YMCA FIT CAMP: RECHARGING BODIES, MINDS & SPIRITS

Article provided Anna Hagen, marketing director at the YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties

At sunrise on Friday, September 26, 2014, 30 women nervously and anxiously wheeled their bags, pillows and camping gear down the gravel road into the YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties' summer residential camp – Camp Cormorant. After securing their sleeping bags and suitcases in their sleeping quarters, the women piled into a log cabin on the beautiful shorefront of Cormorant Lake, located near Lake Park, MN and began the Y’s first annual three-day FIT Camp (Fitness Intensive Training) for women. This allinclusive camp hosted health-seekers ages 29-64 from three different states.

Julie Seery, vice president of member and program services at the YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties and founder of FIT Camp, stood at the front of the room and dared each of the participants to challenge themselves― their muscles, minds and spirits―over the course of the next three days. “I want you to participate and go out of your comfort zone. Be attentive in your speech. Eat mindfully. I want you to have compassion for yourself and others, and see your own perfection.” They were each handed slips of paper with the above commitments, among other things, and they signed their names. “You signed up for this, remember, so challenge yourself this weekend,” Seery reiterated, “I dare you.”

The group of women paraded out the door, while chattering excitedly to each other, and started a journey that they would never forget. Each day the women were challenged by intense workouts and activities, sore bodies, thought-provoking discussion topics and journaling. They were led by ‘support coaches,’ Y staff who volunteered their time to be at camp and who motivated and encouraged each of their campers to reignite healthy lifestyles by participating to the fullest.

Everyone started with a brisk run or walk through lake country followed by waterfront yoga and mindful eating exercises―all before breakfast. Nutrition counseling presentations and one-on-one sessions with the Y’s registered dietitian, along with an intense boot camp with one of the Y’s personal trainers, had the women jumping, squatting and crab walking in the grass for the rest of the morning. After a restful lunch and dipping their toes in the lake, the group of women continued on to team-building challenges on both low and high ropes courses tucked away in the trees. One by one, each woman tangled her way through each other’s arms, climbed a pole and shimmied across cables 30 feet in the air, followed by an emotional and exciting ride on the zip line down to ground level.

The last grueling activity of the day consisted of group fitness workouts on the beach and water front deck. Spurts of weights, jumping jacks, wall sits and other drills drenched their tank tops and headbands one last time before dinner. They ended the night with a stress-management session led by a clinical psychologist, followed by journaling and relaxation time. The group of tired women plopped in front of the fire with blankets, water bottles and yawns, while connecting over stories, jokes and kindling flames.

That was day one.

Each day came with new challenges and adventures, but the women were relentless. Three jam-packed days kept the campers sweating, smiling and fist-pumping until the last cabin light went out at the top of the hill each night.

At the final dinner on Sunday night, Seery received a tearful standing ovation from the campers after a thoughtful and powerful message about discovering strength from within and from each other. She coached them to let their friendships and their strengths seep into their daily lives and not to let their courage and inspirations leave them on their drive home.

Seery―who is an experienced leader in the health and fitness industry and whose creative thinking, strategic planning and implementing ability has led her to develop many programs and services―was blown away. “Over the years I have come up with some creative ideas that have made a positive impact on people’s lives through sports, fitness, education and recreation … but this one takes the cake! Women’s fitness is my passion now. This was a weekend that I will never forget. The impact these campers and my staff had on me was immeasurable. I am forever grateful.”

Within just three days, these women reignited their energy and recharged their spirits. They revealed courage and lifted each other to their feet. They transformed their bodies and their lives. They empowered each other to walk boldly toward their obstacles. They created strengths through struggles and believed in each other. They reminded each other that they are not alone and they made powerful friendship that have long outlasted the final hugs at camp.

The Y will be hosting its Second Annual FIT Camp on August 21-23 in 2015. To register, visit the Y’s website at w ww.ymcacassclay. org/FITcamp or for more details, call 701.356.1448. Join in for an unforgettable weekend to rejuvenate yourself and discover your power to improve your health through fitness, good nutrition and stress management in a nurturing and inspiring setting.