5 ideas for free-time activities during a Christian retreat in the winter
Taking a group on a Christian retreat during the winter is a great idea for a variety of reasons. After the holidays, people typically have a more open schedule and will be available to get away from their daily obligations for awhile.
The colder weather also lends itself to inspiring quiet and reflection. As you plan your winter retreat activities, take advantage of the shorter days to fully unplug and withdraw, and use whatever weather comes your way to create memorable bonding experiences.
Here are five winter retreat ideas that your group can use for free time during your next Christian retreat:
- Brrr! It may be cold, but get outside anyway!
Depending on the locale of your winter retreat, you can still spend time outdoors. If there’s snowfall, build a snowman or have a good-natured snowball fight. If there’s a safe, hard-frozen lake nearby, take everyone ice skating.
If winters aren’t as severe where you are, build a bonfire or gather around a firepit while singing hymns and enjoying s’mores. Short hikes, brief bike rides, or watching a sunrise or sunset from the porch can all be enjoyable, even during the colder winter months. - Get crafty
Everyone loves arts and crafts. The sky’s the limit when it comes to making things with your hands. Bring art, sewing, knitting, or jewelry-making supplies for participants to use. Have a designated “arts and crafts” table or room so that participants can stop by to work on a project when they have free time during the winter retreat. - Exercise indoors
Just because you’re inside for a retreat doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with movement. Gather participants for an instructor-led class or follow along to a video. - Play games
There’s something about friendly competition that helps bond people together. Bring fun board and card games for participants to play. Scatter them around the retreat center so participants can pick up a game when they have a few extra minutes. - Solve a puzzle
Riddles, mysteries, and puzzles are always a hit during a winter retreat. Some of these would take a lot of advance prep to execute, but a few boxed jigsaw puzzles are easy to pull out and place around the retreat center.
If you have more time and resources, create a scavenger hunt or mystery for participants to solve during the course of the entire retreat. Offer small prizes for the first participant to solve the mystery.
It’s Time to Plan Your Next Retreat
Does your group need to get away this winter for a Christian retreat?
We still have space available on our calendar at The Hiding Place before spring arrives. Going on retreat in the winter is ideal, and The Hiding Place is just the retreat center you need to book if you’re looking to get away and get closer to God.
The Hiding Place is tucked away in the woods just outside Nashville, Tennessee. It’s a cozy spot for warmth and comfort in the middle of winter. At The Hiding Place, you will completely unplug from the pressures of day-to-day life and connect with friends, family, and God.
When you sign up for our email list, you’ll be entered into our monthly drawing for a $100 voucher for your next reservation. Sign up here and be entered to win.
Find out more about the accommodations and amenities at The Hiding Place, or contact us with any questions.