 Sticker price for your retreat facilities isn't the only factor you need to use when choosing a retreat facility... Maybe you'd like to go tent camping and wake up to fuzzy wuzzy... Maybe not... When comparing retreat facilities... compare the meeting and lodging facilities, but when it comes to rates make sure you ask what is and is not included in the basic fee. Answering these questions will help you level the playing field between different rate plans and help your group choose a retreat facility based on the value of the offerings and how the will help you meet their event ministry goals.
- Is there an extra charge for use of meeting facilities?
- Do you provide your own audio/visual equipment such as a DVD, projector, and a sound system?
Will the facility provide it?
Is there an additional charge for using the property's AV service?
What about additional travel expenses to send a team to set-up equipment if the facility wont set-up for us?
- What recreational activities are available?
Does the rate include the facility & necessary equipment?
Do some activities cost extra?
- Is a separate speaker’s room available?
Does it cost more than the normal lodging facilities?
- Are linens available or do we bring our own bedding?
If linens are provided, will the bed be made up by you or the housekeeping staff?
It is best to not make assumptions. Ask questions. You will have a better retreat experience if all of these details and questions are worked out before you arrive at the site - better yet, before you sign a contract.
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There is something about taking time away in an atmosphere that stimulates people to listen, rest, talk and refresh. This kind of experience can be therapeutic for tired bodies and frazzled nerves.
A good way to start answering that question is to ask “Who is this retreat for?”, “What are their needs, their wants, and their interests?” Often we assume we know the needs and wants of a particular group of people and then set about designing a program or retreat to meet the needs we think they have. Make sure the families you are targeting are interested in what you are offering in a retreat. If they are not, it is very likely that attendance will not be good. Ask questions. Talk to the families in your group. Use evaluations or questionnaires from other events or retreats that will give you the answers to these questions. Try to think like the families in your group. If you have planned a family retreat before, and the results were successful, ask “Why was it successful?” or, “Why not?” Repeat your winners, but stay on top of current issues, trends and interest when you are deciding goals and purpose.
 Our team has recognized lately that churches are focusing their efforts toward Family Ministry throughout the regions served by Midwest Christian Retreat properties. Last week, I made my first trip to Michigan to visit Lost Valley Retreat Center and Faholo Conference Center where both facilities were hosting Family Events. What an amazing experience to see the intergenerational activities ranging from bicycling, riding go-carts, worshipping, swimming, and dining together.
Christmas brings many traditions to mind, but some of my favorites are - Christmas Eve candlelight service
- Christmas caroling followed by soup, cookies and steamy hot chocolate
- and one of my all time favorites putting the focus on Jesus -
the reading of the Christmas Story from Luke 2.
May your family experience the greatest joy this year and
draw near in love to enjoy the truest, deepest, merriest
Christmas ever.
- From Your Friends at Lake Williamson & Midwest Christian Retreats.
Following are a few of the favorite family traditions of the Lake Williamson staff as part of Midwest Christian Retreats. We're praying blessings to you for a safe and wonderful holiday season!
Christmas dinner can take many forms and be served at different times depending on the traditions and availability of families to gather. Following are some great ideas for your family gatherings ranging from simple casual to elegant. It is our greatest desire that your family be drawn together in a circle of love everyday and especially at Christmas. Enjoy!
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