I used to think that YMCA organizations were mainly for kids, especially to help with after school programs.  How wrong I was.  A unique program for adults ages 55+ exists at Trout Lodge, Elderhostel, and Camp Lakewood in the Missouri Ozarks.  While these facilities host all age groups for a variety of fun and learning new skills; the 55+ adult programs foster enhancing existing skills, and obtaining certifications in subjects such as – alpine rescue, viticulture, horticulture, team management and team building relationships just to name a few.   At , the mature adult will find equal opportunity to explore their inner youth. 

This YMCA central organization assists adults age 55+ to take part in many outdoor and indoor activities to help them reconnect with nature and rebuilding their own abilities for introspection and their ability to work within a team both as leader and follower.   Some of us had to overlook our dreams and work through what our life course was dishing out to us.  During those all important childrearing and working years, many of us pushed aside a dream in order to take care of our families.  Some never get the opportunity to return to their shelved dreams.  Well, someone finally figured out how to take down those dreams and dust them off – giving us one more chance to find ourselves!

Those adults who just can’t get away from their kids will be thrilled to know there are special kid activities and camp which can accommodate your child while you are off diving in to your own kind of play!  Why not, it’s a YMCA!

Trout Lodge and Elderhostel offer several 3 and 5 night all inclusive programs:

“Our Adult Enrichment Adventures (AEA) and Elderhostels are all inclusive, and quite popular for adult travel. The per person package includes lodging, all meals, classes, snacks and entertainment. To register for an Adult Enrichment Adventure, or for travel information, call YMCA Trout Lodge: 314-241-9622.

To register for an Elderhostel program, or to order a catalog with descriptions of classes, call the National Elderhostel toll-free number: 1-877-426-8056 or visit their website: www.elderhostel.org.

Adult Enrichment Adventures (AEA) and Elderhostels provide adults with an affordable all-inclusive opportunity to travel and meet other lifelong learners. Whether traveling alone, as a couple or in a group, everyone will find something of interest at YMCA Trout Lodge. For more details, or to have a printed brochure mailed to you, please call 314-241-9622 or e-mail familyreservations@ymcastlouis.org. “

Enrichment programs include:

Other programs involve getting in touch with your funny side.  Spend a week laughing and rediscovering happiness and joy at the everyday aspects of life.  For those who love the mystery of “who done it” novels, a week long vacation can be put together during the mystery week.  During this all inclusive week, participants will learn Hollywood’s secrets behind mystery and the macabre while acting out roles in a classic mystery.

For those interested in history, there are all inclusive weeks which the senior can help recreate pioneer villages while working in the restoration of local historical artifacts.  Adults who need more passive activity – will find plenty of opportunity for the less physical and active 55+ adult.   Accommodations consist of double or family size rooms depending on your particular needs.  At Trout Lodge and Camp Lakewood, part of the YMCA of the Ozarks, nature’s outdoor laboratory, the senior adult can pace themselves on a fantastic golf course.  “A golfer’s delight, is as challenging as it is beautiful. Experience this spectacular course as a day trip, or incorporate your visit with an adult enrichment adventure stay at nearby YMCA Trout Lodge.  Tee off at the jewel of the Ozarks! The Fourché Valley Golf Club is set amongst tall pines and rolling hills. Rugged rock outcroppings, waterfalls and a crystal clear, spring-fed creek wind through 18-holes of immaculate greens and fairways.”  You could make this a daily ritual while here in the Ozarks. “Fourché Valley Public Golf Club was designed by Gary Kern, a well-known and highly regarded golf course architect, who has designed several outstanding courses, with the “Jewel” being Fourché Valley Golf Club. The newly constructed back nine makes the 18-hole 6,830 yard, par 72 course certainly one of the most challenging for all levels and is destined to be one of the best in the state. With natural spring fed streams winding around zoysia tee boxes, bermuda fairways, 39 bunkers and bent grass greens, it is a must to see and play for all golfers.”  I know these programs may not be the interest for all 55+ seniors, but for those wanting or needing to step out after retirement or finding yourself alone and wishing to get back in the mainstream of society and travel, one of these programs just might be a “safe” place for you to begin your journey back to finding out who you are and put you on track for the future. I’m always amazed at the unique and interesting types of vacation and entertainment that is available here in the USA.  Trout Lodge, Elderhostel, and Camp Lakewood fulfill a need for this special group of people! 

Happy Traveling! 

(photos are courtesy of Trout Lodge, Elderhostel, and Camp Lakewood websites and Fourche’ Valley Public Golf Course, excerpts taken from Trout Lodge website and Fourche’ Valley Public Golf Course)