Youth and Recreation Activity Resource Center
Activity and Resource Center
Retreats and the Church: Logistics
Chapter Four
The Planning and the Promotion
By Mancil Ezell
Retreats are a unique dimension in the Christian life and development with indigenous distinctives. The varieties of the settings and schedules of retreats define this unique dimension. The feelings of being away-from-it-all, plus the intensity of the involvement in the retreat experiences, result in a warm feeling of something special.
These special feelings "don't just happen" because people get together for a retreat. Such feelings and experiences result from advance, in-depth planning where attention is given to every detail from the first retreat planning meeting to the last point of evaluation following the retreat. Therefore, a successful retreat is a planned retreat.
Planning the Retreat
An effective retreat has one objective: to make the retreat a valuable experience for every attendee. The executor of the retreat's planning is also the retreat coordinator for the event. Whether this person is a volunteer church worker or a professional church staff member, he must desire to work with people rather than for them. This retreat leader will enlist a team of co-planners to assist in planning, conducting, and evaluating the retreat. This planning group may be subdivided into planning committees with specific task assignments for one phase of the retreat. Committees appropriate for detailed retreat planning will be identified further in this chapter.
First Planning Session
An effective retreat is one whose planning team has a clearly defined, planned sense of direction. The first planning session should give consideration to these questions as "getting started" guidelines.
· Who is the target group?-What is the age range? ·What is the ratio of boys to girls? males to females? How many attenders can be expected? What kinds of retreats-if any-has this target group participated in within the last few months/years?
· What subject areas or growth areas are of interest to the target group?-What area(s) of study or experience are of current interest to the target group? A survey of areas of study/experience that has been conducted previously by members of the planning team will give input to this question.
· Where is the best location for the retreat?
o What is the size of the accommodations at the retreat location?
o Are lodging and meal service facilities adequate for the target group and expected attendance?
o What equipment and furnishings are available?
o Is the activity and group meeting space adequate for the retreat? If the retreat sessions are to be outdoors,
o what are the circumstances, seasonally and weather wise?
o Is there a place for recreation events?
o Are there any dangers to be guarded against if families with small children are involved or if the retreat is for a children target group?
o How much time is available? -Poll the target group about several retreat schedules. Let them discuss and select the one most suited to their personal, professional or family schedule.
o Is the retreat to be one largely of study and growth participation or recreation and entertainment participation? A blend of both is highly desirable. Recreation and entertainment scheduled throughout a retreat agenda provides physical relaxation as a counterbalance for study/growth sessions.
· What are the goals for the target group which the retreat can support?-Getting new people together and acquainted? Continuation of a study subject which was begun in one of the church program organizations? Special subjects/interest study? Preparation for a special church emphasis? Celebrating special occasions? Training?
· What faculty for resource leaders are needed?-What kind ofleader resources are called for by the retreat program agenda? Are all these leader resources available within the planning team or are additional leader resources needed? Are they available within the church or locally?
· What are the budget requirements?-What is the cost of the retreat site? Does this cost include meal cost and preparation? What cost items are needed for implementing the retreat program plans? Will the target group be charged a retreat fee? If so, will it cover all retreat expenses? If not, how will the cost balance be provided? Is transportation to and from the retreat site a budget consideration?
Planning Pointers
After consideration is given to the above guideline questions and discussion has resulted in some decisions, the planning team will move to the following planning pointers.
· Use creativity in making the retreat an uncommon event.-Plan the retreat to be a unique, distinctive experience for the target group. A void perpetuating the usual, the expected, the common. Choose a theme for the retreat by consideration of current happenings and life-focused interests.
· Involve resource persons beyond the planning team for special input.-Invite a person related to a unique theme or focus to consult the planning team in the development and execution of the retreat plan.
· Plan for members of the planning team to share in the leadership of various activities during the retreat.-Assign specific responsibilities to specific persons to avoid vague assignments. Shared leadership in conducting the retreat facilitates the development of leadership skills in the group.
· Expect spontaneity.-Effective leaders play the retreat plan "by ear." While the planning team details specific activities and time increments, they are sensitive to the mood of the target group and adjust activities as needed. Spontaneity results in a high-interest flow throughout a retreat agenda.
· Plan to use name tags if the target groups do not know each other.-This is especially effective in high mobility areas and when newcomers or prospects are included in the retreat group.
· Plan a variety of experiences.-Incorporate the interest of a variety of persons within the target group, remembering that no one likes everything. A well-planned variety of experiences offers each person a selection of high and low interest participation/selectivity based on the individual's taste, background, interest, and needs.
· Include a balance of retreat elements.-To insure something of interest for everyone, an effective retreat plan, like a balanced menu, includes such elements as early arrival activities related to the theme, mixers and get acquainted experiences, study/discussion sessions, recreation, music, and free time.
· Sequence the elements of the retreat to build to a climax.-Schedule high interest experiences until the very close of the retreat in order to leave the retreaters wanting more! Closing the retreat with a well-planned group session, rather than recreation, gives the resource leaders an opportunity for a provocative wrap-up and solicitation of commitment related to the retreat theme. .
These general planning pointers are only starter examples. Each retreat is unique. The plan for an effective and successful retreat comes from no mold. It is.created and designed for a particular group on a significant subject at a special time. The same combination of retreat elements is rarely repeated. With this in mind, the following steps for planning successful retreats are outlined.
Planning Steps
The "why" of the retreat The "why" step of retreat planning relates to the needs, interests, attitudes, and objectives of the participants. This initial step in retreat planning seeks to guide the planning team in its efforts to achieve its aim of the retreat. This provides the sense of direction referred to earlier in this chapter. The theme and objective for the retreat surfaces in this planning step.
The "how" of the retreat. The "how" of the retreat concerns itself with the orderly way of getting the activities planned in light of the facts revealed in the "why." The "how" of the retreat is the planning step. The primary function of this step is to translate the needs and interests (identified under the "why" step above) of the participants and to specific activities and experiences. The development of the retreat-its elements and balance-is determined at this point in the planning process.
This selection of elements and balance becomes the content for the retreat. Thus, the framework for the retreat begins to take shape and form.
The "what" of the retreat. The "what" of the retreat sees to it that whatever develops from the "how" (above), or planning step, can be fulfilled. This is the organization step in planning the retreat.
The primary function of this step is (1) to put in .sequence the elements from the early arrival activity to the closing activity of the retreat, and (2) to make leadership assignments for each element in the sequence.
At this point in the planning process, an agenda for the retreat is determined, written out, and specific assignments are made for each planned activity.
