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Camp Olmsted Provides New Retreat Options
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One of the NYAC’s most overlooked resources is the historic “Camp Olmsted” in Cornwall-on-Hudson, in the Hudson River Valley. Tucked into the protective shadow of Storm King Mountain, the Olmsted complex includes two separate houses, summer camp facilities including a pool and rope course, acres of parkland and nature preserve and a National Register of Historic Places designation.
The Five Points Mission, under the aegis of the United Methodist City Society, has been providing summer camp experiences for city children since the early 20th century. Less well known is the possibility of holding retreats, workshops and conferences in the buildings on the property year round. Previously, groups had to organize their own projects and then arrange for accommodation. Now, a program of weekend retreats, under the direction of an experienced retreat leader, has been scheduled. Individuals who are looking for retreat opportunities can arrange to attend, without needing to organize a whole group.
Currently, there are three weekend retreats at Olmsted scheduled:
Get-Away to God (October 15th -17th) will give you the gift of a peaceful time apart to rejuvenate and discover new ways to connect to yourself and God. The retreat will explore the true meaning of “Sabbath” and how we can create strategies to reclaim peace in ourselves and our surroundings. Reflections, lectio divina, meditation techniques and other simple practices will refresh body and soul.
Gratitude Pilgrimage (November 5th -7th) will be a weekend exploration of gratitude, an important foundation of prayer and source of happiness and peace Before launching into the stresses of the holiday season, take time to recognize the true values in your life and how to nourish them. Journaling, lectio divina, color prayer, centering prayer and other spiritual practices will enhance our ability to say “thank you” to God.
How Does Your Garden Grow? (January 15th-17th) will use the garden as a metaphor for our spiritual life. What needs weeding and pruning with some new discernment techniques? Where should we water with meditation or fertilize with prayer? Which blossoms or fruits of the Spirit are we trying to cultivate? This weekend will encompass many kinds of spiritual tools to foster new spiritual growth and get your spiritual garden blooming, despite the weather.
These retreats are being organized by Sheila Peiffer, a life long Catholic who is married to a Methodist minister. Sheila has an M.A. in Theology and over twenty years of experience in directing religious education, teaching theology on all levels, facilitating for church transitions, doing marriage preparation, leading parenting courses and coordinating a wide variety of retreats, days of reflection and spiritual workshops. In addition to the schedule of retreats mentioned above, Sheila is available to plan a “custom” retreat for a group – adapting to your particular needs and time schedule.
More information about these new spiritual opportunities are available by calling the Olmsted Center at 845-534-7900 or visiting the website at www.campolmsted.org.