Mothers’ Annual Retreat Day

On a beautiful sunny day in June, thirty-five moms (and two lucky Sunbeam staff!) had a fantastic day “away from it all” at the YMCA Camp Ki-Wa-Y Outdoor Centre in St. Clements.

The Mothers’ Annual Retreat Day is an opportunity for moms of children diagnosed with autism and/or intellectual disabilities to connect, have fun and maybe try something new.   Every year there are new and returning moms who look forward to the organized activities as well as a chance to relax, chat and have a laugh in the peaceful surroundings.

Some highlights from the day:

• • Archery was a lot of fun (and harder than you’d think!) It was a festive, supportive atmosphere, with lots of encouragement for those trying archery for the first time and cheers when some moms hit a Bull’s Eye!!
  • At the low ropes course, encouragement and enthusiasm continued as moms worked together to attempt remarkable feats such as walking on a rope strung between two trees. This task would be almost impossible alone but became easier in pairs, with others gathered around to make sure no one fell.
  • Time at the Lake! After lunch in the dining hall, reminding some moms of their own time at camp, moms had fun on Paradise Lake, with paddleboards, canoes and kayaks available to all.   Just as nice was the opportunity to stretch out on Muskoka Chairs while enjoying the sun and gentle breeze or taking a guided hike through the woods.

  The Mothers’ Retreat Day is always well attended but this year we had the biggest group yet, demonstrating how important this kind of activity is in both building community and providing a well-deserved break for moms who do so much to support their children and families.