Hear The Voice Of Women's Quest Campers
 "Thank you for a special and most wonderful experience that we will treasure always! Each and every one of you has taught me something special making my life fuller than it already is!"
"Thank you so much for your instruction, trust, encouragement and friendship. It was more than I ever could have expected. I was coming to gear up my exercise program (lack of), and did, but more surprisingly I found out that I was ignoring feelings inside that could really make me a whole person and content with myself once again. Thank you for your inspiration, you have truly enlightened me!"
"Thank you for creating Women's Quest to provide women with the opportunity to transform into the beautiful women that we are. Thank you for such an amazing experience, and for helping me find my spirit!"
"Women's Quest has been an inner passage for nourishing my heart, spirit and soul. Thank you for the most extra-ordinary week of my life!"
"I really commend and admire the ingenuity, dedication and total gusto of all the staff at Women's Quest. Colleen Cannon and her staff are out of this world! They really encourage and challenge us to take a different view of life. I hope to return to another retreat soon!"
" Women's Quest taught me how to play and to believe in myself. Thank you!"
 "Thank you to Women's Quest for enabling me to conquer some demons, reach new heights, and find even greater peace within myself. The sincerity of your staff has touched me greatly. I truly look forward to seeing you in the future! Dreams do come true!"
"I have not been able to say enough to my friends and family of last week's experience! Years of therapy could never have accomplished what results your program did".
"I feel whole, I feel strong, I feel beautiful and worthwhile. For your vision and your spirit, I thank you".
"Women's Quest is such a special part of my life. I will remember it until I am old and grey".
November 14, 1996
When I decided to attend the Women's Quest Camp in the summer of 1996 I did not know what to expect. I recall being overcome by fears and questions about what a 40-year-old, 252-pound Chicana/Latina, daughter of immigrants, would have in common with other participants who undoubtedly would be in top physical shape. I also confronted the same fear of many women who decide to participate in sports - the fear of coming in last - or not finishing!
What I found in camp not only allayed my fears but also embarked me on a spiritual and physical journey that changed my life forever. I discovered a spirit in other women - particularly in camp organizers and instructors. While believing in the beginning that I had little in common, I began to realize that all women are interconnected and our spirituality and ability to participate in sports can be the common thread.
At the Women's Quest Camp I overcame many fears and learned how to swim and ride my bicycle in mountainous terrain. I discovered I can climb a mountain and get closer to the sky on foot than ever imagined. Most importantly, I learned there is a courage and strength within that I can tap into for overcoming any difficulty that may arise in life. I heard that sports help women build self-esteem, I found this too is true at Women's Quest. I expanded my experience at Women's Quest and as a result I completed my first triathlon. Believing the task of the grueling swim, bike, and walk experience to be insurmountable to survive, (with encouragement from the founder, Colleen Cannon) I rose to the occasion with the courage and strength that I had discovered within during camp.
I now know there is no mountain too high that I cannot climb and no goal impossible. I may not be the first to reach the finish line but I know the journey itself is the victory and that is something that will give me strength to be the best I can be in life and my profession.
Leticia Pena
Trial Attorney |
Dear Colleen,
It has been almost a year since attending the Women's Quest camp from last year. I wanted to share with you the impact it has had on me. Attending the camp last year was the first time that I had ever gone on a vacation/trip by myself. To go out of state for almost a week was very nerve wracking for me. But thankfully Diane was available that first night for me to express and share my anxiety with and I am extremely grateful for that time she gave me. It definitely got me off on the right foot!
I came away form Women's Quest with an incredible increase in my self confidence. I figured "hey, I did that.and now I can do anything!". I have made a promise to myself to go on a "trip" every year by myself. This year I have chosen to go to a yoga meditation retreat (although the Santa Cruz trip was very enticing!). I have embraced yoga and have found a really great instructor. Yoga has turned out to be the best vehicle for me to de-stress after a long work day. It does wonders for my nervous system and helps me to center myself. I bought a mountain bike last year and have enjoyed using the skills I learned at camp. The confidence that I gained at camp last year helped to push me to apply for another job within AirTouch Cellular (I've been with this company for 15 years). This new job has quite a bit of responsibility and the confidence I gained in myself from camp has certainly helped.
