BLAUVELT, N.Y. — Meals on Wheels Rockland is preparing to host its 2026 Senior Boot Camp on Thursday, March 26, at the Hennessy Center at Dominican University in Blauvelt, bringing together older adults from senior activity centers across Rockland County for a day of games, activities, vendors, lunch and entertainment.
According to the organization, the event is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and is expected to welcome more than 150 members from its five senior centers in Clarkstown-Pearl River, Haverstraw, Nyack, Orangetown and Ramapo.
The annual program is described as one of the favorite events of the year for members of Meals on Wheels Rockland’s Senior Activity Centers. This year’s gathering will follow a patriotic theme tied to America’s 250th year, with organizers saying participants will wear red commemorative T-shirts provided through sponsorship by Jessica Kiely, PC Estate Planning & Elder Law.
The day is set to begin with a Presentation of Colors and the National Anthem by the Rockland County Marine Corps. Scheduled speakers include Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Rockland County Office for the Aging Director Cheryl Ward.
After the opening program, senior participants are expected to take part in a variety of games and activities. Organizers said the lineup will range from axe throwing to a game called “Granny Pants.” In addition to the activities, about 40 vendors are expected to attend, giving seniors an opportunity to learn about and browse services available to them.
The event is scheduled to conclude with lunch and dancing accompanied by a DJ.
Meals on Wheels Rockland President and CEO Kevin Hardy said the patriotic theme has generated enthusiasm among participants.
“While our Senior Activity Center members always look forward to Boot Camp, when we told them this year the theme is America’s 250th, they were thrilled,” Hardy said in a statement released by the organization. “This generation is so patriotic and enjoys celebrating America, they can’t wait for March 26th.”
Organizers also said the event will include participation from Dominican University students and student athletes, who will join seniors in the day’s activities and challenges.
Meals on Wheels Rockland said that intergenerational engagement is an important part of the event’s design. The organization said bringing older adults together with younger people can help strengthen community ties and reduce isolation and loneliness among seniors.
The Senior Activity Centers program is supported in part by the Rockland County Office for the Aging, the New York State Office for the Aging, the Administration on Aging and the County of Rockland.
Meals on Wheels Rockland, based at 121 West Nyack Road in Nanuet, said its mission is to support the safety, independence and health of older adults and their families. In addition to operating the five senior centers in Rockland County, the organization said its Home Delivered Meals Program provides hot meals to more than 1,100 county residents who are unable to shop or cook for themselves.
The organization said those meal deliveries provide more than food alone. It said volunteers who visit seniors also offer a safety check, social interaction and regular contact that can be especially important for older adults living alone.
Meals on Wheels Rockland also said it works as a community partner on food rescue and recovery efforts for neighbors in need throughout the county.
The March 26 event is expected to serve both as a celebration and as a resource fair, combining recreation, social engagement and access to services in one setting for older adults from across Rockland County.
More information about Meals on Wheels Rockland, including how to receive meals, volunteer or donate, is available through the organization’s website: www.mowrockland.org