Over the last week or two I have had a couple moments where, looking back I think, "wait a second, what just happened?  It's August?  I thought it was May..."  

I live my life in the fast lane - I joke that I have one speed.  In the summer time it especially feels like there is only one speed.  Maybe two: fast and then faster.  I can go in the fast lane for so long but if I go too long, I feel like a freight train going down a hill with a sharp turn ahead.  The whole train may not derail, but something is bound to get off-track.  If you coordinate a summer event or summer events,then you're ready for a breather right about now.  Some time to put on the breaks, take a few deep breaths, and to reflect on everything that happened.

For myself, I need to jump out of that fast lane every so often.  Last weekend, it was taking the retreat with the guys and diving into the word.  It was adrenaline for my relationship with God.  Don't get me wrong - it's not all a walk in the park on a beautiful day with a high of 72 and a light breeze.  I like things to be in order and running well while finding means to make imporvements.  Sounds great, right?  But I've also learned (sometimes the hard way) that I have to balance out all that structure that I want to build into my life and let God do His thing.  I can't plan out the Holy Spirit.  If I stay in the fast lane 24/7, then I don't have a chance to let the Holy Spirit lead me.  Times like I had with the guys on our retreat recently help keep me balanced.

We'd do well to bring the same approach to evaluating your event...

Another very important consideration in finding the right facility for your retreat is evaluating the camp or conference staff’s attitude toward service and hospitality. What is their philosophy and service record in working with retreat groups?

One good indicator of a serviceminded facility is that they should have staff available throughout your stay to answer questions and take care of needs you might have during your retreat. Ask them about this.

We could learn a lot from crayons; some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, while others bright, some have weird names, but they all have learned to live together in the same box. 
- Robert Fulghum¹

What is a group?  Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary gives us many points of view including but not limited to:

1. two or more figures forming a complete unit in a composition
2. 
   a:  a number of individuals assembled together or having some unifying relationship
   b: an assemblage of objects regarded as a unit²

As group leaders we are challenged to find the best possible ways to meet the needs of the "complete unit" as well as the special needs of the "individuals assembled together".  In some cases we  will receive requests from individuals that are personal preferences.  In other cases these may actually be life threatening steps if they were not heeded for allergy precautions.  So how do we enhance the conference and retreat experience for all our guests while working within logistical and budgetary limits?

 Camp Pastors, worship leaders, counselors, and staff work hard to create a distraction free environment for students to connect with Christian friends and deepen their relationship with Christ.  As your students world begins to change with a new busier school schedule what can we do as parents or leaders to encourage our students to continue building their relationship with Christ like they did during camp?

Every planner wants to be able to say their event was a success... But how do I know?