We have shared plenty of posts on how to choose a theme for a retreat or camp. This is such a great way to plan because it keeps the focus on a specific message that attendees will carry with them. Let’s be honest, it also provides for some awesome decorating, which usually means plenty of craft time getting everything ready. And the promo materials are stellar. There are few better ways to get people interested in attending your event than with a cool theme.
Today we are going to focus on the family retreat. This can sometimes be a bit trickier to theme, because the interest areas of all involved are so different. Do parents even know what a meme is? There are, however, so many references in the Bible that are a perfect focus for your family retreat. We’ve listed just a few, what they are about and Bible verses to accompany:
Love is – This retreat is all about what love means. Have participants define “love” in their own way. Use it as a game.
Bible Verse – 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
Serve the Lord – Jesus is shown multiple times in the Bible both serving others and talking about its importance. Talk about serving the Lord both inside and outside of the home, while maintaining those strong Christian values.
Bible Verse – Joshua 24:15 “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Family Feud – The sad truth is that families fight. This retreat uses team building and Bible study to convey best practices for settling disagreements in a Godly manner.
Bible Verse – Genesis 37
The Body of Christ – As with the body of Christ, the family is one unit that is made up of multiple members that each do their own part. This is the ideal time to discuss the roles within a family.
Bible Verse – Romans 12:4-5 “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
The Incredible Family – Based on the Pixar movie, this retreat has a superhero edge to it. Talk about the strength of the father and the flexibility of the mother. Focus on the “superpower” each person brings to their family. You may even want to show the movie(s) during your event. (Just make sure you have all the proper licensing first. Click here to learn more.)
Bible Verse – Colossians 3:18-20 “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.”
Joined – Whether by jobs, school, spouses, etc., there are reasons a family can be separated by distance. But don’t let it create separation within a family. Discuss the importance of staying strong and united together, no matter the obstacle.
Bible Verse – Mark 10:9 “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Secret Service – A detective theme. Serving others is not about getting something in return. We become reliant on family members in expecting them to do things for us because we did something for them. This theme explores the importance of serving to glorify God, not ourselves.
Activity Idea: An escape room with a detective theme and a story that includes serving others in order to find clues.
Bible Verse – Matthew 6:1-4 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Team Family – This sports-themed retreat discusses the importance of a family working as a team. Plenty of opportunities for games and team building with this fun retreat. Make sure to encourage (or provide if you can) team shirts for each family. This could also be a good activity where they make their own.
Bible Verse – Ecclesiastes 4:12 “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Buried Treasure – Exploring the treasure that is family. Let the kids make their own treasure pieces during craft time, and nothing says buried treasure like a scavenger hunt!
Bible Verse – Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
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