For More than a Century…
Learn More
Please reach out to Jessica at jwahlstrom@marydell.org to learn more about current offerings or to discuss possibilities for future programs and events.
For more than a century, the Sisters of Christian Doctrine have tended to people and land on Marydell’s grounds. It is on the solid foundation of service that they built that the Marydell Faith and Life Center (MFLC) carries the Sisters’ legacy forward. MFLC is committed to offering programming and environmental encounters for–and promoting the wellbeing of—all who visit the grounds, especially those with limited access to nature. Program offerings are designed to build and support creative, kind, and practical strategies for bolstering the mental, physical, and spiritual health of those who participate. The list of offerings expands and shifts based on the needs of those we serve. A list of current offerings can be found below.
- Community Care Retreats (no-cost retreats supporting wellbeing of individuals serving their communities through respite and connection with others)
- Contemplative Leadership Retreats (tailored for organizations and groups working with mission-driven nonprofit organizations)
- Creative Community Gatherings (regular facilitated workshop meetings and events of writers and other artists)
- Marydell Children’s Garden Programs (including summer camp programs and seasonal clubs)
- Marydell Production Garden (all organic produce grown in garden provided to the St. Ann’s Food Cupboard in Nyack)
- Marydell Swim Program (lessons in water safety and swimming provided to all summer campers and offered through a private lesson program)
- One to One Learning (language lessons for new English learners)
- Retreats, Classes, and Private Events (held throughout the year for individuals, groups, and organizations)
- Spiritual Programming (led by the Sisters, these offerings include Centering Prayer, the Good Shepherd Program, Sunday to Sunday, and private retreat & spiritual direction)
- Summer Camps for Children (welcoming organizations that serve children from Rockland County, New York City, and beyond)
- Tailored offerings for Mission-based Groups and Organizations (prioritized for those serving folks with limited access to nature and other resources)
- Wellbeing and Mindfulness Program for Adults with IDD and Caretakers (serving adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caretakers)
Our Events
Seedling Sale
April 18th 10 AM – 2 PM
Our Programs
Mindfulness for IDD Adults
March – June 2026
Spring Garden Club
May 8th – June 5th
Kids’ Swim Lessons
3 Sessions June – August
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Registration for 2026 – 27 School Year
“What drew me to Marydell was being able to expose my students to the outdoors and an environment completely different from what they are used to. Most of my participants are not used to seeing so much greenery and they do not get to go outside their neighborhood. I felt the beautiful grounds at Marydell were a great experience for the children. I wanted also to provide a safe space for my participants to go swimming.
Marydell is a special place because the staff has always been very kind and caring towards the children and my staff. It is very well maintained and the children really love it there. They get to learn a lot about nature. The hikes, beach walks, and natural crafts make our inner-city day camp feel almost like a traditional sleep away camp. The addition of the garden has been a wonderful experience for the children as well.”