Over 120 yogis gathered this past weekend at YMCA/APYC Camp Kekoka for the annual Kekoka Yoga Retreat (KYR). This was the largest attendance yet in the 16-year history of the event, and over $27,000 was raised for camper scholarships.
Susan Johnson and Morgann Rose co-teach a yoga class.
Nathan Martin assists a student.
Twenty-five yoga teachers from the Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula, Hampton Roads area, and Richmond let participants sample a variety of yoga and teaching styles, ranging from meditative to energetic. Event chair Susan Johnson created a weekend schedule of class offerings that included yoga for all levels, Pilates, sound healing, meditation, and a lecture on metabolic/hormonal health.
Taking full advantage of the Camp Kekoka venue, outdoor activities such as kayaking and the camp’s zipline were also offered. S’mores around the campfire were on tap both evenings.
Session leaders were Dr. Eva Abel, Bonnijean Boggess, Melissa Burke, Alli Crowell, Dr. Joseph Garcia, Ashley Gerczak, Art Gilbert, Lynne Headley, Esther Heideman, Amber Hogg, Susan Johnson, Sejal Kinker, Shey Khandro, Amy Maloney, Lindsay Manziak, Nathan Martin, Joe Miller, Barbara Olin, Susan Phillips, Morgann Rose, Nancy Sessoms, Caroline Shifflett, Shelle Taylor, Tessa Timberlake, and Irene Vest. All donated their time to help provide scholarships to campers.
Morgann Rose in an Upward Dog pose.
Margot Bearden between classes.
Attendee and KYR Planning Committee member Margot Bearden said, “This was my fourth year attending KYR and it’s become something I eagerly look forward to and plan my schedule around. Cliche or not, yoga has helped transform my life the last several years, with the best part being the community surrounding yoga. And KYR is that community!”
“The Kekoka Yoga Retreat is a true treasure,” said Shey Khandro. “As both a presenter and attendee, once again it stood out among the many retreats I’ve experienced. Small, beautifully organized, and set in a breathtaking natural setting, it was grounded in community, care, and joy.”
Chesapeake Bank was the corporate sponsor of the retreat, and an army of volunteers helped make the event happen. Breakfasts were provided by the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Rappahannock and the Northern Neck Rotary, lunch from DeltaPie Pizza, and dinners from The Local and Room Service, NNK. Food and flower donations were from Dug In Farms, The Old Farm Truck Market, Amy Maloney, The Table, and Wind Haven Farm at Snow Hill.
Next year’s retreat will take place September 18-20, 2026, and registration will begin on June 1.
