In Southern Maine, meaningful partnerships often begin with a simple idea: how can we better support one another?
This summer, Piper Shores is proud to announce a new collaboration with the Center for Grieving Children and Ketcha Outdoors to support and expand access to Ketcha Outdoors’ longstanding camp scholarship program. Designed to help children navigating grief experience connection, healing, and time outdoors, this initiative also strengthens the connections that define our community.
A Partnership Rooted in Community
For more than 20 years, Piper Shores has shared a close relationship with neighboring nonprofit Ketcha Outdoors. Located just down the road, the two organizations are connected not only by proximity, but by shared trails, shared values, and a shared commitment to community. This latest collaboration grew naturally from that relationship.
“We always look for ways to make our partnerships meaningful,” said Andrea Killiard, Marketing and Life Enrichment Director at Piper Shores. “It’s not just about giving. It’s about creating something that adds value, builds connection, and supports the community in a tangible way.”
Through conversations with Ketcha Outdoors’ leadership, an opportunity emerged to help expand access to summer camp for children served by the Center for Grieving Children by building on Ketcha Outdoors’ existing scholarship program.
Piper Shores has supported Ketcha Outdoors through several community-focused initiatives over the years, including upgrades to its outdoor stage in 2025 and planned contributions toward improvements to its outdoor playground.
Supporting Children Through Connection and Nature
The expanded scholarship collaboration will help provide access to Ketcha Outdoors’ summer camp for up to 30 children ages 4 to 13, with a focus on the early weeks of the season, when demand is highest and access is often most limited.
For children experiencing grief, opportunities like summer camp can be transformative.
“It’s rare to see nonprofits come together in this way, but when they do, it allows us to expand support and reach more children who need it,” said Gretchen Johnson, Executive Director of the Center for Grieving Children. “For children navigating grief, experiences like camp provide a sense of normalcy, connection, and healing. A chance to simply be kids.”
Beyond financial support, the collaboration also helps ease other barriers families may face, such as the complexity of registering for camp during an already overwhelming time. Reducing these burdens for families—such as cost, logistics, and timing—can make all the difference.
Why Nature Matters
At Ketcha Outdoors, the connection between nature and well-being is central to their mission.
“We believe all children should have access to nature-based learning and play,” said Lucia Stancioff, Executive Director of Ketcha Outdoors. “Summer camp has the power to change perspectives, build friendships, and connect kids to nature. We are thrilled to welcome more families to Ketcha this summer through this collaboration!”
Through camp experiences, children will have opportunities to explore the outdoors, build confidence, and form meaningful connections in a supportive and welcoming environment.
A Personal Connection to the Mission
For Piper Shores CEO Phil Jean, this collaboration is especially meaningful.
His family has personally experienced the impact of the Center for Grieving Children, reinforcing the importance of ensuring these resources are accessible to others.
“At Piper Shores, we believe community extends beyond our campus,” Jean shared. “Supporting organizations like the Center and Ketcha Outdoors allows us to make a meaningful difference for children and families while strengthening connections across our broader community.”
Nonprofit Supporting Nonprofit
This initiative reflects a larger philosophy at Piper Shores: that nonprofits are strongest when they support one another.
“It’s really about community giving to community,” Killiard explained. “As a nonprofit ourselves, we believe in supporting other organizations doing important work and creating opportunities for connection along the way.”
That approach has shaped many of Piper Shores’ partnerships over the years—from trail improvements and community programming to volunteer initiatives that engage residents in meaningful ways.
Creating Purpose and Connection
By working together, Piper Shores, Ketcha Outdoors, and the Center for Grieving Children are creating something bigger than any one organization could achieve alone: a pathway to healing, connection, and community for Maine families.
And in doing so, they’re reminding us all of what’s possible when neighbors come together with a shared purpose.