A good theme is the bread and butter of an event. While the location, speakers, and activities are crucial to planning a camp or retreat, a fun theme gives that extra charm that creates an unforgettable experience.
We've compiled a list of six silly and fun faith-based themes for your next family camp or retreat. Read on for ideas and inspiration!
1. Up, Up, & Away: Heavenly Adventures
This theme celebrates the wonders of the sky and the beauty of heaven's promises. For a biblical approach to decor, include: puffy clouds, greenery (a reference to green pastures), pearls (a reference to gates of pearls), and gold (a reference to gold pavement). For activities and studies, we suggest biblical discussions around the Tree of Life, Water of Life, Angels, and the house with many rooms. Carve out time in your schedule for outdoor activities such as stargazing, cloud watching, and outdoor exploration.
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day, they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.: —Psalms 19:1-2 (NIV)
The Heavenly Adventures theme will bring a peaceful yet exciting vibe to your retreat. Families will be reminded of the brilliance of God's handiwork on earth and in heaven, the awe-inspiring beauty of the sky and nature, and the promise of the ultimate destination—heaven!
2. Happy Days: Joyful Celebrations
This theme is all about rejoicing and spreading happiness to all! For decor inspiration, think: smiley faces, thumbs up, and happy emojis against a backdrop of bright colors, sunshine, and rainbows.
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" —Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
The Joyful Celebrations camp theme is guaranteed to put a smile on everyone's face. For activities, we suggest happy and silly games to keep energy levels high. For game ideas, download our FREE Recreation and Game Guide. There is a designated section for SILLY games! With a steady stream of uplifting activities planned, every moment will be filled with joy and laughter.
"And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth, and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind." —Genesis 9:12-15 (NIV)
3. Jesus Olympics: Running the Race of Faith OR Power Lifters: Building Strength in Body and Spirit
Choose which theme you like best for your group from these two easily interchangeable options. They challenge families to run the good race with Faith, Perseverance, and Determination. As Christians, we know that heaven is the ultimate destination, and like athletes competing in the Olympics, we must push ourselves to win the ultimate prize – a crown that will last forever! Pro tip: If you plan an annual retreat, you can use one theme first then wait two years to use the second theme. Reuse the decor and make your supplies last by using resources to their fullest potential.
"Do you not know that in a race, all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." —1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (NIV)
These themes combine and compare athleticism with Faith, reminding families that Faith takes perseverance, determination, and practice! With a focus on building physical and spiritual strength, thematic games, competitions, and team challenges will inspire everyone to give their all for the glory of God. Campers will be empowered to reach new heights and confidently overcome life's obstacles. For decor, use a mix of faux gold crowns and gold medals as focal points. Add in references to marathons, weightlifting, and training for extra variation.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the Faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing." —2 Timothy 4: 7-8 (NIV)
4. Faithcraft: Building God's Kingdom
This theme will appeal to your Minecraft fans and parents of Minecraft fans! Minecraft is a popular adventure video game that uses blocks to build and pave the way to defeat the Ender Dragon! With this theme, you will prepare a memorable camp or retreat that focuses on creativity, teamwork, and Faith. Campers can explore the block world in real life through Minecraft-esque games, activities, and creations.
Our suggestions:
"Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." —Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV)
This popular theme emphasizes building a strong and solid foundation of Faith. Campers will discover valuable lessons about God's love through working together as a family.
5. Kickin' It With Jesus: Retro Aerobics
Transport your family camp back to the 1980s with this retro-themed retreat inspired by the nostalgia of the outlandish aerobics craze that swept the nation! This theme is excellent for fall and winter retreats when you'll spend most of your time inside.
Some fun activities we suggest:
- Aerobics classes: Designate a youth pastor to be the aerobics instructor complete with an authentic 1980s get-up!
- BIG HAIR Contest: Compile an array of hairspray, teasing combs, and curling irons. The biggest and best hair wins the contest! These pictures will make great social media content! Note: make sure participants are old enough to safely use a curling iron.
- P.E. Pacman: Facilitate this P.E. version of the popular Pacman video game. Released in 1980, Pacman was all the rage!
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." —Romans 12:9-13 (NIV)
Get ready to sweat to the oldies (recognizing this reference might be telling of your age) as you kick, step, and dance your way to fitness, fun, and FAITH! Be sure to incorporate loads of neon colors, leg warmers, and upbeat music into your decor. This retreat theme will get everyone moving and grooving as they praise Jesus!
6. May the Faith Be With You: Galactic Adventure
Journey to a galaxy far, far away with this galactic-themed outer space retreat that celebrates Faith and salvation. Inspired by the timeless message of the Force, this retreat will challenge participants to embrace their inner Jedi and fight for what is right. With lightsaber duels, space-themed games, and intergalactic missions (scavenger hunts, riddles, and other mental training games), this retreat will ignite the imagination and inspire everyone to let their Faith guide them on their epic adventure to salvation!
"But you, man of God, flee from all this and pursue righteousness, godliness, Faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the Faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." —1 Timothy 6:11-12 (NIV)
If you plan to show the movie, make sure you go through the appropriate channels. Church Video Licensing can help you with obtaining licenses. Click here to be redirected to their website.
Whether you're exploring the wonders of the cosmos or battling the bad guys in a galaxy far, far away, these eight family retreat themes will elevate the experience and create lasting memories for years to come. Families will leave family camp thriving after experiencing a week of Faith, fellowship, and fun.
