Operation Second Chance recently hosted eight recovering service members and their spouses and caregivers for a weekend retreat at Patriot Point, sponsored by Under Armour Freedom.

The group enjoyed a fantastic weekend, with a morning pheasant shoot, following by breakout sessions for the men and women. There was also a watercolor painting session for the couples and “dinner was bountiful,” said Walt Ellenberger, chairman of the steering committee for OSC Delmar.

“It was an absolutely beautiful weekend,” Ellenberger said. “Just a great experience. Our objective is to get these guys out. At one point, we were discussing that we should have blocked in a little more down time into the agenda because you’re so busy and it goes by so quickly.”

Patriot Point welcomed Operation Second Chance for a weekend for a caregiver retreat.

The weekend was full of fun, relaxation, pampering and some much needed down time. Thanks to Mission BBQ for catering a hearty dinner on Friday night, which was followed by local artist Kate Huntington holding a paint session with the caregivers.

On Saturday, the group took a self-guided tour of Patriot Point, enjoying some sea glass hunting along the way. They took advantage of the amazing Under Armour Freedom Fitness Center, played cornhole and, once the fog lifted, had a blast at the five-stand skeet shooting range. A few of the guests had never shot a gun before, and to say that property manager Tim Mitchell was a patient teacher is an understatement, wrote Sara Moriarity of Operation Second Chance.

After lunch, the group gathered by the firepits, listening to music and really getting to know each other a bit better. The afternoon held a pampering session filled with pedicures at Victoria Nail & Spa in Cambridge, followed by the best seafood that you would ever hope to eat at Old Salty’s. Tim had a bonfire set up and waiting on the beach for the group as they returned from dinner, which was full of laughter and many memories to cherish for years to come.

Sunday was the day for more group photos and saying goodbyes. Sara wrote that this was a first visit for everyone, and they are hoping it isn’t the last. They left with full hearts and pretty toes, but most importantly they left with new sisters and new adventures. A HUGE thank you to ALL who were involved with making this such a great trip!

Operation Second Chance brought seven caregivers of wounded, ill and injured veterans to Patriot Point this past weekend. According to Emily Selga, Military Family Support Liaison for Operation Second Chance, the goal for the retreat was to allow the caregivers to form new friendships and share resources and information with each other. Caregivers often feel isolated, Selga said, because it is hard for family and friends to understand how difficult the job can be.

The best part of the retreat was the relaxing environment that Patriot Point provides. Caregivers enjoyed sitting on the tranquil beach and savoring the peace and quiet.

“Many caregivers do not get to relax often,” Selga said. “So they really took advantage of the chance to do so.”