Terry Stahley of Lewisburg thinks women deserve a break from the chaos of daily living. She recently founded Camp Ladybug for Women to provide a place for women to escape schedules, carpools, alarms, deadlines and telephones.
"From the time my children were small and I'd pack them up and send them off to sports camp or music camp or church camp, I have just sort of jokingly said 'I want to go to camp; I want a summer camp for moms and other weary women!' "
For the past year, Stahley seriously started thinking and planning for the camp that, this year, will become a reality. Set for July 15 to 18 at Central Oak Heights, West Milton, the relaxing weekend includes 11-bed cabins and a bath house with hot and cold running water.
"We spend so much time taking care of everyone and everything else, that we forget to take care of ourselves," she said. "We tend to put everyone else's needs ahead of our own. Time alone, 'me time,' as I like to call it, gives you a chance to pamper yourself or to explore your creative side, or just do something you enjoy. When we do take time to nurture ourselves we are happier, healthier women."
What attendees engage in at Camp Ladybug is completely up to the individual, Stahley said.
"They can choose to do nothing at all or they can participate in any of the activities offered," she said. "Alone time gives me a chance to relax, reflect and think - just think without interruption," she said. "It is so important to take time to rest, relax, take a nap, read a book, go for a quiet walk, lay in the grass and watch the clouds; these are replenishing to one's spirit. Rest does not get the recognition or time it deserves. Even a 15-minute catnap can recharge your battery, I encourage folks to give it a try."
Stahley said the people who inspired her the most when setting up activities for the camp were the ones she first invited. KJ Reimensnyder-Wagner, a singer-songwriter and motivational speaker, was the first person she called. She will provide entertainment for the nightly campfires.
"KJ's story in pursuing her dreams is so inspiring to everyone who has had the opportunity to listen to her speak and she has been someone that I admire for her courage to follow her dreams."
Guest speaker Lucy Heggenstaller, a licensed clinical social worker, also is a counselor and speaker who is terrific at encouraging people and giving them the tools to enable themselves to pursue ideas, Stahley said, and Elizabeth Sterling will share her thoughts on finding sacred moments in daily living.
The three-day camp also includes activities like a scrapbooking class with Sue from the Scrapbook Lady in Lewisburg or the "I can't even draw a stick figure" painting class. Sheila Packer from Evangelical Community Hospital will offer hula hoop exercise classes on Friday and Saturday mornings and massage therapist Jasmine Loney will schedule appointments for therapeutic massage or Reiki treatments. Loney also will provide a Sunday morning non-denominational worship service in the outdoor Sylvan Chapel.
The arts and crafts projects, Stahley added, are meant to be fun and to also serve as inspiration to the attendees.
The cost for the camp is $245, which includes housing, meals, all supplies for workshops and craft projects, speakers, swimming, pampering, a camp photo and a T-shirt. Massage and Reiki treatments are an additional cost.
Attendees may arrive between 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday and the camp will end at noon Sunday.
Registration forms for Camp Ladybug are available at campladybug4women.blogspot.com or by e-mailing Stahley at campladybug4women@yahoo.com or calling 523-1511. The deadline to register is June 28.
