land a meaningful job in healthcare but perhaps more importantly, for introducing her daughter to Sunset Point Camp – a tradition that has become a cherished part of young Abigail’s life over the past four summers.

“Cheri, the Adult Education program director, encouraged us to give it a try, and we are so glad we did,” said Fabienne. “It has made such a difference.”

Abigail recalls feeling nervous the first summer she attended the camp, surrounded by unfamiliar faces in an entirely new place.

“Miss Ivana introduced me to a lot of new people, showed me new activities, and always would come over to check on me,” said Abigail. “Very quickly, I started to warm up.”

Now 13, four summers later, Abigail says Sunset Point Camp is the highlight of her summer. Not only has she made a community of friends over the years, that continues to expand, but she has grown more confidence in herself and her ability to navigate new situations.

“I notice that Abigail is more open at school and at church,” said Fabienne. “She participates in activities and is always asking questions. I have received calls from teachers congratulating on my daughter’s great attitude, and I think Sunset Point Camp is part of that.”

This summer, Abigail will be attending the second session of camp in July. She said she looks forward to the arts and crafts, games outside, and above all, the famed treasure night on Thursday. While she doesn’t know who exactly will be in her session this year, she said she now trusts that she will make new friends with both the counselors and fellow campers.

“The counselors are so energetic and outgoing,” she said. “They try to be friends with everyone. They always take their time with you. The whole vibe of the camp is just so fun.”

As a mother, Fabienne says it is an amazing feeling to be able to send your child to a place where they feel safe, supported, and free to be a kid and have fun. Though most of their extended family is back in Haiti, Fabienne says thanks to Catholic Charities, they no longer feel that they are alone here.

“I call Ivana or Cheri whenever we get good news because they have helped us along the way,” she said. “Catholic Charities is like our family.”

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