In addition to the agenda, the resources needed to conduct each element are determined and assignments made for securing each resource.
The "how well" of the retreat The "how well" of the retreat is the evaluation step. How well have the "why," "how," and "what" steps been carried out? This is sometimes referred to as the after-action report. Through evaluation of the retreat by the planning team, suggestions are recorded for future planning of retreats for the same target group.
What Committees Are Needed?
A retreat planning team has been referred to throughout this chapter. This planning team is composed of several persons representing the various interests and backgrounds with a designated leader. Each of the persons in this planning team will serve as chairperson on one of the following subcommittees:
Promotion committee. This committee functions to plan and coordinate the publicity and promotion for getting the retreat before the people. The suggestions in the "promoting the retreat" section of this chapter will be utilized as idea-starters for this committee. The Promotion committee works closely with the program committee to secure proper information and interpretation of the retreat.
Recreation committee. This committee functions to plan and conduct the recreation activities during the retreat. Committee members obtain all equipment and accessories needed for the planned recreational experiences.
Site committee. This committee functions to plan the site selection, space arrangement and accommodations for the retreat. Converting the space to its original use after the close of the retreat is also the responsibility of this committee.
Transportation committee . When preschoolers, children, junior high youth, or senior adults are the target groups for the retreat, a transportation committee may be needed. This committee functions to assist participants in getting to and from the retreat.
Program committee. This committee functions to plan and put in sequence the elements of the retreat agenda. Their main responsibility is lodged in planning the study/discussion sessions, determining the content/resource for these sessions, and selecting resource persons for guiding the sessions. Using the theme and objectives of the retreat as leads, this committee designs a retreat that communicates "attend, get involved, have fun, grow!"
These five committees are basic to almost any variety of retreat planning. Other committees may be created as plans determine.
Promoting the Retreat
The most effective retreat planning stands a chance of falling short of success without equally effective, well-planned promotion. Creative promotion is the vehicle that stimulates motivation to attend the retreat event.
Effective promotion of a retreat results in three desired outcomes:
(1) stimulates interest in the retreat,
(2) raises the level of curiosity about the retreat, and
(3) whets a desire to want to know more about details of the retreat.
Begin promotion planning by knowing the common details of the retreat: who, what, where, and when. Rather than factual answers to these questions, come at the details from a different angle. Select one or two key words for the distinctive phrases about the retreat as the promotional leads for all the publicity for the event. Repeat these words or phrases on all the promotion to establish a repetition that will become familiar to the viewer and soon result in immediate mental association with the retreat.
In preparing copy for the printed promotional pieces for the retreat (posters, handbills, mailers), use phrases or exciting action words rather than complete sentences. The fewer words a reader has to sort through the less information he has to filter for the core message. By using fewer words and phrases more design space is freed to bold design and large lettering. Thus, the overall effect of the poster will carry an uncluttered, easy-to-read message that is quick to read and easy to remember.
After reducing the promotion copy to a minimum number of action words, select a color theme for all the promotion of the retreat. Prepare all promotion pieces in the selected color theme. This color repetition will communicate an association with the retreat in much the same immediacy that the repetition of the key words about the retreat carry.
After selecting a color theme and using a minimum number of action words, determine a symbol or simple design to implement a graphic association of the retreat. Repeat this symbol or design on all the promotion for the retreat. The design may be as simple as a cut-out question mark or as sophisticated as a paper sculpture tree created from origami. The guideline for using a simple symbol or design in an uncommon way is to create it in a bold, larger than ordinary scale. Thus, the cut-out question mark will be large in scale, perhaps a portion of it going beyond the poster to create a design-in-space illustration for the viewer.
Thus, there are three guidelines for designing promotion for "remembered results." They are:
1.Use key words and phrases for the word message.
2.Use a repeated color theme for the color message.
3.Use a repeated symbol or design boldly executed for the graphic message.
These guidelines result in a colorful, simple, bold, easy-to-recall retreat promotion. For determining a variety of visual promotional ideas and learning how to make them, refer to Making Non-projected Visuals and Displays, Mancil Ezell, Broadman Press, Baptist Book Store.
When to Go and Where
Nilon Elliott
Several times during the brief three-year ministry of Jesus Christ, he either went into a retreat setting or encouraged his disciples to do so. In each instance that he retreated or instructed his followers to retreat, there was a definite time and place set aside.
There had been an extremely busy week in the ministry of our Lord. He sent the disciples away in a boat to the other side of the lake and he went into the hills to be alone, to relax, and spend time with the Father. Early in his ministry he retreated into the wilderness for forty days to prepare himself for his redemptive mission. There always seemed to be a time with a definite purpose when Jesus went aside. The places were always unique.
This is not always the case with retreats planned by Christian groups or church leaders today. Too often retreats are placed on the church calendar or announced to youth with no real meaning or purpose in mind. The retreat is just another activity. This type of attitude does not often produce spiritual and fruitful retreat experiences.
The retreat site is sometimes chosen not because of what the place can do for the spirit of the retreat, but because at the last moment, it was the only place available.
Neither lack of purpose nor inadequate locations are necessary with successful retreat planning. Planning in advance will aid in both of these areas.
When Do We Retreat?
It would be safe to say that there is a retreat for all seasons. Winter, spring, summer, and fall offer unique characteristics for retreats. Holidays often are the springboards for good retreats. Special emphasis in the church program lend themselves to opportunities for retreats. The availability of unusual settings may trigger the planning of retreats.
A well-trained and active retreat consultant, director, or age-group coordinator will be attentive to the many approaches which enhance successful retreats.
Then "when" of retreats must always be influenced by the "why." With all of the opportunities for retreats it would be impossible for any church organization to have a retreat every time a situation presented itself. The retreat consultant, therefore, must plan all retreats with a purpose in mind.
There are different philosophies of retreat planning today. John L. Castel in his book Renewal in Retreats claims, the true retreat does not aim either "to get work done" or "to enjoy a holiday." It's focus is not upon a task, a subject, a problem, or pleasurable inspiration. The center and justification of retreats is found only in communion, in a coming to oneness, participation with others in Christ, by being in prayer with God.
True enough the pure retreat is a temporary opportunity to withdraw from the daily surroundings so that the retreaters can meditate, pray, study, and communicate with other Christians and God. However, the term retreat has come to be used by many to identify an opportunity to accomplish a unity of fellowship among a group of youth; a time to get to know one another and study the Bible in a setting of beauty, recreation, and excitement; or a time to plan and prepare a special presentation such as a drama or musical presentation. This approach has especially become an important tool with youth leaders, church staffs, and families.
