When I was younger I used to wonder why do we have Mother's Day and Father's Day but no Kids' Day. I don't know if I ever really asked that question or not, I think I would have heard something like, 'that's what the other 363 days of the year are...'  As we look forward to celebrate our mothers this weekend lets make it a day where we not only say thank you, help with a few chores, and spend time with her, but also an opportunity to pray for our moms...     Continue Reading | Leave Comment

We value providing quality affordable off-site ministry. The two can work against each other sometimes, as quality increases so do costs... Retreat packages are an affordable solution that not only allow for an enhanced guest experience but it also changes the mindset of our staff. Their approach transforms from handling a transaction to an abundance mentality, "What more can I do for you?...     Continue Reading | Leave Comment

Ok, so maybe the title isn't completely correct. Most of us don't really forget winter. How can we with the cold temperatures and the snow! For me, winter is a season that I would just like to skip. I like the warmer temperatures! That is why so many people flood to the south for the winter months! But of course, living in the Midwest, we will never escape the winter months. So why not take advantage of the situation. A winter retreat can benefit a group in so many ways...     Continue Reading | Leave Comment

We love Lost Valley because: The Price is Right!- Very economical for youth groups.  Everyting is included in your retreat package (i.e. meeting rooms, AV equipment, meals, and recreation)!  Scenery - Each building has a beautiful garden out front and the view of the valley gives you and away-from-it-all feeling. Variety of Recreation- Everything from boating and beach activities to hiking trails, and rock climbing.  The gym is great too for evenings in case of rain. The Staff - Their willingness to serve and care for every detail of the property makes events successful. The Lake- Taking walks areound the lake is the perfect way to have some quiet time with God!

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We love Faholo because: Meeting Spaces - The worship auditorium is breathtaking!   Guest Service - They make your retreat run smoothly and are always willing to help! Planning Team - They make it easy for any group to come in and quickly get settled.  Their organization makes it easier for us to focus on ministry. Apex Adventures - Looking to make an impact with your next retreat?  Then add Apex Adventures to your Faholo get-a-way.  Apex Adventures is much more than an activity to kill time...  Your group will not only have fun but they will improve their effectiveness as a team, gain self-confidence, and enhance relationships. Summertime Camps - The large conference center lodging building allows groups to stay connected.

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There are so many things that go into an event when planning. The one thing many people forget is registration. A lot of planners don't think about the registration process because they are more worried about the "more important" things. But when you think about it, registration is kind of a big part of the event process. Without registration, you wouldn't know who and how many attended your event...     Continue Reading | Leave Comment

We love Eagle Rock because: The Possibilities - Eagle Rock is huge!  Seeing this property packed with young Christians worshiping together is amazing! Improvements - They are always looking for ways to update.  They have updated meeting spaces and are adding recreation activities for 2012! Unique Recreation - They offer a clay pigeon shooting range!  It really helps you get relaxed and focused! Devoted Team - They are willing to help and lend a hand! Scenery - The JB Lodge has an incredible view of the Ozark Mountain valley.

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We love Lake Placid because: Meeting Spaces - Lake Placid offers guests meeting spaces for small gatherings for groups of 20-50, and meetings, seminars, and services for groups of 50-400. The rooms are equipped with AV equipment and lighting free of charge! Summertime - Lake Placid offers a wide range of outdoor activities to enjoy during the summer.  Not to mention that jumping off the Blob into the lake is the perfect way to cool off! Retreat Planning Resources - they do way more than just make a reservation. You can focus more on the content of the retreat and less on the hospitality details. Recreation Options - Basic recreation is not just basic! They have options from Basketball, Volleyball, Disc Golf, a Game Room, and much more!  And it is included in your retreat package! Game Room - It is the perfect place to kick back and have some fun!  The casual atmosphere really helped our group build friendships and helped people feel more comfortable in our small group meetings.

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We love Lake Williamson because: Flexibility & Quality in lodging - motel rooms are great for family events because there are many that adjoin and they each sleep 6 people. They're also comfortable enough for a couples retreat. While the dorms offer an economic solution for the youth group. Always improving - the year alone, they added new lighting systems in the meeting spaces, we're not talking a couple track lights, we're talking colors and moving lights, it really adds a lot of energy to worship services. Also they added tons of new recreation activities to the basic recreation package. As well as enhanced the salad bar in the dining room. The planning team - they do way more than just make a reservation. They help select the right schedule and facilities so my event runs smoothly plus they supply me with resources and expertise to build a strong attendance base. The variety - we've already mentioned we love Lake Williamson for all the improvements they've made, but we really love the variety they offer as well. There are a wide variety of meeting spaces available, tons of recreation activities (our new favorites are black light sports and the new rock climbing gym), and variety on the buffets that satisfy every one's palette. BarnQuest High Ropes - part of the Eagle Crest Adventures team building program, this is one of the most unique high ropes courses. It is professionally run and a great benefit to groups who participate not just for the thrills of being 35' off the ground, but also for the team unity and spiritual applications participants make as a result of their experience.

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We love Sunstream Retreat Center for: Flexible meeting spaces - they're great for large group worship services, education seminars or small groups. There are also lots of great places to kick back, relax, and fellowship! Scenic views - most people think of Iowa as flat land and corn - it's not all like the field of dreams... Sunstream is right on the Des Moines River valley which gives our guests beautiful scenery and some terrain for hiking trails and zip line tours. Planning team - from creative recreation ideas to event promotion resources and expertise through each step - they did much more than take a reservation. They make my event a success. Conference Center - this building keeps our group all under the same roof. Lodging and meeting space paired gave us fellowship opportunities we never expected. Recreation - there is nothing more fun than rolling around in a zorbb ball, zip line tour, or black light dodge ball.

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It is that time again when everyone starts heading back to school. All of the family vacations are coming to an end and the routine of doing homework and afterschool sport practices start back up. For many, this is a stressful time. Students have lost a sense of schedule and are not ready for the day-to-day routine. I remember the last week of summer vacation when I was younger. It was the most dreaded week for me because I loved being outside and didn't want to go back to being cooped up in a classroom...     Continue Reading | Leave Comment

Midwest Christian Retreats announces additional discounts for Christian Ministry Events to be held October 2011 - February 2012 at all of our properties. The biggest discounts are available in December... traditionally this hasn't been a month with many retreat events. New ministry events are tough to launch to help you we're publishing our biggest discounts EVER! You can add a second night for only $10-15/person... Save $40-50 on your December events. ...     Continue Reading