New Vitae Wellness and Recovery recently celebrated its 39th annual beach trip in 40 years, only missing 2020 due to COVID. This is a tradition many of our residents and support staff eagerly await every year. This year, we soaked up the sun and surf in beautiful Wildwood, NJ, with activities galore. We took trips into Cape May to catch Becoming Dr. Ruth at the Cape May Playhouse, and many enjoyed a delicious seafood lunch on the dock at the famous Lobster House. We visited the Cape May Zoo, had an amazing sunset dolphin watch boat ride, and had a pizza party at Sunset Beach where some staff and residents kayaked out to get a closer look at the “Sunken Ship.” They also spotted some dolphins! Others relaxed on the beach, did some souvenir shopping, and enjoyed walking along the beach collecting Cape May “Diamonds.” The water was chilly, but a few braved it and went swimming! The pool at The Brittany was warmer, and everyone had fun at the pool parties. The Wildwood Boardwalk thrilled us as always with Ferris wheel rides and the famous tramcar, surrey bike rides, and tasty treats like ice cream and fudge. We also had a blast crabbing, a fun mini golf tournament with prizes, and poolside cookouts, including steak and shrimp on the grill one night. Many enjoyed just soaking up the sun, rejuvenating, and relaxing with peers and staff in the beautiful setting.
“This beach trip is something I look forward to every year. Seeing everyone enjoy themselves on a vacation with our support and getting to spend time with them makes all the planning worthwhile” says Donna Devlin, our dedicated owner and executive administrator. Donna has been organizing the trip since 1986 with the help of our amazing staff Brian, Tracy, Cathy, Kati, and Erin (still called “Cape May Crew” from our many years of staying there) and her family, New Vitae Board Chair Adam, and daughters Destiny and Jade. Thanks to some awesome donations and grants, we have been able to offer some partial and complete scholarships to those who meet the criteria, helping more residents get the chance to join in the fun.
All vacationers got a custom-designed beach trip t-shirt, making us feel like we are having one big family reunion. “Our residents absolutely love this trip. For many, it’s the highlight of their year. Some hadn’t been on vacation in years, and a few had never been to the beach before. It’s a special time for all of us,” Donna shares. Erin, a staff member who joined the crew this year, said, “It’s so rewarding to help the residents have a fun and safe time on vacation! It was a wonderful experience, and I’m already looking forward to next year.”
Being in treatment can be challenging, and nature’s therapeutic benefits play a crucial role in the recovery process. The beach trip offers a unique opportunity to connect with each other and nature, providing not just fun, but a calming and healing environment. This tradition is all about creating unforgettable memories and fostering wellness and recovery. Reflecting on this year’s trip, we’re already excited about our 40th trip next year and counting down the days. Thank you to everyone who made this trip possible. Here’s to many more years of “Fun in the Sun” – the slogan on one of our t-shirts.
