Salute to Camp Cocoon

by Dr. Nad

Salute for Non-Profits Contest Winner

Camp Cocoon is unlike any place
where you have ever been.
It was birthed in the heart of a man,
(Neil Pruitt SR.) . . . but . . . what then?

Many a thought has come and gone,
Of GREAT things that COULD be done.
We've all had thoughts of entering a race,
BUT left the course not run.

The Pruitt family shared their heart
With all who would stop and hear,
Of this Love filled Bereavement Camp,
for grieving children held every year.

It took several years to germinate;
"Rome wasn't built in a day."
Methodically it came together,
so many had a role to play.

Pruitt, Shull and McCarthy
Were visionaries from the start
Tompkins, Caudell and Simpson
Continued with passion and heart.

It requires a lot of money,
And it takes a great big team,
To bring Camp Cocoon together
All flowing as a mighty stream.

Each year there's a competition;
Which office can raise the most?
Our partners join in the mission,
In the end we collectively boast!

Bake sales, yard sales and bowling,
Silent auctions, raffles and more.
Each year the list grows broader
With fund raising ideas galore.

It's all for the cause of the children
Whose lives have been torn apart.
They may know that they "must go on"
The question is; "where do we start?"

We DON'T have all the answers
But Camp Cocoon provides a safe place.
Each event is thoughtfully fashioned,
To elicit a smile from every young face.

The goal is a journey of healing,
The path is not always the same.
For some it's the pillow of remembrance,
That honors a memory and name.

Fishing and hiking and swimming,
A bonfire, ignoring the clock,
Gym time, talent show, petting zoo
Roaring bikes then questions for Doc.

Bereavement sessions with counselors
Keep the primary focus clear.
With God and heartfelt sharing,
Often accompanied by a hug and a tear

Camp Cocoon is unlike any place
where you have ever been.
We boldly ask you to join us,
If not you, . . who? If not now, . . when?