Steps of Hope: Walking Together in Memory, Reflection, and Healing
A daughter lifts a memory badge on its lanyard over her head, letting the photograph of her loved one rest close to her heart. Beside her, a young boy turns a butterfly-shaped keepsake over in his hands as families begin to gather beneath the trees. Around them, quiet conversations blend with birdsong and the gentle rustle of leaves overhead. Some have come to honor a parent, a spouse, a child, a dear friend, or a cherished pet. Each person arrives carrying something unseen but deeply felt: love, remembrance, and the enduring presence of those who are missed.
On Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., Gilchrist invites individuals and families to join us for the 11th Annual Steps of Hope, this year held at Oregon Ridge Park & Lodge in Baltimore County. This special event offers a time of reflection and remembrance as we honor the lives of loved ones we miss deeply, including cherished pets who continue to hold a special place in our hearts.
Set in the peaceful beauty of Oregon Ridge Park, Steps of Hope creates a space where families and friends can come together to find comfort in nature’s restorative presence. Surrounded by walking paths, open sky, and the quiet strength of the natural world, attendees are invited to pause, reflect, and remember those who have shaped their lives.
“Steps of Hope is such a special event because it reminds people that grief does not have to be walked alone,” says Laurel Freeman, Gilchrist Clinical Counselor. “There is something deeply healing about gathering in nature with others who understand loss. Each year, we see families come outto honor loved ones, share memories, and find comfort in the simple act of being together in nature. It is a beautiful reminder that while grief is personal, healing can happen in community.”
An optional one-mile Memory Walk, which includes some hills, offers participants the opportunity to walk in honor of those they are remembering. Whether you choose to take the walk, sit quietly in reflection, or simply be present with others who understand grief, the afternoon is designed to offer support, comfort, and hope.
One of the most meaningful traditions of the event is the Memory Badge. After registering, attendees are invited to email a photo of their loved one and/or pet, along with their name, to Hilary Harrington at hharrington@gilchristcares.org by May 27, 2026. These personalized badges will be available on the day of the event, offering a visible and touching way to carry your loved one’s memory with you.
Event Details
Registration required: by May 22, 2026
Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Oregon Ridge Park & Lodge
13401 Beaver Dam Road
Cockeysville, MD 21030
Cost: Free to attend. (A suggested donation of $25 per family helps support the work of the Gilchrist Grief Care Program, which provides counseling, support groups, workshops, and bereavement resources for children, teens, adults, and families throughout our community.)
Please note: Entry and parking are at the Lodge entrance, not the Nature Center. This event will be held rain or shine.
At Gilchrist, we believe healing happens in many ways: through remembrance, shared stories, time in nature, and the presence of others who truly understand. Steps of Hope continues to be a meaningful tradition for many families, offering a gentle reminder that love endures and no one has to navigate grief alone. We hope you will join us for this special afternoon of remembrance and healing. For questions, please contact Christy Broderick at 443-849-8251 or cbroderick@gilchristcares.org.
