Make plans to join us for Spirit Retreat Week in September. Spend the week soaking in the relaxing and refreshing energy of Historic Camp Chesterfield while enjoying the company of like-minded spiritual seekers. The schedule for the week includes:
- Workshops Each Day
- Daily Afternoon Group Class
- Message Event
- Healing Circle
- Labyrinth Walk
- Sound bathCost (does NOT include lodging or meals)
- Full Week – $250 member, $275 non-member
- Daily Rate – $65 member, $75 non-member
Retreat Schedule
(See each day for full description)
Sunday
6:30-8:00p – Check-in in the Western Hotel
Monday 15th
9:00-10:20: Trail of Religion Presented by Dr. Rachael Smith
The history of the Trail of Religion. How it came to be. Who was the Sculptor? Who were the people instrumental in its creation? Then a tour of the Trail of Religion. It will take place in the Maxon, then walk over to the site.
Dr. Rachael D. Smith is a member and a trustee on the Indiana Association of Spiritualists’ Board of Trustees. She also teaches History and Women’s & Gender Studies at Ball State University. Rachael has been associated with Camp Chesterfield for over 20 years, and she wrote her dissertation; She Must Be Quiet: A Historical Case Study of How Women Created Spiritualist Education at Camp Chesterfield. She has spent years learning and researching the women of Camp Chesterfield and Spiritualism. She is also a co-producer and co-writer of the film project, GHOST FROM THE RIVER, a Spiritualist and Camp Chesterfield inspired family film, and has worked closely with the filmmakers throughout the writing process to ensure the Spiritualist content is accurately portrayed in the film.
10:30-12:00: Shamanic Journey Presented by Susan Remek
Shamanic journey is a practice that allows us to alter our consciousness in order to enter different spiritual realms and have direct experiences with compassionate spirits from those realms. In our journey, we’ll be using the rapid, percussive beat of a drum to alter our brain waves and allow us to enter spiritual worlds that operate free of the confines and expectations of ordinary, physical reality. Shamans the world over have used the journey to obtain information, healing, wisdom, and guidance for their lives, and this will be our quest as well.
Susan Remek, Ph.D., is a shamanic practitioner who lives at Camp Chesterfield. She was led to pursue a shamanic path after receiving a vision of one of her medicine guides, a Zulu Sangoma who had practiced in Brazil. While Susan maintains an avid interest in shamanic and animistic traditions from across the globe, she is trained primarily in the mystical nature traditions of the Andes Mountains, where she lived for nearly five years absorbing the culture first-hand and participating in ceremonies and rituals in their native settings. She is happy to share the common or “core” tradition of the shamanic journey, alongside the distinctive Andean tradition of the Despacho Ceremony, where the practitioner creates a beautiful present for Pachamama (Mother Earth) which carries the prayers of the participants to the Divine Realm.
Lunch
1:30-4:00: Spirit Dolls Presented by Rev. Susan Hill
Create a spirit doll to deepen your connection with spirit and your own inner guidance. Using natural materials as well as bits and pieces of ribbon, trim, fabric and glue. You will create a doll that reflects your spiritual needs at the time. You can make a healing doll, a wise person doll, a representation of one of your guides, a figure to represent one of your loved ones in spirit. The possibilities are endless! All materials will be supplied and feel free. To bring any bits and pieces that you would like to include in your work.
Rev. Susan Hill was ordained by the Indiana Association of Spiritualists in October 2000. She studied with Rev. Suzanne Greer and Rev. Win Srogi, along with taking classes from other mediums and teachers who have served Camp Chesterfield. She is always willing to help out at Camp, from teaching classes to doing dishes while the Tibetan Monks created their magnificent mandala. She is very active at Progressive Spiritualist Church in Indianapolis. Her hobbies include community theatre and artsy stuff.
Dinner
6:30. In the chapel Pat and Paul Hanks: Music is our Medium!
This will be a concert of our original music presented with a talk about creativity, inspiration and attunement, etc.