Therefore, with both of these schools of thought in mind, let us explore a smorgasbord of the many times that retreats fit the bill better than any other activity that can be planned.
A Retreat for All Seasons
Winter is my favorite season for retreats. Some might feel that the weather might not allow for many opportunities for retreats. This is not necessarily the case. Winter offers opportunities for a very creative approach to retreats. So many retreat lodges are built with excellent areas for discussion around a blazing fireplace. Long hours of songs, discussion, and study can take place around a fireplace when the weather outside discourages exploration of the grounds.
Winter retreats often help mold a group into a fellowship because of the necessity of togetherness. On the other hand, unless the weather is intrepid, the retreat group will always want to venture outside on winter retreats. Hikes, nature scavenger hunts, and just plain winter exploring can be a very exciting activity, since few people ever really get out during the winter for leisure experiences. Winter can be a dead period in many church groups, and winter retreats always inject life.
Spring depicts life, and what could be more meaningful than a New Life Retreat in the Spring. It can be a coming-out time for your group. In many parts of the country spring offers a splendor around which an entire retreat can be built. Be sure to plan many outdoor activities on a spring retreat, but keep in mind spring showers can cause you to adjust your schedule or plans. Just be adaptable.
Summer usually reminds us of camps rather than retreats. This does not necessarily need to be the case. Many churches never get their youth to camp during the summer. A number of churches plan mission trips and projects. They accomplish great, good, and outstanding ministries; but they do not cause the same reaction among youth that camps and retreats will. The sustained opportunity for Bible study, group discussion, preaching of the gospel, and summer recreation accomplish a certain ministry with youth that nothing else will.
Camps and retreats continue to bear fruit with many professions of faith, rededications, and volunteers for Christian vocation. If your group will not be in a camp this summer, plan a summer retreat. Much spiritual value can be reaped through this type of activity.
Fall is a natural season for retreats. It is the beginning of the church year. It is a gorgeous season in many areas as the foliage colors change.
It is an excellent time for family retreats. Many families own camping equipment such as tents, trailers and some possibly own lake homes or property. Family retreats develop a fellowship in small churches which is marvelous.
Fall is also a splendid time for senior adult retreats.
It is cooler, which makes a lot of difference to many older adults. They love this season because there is so much nostalgia attached to the harvest season.
As you can see there is a retreat for every season.
Holidays Serve as Springboards
This is especially true with youth retreats. There are several reasons that this is the case.
1.Holidays give ready-made themes for retreats.
2.Holidays often offer additional available days for retreats.
3. Long holidays can become boring and retreats offer an exciting change of pace.
Holiday retreats need to be planned well in advance in order that families will have opportunities to plan trips and special events without interference. Remember most holidays have an important family meaning and tradition which should be honored by the retreat leader.
A helpful tool for planning holiday retreats is the public school calendar. A thorough study will spotlight some unexpected days which students will not be in school for various reasons. Some of these school holidays will not be special days; therefore, an extra day for a retreat is available. These are good times to plan a longer retreat than is usually possible. Some holidays which lend themselves very well to retreats are Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas-New Year week, Valentine Day, and Easter. Mother's Day and Father's Day are fme times for family retreats.
Special Emphasis in Church Program
The church year is filled with special promotions and emphases. Many of these can be enhanced with retreats. Again, planning is the key to the successful use of retreats for these events.
Retreats meet the needs of all ages. Too often retreats are only planned for youth. Remember single adults, families, deacons, senior adults, and many others respond to retreats. Some of these retreats can be planned for just one day without spending the night.
Special interest retreats might include stewardship planning, deacon's training, staff coordinating, January Bible Study, revival preparations, cantata or musical preparation, back-to-school events, marriage enrichment, or a multitude of other promotions. Sometimes many of these promotions can be injected with new interest by planning a retreat in conjunction with them.
These retreats can be planned by a departmental director, or organizational leader. Churches that wait on staff members to plan all of the special interest retreats will never really take advantage of the ministry which retreats can render to a church.
Special interest retreats will often be small in number but great in fellowship and spiritual value. Usually these types of retreats are much easier to plan since the possible participants have a common interest and more easily contacted for communication. Retreat sites for these sized groups are more accessible also.
Unusual settings trigger retreat ideas. Sometimes the right time to plan a retreat is signaled by some unique setting or activity available. It may be that a certain tourist attraction, meeting, or other types of mass meetings can be a special reason to attend and then return to the church for a lock-in at the activities building. Retreats are sometimes planned after high school football games since crowds are available.
When do you plan a retreat? Just about anytime is a good time if the planning and the details for the retreat have been well prepared.
Where Do We Retreat?
When looking for a retreat site, why not seek some place that is different and unique? A place that will automatically generate interest and enthusiasm at the very mention of its name. Chances are not only the spirit of the retreat will be helped by such a place but also the retreat registrations. How do you go about finding such a place?
Retreat File
Plan ahead. Begin a retreat file. A retreat file is a file which includes the names of places and the following information: pictures of the site (snapshots or brochures), rates, facilities, location, food service, recreation equipment, recommendations, insurance information, and other needed information. A good retreat file takes a long time to develop.
Continually ask questions of retreat leaders from other churches. Check in the yellow pages of your area telephone book. Check with leadership in other organizations such as YMCA, Boy Scouts, and clubs. The ecumenical directory of retreats and conference centers is available in most public libraries. It is published by the Jarrow Press, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts. Keep this file current regarding policies and rates of each of the centers.
This file should be made available to all leaders in your church or organization who plan to lead retreats. The ideal person to keep this file is the retreat consultant, who serves on your recreation staff.
For further help with this position, consult “How to . .. Retreats” written by Larry Haslam and made available through the Church Recreation Department of the Sunday School Board.
Do not wait until the last minute to reserve your site. If the retreat has been on the church calendar far enough in advance, there is plenty of time to find a great place.
Never hold a retreat at a site which you as the leader have not visited in advance. This can be a disaster. Many retreat sites sound great when they are being described to you by another retreat leader, but one look would tell you that this particular site would just not be adaptable to your group.
When visiting a site some things to look for include:
The dining facilities. Are they clean? Is the food prepared by professional cooks, or do you have to provide the help? Are there enough utensils for both preparation and serving? Will the dining area have to serve a dual purpose as the meeting area and dining facility?
Sleeping arrangements. Are they properly situated for coed groups? How many counselors will be needed? Are the sleeping areas properly sheltered from weather? What are the conditions of the bath facilities?