You are one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever had the privilege to meet! Kudos to you and the Women's Quest staff! I am sure that I will be joining you again on a future retreat and I am sure that all of the retreats will be successful this summer! Warmest Regards,
Lisa McKenzie |
Greetings to the beautiful women of WQ!!
I've been delinquent in letting you know that not a day goes by without me having a wonderful thought about the awesome women of WQ, the unique people I had the pleasure of sharing my week with and the indescribably delicious experience at WQ - Winter Park, CO., June 20-25, 2000.
I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to participate and that WQ is not so exclusive that only the rich & famous are allowed to come and be challenged and nurtured. I can't completely describe all the qualities the group of leaders at the June 20-25 quest have in their possession other than it is a sweet combination of Love, knowledge, strength, camaraderie, beauty & tenderness you would find if you totaled the best of Mother Nature, Dali Lama, best girlfriend, mentor and Guardian-Angel.
From Diane Hilgrove
Sent Wednesday, September 27, 2000 |
Want to read more... it goes on AND ON!
 Quotes from "Questers"
"I have not been able to say enough to my friends and family of last week's experience! Years of therapy could never have accomplished what results your program did."-Traci Lombardo
"I feel whole, I feel strong, I feel beautiful and worthwhile. For your vision and your spirit, I thank you."-Traci Lombardo
"Women's Quest is such a special part of my life. I will remember it until I am old and grey."--Lynda
"Thank you for a special and most wonderful experience that we will treasure always! Each and every one of you has taught me something special making my life fuller than it already is!"-Maria Elena Terrazas
"Thank you so much for your instruction, trust, encouragement and friendship. It was more than I ever could have expected. I was coming to gear up my exercise program (lack of), and did, but more surprisingly I found out that I was ignoring feelings inside that could really make me a whole person and content with myself once again. Thank you for your inspiration, you have truly enlightened me!"
"Thank you for creating Women's Quest to provide women with the opportunity to transform into the beautiful women that we are. Thank you for such an amazing experience, and for helping me find my spirit!"
"Women's Quest has been an inner passage for nourishing my heart, spirit and soul. Thank you for the most extra-ordinary week of my life!"
"I really commend and admire the ingenuity, dedication and total gusto of all the staff at Women's Quest. Colleen Cannon and her staff are out of this world! They really encourage and challenge us to take a different view of life. I hope to return to another retreat soon!"
"Women's Quest taught me how to play and to believe in myself. Thank you!"
"Thank you to Women's Quest for enabling me to conquer some demons, reach new heights, and find even greater peace within myself. The sincerity of your staff has touched me greatly. I truly look forward to seeing you in the future! Dreams do come true!"
"Once again, you have done the impossible. You have improved upon perfection! Last year was magical, but this year has been especially incredible! Thank you for bringing out the very best in us!"
"It was like finally understanding the passion I have for sports, group stuff and Magic."-Alexsandra Lerga
"It was like fully experiencing my essence."-Alexsandra Lerga
"I felt part of a family, sharing things together."-Maaike Cronenberg
"I've learned that life is like mountain bike riding. You ride up and you ride down and if you point your tire over the rock you will go over. If however, you choose to avoid the rock you can do that, too. But it's so much more fun to go over!"-Therese Grant
"I think the total experience of this Women's Quest week was world class. So many thoughts, feelings, experiences giving us new juice and new base for the rest of our lives!"-Gigi Greenwald
"Women's Quest gave me fitness of mind and body to take back to a world where strength in both is paramount."-Anne E. Schwartz
"It was a physically and spiritually uplifting experience."-Joyce Driscoll
"The money is not an issue, it is totally the most fulfilling experience a woman can have whether you are athletic or not. There is something for everyone."-Carol Johnson
"The most amazing time"-Karen Hachten
"An exhilarating experience-warmth, camaraderie, friendship, respect and affection shared with other quest participants, while I improved my techniques in running, biking and swimming. I felt so empowered after the retreat.you have opened a new chapter in my life where I feel I can accomplish whatever I truly want to do and be!"--Nazli
"The camp was a life altering experience. I was able to visualize and verbalize my hearts desire for the first time in my life; and know I was OK with it."-Debra Bordine
"The staff was so supportive. I felt like I had one on one training for every event-yet there were 27 participants."-Debra Bordine
"I will go home-not the same person-and loving it."-Debra Bordine
