Are you planning a fall or spring retreat for your men’s ministry this year?  If one of your event goals is to foster connection, keep in mind that shared experiences and side-by-side activities help create opportunities for deeper conversations.  Here are a few ideas for you to consider:

• Get outdoors.  Provide a few different outdoor options and allow the men to choose an activity they like.  For events at Ridgecrest, consider a group hike to one of our mountain summits, fishing in our lake (bring your own equipment), or a round of mini golf or disc golf at our Recreation Area.
• Plan an adventure. Arrange for your guests to participate in an activity with a little more action.  For an on-site adventure, you might book a session of outdoor Laser Tag or, if your event is during the summer, reserve a time slot on our High Adventure Challenge Course and enjoy some time among the trees.  For an off-site activity, book a local whitewater rafting trip and spend an afternoon riding the rapids. 
• Create some friendly competition.  Plan a board game night or video game night.  For an afternoon time slot, organize a basketball, soccer, pickleball, or Ultimate Frisbee tourney.
• Allow for hangout time.  Leave some space in your schedule for more casual interaction.  Set up corn hole sets outside your meeting space and allow some time before and after your sessions for guests to play.  At Ridgecrest, be sure to check out Switchback, our indoor game room with ping pong, foosball, pool tables, and large table games.  You can also schedule an evening bonfire with s’mores.  There’s something about sitting around a fire that helps the conversation start flowing.

We hope that your next men’s retreat is full of adventure and opportunities for your guests to connect with one another.  If you have questions about planning a men’s retreat at Ridgecrest, please let us know!  Call our Sales Team at 866.768.9048, or click here to complete an RFP.