Meeting facilities. Can your retreat program be adapted to the site? Are there enough areas to break down into small groups? Is there an outdoor campfire area? Is there a large enough area to hold an indoor fellowship if needed? Are there pianos available? Where are the power switches which control the lights, heating, cooling, and water pumps? Is there a full-time custodian at the facility?
Recreation areas and equipment. What recreation facilities are available? Are there any additional costs for the use of recreation activities such as boats, horses, or equipment? What games can be played in the designated areas? Are the areas lighted?
Let the above serve as a guide as you choose a site from the vast number of different types of retreat sites available. Think big as you look. Try the unique. Sometimes retreats should be held a reasonable distance from home while other times sites near your church are useful.
Sources of Retreat Sites
Camps. The most reasonable place to look for most retreat sites are the camps in your area. There are many different kinds of camps available for retreats today. Some churches own their own camps. Many associations and districts have camps scattered across their states. Other denominations often make their camps available to groups for retreats. Many state conventions have excellent facilities for use as retreat centers, especially during the fall, winter, and spring. Organizations such as the YMCA, Salvation Army, and Variety Boys Club own camps which may be available.
State parks Many states have parks which include different types of facilities, such as first-class hotels, cottages, and group camps. Usually these are beautiful places which offer many types of recreational acti vities.
Southern Baptist Conference Centers. Glorieta in New Mexico and Ridgecrest in North Carolina offer some of the finest retreat facilities in the nation. There are special retreat programs and packages offered at both of these locations.
These conference centers are used during the summer for leadership training in our denomination and its many programs, but there are retreat spaces available throughout the fall, winter, and spring. Within a few miles of the conference centers there are ski slopes, hiking trails, national monuments, Indian reservations, and motor nature trails.
The conference centers have complete recreational facilities available to all. Conference space and a complete media center are available for any retreat at no extra cost.
The conference centers are equipped to handle all age groups, including youth through senior adults. A retreat at one of the conference centers is a very exciting experience.
For information concerning reservations and available programs contact the Conference Center Program and Promotion Section, 127 Ninth Avenue, North, Nashville, Tennessee 37234.
Private facilities. Places such as farms, ranches, lake homes, beach homes, and company-owned recreation areas offer a reasonable and quickly available site for smaller retreats. Many churches are now using tents, campers, and camping equipment for both youth and family retreats. Off-season condominiums are often made available to groups for retreats.
Church properties and lock-ins. A lock-in is a one-night retreat at a church facility such as a gymnasium, fellowship hall, or game room. Many churches will allow other smaller churches to use their facilities for a minimal charge. There is very little sleeping during a lock-in; therefore, sleeping arrangements are not difficult to make.
Where will you go on your next retreat? The site selection is as broad and exciting as your imagination. The most satisfying comment a retreat leader ever hears is "Let's come back here next year."
Transportation and the Retreat
Nilon Elliott
Whether your next retreat is five miles away or two hundred miles away, getting there may be a problem. Have you encountered any problems in transportation to and from any of your past retreats? Have you jittered while wondering whether you had planned enough transportation for all who might show up? Have you had those awful pangs of anxiety wondering whether the old church bus could make the trip? Have you ever had to wonder whether the cars which were coming to pick up the retreat group and return them to the church could find the site or were going to make it on time?
Unless the transportation to and from your retreat was planned well, the chances are you have experienced some of these unnecessary worries and anxieties over past retreats.
Obviously the person who could be the most help in solving these kinds of problems is the retreat consultant who serves on your recreation staff.
The retreat director should already have made arrangements for the types of transportation available. He should have a list of persons who have volunteered to provide transportation for retreats. He should have information concerning commercial carriers, or at least know all the policies and procedures for having the church bus ready for rolling in good running condition.
Plan the transportation for the next retreat when you first begin to make plans. Many otherwise tremendous retreats have been spoiled by poor transportation. Bus breakdowns, over-crowded conditions, getting lost, or just generally dull trips can really spoil an otherwise well-planned retreat.
Begin with the type of transportation needed for the trip. If you are just going to be traveling a few miles to the retreat site and the group is not extremely large, then probably automobiles will be the best transportation.
Longer trips which involve many retreaters and many pieces of luggage and equipment probably will necessitate the use of a bus.
If your church owns a bus, it will probably be best to use it if it is a reliable and safe road bus. Many buses owned by churches are great to travel around city streets but cannot take the stress placed on the engine when driven at high speeds for long periods of time.
Have the church bus mechanic help you make the decision about using the church bus if there is any doubt. A breakdown can ruin the retreat before it gets started and be very costly.
You may need to charter a commercial bus. Contact the available charter companies in your area to find out which companies offer the best rates, service, and schedules. In many areas there are companies which offer charters on school-bus types of vehicles which may be considerably more economical than tour buses for short trips.
Some school systems allow churches to charter their buses on weekends.
By shopping around you may be able to find bus transportation at a much more reasonable cost than you thought. It may be a much wiser investment and considerably safer to charter a bus for a retreat than to take a car caravan.
No matter how you travel, if you are furnishing the driver or drivers, insist that they be properly trained, experienced, and licensed.
If you are taking a car caravan, it is imperative that all the drivers be adults. Do not allow youth to drive their cars to the retreat. True, some youth are better drivers than many adults; but not all youth will be careful and serious about their responsibility. When you allow a trustworthy youth to drive, others will not understand and may insist on taking their cars. You can avoid this by not allowing any youth to drive automobiles to the retreat.
You will also want to insist that all participants travel together. If a group cannot come until later because of work or other responsibilities, then the retreat director should arrange for late transportation to be provided by the church. Though some of these restrictions may seem rigid, they may help you avoid a tragedy which would defeat everything the church is attempting to accomplish through its retreat ministry.
You may find yourself planning a retreat which will involve long distances, such as the Baptist Conference Centers at Ridgecrest and Glorieta, retreats to special resort areas, or retreats to major events or conventions. In these cases for the sake of travel time, travel expenses (lodging and meals), and comfort, you might check with the airlines in your area. Many different types of group charters are available today at substantial savings. A travel agent in your community will be very helpful in making these kinds of arrangements.
The cost of the transportation can be borne by the church budget or divided among the participants. If you are using the church bus and charging the participants for transportation, be sure to check the local laws concerning both inter and intrastate travel. In some cases it is illegal to cross state lines under such conditions.
The arrangements which are made for transportation for the retreat can aid greatly in developing the spirit and atmosphere which will complement your retreat. Begin the trip with a prayer of thanksgiving and for safe travel in God's will. Plan group singing, games, and even an orientation for the retreat on the bus. All of these activities will entail careful planning.
