TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL RETREAT
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So you’ve been chosen to set up a retreat! Here are some hints to make this
task more fun and less stressful:
- Put together a planning team to help you with the many details of your
event—two or three hard-workers can reduce your stress level significantly!
The planning team should contact leadership, develop goals for the event,
and set up a potential schedule.
- Reserve your space as early as possible at the retreat center—at Makemie
Woods, popular spaces are reserved often a year in advance.
- Publicize the dates of your event as soon as you know them.
- Distribute “formal” publicity (flyers, brochures, etc.) at least two-months
in advance. Set a registration deadline at least 10 days in advance of the
event, and consider using a “late fee” to motivate people to sign up on time.
Be sure your publicity includes information about dates, cost, location,
leadership, and transportation (if applicable). On the registration form
include requests for information about health and dietary needs.
- Call in your “head count” to the retreat center at least seven days in
advance, and send them a copy of your schedule—this will enable the staff
to serve you better.
- Inform your group! Provide your participants with a copy of a map to the
facility, a schedule, and a “What to Bring” list. At Makemie Woods, we have
developed some of these materials for your use. Informed campers are
happier campers!
- Arrive early! The planning team should plan to arrive at the center in
advance of the other participants. A member of the planning team can greet
the participants and help them find their accommodations. Be enthusiastic!
If you are having a good time, chances are your participants will too!
- Use Nametags! If there is even just one person in your group who might not
know the name of someone else, plan to use nametags. This can be used as
an icebreaker, with participants making creative tags out of a variety of
materials. Other icebreaker ideas include having a puzzle that early arrivals
can work on, playing games related to the theme of your event, or setting up
a refreshment area.
- Always check with the center staff when making a change in your
schedule that involves the facilities. For example, if you know a session will
run late and your group will arrive late to a meal, let the kitchen staff know in
advance so they can be prepared to keep the food hot. At Makemie Woods,
we can schedule meals for different times if we know in advance of your
event.
- Evaluate! Consider having your participants evaluate your event, so that you
can incorporate their suggestions in the future.
- If you don’t know, ask! Don’t hesitate to call the center staff with any
questions that you have.
We hope you choose to have your retreat at Makemie Woods! We look forward
to serving you.
[Makemie Woods Home Page | URL Minder | Contact Us]
Last updated 2/12/97
