- What are the goals of the retreat?
Many Christian retreats intentionally allow time for attendees to spend in nature. The very essence of a retreat calls for some semblance of quiet or seclusion, and what better way to accomplish this than by admiring God’s creation? If this is important for your group, it would be beneficial to select a date in early fall or late spring when a cold snap is less likely.
- Who is my audience?
While youth or college students may not mind the cold, older adults or seniors would much prefer warmer weather. Additionally, school calendars and sports schedules are key factors when choosing retreat dates for the former groups.
- Are there certain activities in which the group would like to participate?
Most camps and retreat centers offer a number of on-site activities for their guests. If your group wants to spend time swimming or boating, you will need to choose a date between late spring and early fall when the weather allows for being in the water.
- Are there any events, holidays, or scheduling conflicts that would interfere with a retreat during the specified time?
It is best to avoid popular travel times, such as the Fourth of July, Labor Day weekend, Memorial Day weekend, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. For a church retreat, you will want to avoid any weekends when church-wide events are scheduled.
No matter what date you decide, it is always helpful to plan as far in advance as possible. In doing so, you ensure your preferred location is available, you have plenty of time to plan out the details, and participants can mark their calendars and plan around those dates.
When Should We Schedule Our Church Retreat?
In western North Carolina, we are fortunate to experience all four seasons. There is really no bad time to host a retreat in our beautiful corner of the country. Hendersonville and the surrounding area have spectacular scenery and adventures for everyone, no matter when you visit.
Summer
June through August are certainly ideal for groups who want to spend time swimming outdoors or enjoying the creeks, ponds, lakes, or numerous natural bodies of water found in western NC. For those planning to get away for more than a weekend, summer is definitely the most convenient time to do so.
Unfortunately, many camps and retreat centers have their own programs planned throughout the summer, rendering them unavailable for private groups to book.
Fall
The autumn months are arguably the most scenic, with the leaves changing colors and beginning to fall to the ground. The colorful views, along with the cooler temperatures, provide a perfect setting for hiking, evening campfires, and reflecting on the beauty of God’s creation.
Winter
While winter may bring more unpredictable weather, it is typically not too cold to bundle up and go outdoors. If the goal of a retreat is fellowship and worship, with limited free time, winter can actually be great for hosting a retreat.
With the busyness and stress of the holiday season, many people are in more need of respite than normal. A December retreat may provide reminders of the meaning of Christmas or encouragement for those who are suffering, while a January retreat could help participants refocus and set goals as they enter a new year.
Spring
As flowers bloom and wildlife emerge from their winter hideaways, the Blue Ridge Mountains come to life in the spring. By April, the weather is warmer, and the days are longer, so there is more time to explore the outdoors.
What Does Camp Tekoa Retreats Have to Offer?
Located in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, Camp Tekoa Retreats offers ample opportunities to explore and enjoy nature. Camp Tekoa Retreats boasts an abundance of on-site trails for various skill levels, an outdoor chapel, and an idyllic lake. At Camp Tekoa Retreats, we have lodges for large groups, small groups or families, and we even have campsites available for reservation throughout our property.
Other features and activities of Camp Tekoa Retreats, which you can take advantage of when you schedule a retreat with us, include the following:
- Four Hundred Foot Zipline and Lake Zipline
- High Ropes Course
- Giant Swing
- Bouldering Wall
- Low Elements Challenge Course
- Tree Climbing
- Nine Hole Disc Golf Course
- Canoes and Paddle Boats
- Basketball Courted
- Bungo Ball
- Open Air Pavilion
- Campfire Circle
- Dining Hall and Commercial Kitchen
Book Tekoa Retreats
For more information about Camp Tekoa Retreats, its facilities, and its program offerings, or to book your church retreat, contact us or visit our website.