Plan the transportation for your next retreat well; and, as a large oil company often says, "Happy Motoring. "
Food and the Retreat
Virgil and Lynn Nelson
Mealtimes have long been used by retreat goers as part of the program-having prayer before and often having singing, announcements, discussions, or skits immediately afterward. Several other ideas which may enhance your chosen retreat goal are:
1. Eating the meal in a special way:
· in silence Goal --- personal spiritual growth
· Listening to a reading or music Goal --- feeling "at home"
( Selected by participants)
· without utensils Goal --- pure fun
(have a cameraman on hand)
· Use another culture Goal -- experiential learning
2. Arranging seating in different ways: to build small groups.
to enlarge the circle of friends, to focus on a common center.
3. Varying the setting: outdoors, darkness, formal, informal.
4. Having a mealtime simulation game with tables representing different continents and food distributed to tables in proportion to actual food distribution in the world.
5. Fasting and having a service to dedicate money not used for food to go for a specific need elsewhere.
Meals are an opportunity for team building, more so if the group decides to do its own cooking. But even when others are providing the meals, K.P. can be handled not only efficiently but also with purpose and verve!
K.P. Duties
The division of labor needed for setting tables, clearing, and cleanup can be handled in several ways.
One way is to have each person take care of his own K.P. for each meal. A tub of hot soapy water and a container of hot rinse water are set at each table along with a drainer. Each person scrapes his plate, washes, rinses, and places it in the drainer. Before the next meal each one sets his own place. This system does eliminate the need for most K.P. committees except for cleaning the pots and pans and the serving dishes.
Another procedure is to form small committees to spend an hour or so doing the K.P. duties for the whole group each meal. The committees can be formed by circulating a sign-up sheet with meals listed and the number of people needed. People sign up under the meal of their choice until the committee is full. The times to report for duty need to be stated for each meal.
With an efficient system worked out, the job spread out so that people carry a fairly equal share of the load, and with a brief "reality" approach in presentation, the griping about K.P. is minimal. The cleanup time can even be fun with others hanging around to socialize, tell jokes, sing, or even pitch in out of turn. (A movement toward this spirit can be started by a small minority and it's catching.) Recognition by the group for jobs well done feels great, too.
Cooking the Meals
There are various ways of providing the meals. Some "cooks" from your church may plan and prepare the meals, or the retreat participants may share in the planning and preparation through a committee organization. Or, the facility where the retreat is held may provide the meal preparation. There are advantages and disadvantages in each approach.
Let the Facility Do the Cooking
Pros
· Quick and easy for the group, leaving more time for other program elements.
· Little advanced planning needed
Cons
· Little voice in the menu.
· No recognition of distaste for some foods or menu inappropriate for age group.
· Little flexibility in meal schedule.
· Lack of appreciation of the work involved.
· Can be expensive
Delegated Leader “Cooks”
Pros
· More freedom for group to do other things.
· More choice in menu.
· Some time flexibility to respond to program needs.
· More likely to be less expensive.
Cons
· Group may be unappreciative of work involved.
· More griping about food choice or way prepared.
Participant Cooking
Pros
· More choice in menu
· Some time flexibility
· More likely to be less expensive
· Possibility for "food-griping" youth group to learn a lesson!
· Opportunity for adult retreaters to share the load.
· Opportunity to learn new skills.
· Opportunity to serve one another.
· Opportunity for team building.
Cons
· Takes time and energy to plan.
· Takes time from other things during retreat.
· May be some "flops" in time or preparation.
Action Steps.
If the group decides to do its own cooking by committee as an expression of program and budgetary goals, the committee will need to do the following planning and implementing of tasks:
· Plan menus. Select foods for a balanced diet, appropriate to the tastes of the group. Inexperienced food-planners may need tips on simple nutritious dishes.
· Determine a budget. Estimate a maximum dollar amount based on the size of the group, the number of meals, and the group's need for frugality.
· Determine the quantity of each food item needed. Inexperienced planners may need to consult more experienced cooks.
· Study prices and estimate cost. Total cost should be within allocated budget.
· Arrange for cooking and serving equipment. epending on the facility, the group may need to bring its own equipment. Always check what is available in advance. Permission needs to be obtained if the group is planning to use a church kitchen or to borrow equipment. Inventory of borrowed items should be made to be checked off upon return.
· Purchase food. Plan for time to shop in the days just before departure. If traveling space is quite limited, some shopping can be done upon arrival. Perishables or specialties of the location are natural to purchase at the location.
· Organize food by meal. Use boxes or bags to cluster the food items for each meal (except that needing refrigeration) and prepare a detailed instruction list of the menu and preparation steps.
· Estimate preparation time. Inexperience and the spreading out of responsibility can delay the meal. However, if reasonable estimates of the time required are made, if people follow through, and if "waitable" meals are planned, then the meals can fit smoothly into the needs of the program and hungry stomachs.
· In the experience that we have had with groups doing their own cooking, the pros generally outweighed the cons.
Cost-Cutting Ideas
a. Find a grocer and a baker who are willing to give a discount (often 10% or more).
b. Purchase ("day-old") breads and treats from bakery thrift shop.
c. Collect fresh fruits and vegetables donated from church members' gardens.
d. Have committee organize requests for donations from parents:
e. desserts or snacks
f. a whole birthday party if their teen is having a birthday anywhere near retreat date.
g. Bring snacks along for purchase by participants. One person should be delegated responsibility for the safekeeping and collecting of money. Having specific purchase times simplifies the accounting.
h. Publicize the list of food needs in advance and have a box in a public place ready for donations.
Benefits of Participant Cooking
PEOPLE HAD FUN - a math lesson, high feelings, and too much salt in the oatmeal.
LEARNING - some essential food items were left at home; so did without. Discovered resourcefulness not always a taste-bud delight; but on future retreats fewer oversights.
JOY and PLEASURE at good food, a service rendered, and a team accomplishment!
LOW-COST MEALS FOR FAMILY RETREATS
Family Retreat Meals. On family retreats an efficient system is to have each family prepare its own meals except for one or two potluck suppers with all the families. This procedure feeds people for the same cost that food would be at home, but suggests a need for individual preparation sites (cabins, trailers, or campsites).
To use mealtime to get larger group unity, another model has worked well, providing a facility exists for large common meals prepared in one kitchen. Each family is asked to estimate what it would spend on food (realistically) if it stayed home. When these dollar figures are combined by the food-planning committee, this becomes the maximum budget.
