Family retreats are a fantastic opportunity to bring parents and children closer, enhancing the bonds within the family unit. Spending mornings in fellowship and evenings making s’mores around a campfire creates lasting memories that won’t soon be forgotten. Adding a theme to your retreat can spark excitement and provide cohesion to the teaching and activities. Here are five event themes families are sure to love:

Created in His Image

We often forget that we are all image-bearers of God. This theme centers on the idea that each family member is made in God’s image. It encourages families to reflect on how they can embody Christ in their roles as parents, children, siblings, and spouses. Incorporate creative activities such as art projects or classes that families can enjoy together. These activities can serve as a tangible reminder of their divine likeness and unique contributions.

Family Feud

Disagreements and conflicts are inevitable in any family. This theme focuses on how families can approach conflicts in a Christ-like manner, offering practical tips for unity, conflict management, and peacekeeping. Integrate team-building exercises and program activities modeled after game shows to make learning about harmony fun and engaging.

Serve the Kingdom

Families that serve together, stay together. This retreat theme emphasizes serving the Kingdom of God as a family unit. Plan service projects such as packing boxes for Operation Christmas Child, doing yard work for widows or elderly community members, or serving meals at a local shelter. Base your activities around scriptures like Matthew 25:35-40 and Galatians 5:13, which highlight the importance of serving others.

Armor of God

Faithful families often face spiritual challenges. This theme is about equipping families with the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6:10-18, teaching them to stand firm together against spiritual battles. Discuss practical scenarios and how to use God’s word in daily challenges. Incorporate a game like dodgeball, played both individually and as a family unit, to illustrate that they are not alone in spiritual warfare and are stronger together.

Sabbath Rest

Encourage families to slow down and find rest in their busy lives. This theme explores the concept of physical and spiritual rest as a family. Delve into scriptures about Sabbath rest, such as Deuteronomy 5:14, Exodus 20:8-11, Mark 2:27, and Genesis 2:2-3. Plan activities that promote relaxation and togetherness like hiking, outdoor recreation, or board games.

Family retreats offer a valuable opportunity for families to disconnect from everyday life and focus on God and each other. We hope these five themes inspire you to plan a retreat that will be spiritually enriching and create lasting memories for the families who attend!