Illinois Valley Community College is teaming up with Nell’s Woodland to offer Summer youth, adult and intergenerational retreats. Nell’s Woodland is a nonprofit 58-acre nature preserve, located at 2000 Alexis Avenue in Ottawa. Nell’s Woodland is working with community partners in the cultivation of nature programs to teach and support stewardship of our earth through programs supporting ecology, health wellness and the arts. The property features an Ecology Center, a Health and Wellness Center, a kitchenette, meeting and special function rooms. Nell’s Woodland is open to all ages, backgrounds and demographics.
IVCC is cultivating connections with Nell’s Woodland working together to facilitate meaningful and connected relationships to nature through programs that support stewardship in the areas of ecology, health, wellness and the arts. “I am optimistic good things lie ahead so stay tuned as programming comes together,” said IVCC President Jerry Corcoran.
The IVCC Summer Retreat will begin with Adult Young at Heart programs for adults 18 and older. Beginning Tai Chi (ID 9724) with Dan Retoff is from June 22nd-July 27th from 5 to 6 PM for five sessions. Tai Chi comprises gentle and slow movement exercises which increase the accumulation, circulation and balance of energy. The movements are easy to learn and appropriate for people of all ages and physical abilities. Students are asked to bring water, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and athletic shoes. Cost of the sessions are $49.
Introduction to Yoga (ID 9766) with Emily Manternach, another program for ages 18 and over is from June 22nd to August 3rd from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. for six sessions. The classes will introduce the beginner’s mind, teach each pose more in depth and flow through the postures. Students are asked to bring water, a yoga mat and wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and athletic shoes. Cost of the sessions are $59.
There are two programs for adults on June 27th, led by Jamie Stuart Taylor, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a over a decade of experience working in the field of empowerment and wellness will be offered. Women’s Connection and Collaboration (ID 9758) is a one day only event 3:30 to 5 PM. which guides women looking to connect at a deeper level. This networking opportunity will identify both personal and professional levels of collaboration. Cost of the afternoon is $19.
Going from Good to Great: Taking your mind, body and wellness to the next level (ID 9759) will take place later June 27th from 5:30 to 7 PM. The impact of stress and the importance of self-nourishment will be covered. Taylor will guide participants as they dive deeply into the common signs of stress, how it impacts our physical and emotional body and how to develop a self-nourishment plan that works for you. Cost of the program is $49.
Introduction to Meditation, Asana and Conscious Nature Walking Focus on Peace (ID 9760) is the final adult June program led by Manternach on June 30th from 7:30 to 9 AM. The program will begin with a nature walk; practice asana stretches before moving to sitting meditation. Participants should wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing, closed toe athletic shoes, bring a yoga mat, a pillow for meditation and water. Cost of the program is $25.
IVCC will offer additional classes in July. For further information on other adult programs, youth programs and intergenerational programs or to register for any of these programs visit ivcc.edu/nellswoodland or 815-224-0427.
