I was recently honored to receive a personal invitation from Joan Lunden to attend her new Camp For Busy Women - Camp Reveille! Who says only kids can go to summer camp? Now women have a place to spend a long weekend to unwind – Joan Lunden’s Camp Reveille!

In mid August, 108 women from around the US converged at Camp Takajo at Long Lake in Naples, Maine. Joan pulled out all stops and provided a fun-filled, challenging and inspiring weekend. Joan’s motto was “do as much as you want or simply relax and unwind during this weekend of guilt-free ‘me-time.’

With a breathtaking view of the mountains from the lakefront lodge, I was tempted to sit and simply do a “bunch of nothing” for three days. The fun-filled schedule, however, beckoned me to use, at least a few of, my muscles.

A handful of campers traveling from afar arrived the night before camp officially began. We were graciously welcomed by Joan and escorted to the verandah to enjoy wine, cheese and the spectacular view of the lake and the mountains beyond. Joan personally introduced me to everyone when I arrived late from San Diego. I marvel at her abilities as a hostess, she truly knows how to entertain and make everyone feel welcome and appreciated. I guess this is why she is so successful during television interviews; she can make anyone feel special and at ease.

Joan transformed Camp Takajo from a boy’s camp to a women’s camp of leisure with new bedding, linens and amenities. I even enjoyed a rocking chair and bedside nightstand in my cabin for three. For those of you looking for a resort atmosphere, you need to realize that Camp Reveille is still a camp, complete with a communal shower house. Private restrooms are included within each cabin so you won’t stub your toes on a tree root in the middle of the night. The charm for me is that Reveille is a camp. Resorts are easy to find if that is the experience you desire. This is a place where you can leave your hair dryer at home and live in shorts or sweatpants all day with no worries. In fact, this is such a unique concept, I am not sure if there is another camp for women quite like Camp Reveille!

The start of each day was heralded by, guess what? Reveille played in a carefree and creative rendition by a trumpeter extraordinaire. At night, he broke into jazzier versions of taps and other tunes to announce mealtime.
Morning wake-up featured Tai Chi and/or yoga on the lakefront dock. What a great way to center and experience Tai Chi! The water and the cool air provided the perfect ambience for beginning a new day. After that, for those who felt the need to really shake up to wake up – a half-hour power walk ensued. I myself, went immediately to the coffee station!

Choices for recreation and activities were abundant throughout the day. Concurrent sessions instructed by industry experts included Pilates, Zumba Dance, Cardio-Kick Boxing, Boot Camp Challenge, Wellness Workshops, Olympic Games, Archery and Tennis.

For the mellower campers like myself, arts and crafts and lake cruises were the catch of the day followed by games and conversations on the verandah. After moving to San Diego from Florida I really miss sailing so I jumped at the opportunity to take a Sunfish for a spin and sailed to my heart’s content one beautiful sunny afternoon.

Being a continually active woman, Joan’s idea of rest hour is to climb a 50-foot wall, play beach volleyball or jump onto a banana boat! She challenged everyone to make it to the top of her 50-foot wall and the majority of us, including my own shocked self, made it with her energetic dares! A 50-foot wall is 5 stories high, go figure!

The tennis instructors at our camp were lead tennis pros from resorts all around the world. These pros convene every year to create and practice their tennis exhibition at the US Open. Just imagine, the Harlem Globetrotters with tennis racquets and you’ll get the picture! We had the honor and pleasure of being instructed by some of the best in the industry and were also invited to watch their new routine. It was truly remarkable. The ladies came alive and catcalls resounded throughout the performance. The pros were pleased and also gratified by the outbursts from over 100 women with our campy, no holds barred attitude! I am sure that the Pros will always remember this particular exhibition. There is nothing like an all-women audience watching male pro athletes perform bare-chested to boost morale.

Speaking of morale, I met many fabulous, intriguing and successful women at camp! I made friends with many of them and plan on staying in touch. We are all so busy and entrenched in our daily life at home, it is hard to find the time or energy to meet new people and make new friends. With three carefree and unscheduled days, it was easy to get to know people and take the time to build friendships. I am sure everyone at camp left with at least one new friend. I am glad that I arrived not knowing anyone except Joan and her assistant Megan. It gave me the impetus to reach out and get to know other women. The ladies that I now consider my new friends have diversified my life and will continue to enrich it. Of this I am certain.

Back to the agenda, the night of the Indian Council Fire was truly magical. As we walked silently through the dark path, young painted warriors stood statue-like holding torches to light our journey into the circle. Ananda, an incredible group of women drummers and musicians, provided music. The mission statement and intention for Camp Reveille was declared in the fire circle and each of us was inspired to keep these principals in our heart after camp.

If you would like to experience a camp where you can unwind and nurture yourself in a guilt-free atmosphere with an amazing group of women, you need to attend Camp Reveille!

Joan will open Camp Reveille to the public about the same time next year. Visit www.CampReveille.com. I will also announce the dates in addSpace eTips. Stay tuned and plan on spending time away from your hectic busy life and make new friends for life at Camp Reveille!

Kathi is a Professional Organizer, image Consultant based in San Diego California.

Please submit your questions to: advice@addspacetoyourlife.com

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