Welcome
Perhaps it was the word "wellness" that piqued your interest to click here or maybe it was the word "woods". Whatever might have compelled you to check out this page, we hope that you may find useful information along with programs and workshops that may be of interest to you at our "wellness retreat center"- Camp Shepard, our 105 acre camp located just five miles from the center of Westfield.
Camp Shepard offers four seasons of natural splendor with hiking trails, pavilions, picnic areas, ball fields, basketball courts, an in-ground swimming pool, natural pond, a 45' climbing tower and high and low ropes courses. Our newest development has been the renovation of the Goyette Family Chalet. The heated Chalet provides program space for 50 people, has indoor bathroom facilities and a kitchenette.
The Chalet offers an ideal space for "wellness oriented" programs. These are programs designed specifically to help individuals find a healthy balance of mind, body and spirit that results in an overall feeling of well-being. TheYMCA, in its 165-year history set long ago its core mission as building healthy spirits, minds and bodies for all. In fact, one of our mainstay logos is of an upside down triangle with the words spirit, mind and body each occupying a leg of the triangle.
Here at the YMCA of Greater Westfield, we have made a recommitment to engendering the development of the spirit and mind, while continuing to encourage physical well-being. This comes as a direct result of listening to our members. In February 2009, we conducted a survey of our members to help us access how our members perceived their own state of well-being. The results interestingly indicated that many of our members are seeking more than just physical fitness and are looking to improve their mental, spiritual and emotional well-being.
Recognizing this need, staff at the YMCA formed a program design team whose mission was to determine how we might address the expressed needs and wants of our members. Through a series of discussions and brainstorming sessions, the design team developed a list of programs geared towards generating greater overall well-being, from the physical to the mental and spiritual arenas. Some programs such as Yoga, a Gardening Club and a Teachers' Mini-Retreat at the Chalet were developed. Many others are in the works and will be rolled out over the course of the next 6-8 months. In implementing these programs, our desire is to make great use of the Chalet and the many acres of natural terrain at Camp Shepard to deliver these programs.
Finally, back to our title; wellness in the woods of Westfield.
In today's highly technological world with unabated streaming information pouring forth from TV, radio, video games, cell phones, ipods and the internet, it is easy to lose touch with nature, to miss its beauty as we busily attend to the numerous digital stimuli coming at us at rapid fire pace. Indeed, the constant barrage on our nervous systems can foster agitation and tension. Though technology certainly is used for much good and has an important place in our lives, it is equally important that we take time out to be in natural settings. For nature, in all its magnificence, from the brilliant leaves on display in the fall to the sounds of raindrops striking the forest floor, invites us to reconnect with our lives. If we would but take notice, the natural world has a wonderful capacity of drawing our attention to the present moment and towards a greater intimacy with life itself. Its healing properties sooth nervous tension and help restore calmness and balance. Nature serves as a most capable and conducive foundation upon which well-being and wellness can spring.
We'd like to think that our 105-acre natural treasure land, with its forested woodlands and diverse animal life, offers children and adults alike the opportunity to retreat from the busyness of our fast-paced society and find within, its restorative, health procuring qualities.
Rosann Scalise
June 2009