Pat and Paul met at Camp Chesterfield in March of 1998, and were married in July of 1999. Pat knew that Paul played guitar and piano, and Paul knew that Pat sang, so their musical collaboration came about quite naturally. In the winter of 2004-2005, while living at Camp Chesterfield, they recorded a CD of 11 of Pat’s songs which were inspired by her spiritual experiences, entitled “The Endless Nigh.” For many years Pat worked as a psychologist, serving those dealing with autism, developmental disabilities, as well as working in elder care. Paul, in addition to his activities as a musician, has also worked as a Spanish – English interpreter and translator, as well as a college instructor for Jackson College in Michigan, where he served in the Corrections Education Program, which helped incarcerated students earn a college degree. Pat and Paul relocated back to Camp Chesterfield in 2024.
Tuesday 16th
9-10:20: MANDALAS presented by Rev. Jane Devore
Mandalas are sacred symbols often used for meditation. Each part of the mandala has a meaning. This class will explore the history and meaning of mandalas, as well as the ceremony behind their creation. The class participants will also have the opportunity to view various mandalas, including the one created by the Monks of Drepung Loseling Monastery at Camp Chesterfield.
Rev. Jane DeVore was ordained as a Spiritualist Minister at Camp Chesterfield in 2004. Her spiritual studies led her to Camp Chesterfield in 1999 when she attended the ordination of a friend. Jane began taking classes at Camp in 2000, and she has been here since that time. During her time at Camp, Jane has been involved in the education program and was the bookstore manager for 14 years. Before coming to Camp, she worked over twenty-five years as a clinical psychologist, specialized in working with survivors of abuse/neglect.
10:30-12:00. Pendulums Presented by Dr. Rachael Smith
This will be an interactive workshop where you will learn the history and use of the pendulum.
Lunch
1:30-4:00: Words of Inspiration: A Self-Enrichment and Healing Method—A Daily Guide to Awaken Your Spiritual-Intuitive Side for Personal Self-Discovery Presented by Rev. Prof. Todd Leonard
This workshop will focus on a technique developed for self-enrichment and self-healing that will allow participants to intuit for themselves areas in their lives that need loving attention…or celebration!
Todd J. Leonard was ordained by sanction through the Indiana Association of Spiritualists (IAOS) in 2006 and has been a minister in Spiritualism since 2003. Prof. Leonard also holds certifications of Missionary inn Spiritualism, Cleric in Spiritualism, and Diaconate in Spiritualism through the Universal Spiritualist Association since 2001. Rev. Leonard is a resident of Camp Chesterfield, where he is a medium and minister, serving the IAOS in many capacities, most notably as the Camp Historian and Archivist since 2008, serving on the teaching staff, and chairing the Museum and Art Gallery Committee.
Dinner
6:30 Healing Service Presented by Rev. Andrew Light.
This will start with a healing and comforting meditation. Followed by student healers that will be providing healing for all of those attending. This will be a chance for the students to practice and demonstrate their skills.
Rev. Andrew Light is the Director of Spiritual Healing at Camp Chesterfield Spiritualist College. He is a resident of the Camp and is a life-long spiritual seeker, and a teacher (and a student) of Spiritual Healing and Mediumship. He also offers individual mentorship and development classes, for both online and in person formats.
7:30 Crystal Singing Bowl Sound Bath Presented by Marsha Zimmer.
A Crystal Singing Bowl Sound Bath is an experience of vibration. You will be ‘bathed’ in the vibrations, or sound waves emitted by the Crystal Bowls. You can expect to achieve a very relaxed state like in meditation. These sound waves affect on all levels, spiritual, mental, emotional and physical. Crystal Singing Bowl Sound Baths are not a performance, they are a wonderful way for you to relax, balance your energy and decrease stress and anxiety.
Marsha Zimmer is an avid spiritual seeker and perpetual student who has attended Camp Chesterfield since 2009. One of her Spiritual Healing classes, Vibrational Healing, created a love for Crystal Singing Bowls and the Native American Buffalo Drum. She is now a Certified Crystal Bowl Sound Bath Facilitator and teacher through Sara Auster Sound, New York City, NY and Sacred Sound of the Soul, Sedona, Az. She also teaches classes on the Buffalo Drum. Marsha lives in Michigan with her husband, five cats, three dogs and a turtle.
Wednesday 17th
9-10:20 Gemstones and Chakras! Presented by Rev. Debb Halter
Enjoy a quick introduction to basic gemstone balancing you can do for yourself or a friend. You will review chakras and be shown three basic gemstones to use on each chakra. You will be given an opportunity to experience the effectiveness of gemstones in your energy field.
