Your Guide to Planning The Perfect Retreat Near Philadelphia
Posted on October 9, 2022 by Graeme Wilson in Retreat Planning
Planning a retreat near Philadelphia should check all of the boxes for your group’s needs and everything you want to accomplish. Your retreat should be productive, fun, and a relaxing time, but how do you find the right venue for your offsite retreat?
Whether you’re planning a family reunion, corporate retreat, special event, or an overnight field trip, a successful retreat can be more accessible than you might think! We’re sharing 6 things to consider when selecting your retreat center near Philadelphia.
Six keys to planning a perfect retreat near Philadelphia
1. Set Goals For Your Retreat
Setting goals doesn’t mean everyone needs to leave the retreat center with a completely new approach to life. We mean by setting goals by understanding what your group is looking for. What activities do you plan to do? What do you want your attendees to take away from the retreat?
We recommend starting with the 5Ws (who, what, where, when, and why) and building out each:
- Who is attending your event?
- What activities do you plan to do?
- Where do you plan to spend time during the retreat?
- When is the event taking place?
- Why are you planning the retreat in the first place?
Once you have each area outlined, plan goals around each one. Some goals may be big picture, while others may focus on the group and team building activities. Consider what you want out of your retreat, both for your attendees and for those on the planning team.
2. Location, Location, Location
Like any destination trip, your retreat center’s location matters – a lot. You want a location that’s within a reasonable distance where guests can quickly get and that has all the amenities and offerings you need.
We also recommend asking your venues for a list of available places and directions if you would like to go sightseeing at your leisure outside of the venue. At America’s Keswick conference center, our location is near the following places, which impacts both travel time for guests and what attractions are available while you’re staying with us:
- Ocean County, NJ (Seaside Heights, Barnegat Light, Long Beach Island, Point Pleasant, Surf City, & more)
- Monmouth County, NJ (Asbury Park, Sandy Hook, Belmar, Long Branch, Monmouth Beach, Sea Bright, & more)
- Jenkinson’s Aquarium (Point Pleasant Beach, NJ)
- Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, NJ)
- Double Trouble State Park (Bayville, NJ)
- New York City (1.5 hours away)
- Mini-golf courses, escape rooms, day cruises, and other attractions
Get directions to America’s Keswick Retreat Center >>>
3. Simplify Retreat Planning
Whether you have a event leadership team, an entire committee of event planners, or you’re running the show solo, working with an event venue specializing in group retreats makes the planning process much easier.
The team you work with should help you in various ways, including creating an itinerary, setting up your lodging and accommodations, and providing answers to all of your questions.
When you work with experts who’ve done this before, you don’t have to guess what to do next.
4. Find Lodging That Meets Your Retreat Group’s Needs
The size of your group may limit which retreat venues can accommodate your needs, so be sure to ask about lodging and available options. Our facility can host groups of 200+ and has multiple lodging options.
“You guys really do care… you want us to be here …no little thing is too little or unimportant…the staff is responsive, I see servant’s hearts. You’ve partnered with us in ministry by praying for our group, we appreciate that!”
~Mandy Milne, Retreat Coordinator at Immanuel Orthodox Presbyterian Church
5. Ensure There Are Meeting Rooms For Gatherings
In addition to lodging accommodations, you’ll want to consider what kinds of face-to-face activities and gatherings your group will host. Meeting rooms and event spaces may require specific capacities, technology, presentation equipment for business meetings, and other creative spaces that accommodate everything from company retreats, to corporate events and social gatherings.
Setting the stage for ministry, the meeting and conference rooms at America’s Keswick can accommodate both small and large gatherings in indoor and outdoor capacities. Be sure to ask around for these spaces while deciding where to host your retreat.
6. Find On-site Retreat Activities For Your Group
Outside of scheduled event gatherings, your guests may be interested in on-site activities at your venue, whether they’re coordinated as a group or enjoyed during their free time. You won’t be bored at America’s Keswick as there is a wide range activities for all interests! There are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities for kids and adults of all ages, including swimming, archery tag, canoeing, kayaking, nature trails, and more!
Book A Retreat Venue You Will Love
Trust the team at America’s Keswick to help you through every step. A retreat at America’s Keswick is a tradition for many and will be a great experience for you and your group!
Let the team at America’s Keswick help you make your next Philadelphia retreat a huge success!
Have Questions About Our Retreats? Request Information Here
Ready to start planning your next retreat? We've got you covered.
When preparing for a retreat, it's important to pack strategically to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Start with the basics like clothes, toiletries, and footwear suitable for different activities. Remember items for outdoor adventures, such as sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent. Include personal safety items like a first aid kit and any necessary medications. Consider bringing entertainment, snacks, and personal comfort items for relaxation. Lastly, organize your belongings with extra bags and packing cubes. Customize this packing checklist based on your specific retreat and preferences for a seamless and fulfilling experience.
Our retreat specialists have planned hundreds of events and are here to help you make your group retreat one you will remember for years to come. Request a Retreat Information Packet to learn more about our retreat options or submit an inquiry now to get started with planning your group retreat.
Helpful Resources:
- Tips and Advice for Planning your next Men’s Retreat
- How to Plan a Better Women’s Retreat
- 5 Ways Church Retreats are Rewarding for Families
- Great Activity Ideas for your next Youth Group Retreat
- 5 Goals to Focus on When Attending a Married Couples Retreat
- 6 Things to Expect from a Marriage Retreat
- 7 Tips on How to Host a Married Couples Retreat
- Establishing Strong Relationships Through a Retreat Experience
- How to Get Your Significant Other to Attend a Couples Retreat
Want more tips on how to plan a retreat?
Check out our Complete Guide to Retreat Planning.
