Retreat Centers
What does a youth worker look for in a retreat center?
My thoughts on what a retreat center is:
- A place to get away. Most retreat locations are in the woods or some other secluded setting. This allows the groups to be rid of all distractions. By taking students out of their comfort zone, retreats can often have a greater impact.
- A place to admire God’s creation. Since most retreat centers are in a secluded or natural setting, it gives the suburban/urban raised students a chance to truly experience God’s wonderful creation.
- A place to relax. When in high school, my youth group would go to a farmhouse in West Virginia for 4 days. The retreat was nothing but studying the Bible, eating, and relaxing. No homework, no schedules, just down time. Simply amazing.
- A place to bond. Groups that attend retreats tend to grow closer. This can become an important core of students in your ministry.
- A place to have fun. Retreats = fun. Whether a ski trip or a relaxing trip, students are going to enjoy themselves on a retreat. Unless you get hurt. On one of the WV trips, I broke my ankle 5 minutes after arriving at the farm. That meant 4 days of hobbling around. Not fun.
- A place for teaching God’s Word. The main focus of our retreats has always been the lessons. Sure, the students (and leaders) want to have a good time. But the lessons must be the focus of a retreat, and that time must be of prime importance.
What are your thoughts on a retreat center?
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