"I pushed my physical and emotional boundaries with the support of other Questers and the staff."-Dana Peters
"This was the best vacation I've had since my honeymoon. It was just plain fun."-Cheryl Jakub
"An overall experience for the body, mind and spirit. Thank you for all your creative efforts behind our wonderful week."-Brenda Brockman
"This is an incredible experience. You are able to free yourself and really begin looking deep inside. It's so much more than physical challenges, it's also wonderfully spiritual."-Debbie Juretus
"Inspiring, motivating, unforgettable, life-giving"-Miriam Raviv
"I really enjoyed pushing myself with some kick-ass women and ending the day with lots of laughs and good food."-Jean Mohrbacher
"The experience was amazing. I don't know when I've been with a more positive group."-Danielle Terrazas
"I come away from the retreat with a renewed and reinvigorated sense of my own capabilities, the joy of expanding my views and life, the excitement that comes with group energy and support, as well as some practical tools to take it all home with me."-Mary Butler
"The energy and inspiration you take home from a week of playing and sweating with a bunch of fun girl-jocks will keep a smile on your face when you run or ride for the rest of the year."-Ann Mohrbacher
"I came to Women's Quest to play-to run and ride and swim with a bunch of women in the mountains. I expected to have fun and test myself physically. What I leave with is a miracle-unexpected and unanticipated-a blessing of love and spirit and strength physically, emotionally and spiritually that will sustain me forever-and will continue to grow, I know, because my heart and mind have been opened wider than I have ever known. Thank you."-Karen Knuepfer
"Women's Quest changed my life in a totally positive way more than any other single event I've ever experienced."-Molly A. Marinaccio
"WOW! I have never felt so empowered to be who I am. Thanks."-Molly A. Marinaccio
"Despite our different athletic levels, a really wonderful mother-daughter experience we shared."-Jennifer Buckner
"Unique and fun experience, new challenges, encouraging and supportive staff let you learn by doing. They talk the talk and walk the walk."-Barbara O'Connor
"It was magical!"-Laura Dorsey
"In such a short time everyone involved in the course (staff and participants) experienced incredible power, emotions, beauty and faced fears-and did so in a completely safe and empowering community. This was all done with great joy, music, and love."-Laura Dorsey
"Life is too short and wonderful to miss an experience to bond with yourself and others in such a warm, safe environment-give in, let it go, have a blast!"-MaryAnn
"Women's Quest has brought forth so many opportunities that I never thought were possible-physically, spiritually and emotionally. It truly is a wonderful experience."-Lisa White
"Having not read a newspaper, watched TV, or tended to the 'urgent', the world has survived without me long enough for me to concentrate on the 'important'. I have been to the mountain."-Linda Grzbek
"I came because I had forgotten how to take care of me. I learned to trust in my decisions and add more spiritual, mental and physical balance to my life. Thanks!"-Christy Brunton
"This experience has been powerful. Women's Quest has not only made me feel stronger physically, but mentally I feel exhilarated! Thank you."-Lisa Andrews
"I literally and figuratively reached heights I never thought were possible for me. You made me believe in myself in a way I never did before. Thank you."-Terry Ambrosio
"I rediscovered my spirit!"-Lisa Ziganti
"Women's Quest has been a life enriching, spiritual and physical experience for my daughter and for me. We have learned that nothing is impossible and that life is an adventure to savor and enjoy!"-Maria Elena Terrazas
"This has been one of the greatest weeks of my life. It's been not only fun, but an incredible growth experience."-Karen Angle
"This retreat is something that everyone should experience. The camaraderie of the fellow campers and the staff creates a 'can do' feeling in the physical, spiritual and relational realms of life. Thank you so much."-Kate Palaces Narita
"It was like the mountains-it started in a very low place and reached the peak at the ropes course."-Jackie Dyke
"The sincere, personal attention we all received is something I have never experienced before."--Gale
"Amazing-an experience that has brought me closer to truth and release. I am inspired and awed by all of the participants, and my heroes are the staff of Women's Quest. You guys are awesome."-Karen Horan
"I received so much energy that I feel I could go for at least 10 years and touch many, many others!"-Beverly Forman
"Women's Quest changed my life. It is so inspiring to see women living with such passion. I have learned to love and appreciate my body like never before, and my heart and mind have been opened."-Pam Howard
"The retreat was exceptional to learn more about proper training schedules and procedures. In addition, I'm leaving camp truly in control of my life and experiences."-Margo Juliani
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