Here are 10 ways to choose a retreat center...
1. Settle on a Purpose. Your purpose will decide what type of facility will work best. A youth group wanting a fun weekend together may put a high priority on recreational facilities. Perhaps you want to work in some sightseeing into the weekend, then you might want to select an area that is close to the attractions you would like to visit.
2. Length of Stay. Consider the advantages of a second night at a facility to provide more time for group interaction. Veteran retreat planners have discovered that the second night goes a long way in creating a valuable community experience. Factor in travel time as well. You may be planning a three-day retreat, but if it takes a day to get there then you really have only one day to work with.
3. Reserve Early. The best dates and nicest facilities get booked first. Consider reserving a facility six months to a year before you want to have a retreat. If you are pleased with the facility and service, you might want to make your reservation for the following year before your retreat is over.
4. Decide on a Price Range. It is wise to go with what the majority of your group is willing to spend. Consider offering financial assistance to those needing help. Or you can charge your group a little less than the actual cost and ask several people who can afford it to help make up the difference.
5. Get Organized. Before you call a facility, do your planning. Decide what type of accommodations you want (motel, dorms or cabins), what type of meal service, quality of menu--tuna surprise or Chicken Kiev; how large your group will be, what kind of meeting space you'll need, when you plan to arrive and depart, and if you mind sharing a facility with other groups.
6. Have a "Plan B". Have several options on dates that would work for your group. Locking yourself in to a specific date without options will set you up for disappointment if the center is not available at that particular time. Confirm dates for a facility before you confirm dates with a speaker!
7. Compare. When comparing prices between retreat facilities, make sure you ask what is and is not included in the basic fee, such as coffee breaks, audio/visual equipment and recreational equipment. Talk to other groups and find out where they have received the best service. Make a visit to a potential site. Talking in person with a representative at the facility and seeing the buildings and grounds will answer a lot of questions. When you compare facilities, don't let cost be the primary factor--ask yourself which facility and staff will help your group best achieve its retreat program goals.
8. Get it in Writing. You will want to have a written contract signed by your group representative and by the retreat facility's representative describing the agreement between the group and the conference center [camp]. Usually a nonrefundable deposit (10-15% of the minimum fee) will be required. Be sure that the minimum number of participants and the corresponding minimum fee are reasonably attainable. You may be required to make up the difference if you miss your minimum. Ask if there are additional cancellation charges.
9. Evaluate. Check out the staff's attitude toward service and hospitality as well as their philosophy. Ask others who have been there. Will a host be available to answer your questions and take care of needs during the retreat?
10. Do Your Homework. Know what you and your group want and ask lots of questions. Pre-retreat communication pays off. Keep notes and names of those you talked with for all your phone conversations, and make sure all agreements and arrangements are made in writing. Frequent and detailed pre-retreat communication will improve your chances of getting the level of service that is so important in making your retreat experience a positive one.
Your Partners in Youth Ministry,
Paul & Al
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P.S. Pass this issue of the Youth Ministry MAXimizer along to 3 youth ministry friends.
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New Lesson series on Prayer. Lesson 1... http://tinyurl.com/2z8btu
Use Your Tongue Wisely (Sep 19, 2007 at 2:18 AM) - It usually takes a pretty long time for you to build a good reputation. People don't say good things about you just because they think it's the right thing to do.
Hitting the Wall (Sep 7, 2007 at 2:51 AM) - Cut, paste, and send this to your teens or use it as an "Attention Getter" in a class or devo.
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Thursday, September 20, 2007
Youth Ministry Retreats
Monday, September 10, 2007
Youth Ministry Creative Emails
Here are three ways to use email creatively...
1. Half a message. Who can't send an entire message? Try sending only half the message. In order for the full message to be received have group members respond with a favorite verse or the name of a friend they are inviting to church. End your half message with a teaser that will make them want to respond.
2. Prayer Tree. Send an email to one teen with your name at the top and your prayer requests. The person who receives it is to add their name under yours with their requests. They in turn send it to another youth group member who does the same. When the last person with email receives the list they add their name then return it to you. Then you can print it out for meetings or send it to the entire group as a mass email.
3. Guess Who. Have your group members turn in a description of themselves to you. Once a week send one out to the group without the person's name. Offer a prize for those who get it right—like getting to sit next to you during church services!
Your Partners in Youth Ministry,
Paul & Al
Sign up for The Zone! http://tinyurl.com/223da4
For Members Only: We now have 25 Quiet Time activities to enhance your youth ministry.
P.S. Pass this issue of the Monday MAXimizer along to 3 youth ministry friends.
P.S.S. For previous issues: http://tinyurl.com/3724k8
Members: Login to your account for access to this week's updates.
New Lesson on Temptation... http://tinyurl.com/2z8btu
Hitting the Wall (Sep 7, 2007 at 2:51 AM) - Cut, paste, and send this to your teens or use it as an "Attention Getter" in a class or devo.
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