{"id":4918,"date":"2015-10-03T10:00:02","date_gmt":"2015-10-03T14:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/womensministrytoolbox.com\/?p=4918"},"modified":"2020-08-26T09:52:24","modified_gmt":"2020-08-26T13:52:24","slug":"where-should-you-go-for-your-womens-ministry-retreat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/womensministrytoolbox.com\/where-should-you-go-for-your-womens-ministry-retreat\/","title":{"rendered":"Day 3 – Where should you go for your women’s ministry retreat?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Where<\/a><\/p>\n

Location, location, location.<\/p>\n

When looking for\u00a0a women’s ministry retreat location\u00a0there are several things you need to consider.<\/p>\n

These are the big five:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Amenities<\/li>\n
  2. Cost<\/li>\n
  3. Distance<\/li>\n
  4. Group size<\/li>\n
  5. Number of nights<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    If you’re starting to feel a little queasy and worrying that you’re in over your head, hang in there!<\/em><\/p>\n

    I’ve got your hand. We\u2019re going to talk through them one by one.<\/em><\/p>\n

    1. Amenities<\/strong><\/p>\n

    What amenities\u00a0is your group looking for?<\/strong> On-site meals? Chapel? Meeting spaces? Technology equipment? Nearby attractions? Pool? Bathrooms for each room? Beds that women won\u2019t need to share? Is a bunkhouse acceptable? Will you need lots of parking? Do your facilities need to be close by due to women with mobility limitations? Do you need\/want refrigerators in your rooms? Make a list before you start your search.<\/strong> Divide your list into what\u2019s non-negotiable and what\u2019s \u201cnice to have\u201d.<\/p>\n

    2. Cost<\/strong><\/p>\n

    We\u2019ll talk in more detail about what to charge soon, but for now figure out how much you want to charge women for their rooms and meals.<\/strong> Keep in mind you\u2019ll likely need (or want) to charge them for additional expenses. Most women will be willing to share a room. When you call around to get prices be sure to request a price list for the meals<\/strong> too. Hotel meals are usually more expensive. Get rates for renting any necessary technology equipment, linens, and snacks.<\/p>\n

    \"Be<\/a><\/p>\n

    3. Distance<\/strong><\/p>\n

    I recommend you venture 1-2 hours away from your church<\/strong>. If you\u2019re asking your women to drive more than 2 1\/2 hours, the retreat location needs to be something really special or unique. I would not ask your women to drive more than 4 hours \u2013 and that is really pushing it! You need to be far enough away that your women won\u2019t be tempted to drive home as some will not return!.<\/em><\/p>\n

    4. Group size<\/strong><\/p>\n

    You need to have a realistic idea of how many women will be attending<\/strong>. Hotel rates should decrease the greater your number of attendees. Do you need 1 rental house or 2? Make sure you have a little more room than you think you\u2019ll need \u2013 God may surprise you! Most places will allow you to add rooms, but many require you to fill the minimum number on your contract. You don\u2019t want to get stuck paying for unused rooms!<\/p>\n

    5. Number of nights<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Many facilities will require your group stay a certain number of nights<\/strong>, often depending on the season. Traveling to the mountains in the fall? Expect a two night minimum. Hotels are your best bet if you\u2019re looking to stay just one night.<\/p>\n

    \"ad-bar-everything-you-need-to-know\"<\/a><\/p>\n

    Types of locations to consider:<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Retreat centers<\/strong> \u2013 Christian Retreat Centers bathe their facility in prayer. Public retreat centers provide the opportunity to witness to others. Google \u201cretreat centers\u201d for your state to get started.<\/li>\n
    2. Hotels<\/strong> \u2013 Rates vary widely, food prices and meal requirements. Get the details for each place you call.<\/li>\n
    3. Rental Homes<\/strong> \u2013 Check out rentals at the beach, lakes, and mountains. Look on VRBO.com<\/a>. Some owners may be willing to negotiate a little on the price or on the minimum night stay. It doesn’t hurt to ask.<\/li>\n
    4. Campgrounds<\/strong> \u2013 Some campgrounds have cabins, hotels, and meeting space. Check your State Park system.<\/li>\n
    5. Christian camps<\/strong> \u2013 Christian Camp Pro<\/a> has a lists over 1000 Youth Christian Camps and Retreat Centers.\u00a0\u00a0While many of these may have bunk houses, you’ll often find them to be the most inexpensive retreat option.<\/li>\n
    6. Bed and Breakfast<\/strong> \u2013 You may be able to rent out all or most of a Bed and Breakfast. This could be a great option if your group is on the smaller side.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Always ask what their best price is<\/strong> or if they can do any better than what you’ve been quoted. If it’s just\u00a0a bit over what you’re willing to charge your women, let them know and ask them if they can come down to “x” amount.<\/p>\n

      I encourage you to think outside the box:<\/strong><\/p>\n