Ideas for Women's Weekend Church Retreat

Women’s Weekend Church Retreat Example Itinerary
Friday 1pm – Sunday 1pm
 
Sugar Hollow Retreat has hosted a number of women’s events, which provide insight into church management, ethical values, relaxation, outdoor activities and group interchange. The following is a schedule that was used by one church group but can be modified to suit the preferences of any women’s organization. 
 
Friday
11am - 1pm   Leaders arrive to setup and organize activities with innkeeper assistance as needed
1-2pm Welcoming participants
           Registration
                     Distribution of materials
                     Orientation
                     Participants settle into the Lodge at Sugar Hollow and guest houses
2-5pm Optional organized activities:
           Games
           Hiking
           Get to know you
           Labyrinth
           Crocheting, knitting, quilting workshops
5-6pm Wine and Cheese tasting
6:30-7:30 Dinner + discussion by group leader
8-9pm Meditation time
9-10pm Socialization time, Karaoke or other options above
 
Saturday
 
Dawn Trail hike- Watch the sun rise!
8-9am yoga, tai chi, or Pilates for the early birds
9-10 brunch or breakfast
10-11am - Dream investigation workshop
11-12:30 free time options:
              Card Making Station
              Quilting, knitting Crocheting tutorials              
              Labyrinth Journey
              Hikes or Walking
              Meditation
              Quiet Space
             Getting to know you Games
12:30-1:30 Laughter yoga
1:30-2:30 tea & hors d’oeuvres
2:30-3:00 meeting and discussion topics
3-5:30 free time options listed previously     
5:30-6:30 Belly Dance lessons
6:30-8 Dinner
8pm Fire pit for camp song/sing along
 
Sunday
 
DAWN Trail hike- Watch the sun rise!
8-9am Breakfast - Closing invocation            
9-10 clean up, pack and vacate rooms
10-1 Optional activities or free time on property
1pm depart
 

Innkeeper comments

Of all the retreats we have had this group gets an A+ on organization and implementation.

Visits to Sugar Hollow Retreat, phone calls and email communication by the organizers made the retreat run like clockwork. Use of all available common areas of the 7200 sq ft Lodge, trail system and observation deck provided sufficient space for all activities.
The ability to arrive early on Friday by organizers assured that setup did not interfere with activity time and late departure on Sunday allowed for a leisurely wrap-up and departure.

Summary:

Sugar Hollow Retreat welcomes group of every description – church, business, family, association, competing athlete, university and social organization. Any format can be generated to meet their requirements. An extra day added to the usual weekend retreat can provide access to Watauga Lake, antiques, historic sites, mountain cuisine, the Appalachian Trail, biking, golf, Blue Grass music and a host of innovative mountain adventures. Welcome to superb high country hospitality at Sugar Hollow Retreat within the spirit of the Appalachian.