Be Gentle

This week's Camp Mantra, "Be Gentle," can be heard throughout most days. For example, last week a counselor reminded campers to be gentle with their musical instruments during Music Therapy with Cathy Bollinger.

Cathy is a music therapist with Rivanna Music and has been a beloved part of Camp Hope since 2022. In addition to her work at Camp Hope, she leads music therapy sessions for various organizations and individuals in the Charlottesville area, as well as for group homes in Augusta County.

After five 30-minute music classes on Thursday, a camper and counselor stepped into the room while Cathy was packing up. The camper had taken a break earlier in the day and missed his session. He asked if she would sing him a song.

"Sure," she said. "Which song would you like me to sing?"

As he thought, she gently pulled her guitar from its case, sat back down, and began playing his request, "Tingalayo." Take a listen!