When you think of “retreat,” does going on a family retreat automatically come to mind? Even though you may be accustomed to associating retreats with church groups or other small groups, family retreats can be a wonderful time of restoration, relaxation, and connection.
Planning a family retreat isn’t much different from planning a family vacation. You need to decide on a location, dates, and make meal choices. But a family retreat has an additional aspect that helps set it apart from a typical vacation: a family retreat should bring the family members closer to God and to one another.
How to Plan a Family Retreat
- Decide when and where
The ideal family retreat location depends upon your family. Do you want a quiet hideaway in the woods or a chalet in the mountains? Think about the personalities of your family members and the type of environment that will bring them closer to God and one another.
Even though a short weekend away can be beneficial, three or four nights can really help your family unplug. Consider booking your retreat for a week.
The season of the year doesn’t really matter, as all types of weather can offer opportunities for your family to connect. Choose a time when work and school schedules will allow family members to get away for several days up to a week.
- Decide who
Will you include your immediate family only or also invite grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins? Again, think about the personalities and how everyone interacts. Your group should encourage and edify one another. The last thing you want is to force close time between family members who don’t get along very well.
- Decide what you’ll eat
Does your family retreat center have a kitchen, a dining hall, or a caterer? Before the retreat begins, create a menu or meal plan with all the attendees. Divide the responsibilities or the cost equally and make sure everyone knows who’s doing what. Ask individuals to bring their favorite snacks to share.
- Decide what you’ll do
It’s probably best to limit entertainment options and focus instead on activities that require active participation like games, sports, exercise, or crafts. You may want to consider making the retreat device-free or at least limit the use of devices. Take advantage of what the family retreat center has to offer in the way of activities and nature.
- Decide a spiritual direction
What is your goal for the family retreat? Decide what you hope you and your family get from this time together. Is it to learn more about God’s attributes? Is it to better understand Jesus’ parables? Is it to commit more Scripture to memory? Think about how you’d like the family to grow in their walk with the Lord, and then plan opportunities to help make that happen. Create times in the schedule for personal reflection, family worship, and group prayer.
The Hiding Place Offers a Great Venue for Family Retreats
Families routinely reserve The Hiding Place for their family gatherings year-round. It’s an ideal location to get away from it all with loved ones. The natural beauty of the woods and the Cumberland River point to the Creator’s work and inspire worship.
If you’re looking for a gorgeous, comfortable, and spacious family retreat center, look no further than The Hiding Place just one hour outside of Nashville.
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