I recently received an e-mail from a friend with the subject line: “Joke of the Year.” Attached was an article published by Housekeeping Monthly on May 13, 1955 entitled “The Good Wife’s Guide.” The article listed among the core responsibilities of a good 1950s wife, “Make your husband comfortable when he comes home from work. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.” The last item on “The Good Wife’s Guide” was “A good wife always knows her place.” What a long way women have come since that day. Today, a woman’s “place” includes the Secretary of State’s office.

In most cases, today’s woman needs someone to arrange her pillow and take off her shoes. For this reason, women in the 21st century have found countless ways to replenish and care for themselves, often in fun and creative ways with the accompaniment of other female friends also in need of some much deserved respite.

The Woman’s Wellness Weekend at Frost Valley camp and retreat center in the heart of the scenic Catskill Mountains is an opportunity to do just that. From March 27 to March 29, women are invited to attend Frost Valley’s 7th annual weekend retreat designed especially for them. Set amidst 6,000 acres of beautiful countryside, forest and mountains, Frost Valley, one of the nation’s first summer camps, is an ideal setting in which to relax and take part in a wide assortment of workshops, while enjoying the peacefulness and tranquility of its natural surroundings.

The theme of this year’s Woman’s Wellness Weekend is self-care. With workshops focusing on reducing stress and enhancing life through nutrition, personal expression and art, women are sure to leave refreshed and armed with some great tools for rejuvenation. Women are encouraged to come on their own or with their family, or to take this time to get together with friends for what the staff at Frost Valley often refer to as “The Girlfriend Getaway.”

The weekend workshops will center on nurturing one’s love for nature and adventure, honoring oneself and cherishing one’s spiritual connection to nature. The aim is to teach women more about who they are and the care they need. The lead presenter, Priscilla Bright, an international healer and transformational guide, will assist women in deep intuitive transformation through drumming, creative arts and spiritual journeying. The goal is to help women open their energy systems and clear personal blocks. Known for her work with women on such topics as relationships and divorce, careers and freeing unexpressed creative longings, health and life challenges, Priscilla will teach women how to move through life with greater self-awareness, fulfillment and pleasure.

Dr. Judith Schafman, a clinical psychologist and teacher trained in spiritual direction, will host two sessions. The first, entitled “Dream: Postcards from the Divine” will help women to decipher the messages within their dreams. “The ABC’s of Spiritual Connection: Getting Practical!,” her second workshop, approaches the theme of connection and how we can be connected with higher powers that enable us to live life joyfully.

Presenter Sharon Suess, a freelance graphic designer and painter, has been teaching watercolor to “people who don’t paint” for many years. Her goal is to leave participants at the Wellness Weekend inspired and ready to paint on their own. Sharon’s workshops emphasize fun, experimentation and being comfortable with imperfection. Through her simple steps that are easy to follow even for beginners, Sharon aims to make painting a relaxing and stress-free activity for all participants. This year, Sharon will lead attendees in painting “one-stroke” flowers with watercolors.

Sheri Ponzi is a certified practitioner of Quantum Touch, a natural healing technique that operates under the principle that we all have the innate ability to help ourselves and others through love. Sheri is an instructor of transformational workshops focused on the theme of opening to your heart’s desire and has been facilitating personal growth workshops and classes since 1996. At the Woman’s Wellness Weekend, Sheri will present her workshop “Connecting With Your Guides and Angels,” in which attendees will meditate on the practice of receiving guidance from inner-beings and higher spirits. The workshop will provide participants with a technique for looking inward and connecting with one’s own inner support and guidance.

Marjorie Nieh, PhD, who has presented at the Women’s Wellness weekend in past years, will return this year to offer her program, “A Woman’s Self-Healing.” Discussions about cholesterol, scoliosis, and migraines will focus on healing and wellness and will include the topics, “To Take or Not to Take Statins” and “Let’s Learn More about Cholesterol.”

With this array of workshops, women can choose to stay busy all weekend. However, attendees need not feel obligated to go to every workshop offered throughout the weekend. Women can pick and choose the programs they wish to attend and use the remaining time to relax and take a break from the everyday stresses of life. Frost Valley offers tranquil settings, both indoor and outdoor, to read a book, take a walk in the woods, meditate or sit by a warm fire. Other optional activities include therapeutic massages from one of the massage therapists on site, women’s health classes, art and drumming workshops and Yoga.

The Women’s Wellness Weekend package includes entrance to all the workshops, lodging on site, five healthy buffet-style meals, beverages and snacks. One of the most enticing aspects of the weekend is that there is absolutely no cooking required—all meals, starting with an evening snack on Friday and going through lunch on Sunday, are prepared and served in the modern dining hall on site. Prices for the weekend range from $299 to $603 depending on the type of lodging selected. Options include simple lodges and cabins with private bathrooms; inn-style lodging in a 1915 stone castle with shared bathrooms; or hotel-style contemporary rooms with a private bathroom.

For the many families who are recalibrating their travel budgets and looking for all-inclusive “staycations” together, a weekend at Frost Valley is a great way to get away from it all without spending exorbitant amounts of money. And for women who wish to bring their family along to the Women’s Wellness Weekend, Frost Valley has activities for all ages. Frost Valley’s extensive facilities include a horse barn where visitors can take a riding lesson or take a ride through the mountain trails. A sky observatory is available for astronomical viewing. The dark Catskill night skies,which lack the glare of city lights, allow for incredible space vistas.

Frost Valley’s Maple Open House weekend will be taking place during the Women’s Wellness Weekend, coinciding with New York’s statewide maple syrup weekend. At the maple sugar shack on site, guests can tap trees and sample maple syrup. Over 500 gallons of syrup were produced last year at Frost Valley.

Hiking is available on the many mountain trails on site and rock climbing opportunities are also available at the unique Y-shaped climbing tower. Both cross-country skiing and snow shoeing will be available if weather permits. Although it may seem late in the season for snow, Frost Valley’s elevation, one of the highest in the Catskill Mountains, tends to extend the winter season. With mountain trails leading to such sites as a gorgeous mountain waterfall, Frost Valley has some of the best trails you can find. Snow tubing for kids takes place on a run designed for both safety and fun. Hot chocolate breaks make even a cold day outside, warm and inviting. Indoor activities include game playing and arts and crafts.

Frost Valley’s highly trained staff members, who work with children throughout the year, have ample expertise in teaching kids new skills. Kids that want to learn to ski, tap maple syrup, horseback ride, or read the night sky, can do so while mom has a chance to attend the wellness workshops. Opportunities for environmental education and learning teambuilding skills are always available.

Since 1901, Frost Valley YMCA has provided four seasons of outdoor, experiential and educational opportunities for kids, adults and families. Their ongoing activities include summer camps for children, environmental education, year-round activities for families and conference and retreat facilities for groups and businesses.

For additional information or to register, call 845 985 2291, ext. 205, visit www.frostvalley.org or e-mail reservations@frostvalley.org. Frost Valley YMCA is located at 2000 Frost Valley Road, Claryville, NY.