Retreat Facilities: Ten Steps to finding the perfect fit.

1. Find your purpose - At a marriage enrichment weekend you might want more privacy and class. At a youth event your highest priority may be recreation.
2. Length of stay - Consider the advantages of increasing the length of stay. A second night often helps to create a valuable community experience.
3. Reserve early - Consider Reserving 6 months to a year in advance to get the best facility for your group.
4. Decide on a price range - It is wise to go with what the majority of your group is willing to spend. Try to offer financial assistance, if possible.
5. Get organized - Before you call a retreat center, decide what type of accommodations you want (hotel, dorm, cabins, or lodge), and if you want meals provided.
6. Have a "Plan B" - Have several options on dates that would work for your program.
7. Compare - When comparing prices, make sure you ask what is and is not included in the basic price, such as AV equipment or recreational options.
8. Evaluate - Tour the facilities, evaluate the location and the staff's attitude towards hospitality and service.
9. Get it in writing - You will want to have a written contract signed by both parties.
10. Do your homework - Know what your group wants, and ask questions. Frequent pre-retreat communication will help to eliminate stress.

The Value of Christian Camping

Every year, millions of youth and adults retreat from their daily routines to one of over 1200 Christian Camps & Conference Centers located in the United States. These camps will range from primitive outback camps, with little or no modern conveniences, to those with beautifully landscaped grounds, delectable meals and posh accommodations. But there are some common elements in these camps that have powerful catalysts for "Kingdom impact." One of these vital elements is a safe learning environment, free from distractions. Of course, this looks different, depending on the camp. For example, some youths that come to Lake Retreat are from families with one or more parents who are incarcerated. Many of them have never been to a church and do not quite know how to behave at first. But as they experience a safe, truth- and grace-filled environment, many accept Christ. All Christian camps work to create a supportive and fun-learning environment. The Evangelical Free Church of America has determined that in the United States and its missions around the world, Christian Camping has been the most effective way for winning children and youth to Christ. Every year at Lake Retreat, we see many individuals come to Christ. A few years ago, Christian Camping International conducted a survey. Those results reflected that 80% of pastors and missionaries surveyed said that camp had played a major role in their spiritual formation and call to ministry. From what we have seen here at Lake Retreat, a significant number of individuals in church leadership would also indicate that Christian Camping has had a distinct role in their lives. Camp is like a greenhouse, where young plants or damaged plants can grow safely to the point where they can be transplanted outside to complete their fruitfulness. Camp provides a safe and supportive environment to learn and practice leadership skills, with oversight and coaching in a concentrated block of time. Past studies have shown that a week of camp is equivalent to two years of Sunday school. Christian camping is a powerful tool for helping to lay a foundation for life and growth.