Chairs will be available. If you prefer laying down, please bring a blanket or yoga mat with a pillow to lay on!
Rev. Debb Halter is an ordained Spiritualist minister, Medium and Healer, Reiki Master/Teacher, Holy Fire Karuna Reiki Master, Certified Aromatherapist, Certified in Gemstone Crystal Energy work, Reflexology, Sound Healing with Chrystal Bowls among other healing techniques.
Rev. Debb Halter ministers and teaches at a spiritualist church in St. Louis and serves in the veteran community as a chaplain. She also enjoys working as a guest minister at the Camp Chesterfield Zoom Service on Sunday mornings!
10:30-12 Moving mediums, healers and metaphysicans into the Aquarian age. Guided by the Archangels, Acented Masters and Historic Mediums. An Experiential Workshop Presenters are Rev. Nancy Dorland and Stephen Waechter
The New Age, The Aquarian Age, has arrived and humanity is a bit reluctant to accept and adjust to the remarkable differences and opportunities that are now a reality. Since 2018, a large group of Ascended Masters, Archangels, and historic Mediums have spoken messages about the transition into the New Age with emphasis on Spirit-workers being the leading edge of humans transitioning to the New Age of unfettered and clear communication, astonishing creation, and super-charge healing. The Veil, between Physical and Spirit, is no more. Spirit-workers already have the skills of spirit communication and the understanding of the continuation of life.
This workshop provides information and experience as we begin to acclimate to the new enhanced, unlimited, unfettered communication that will become the New Age norm. Mediums, metaphysicians, and healers will equally benefit from understanding newly expanded concepts encompassing changes in creativity, creation, healing, and enlightened living.
This class will be divided into two days. The first workshop will be at 10:30-12 on Wednesday. Moving Mediums into the Aquarian Age.
The second class will be on Thursday, September 18, 10:30-12. Moving Healers into the Aquarian Age.
Rev. Nancy Dorland was ordained by the Indiana Association of Spiritualists in October of 2021. She is also a certified Medium through the IAOS. She is very active with the online services. That includes the Sunday morning zoom services, teaching online classes, and participating in the online psychic fairs. Nancy lives in Lakewood, Colorado, and visits Camp Chesterfield as often as possible.
Stephen Waechter earned the Metaphysician Practitioner degree from Delphi University of Spiritual Studies, with certifications in Mediumship, Energetic Healing, Sound and Color Healing, and Spiritual Healing. The process of sharing these Teachings has led to a ministry of channeling and teaching. His principal professional practices are Spiritual Healing and Mediumship; and he channels a multitude of Ascended Masters, Archangels, and Emissaries of the Divine. He is the founder of a leading-edge church, Divine Union Fellowship, in Greeley Colorado. This vibrant and growing congregation has been celebrating spiritual freedom, growth, and joy since 2020. Stephen has attended classes at Camp Chesterfield. In addition to in-person classes, he has attended many online events presented through Camp Chesterfield.
Lunch
1:30-4:00 Spiritual Drumming Sanctuary: Cultivating Love, Oneness, Healing and Peace. Presented by Rev. Michelle Oyler & Marsha Zimmer
We will have fun exploring the healing and uniting power of drumming. We will explore meditative and drumming techniques that will promote love, oneness, and healing. We will journey into an altered state of awareness and divine higher consciousness where we will connect with the spirit world and gain spiritual wisdom and healing.
Drumming together in this circle will synchronize our energy, unite our souls, and allow us to spend time attuning our vessels, reversing stress, and vibrating as one in the love frequency.
An ordained Spiritualist minister, teacher, and certified medium, Rev. Michelle Oyler identifies as a mystic medium. She draws inspiration from the profound wisdom found in her exploration of metaphysical law, using this knowledge to enhance and communicate her spiritual work. Michelle enjoys sharing her insights through teaching metaphysical classes, guiding individuals in mediumship development, and serving as a guest medium and speaker for various Spiritualist churches in Indiana and surrounding states.
Grateful for the opportunity to share her gifts, Michelle sets daily intentions that her mediumship and ministry will manifest peace, healing, and comfort for those she serves.
