TLDR: Why host a retreat? The short answer is retreats are powerful. They connect people over adventure and shared memories. Retreats bring perspective and restoration when we’re tired. In 2026, I think it’s safe to say that a lot of us are ready to go deeper with our people.

Quilters. Extreme sports enthusiasts. Middle schoolers. Tired pastors. What do these groups of people have in common? Probably a lot more than we think, but for today’s purposes, the answer is they need time away with their people. 

At Glorieta Adventure Camps, we host hundreds of groups each year. During our fall and spring retreat seasons, these groups differ widely. But they all have one thing in common: they’re here because they needed a retreat.

It’s easy to forget just how impactful time away with our people is. So whether you’re wondering what a retreat is in the first place or if a retreat is right for you in this season of life, you’re in the right place. As someone who has worked in this industry for a long time, here are my top four reasons why to host a retreat.

What is a retreat? At Glorieta, we define “retreat” as intentional time away with your people or yourself. Common retreats include athletic events, field trips, and church couples retreats. But retreats can be unexpected, too! African drumming lessons, workplace seminars, and reading marathons all count as retreats! 

Just remember! Retreats = intentional time away with your people or yourself! 

Retreats Bring People Together 

 

We all know the power of community in 2026. At the same time, cultivating a community can be really hard! In an age where real-life connections are more and more rare, retreats bring people together in a holistic way. 

The guy who was just your coworker last Thursday becomes the guy who has a hidden funny side and was your biggest encourager on the zipline. The new student who seemed shy before is now the student who shared the most around the campfire and who prayed with you after worship time. People on the fringes of our lives become real people we have shared memories with after we experience a retreat with them.

But what about the retreats you go on with people you already know? Those are incredibly powerful as well. Retreats are a  beautiful way to celebrate the relationships that are already strong in your life. Sometimes crafting special memories with the people who are already important to you is just as valuable as expanding your circle. 

Here at Glorieta, we once had an eighth grade teacher book a spring retreat for her class. Her goal was to help her students celebrate their hard work for the year and make memories together before going off to high school in the fall. 

The bottom line is: if you want to be more intentional with any relationship in your life, retreats are an incredible way to do that.

Retreats Boost Creativity 

Retreats disrupt. 

When someone hits pause on their daily life and gives in to adventure, something changes. Maybe it’s their confidence. Maybe it’s their relationships or energy levels. But the truth remains: on the other side of disruption is creativity. 

People come back from adventures with a fresh perspective on their lives. Sometimes even with clarity on life’s really big questions. 

You know how the best ideas and insights fall into our laps when we’re taking a walk or on a coffee break? When we’re done with tossing an issue back and forth in our minds and out of nowhere the solution becomes obvious? In my experience, retreats are like that on steroids.

Guests often walk away from their time at Glorieta with clarity, new ideas on how to approach a big issue in their lives, and perspective. 

Maybe your people don’t need to Google or ask Chat GPT the solution to their problem. Maybe they need to get away, breathe in fresh air, and connect with other people on a retreat. Odds are the answer just might become much more clear after that.

Retreats Give Confidence 

You know that moment when you see a kid who’s afraid to try something new? Then when they safely face their fears, the biggest smile erupts on their face?

That’s called permission to play. And the same thing happens for us adults when we allow ourselves to play. 

Retreats present dozens of small challenges. And your confidence grows with each one you face. This is just not only with adventures — although we have adventure here at Glorieta, and plenty of it!  An instructional retreat (like musical lessons) can give you the thrill of knowing it’s not too late to learn something new. A retreat centered in group bonding can give you the boost of knowing you can do things that make you nervous, like connecting with people. 

Regardless of what your retreat looks like, by deciding to host one, you’re giving your group the opportunity to embrace play as adults. And that comes with the rare chance to help them feel proud of themselves and feel a real, steady confidence expand.

You’re never too old to learn something new and play! 

Retreats Invite You to Slow Down 

At Glorieta Adventure Camps, we’re known for … well, our adventure activities. But not all retreats are action-packed. Some groups decide to have a retreat catered exclusively around rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. A quiet mountain setting is perfect for that, after all! 

If more adrenaline, more excitement, more adventure isn’t your idea of a good time, maybe what you need is a rest-centered retreat. If your people need some quiet time away together to talk, plan, pray together, and get some space, a retreat is still an impactful option for them.

Interested?

If this list sounds like exactly what your people need right now, let’s talk. At Glorieta Adventure Camps, we work with each retreat to customize their experience. You get to set your goals and adventure/rest scale. We’re here to help you bring that vision to life. Inquire today.