Bandelier staff members who took part in the Family YMCA education and wellness program. Courtesy photoYMCA News:
December concludes a year of on-site corporate wellness presentations to staff at Bandelier National Monument by staff at The Family YMCA. Bandelier staff members who took part in the education and wellness program.
Y Wellness Director Stacey Castille said Jason Lott inquired about bringing wellness support to Bandelier last January. Y Instructor Emily Schmidt created the majority of the wellness curriculum and activities.
Each month through the summer, Y staff members provided 60-90 minute presentations on a topic. Mid-year, Bandelier rangers requested more support, so the program was modified to have an additional 30 minute per week supplement, checks-in, and activities through the end of the year.
Topics included Surviving the Holidays, Stress and Stress Reduction, Meditation, Exercise and Movement, SMART goal setting, Sugar-the White Devil; and Nutrition Education and Healthy Eating. Staff participated in activities, lectures, small group work and games specific to each topic. The response to this program was very positive and the Y will again be working with Bandelier in 2017.
One class participant said the Stress Reduction session, “made me more mindful and aware of what my stressors are and more reflective about how to address them.”