Dinner
6:30 Message Service in the Chapel with Rev. Charles Klepadlo
Rev. Charles Klepadlo will be the chairperson and lead the message service. Camp Chesterfield mediums will be demonstrating their mediumship skills for all who are attending.
Rev. Charles Klepadlo is a certified Spiritualist Medium and ordained minister at historic Camp Chesterfield, where he has lived since 2021. With more than two decades of public platform work, he is known for delivering clear evidence and practical spiritual guidance. Charles teaches trance development, presents on the history and practice of Spiritualism, and offers private readings—always aiming to blend accuracy, insight, and a touch of humor that reminds us Spirit enjoys a good laugh just as much as we do.
7:30 Walking the Labyrinth Presented by Rev. Glenda Cadarette
Camp Chesterfield has its very own labyrinth. We will do a walking meditation where you follow the path to the center, and then retrace your steps, using the journey as a framework for mindfulness and reflection.
Rev. Glenda Cadarette has been a resident of Camp Chesterfield for over 25 years. She has been ordained as a Spiritualist Minister, and is active as a teacher, both development of students and classes in person and on line. She is an officer on the Board of Directors for Camp Chesterfield. Leading groups through the labyrinth is a joy for her to share.
Thursday 18th
9:00-10:20 History of Camp Chesterfield Presented by Rev. Dr. Todd Leonard
This will be presented in the museum. The presenter, Rev. Dr. Todd Leonard, the Camp historian, will delight the class with his stories of the history and foundation and some of the characters that created our beloved Camp Chesterfield.
10:30-12:00 Part two of the Moving mediums, healers and metaphysicans into the Aquarian age. Guided by the Archangels, Acented Masters and Historic Mediums. An Experiential Workshop Presenters are Rev. Nancy Dorland and Stephen Waechter
This second portion of the class will focus on bringing healers into the Aquarian Age.
Lunch
1:30-4:00 Experience the Runes of the Elder Futhark Presented by Sophia Rasmussen
Explore the symbols, energy and lore surrounding the Runes of the Elder Futhark. Make your own set of beech Runes to further develop a connection with the lore and energy surrounding this sacred form of self-development. We will share information surrounding the sacred calendar of the Runes and different divination tools. Many types of Rune sets will be available to see for yourself. Prepare to enjoy information surrounding this multifaceted modality that truly shines as a metaphysical pillar of strength and development. Join us in the fun of exploration and creation.
This will be an interactive experience while learning about the ancient divination tools. Also, each participant will make your own set of Runes. The materials will be provided.
Sophia is born open and extremely psychic, pursuing and continuing to cultivate her gifts, abilities and talents. Forever a perpetual student, enhancing and honing her sacred connection with Spirit.
Actively on and enjoying a path with the Northern Tradition, heavily involved with the Runes, Tarot and Meditation. Maintaining a constant focus on development and discipline to serve Spirit to the best of her ability.
Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, currently resides in Fairland, Indiana and the newest Certified Resident Camp Chesterfield Medium. Let’s go Spirit, let’s go!
Dinner
6:30 Despacho at Firepit with Susan Remek
A Despacho Ceremony bears comparison to the creation (and destruction) of a sand mandala like the one the Buddhist monks made here recently. I will create an offering for Pachamama (mother earth) and the Mountain spirits (the Apus) that will be made out of seeds and herbs and incense and flowers, and so forth. It will contain the prayers of the participants, which each participant will blow into a “kintu”–three bay leaves that are substituted for Coca leaves. Each person’s kintu will then be placed inside the despacho. When we are finished, we will burn the despacho in the fire–our way of sending it off to the spirits. It’s a lot like giving your mother a gift on Mother’s Day and hoping that you please her. But it is done with sweet reverence and love. When we are ready to burn the despacho, we call the spirits to come and accept the offering. And the participants come forward and send energy and love to the offering, holding out their hands as if they were giving reiki to the despacho gift.
Susan Remek, Ph.D., is fascinated by indigenous healing traditions world-wide, but she is trained primarily in the mystical traditions of the Andes Mountains. For Spirit Retreat week she offers participants the opportunity to alter consciousness in order to experience a shamanic journey and the opportunity to participate in the distinctive Andean tradition of the Despacho Ceremony–the creation of a beautiful gift for Mother Earth that contains the prayers of the participants.
**events schedule subject to change*
