As wellness coordinator for Wayne Central School District, Monica Bays is seldom at a loss for ideas.
Such was the case during the busy 2021-22 school year, which was filled with dozens of wellness events.
The wide range of events included a moonlight corn maze in October, beach volleyball at Hot Shots, ornament painting at Color Me Mine, and a family movie night at Regal Cinemas.
There was an outdoor cycle class at Compass Cycle, rock climbing at the Central Rock Gym. Painting, cooking classes and a haunted hayride among the slew of activities.
“I try to do a mixture of different types of things because it will attract different people,” Bays says.
She spent this summer gathering ideas from faculty and staff as she plans for 2022-23.
“Some people recommend a place to check out or something they might be interested in, but I also try to think of all aspects of wellness,” Bays explains. “Fitness. Nutrition. Emotional well-being. Social. I try to tap into a variety of those categories.
“Some events we do every year because they’re really popular and people like them. Other things, somebody will suggest and I’ll look into it. Or I hear about things that I think are pretty fun and I’ll bring them to our district.”
An apple-picking excursion to Wickham Farms in Penfield is an example of something people can count on every autumn. Another is Board and Brush, in which participants create their own projects.
Once the snow falls, Wayne employees head out to Greystone Golf Course. It’s not to play nine holes — that’s later in the year for a golf outing — but to put on their winter gear for snow tubing.
“It’s very popular,” Bays says. “Kids love it.”
Curling at the Rochester Curling Club was another highlight, and interest was high during the Winter Olympics.
“We’ve done it twice over the years,” Bays says. “We brought it back because someone asked us to.
“It was great. They give you a lesson and teach you how to curl. Then you get to play. It’s something different. There’s definitely a technique.”
New last school year was white water rafting at Letchworth State Park. Rafters paddled 5.5 miles through rapids and enjoyed beautiful scenery. Wet suits were provided — and needed.
“Everybody who attended had so much fun,” Bays says. “It’s just enough outside of somebody’s comfort zone while still being safe for them. It was good team bonding, a good event for socializing, but also doing something for fitness and fun.”
A pedal boat tour was one of the last things the wellness committee offered before the end of the school year. The excursion launched out of the Port of Rochester and traveled down the Genesee River.
“That was pretty cool,” Bays says.
That event may return back for the spring of 2023.
Pickleball, a game that can be played by pretty much anyone of any age, was a natural addition to the wellness offerings. One event was held at Dinkers and another at the Wayne’s half-day wellness day.
“Everybody loves pickleball,” Bays says. “The sports that give you an opportunity to socialize have been popular.”
A friendly golf tournament at Greystone teed off in June.
Bays enjoys keeping her co-workers informed of upcoming events with a monthly newsletter. Each one features photos from previous events, reminders, and resources about a health-related topic that usually correlates with a health awareness month.
In May, for example, the focus was on Mental Health Awareness Month, the first which was held in 1949.
Events planned for this fall include standup paddle board yoga.
“We’ve been doing paddleboarding the last two years in September,” she adds. “And we’ll do a craft workshop at The Bread Box in Ontario.
“I really like planning events and seeing people involved. Being with the teachers and their families outside of school builds camaraderie.”
