Arts Retreat 2004 (b)

So this weekend was Arts Retreat 2004 (b). We learned a lot about how to run retreats.

• We must find a retreat location next year, or just not have a retreat at all.


• Bed time must be strictly enforced.


• The schedule needs to account for overages.


• We need sharpies to label cups.


• At least one guy needs to bring a big bottle of shampoo.

Have permission slips and money handed in earlier.

Overall, it was a pretty good weekend. I learned a lot about the different teams from the team activities; watching them work and try and come up with the best solutions for each task. The most interesting thing was seeing the leaders rise up from the midst of the groups. Although, the teams were asked to elect a leader, a lot of times, this person wasn't the actual person leading the team.

The kids seemed to enjoy the games and enjoyed the more active ones more. As the weekend wore on, it was obvious that they were both mentally and physically exhausted. Maybe if they slept a little more.

Joyce and Jeannie did an amazing job reading The Eagle Has Landed. I had originally wrote the script for two boys, but wanted to give the girls a chance at it as well. I don't know what it was, but the chemistry between the two was perfect. The lines were snappy and they played off each other, making some of the lines hilarious.

The one thing I wish we did, as leaders, was to be more involved during the activities. I saw how the kids were bonding with each other and really fostering that sense of team spirit. After the weekend was over, I felt like I was an outsider; not privy to the inside jokes and other things that developed within the teams as the weekend progressed.

Oh yeah, I'm off of hiatus. I will be blogging fairly regularly again.