Help for the Retreat Coordinator

While the retreat coordinator may be the visible “head” that everyone sees running the retreat, she relies on many support people in that role.  The retreat coordinator needs to be aware of all the issues arising at the retreat, but there is no way that she can resolve those issues on her own.  She needs  ladies who are familiar with what needs to get done, and are willing be the coordinator’s hands and feet behind the scenes.  We have many ladies that our coordinator can call on.  Most of our women’s leaders are available should the need arise, but we have a couple women who are “assigned” to help the coordinator.  We will be talking about two of these in the next few posts.  They have the unofficial titles of “hotel liaison” and “runner”.

Game Room

One of the options we normally make available for our women during free time is a “game room.”  Games can provide a casual and congenial atmosphere that encourages fellowship.  Participation in a game is a particularly easy way for relative strangers to get acquainted in a non-threatening atmosphere.

The game room is open to anyone who wants to participate.  Several game choices are made available–most requiring little skill.  We have used card games and board games, and try to have a variety available that appeal to young and old.  We have also made a large puzzle available for ladies to work on during the weekend, and it always gets completed!

Key to having a successful game room is putting someone in charge who likes to play games, who knows the rules to the games, and someone who is friendly and open, eager to encourage others to join in the fun.

Many Hands

They say “many hands make light work” and that is true in preparing for a retreat.  However, many hands in the administration area make for many opinions, and that is not always expedient!  How does that translate?  Keep your planning and administrative groups small, while your work crews can be large and varied.  Take it from us–that is good advice!

A second piece of advice.  On those last frantic days of preparation, slow down.  It is more important to be accurate than efficient.  Your helpers may want to make suggestions to speed up the process.  At another time, their suggestions might be welcome.  But last minute changes to procedures allow for last minute mistakes.  Stick to the plan, devote the time, and be open to talking about procedural changes AFTER the retreat.