Next, the committee parcels out food assignments to each family which total close to the family's own dollar estimate. To reduce the amount of time spent in meal preparation during the retreat, people are assigned to prepare large pots of main dishes in advance, to be reheated at camp. The committee then supervises others who help cook on the retreat. This model has worked for groups of thirty people and could be used with larger groups.
Mealtime can be a chore or communion. Careful planning in advance of the retreat can help prevent technical distractions and can increase the beauty in the partaking of the Lord's provisions."
Menu Suggestions
Some Breakfast Options:
(Every breakfast does NOT have to have "hot" food.)
· juice: canned/frozen
· fruit: fresh/canned, cantaloupe, grapefruit, oranges, bananas
· Tang (expensive)
· honey, brown/white sugar
· milk: mix powdered milk to make Y<I to Y3 of the total needed. (Served very cold, it is hard to tell difference.)
· small amount of hot chocolate sticky buns, rolls,
· toast/jam, cinnamon
· buns, muffins
· hot cereal
· cold cereal in individual boxes pancakes
· french toast
· scrambled eggs
· eggs to order for those who want them bacon, sausage
· Spam fried in brown sugar/pineapple syrup, or make your own syrup: equal parts Karo, brown/white sugar, maple flavoring ..
Lunch Options:
· Sloppy Joes
· hamburgers/hot dogs
· peanut butter/jam sandwiches
· lunch meat to make own sandwiches
o tuna sandwiches
o salads:
o tossed
o fruit cocktail cantaloupe watermelon
· onion, relish, etc., for hamburgers
· juice-punch combination, milk, iced tea
· pudding,
· fresh/canned fruit,
· potato chips, Fritos and dip,
· popsicles, ice cream
· candy bar choice
· grilled cheese sandwiches
· soup: homemade/canned
· stew
· tacos or hoagies
· Jell-O:
o cabbage,
o pineapple-marshmallow-orange
o cottage cheese-tomato
Dinners:
· salads: similar to lunch
· baked ham,
· spaghetti,
· meat loaf,
· beef stew,
· pizza,
· french bread,
· com on cob,
· frozen vegetables,
· baked potato,
· creamed chicken biscuits,
· mashed potatoes,
· beans and hot dogs,
· apple sauce with cinnamon
· hot candies,
· ice cream,
· cookies,
· cupcakes/cake,
· cherry delight,
· pies from home.
Snacks:
· chips/dip,
· pretzels,
· punch,
· hot chocolate or cider,
· sodas,
· smores,
· marshmallow roast,
· hot dogs, popcorn,
· taffy pull,
· fresh fruit,
· cookies.
For further resources and menus, see your handy cookbook, Girl/Boy Scout camping manual, or write: "Recipes for Simple Outdoor Cookery," Board of Discipleship, United Methodist Church, Discipleship Resources, Box 840, Nashville, TN 37202.
SAMPLE SATURDAY BREAKFAST:
(Outline of Duties)
1. Set tables with milk, sugar, and butter on each table.
2. Set out on counter:
a. Cold cereal and bowls.
b. Juice (cans-open only two at a time).
c. Grapefruit cut as needed, one at a time in advance.
d. Sticky buns - open one package of each at a time.
e. Paper plates.
3. Cooking duties:
a. Heat water for coffee, tea (use styrofoam cups).
b. Make a small pan of oatmeal.
c. Have skillet ready for egg orders.
4. Clean up-put food away, clear tables, wash dishes. Set up boxes for lunch meal."
1 'Virgil and Lynn nelson, retreat, a-way to meaning (valley forge: Judson Press, 1976), pp. 60-62. Used by permission. 'Ibid. p105.
Music and the Retreat
Jim Stanton
“………..Oh I'm as rich as rich can be, for all these things belong to me." 1
So goes a lesson in awareness learned or at least underscored through music. Music speaks! It is a communicator. Music is a communicator of spiritual truths, of brotherly love, and of Christian compassion. It communicates a sense of belonging. It gives credence to the worth of the individual.
Music is a natural ingredient for a retreat. It is effective in most retreats. It doesn't cost much, and it is easy to utilize
Music is a natural means of involving all participants in a joint venture, a way of providing built-in "community," and an effective means of conveying a message. Retreat music may vary as much as retreat purposes vary. It may be a rollicking fun song for building esprit-de-corps, a hymn in worship, a chorus of devotional nature, recorded mood music, or even something original written especially for your time and place.
Fun Songs
Fun songs find extensive usage in retreats. As participants become involved in the silly antics of fun songs, they find themselves laughing profusely with others. This tends to dissolve any pre-existing barriers that might separate persons and to draw them together in a common feeling of fellowship.
Fun songs are easy to lead. They require little or no accompaniment. The use of fun songs in a spontaneous manner usually adds to their effectiveness. Use them anytime groups are gathering, as part of planned social activities, or as breaks during quieter group sessions.
In striving for a spontaneous and natural setting for fun songs, it is often more effective to use them unaccompanied. However, a good accompanist and a good instrument can add tremendously to the overall effect.
Hymns and Other Devotional Songs
Many spiritual truths and concepts are conveyed with hymns and other devotional songs. If your retreat is being planned around a theme, select songs that relate to the theme and use them frequently. Some of these songs may be unfamiliar to the group. Don't be afraid of teaching a new song or two to your group, but be aware that it may take many repetitions for the group to become comfortable with a new song. Other more familiar songs may take on new meaning in one singing if the setting and timing are right.
The Accompaniment
As music is to a retreat so are the accompanists and instruments to music. They can be very effective additions or very detrimental to the effectiveness of the retreat.
There are many instruments which are usable for retreats. Piano, guitar, Autoharp, melodica, and ukelele are some of the most widely used.
Factors to Remember:
The piano is usually a permanently located instrument-not very mobile. Make sure it is in the best position for optimum use at the retreat. Also check the tuning. Using an out-of-tune piano is often worse than using no piano at all.
The guitar, the Autoharp, and the ukelele are highly mobile. Tuning is usually easy to accomplish. Be sure the instruments are tuned prior to your needing them. These instruments are basically chording instruments. They provide good accompaniment to the vocal line. Many players will need chord symbols indicated on the music. Much music for retreats has these symbols indicated, or they can be written in without too much trouble.
The melodica is basically a melody instrument but can provide some very effective accompaniment if the player is proficient.
Now that you have determined the instruments you wish to use, take a look at those who will play them. Many retreats have gone lacking musically because the participants had to wait for a poorly prepared player to search for the music or even search for the notes.
An effective accompanist is one who is ready at any time to play what he needs to play with ease. His instrument is close at hand and he knows the music well enough to provide a confident introduction and accompaniment.
