Planning for Group Retreats

Planning group retreats can be fun when you are quite used to it but when you’re training to be able to master it, it is quite challenging!

To be able to plan systematically, it is wise to list down in a worksheet some pointers to be done step-by-step:

First, define the purposes and goals of a group retreat. If group retreats are fore children and their mothers, this would have similar purpose in general but different specific purpose as compared to a group retreat for couples or for women or even for the elders.

Second is to choose a group retreat site. Again, there are many considerations to be taken for different groups and purposes. Listed are some basic questions to consider when planning for a group retreat: What kind of meal service is provided? How far is the venue? What facilities and amenities does the venue offer? What is the availability of the staff when the group reserves for a weekend or weekday? Will the participants reach or find the area with ease? How safe is the water and is the facility clean? How much does it cost? There are many other things to consider and as you list them down you will add more depending on your situation.

Arranging the venue can also become complicated if the process is not systematized. Make sure to have only one person take care of this task, most often the retreat leader and also establish a contact person at the venue, usually the Manager, to make communication lines clear.

Next most important thing is funding. Make sure everything is considered and allotted for even before starting to arrange for the group retreat.