Young at Heart 2024: A time to connect

By Debra Whitworth​

With an age range from 55 to 91, the 2024 Young at Heart retreat at Camp Noronto brought together a dynamic group at the end of September for an unforgettable week of fun and friendship.

The retreat offered a mix of learning, creativity, and fun. Brian Carwana took us on a virtual journey to India, sharing captivating images from his trip and leading a lesson on “Americanized religions.” He also inspired us with his passion for Encounter World Religions and its growing presence in schools, businesses, and police forces. Thank you, Brian, for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your knowledge and enthusiasm!

Lew Shepherdson, both a camper and guest presenter, helped us reflect on 40 years of women in the priesthood. Through thoughtful conversations and his always-informative slides, we explored where we’ve been and where we’re headed. For a lighter session, Lew delighted us with a fun exploration of the quirks of the English language, tracing the evolution of words through time.

Another highlight was a visit from a local Tai Chi group, arranged by Clair Shepherdson. Their demonstration of Tai Chi’s health benefits captured our attention and added an element of mindfulness to the week.

Every day was full of activities to engage both body and mind. Mornings began with stretches, followed by games like flyswatter volleyball, card making, book talks, and sharing our hobbies. The traditional Thanksgiving meal brought everyone together, and each evening ended with lively rounds of “Pass-the-Ace,” where laughter echoed across the room.

Campfire singsongs, led by Doug Bolger, created magical moments. With the lights dimmed and the fire glowing, we sang along to lyrics thoughtfully prepared for the overhead screen. Thank you, Doug, for making these evenings so special!

A heartfelt thanks goes to Bonnie Bolger, our incredible camp cook, and her helpers. From delicious meals to endless snacks, they kept us well-fed and energized throughout the week.

The retreat closed with a beautiful Communion service presided over by Marilyn Graham, leaving everyone feeling spiritually uplifted. Thank you to all who helped organize this meaningful moment.

Between scheduled activities, there was time to walk the peaceful campgrounds or catch up with friends—new and old. It was fantastic to welcome a few “Newbies” this year, and we’re thrilled to hear they had such a great experience.
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Young at Heart is open to adults of all ages, not just retirees. Next year’s retreat is scheduled for September 22–26, 2025. Mark your calendars and plan to join us for another week of inspiration, fellowship, and fun