An elaborate accompaniment is often a delight, adding excitement and personality to a retreat. However, no accompaniment is usually better than an accompanist who has to search for music or stumble through it. This destroys the effective atmosphere music can and should provide.
The music leader is important, especially in unaccompanied singing. He must be secure enough in his musicianship to "pick a key out of the air," confident enough to lead out with his voice, and brave enough to stop and start again if he pitches a song in an uncomfortable range.
A music leader must be aware of the purposes of the retreat. He must be knowledgeable enough to find songs that can relate to these purposes. He must be sensitive enough to know when to use what. As a leader he must be able to relate well to other participants, and he must be able to relate well in front of other participants.
Resources for Retreat Music
Retreat music comes from all directions. The hymnal is the source for hymns and gospel songs. The current "pop charts" may provide tunes for some groups. Many publishers of sacred music have collections of songs designed particularly for retreat settings.
Songs for Fun and Fellowship #1, 2, & 3 are particularly good resources. They are economical and provide a wide coverage of fun songs (many with motions), devotional and campfire songs, and some hymn tunes.
Also available from Broadman are Pocketbook of Fun Songs, Pocketbook of Camping Songs, and Pocketbook of Rounds. A more recent collection is Broadman's Singing Is Fun. Check with your nearest Lifeway Book Store for a wealth 'of additional resources.
Music should be an integral part of most retreats.
Planning is essential in order for music to become a very effective tool. The music leader should be involved in the retreat planning process from the earliest stages. This will assure his being fully aware of the purposes of the retreat. He will also see from the beginning all opportunities for using music in the retreat setting. Such advance planning allows time to secure desired music and learn it sufficiently for teaching and leading.
Check List for the Retreat Music Leader
1. Be involved in all retreat planning sessions.
2. Study in advance the units of study and topics for discussion.
3. Explore all avenues available for previewing possible retreat music.
4. Find out what musical instruments will be available and the condition of these instruments.
5. Become aware of availability and proficiency of instrumentalists.
6. Prayerfully select music that relates to retreat theme.
7. Select supplemental music-both serious and fun.
8. Determine as nearly as possible who accompanies what and when.
9. Rehearse with instrumentalists.
10. Relax and enjoy a good musical experience on your retreat.
1From "All These Things Belong to Me," Songs for Fun and Fellowship #3 (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1969), pp. 12-13. Used by permission.
Rainy Days on the Retreat
Frank Hart Smith
Unless your retreat is planned for Death Valley or the outer extremities of the Dust Bowl, you should plan for something to do in case of rain. Anyone knows that a retreat is just about always to the outdoors. And that's the way it should be. But if it rains, you may have to stay inside. And if you have to stay inside, the excitement of the retreat can go on. Here's how ...
Excitement the First: Film Festival
A film festival can (and probably should) be more than mere viewing of movies. Plan well so that films to be used are geared into the thrust of the program. You may want to use at least one of the films whether it rains or not. But have several to use in case of a downpour just as you were about to pour out into the open for an afternoon of recreation or cluster groups out under the trees.
Show a film, then get the participants into groups and invoke discussion. A meographed set of discussion starters will be valuable here. Assign a person to serve as reporter for each group, then have a general session for conclusion drawing.
A different twist on a film festival is to show films of past events
· a retreat of several years ago,
· a mission trip,
· maybe even movies taken when the retreating group was much younger.
Excitement the Second ……Indoor Track Meet
So you can't have hundred yard dashes and cross country races. Try the same idea, indoors, by having such events as:
· The One Hundred Chew Burst (give each contestant two pieces of bubble gum and let him chew one hundred times and then blow the largest bubble he can),
· The Javelin Throw (each contestant is given a drinking straw which he is to throw as far as possible),
· the Potato Push (contestants are to push a potato to the finish line using only his nose),
· Broom High (if your ceiling is high enough the contestant holds the handle end of the broom at chest level and keeps his eye on the straw end while rotating as fast as possible seven times around-then he drops the broom and runs to a finish line.
· If the ceiling is too low, use a ball bat instead and have the contestant place the bat on the floor and his forehead down on the top of the bat,
o rotating seven times, then dropping the bat and running to the finish line.
o Take care to keep contestants from running into anything dangerous. (posts, chairs, counters, etc.) because they will be rather dizzy.
o Also, caution them to simply drop the broom or bat, not to sling it.)
These are a few events-make up enough of your own so that everyone can take part in at least one event. Hint: all events need not be active. Some can be singing or poetry writing or skit presentation.
Excitement the Third: Talent Time
Most retreats have a time in the program for a talent time. Simply shift the program so that the rainy time becomes talent time.
Excitement the Fourth: Creative Writing
Gather all the participants in the dining hall or somewhere else where tables are available. Using a few fun preliminaries such as doing a rhyming line to "I never shall forget the day" or "I think 1 shall never see," begin a time where everyone gets a chance to do a little writing. Some may want to write fun verse, others serious poetry. Some may try wntmg new words to an old hymn tune. One or two may try some nonfiction or a short story. Rainy time may be the time for creative writing juices to flow.
Excitement the Fifth: Cabin Cruise
· Gather all participants in the dining hall or tabernacle or some other assembly area.
· Divide them into groups according to the cabins they are housed in. (In case of all being in large dormitory areas, use divisions of age groups or areas in the dorms.)
· Each cabin or assigned group is given thirty to forty-five minutes to prepare a skit.
· Then the skits will be presented for the entire retreat crowd.
· Counselors may want to present a skit of their own.
· Use some method of determining the winners-maybe a voting by secret ballot.
· To conclude the event, use the academy awards idea.
o skit with the most obnoxious ending
o skit most likely to cause nausea
So, it rained on your retreat? Be it recreation time or worship time or Bible study time, take advantage of the time out of the rain
· get to know each other,
· get to know yourself,
· get to know God.
The rainy time just may be the most important time at your retreat!'
1 Adapted from an article in Church Recreation Magazine, July-August-September 1977. © Copyright, 1977. The Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Resources for Retreats
(Many of these resources are no longer in print and many of the publishers have changed names. They are listed so that the reader can know that there are many available resources can be found if properly searched out. Many of them are be published on this site and others will be published as they become available.)
Benson, Dennis. Gaming. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1971.
A collection of many small-group activities which can be used on retreats.
Benson, Dennis. Recycle Catalogue. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1975.
Hundreds of ideas for sharing and for fun times at a retreat.
Church Recreation Department. Indoor/Outdoor Recreation Pack. Nashville: Broadman Supplies, 1976. Music, devotion ideas, games, drama, crafts, all for use on retreats.
