Retreat Ideas

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Congrats on your new position! I would suggest getting in touch with your District Membership Education Director. She will have some great ideas regarding the retreat. Also, talk to UD's campus Greek Director. All Greeks have these types of annual retreats, so s/he can provide suggestions.

The most important thing is giving people free time to bond! Stick to a schedule to get things done that need to get done (e.g. reviewing standards, goal-setting, reviewing the academic policy, etc.), but also allow time to mix and mingle. Also, come up with a few bonding games, a take-home craft, etc.

First, come up with a list. What NEEDS to happen at the retreat? What policies need to be reviewed? Forms that need to be signed? For example, at most chapter retreats, the standards chair addresses the chapter and reviews the standards policy with the members. Then members sign the alcohol/hazing policy forms, etc. Allot some time to do this. Additionally, the scholarship chair might review the scholarship policy.

Come up with this schedule and meet with those officers so that they know their responsibilities and make sure that the time alloted is sufficient. Encourage the officers to make their presentations interactive. For example, when discussing the standards policies, I know of several chapters who break into small groups and design role plays that they perform in front of the chapter. (E.g. Don't drink in letters, etc.) It's fun, funny, a good way to bond, and gets the message out without coming across like a lecture.

Next, now that you have your schedule of what to do, let's schedule in some fun! Look at a few books of ice-breakers. You can play games like Get Up and Move, Chubby Bunny, make a craft, etc. Another great project is getting each member to make a poster about herself-- include a photo of her, and some collage items-- hang them in your chapter room so the members get to know one another.

Most importantly, have lots of food and snacks on hand! Very important for a retreat!!!

One thing my chapter always did as the VERY first thing at each retreat was to set chapter goals for the year. The president would stand at the front of the room with an large easel board, easel paper and a black marker. Anyone could suggest a goal, and it was written down. Goals included: Earn #1 GPA among sororities, Recruit the BEST alphas ever, 100% attendance at chapter meetings, Win the Homecoming Spirit Cup, etc. It was a great way to get everyone thinking positively and thinking ahead.

Lastly, it is a great idea to do some kind of simple take-home craft. One year at our retreat, we were handed violets made out of construction paper. You taped it to your back and then walked around with a marker, writing notes on everyone's violets that were taped to their back. It was fun to see what everyone wrote (e.g. I'm having so much fun getting to know you! ADPi #1 Sis! Etc...), and a nice memento of the retreat.

Overnight retreats are a lot of fun, and a great way to bond, too. You can have cutest PJs contests, make s'mores, and play silly games.

Whatever you do, make sure all members in attendance get a printed out schedule of the agenda.

Good luck and have fun! Make sure you submit your plans to your District ME Adviser for approval!