Church Training Department. Agape: Christian Life Style, Koinonia: Unique Christian Bond, Loneliness: Search for Presence, Prayer: Language of the Spirit, and Nexus. Nashville: Convention Press, 1974 and 1975. These are retreat kits with just about everything needed for a great retreat-except people! The first four are for youth, the fifth is for adults.
Coleman, Lyman. Serendipity Series. Colorado Springs: Serendipity House. Any of Coleman's vast storehouse of materials are valuable in retreat settings. There. are special materials for youth, for athletes, for singles, for married couples, for adults. Write for brochures to Serendipity House, P. O. Box 7661, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80933.
Conner, Ray. A Guide to Church Recreation. Nashville: Convention Press, 1977. The basic book in church recreation. Contains an excellent chapter on retreats and a very helpful chapter on organization which will be valuable to any retreat leader.
Elliott, Nilon. Living the Christ Life (Leadership Edition). Nashville: The Sunday school Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, 1976. The leadership book for a youth camp curriculum that can be readily adapted for use at a retreat. Contains all the material needed for worship services, Bible studies, small-group discussions, cabin devotions, fun times, and music.
Hendrix, John. On Becoming a Group. Nashville: Broadman Press, 1969. A lot of help in organizing and conducting small groups.
LaNoue, John. Camp Director's Manual. Nashville: The Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, 1976. A complete manual for the director of any camp that is church-related. Included are suggested job descriptions, all kinds of checklists, recreation resources, and safety suggestions. Most applies to retreat planning.
LaNoue, John. A Guide to Church Camping. Nashville: Convention Press, 1976. Contains a wealth of information on all types of recreation in the outdoors, including retreats.
LaNoue, John. A Notebook for the Christian Camp Counselor. Nashville: Convention Press, 1977. Aimed at counselors of camps, this offers help also to counselors of retreats. Especially helpful are characteristics of campers and counseling tips.
McGee, Cecil. Drama for Fun. Nashville: Broadman Press, 1969. Contains many fun skits and monologues to use at retreat recreation periods.
Mattingly, Don. Recognizing Relationships (Leadership Edition). Nashville: The Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, 1977. The leadership book for a youth camp curriculum that can be readily adapted for use at a retreat. Contains all the material needed for worship services, Bible studies, small-group discussions, cabin devotions, fun times, and music.
Nelson, Virgil and Lynn. Retreat Handbook, A-Way to Meaning. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1976.
This very fine book published by American Baptists includes a lot of the why and the how-to plus a great deal of the what of retreats.
Nutt, Grady. Being Me. Nashville: Broadman Press, 1971. An excellent book for retreats on self-discovery within the will of God.
Phillips, Elgene. Recognizing Relationships (Youth Edition). Nashville: The Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, 1977. The youth edition of the youth camp curriculum. Contains supplementary material for Bible study and small-group discussions. Also contains all words to music in leadership edition, thus making it useful as hymnal for camp. Easily adapted for use at a retreat.
Pylant, Agnes Durant. Fun Plans for Church Recreation. Nashville: Broadman Press, 1958. Scores of skits and stunts to use at retreat fun times.
Quoist, Michael. Prayers. New York: Sheed and Ward, Inc., 1974. A book of contemporary prayers which can be meaningfully used in worship times on a retreat. Volume contains many items of creative worship which can be used at retreats.
Robertson, Everett. Extra Dimensions In Church Drama. Nashville:
Convention Press, 1977. Contains monologues, short play readings, improvisations, choral readings-almost all possibilities for retreats.
Robertson, Everett. Introduction to Church Drama. Nashville: Convention Press, 1977. The basic book in church drama. Contains all kinds of help in producing dramatic effects-many of which can be used at retreats.
Robertson, Everett. Puppet Scripts for Use at Church. Nashville: The Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, 1976.
Over eighty scripts for puppets. Most can be used at retreats. Tape of some scripts is available.
Robertson, Everett. Using Puppetry in the Church. Nashville: Convention Press, 1976. Contains much how-to concerning puppets-how to make various puppets, how to make stages for them, how to produce puppet shows. Very helpful for retreats.
Schulz, Charles. Any of the Peanuts series will be valuable in small-group sharing time.
Sessoms, Bob. A Guide to Using Sports and Games in the Life of the Church. Nashville: Convention Press, 1976. One of the most valuable books for the retreat leader. Contains diagrams and rules for all kinds of team sports plus hundreds of games explained in detail.
Sessoms, Bob. 150 Ideas for Activities with Senior Adults. Nashville: Broadman Press, 1977. And many of the ideas can be used with senior adults on retreat.
Sessoms, Bob. Senior Adult Mixers. Nashville: Broadman Supplies, 1976. More activities to use with senior adults on retreat.
Sessoms, Bob. Using Craft Activities in the Church. Nashville: Convention Press, 1977. Many of these exciting crafts can be made at retreats. Information is clear and detailed.
Simon, Sidney et al. Values Clarification. New York: Hart Publishing Co., 1972. Offers a host of material for clarifying values for both youth and adults.
Smith, Frank Hart. Fellowships: Plenty of Fun for All! Nashville: Convention Press, 1978. Idea after idea after idea for fellowships. Easily adapted for a retreat.
Smith, Frank Hart. Living the Christ Life (Youth Edition). Nashville: The Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, 1976. The youth edition of the youth camp curriculum. Contains supplementary material for Bible study and small-group discussions. Also contains all words to music in leadership edition, thus making it useful as hymnal for camp. Easily adapted for use at a retreat.
Smith, Frank Hart. Reaching People Through Recreation. Nashville: Convention Press, 1973. A practical look at reaching people for Christ through the many facets of a recreation ministry. Contains a meaningful chapter on reaching people through retreats.
Smith, Frank Hart. Social Recreation and the Church. Nashville: Convention Press, 1977. Just what the retreat social director ordered. Contains games, fellowship, party, and banquet suggestions. Especially helpful will be a long chapter on foods for fellowship times
Stanton, Jim (editor). Church Recreation Magazine. Published quarterly by The Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. Every issue contains several retreats and other retreat articles. Music, social, drama, and sports articles should also prove helpful to retreat leaders
Inside the retreat leader will find detailed instructions on retreat planning and promotion, site selection, program ideas for both large group and small group activities, a solid philosophy of the use of retreat, scores of detailed plans and ideas for retreats of all kinds: retreats for deacons, for church staffs, for senior adults, for married adults, for young adults, for college students, for youth, and for older children.
Music in the Church Recreation Program