Your Church Needs a Weekend Away – We’ve Got FIVE Reasons Why!
With customisable venue spaces, 300+ beds, and fully catered visits, it’s no wonder our church and religious groups visit year after year. So, we wanted to highlight some of the amazing benefits church conferences.
We think these five reasons are the most important!
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 The Bible
Create a Catalyst for Growth Within Your Congregation
Getting away can mark a spiritual turning point, where people can encounter God in fresh and life-changing ways. First, imagine you are going to church… but the church gathering lasts several days! This environment is a highly saturated version of our normal worship, prayer, and church community. On a residential trip, the rhythms of worship become a continuous, living experience rather than something confined to a single service. You might wake up in the morning surrounded by fellow believers, ready to worship together again, then spend the day engaged in prayer, Bible study, or simply sharing life with others who are seeking God just like you. This constant spiritual engagement creates an atmosphere where faith is not just a part of your day, it becomes the heart of your entire experience.
Secondly, all the distractions and stresses of everyday life are stripped away. You can forget about work, forget about that pile of laundry, and forget about that growing to-do list on your fridge. All you need to do during this time is focus on being active and present with the Lord. There are no more barriers between your mind and the Bible. This clearing of mental and emotional clutter can be incredibly refreshing, making it easier to hear God’s voice and to meditate on Scripture without interruption. The barriers that sometimes cloud our understanding of the Bible begin to dissolve. With fewer distractions, your heart can become more receptive, and your mind more focused on God’s word and presence. You might find new insights emerging, or old truths coming alive in new ways.
“Be still, and know that I am God.”- Psalm 46:10 The Bible
Focus on What Matters with a Digital Detox
Did you know that, on average, people worldwide spend more than six and a half hours each day staring at screens, that is madness! Whether it is phones, tablets, computers, or televisions, this constant digital engagement has become a huge part of modern life. These screens can be useful tools, but they can also become barriers that keep us from fully engaging with the world around us, and especially from connecting deeply with God and with one another.
One of the greatest benefits of stepping away from screens during a residential trip is the chance it gives people to tune in fully to both God and to the people around them. When the digital world is set aside, we can become truly present, listening more attentively in worship, engaging more openly in prayer, and building authentic relationships with those who are on the same journey of faith.
While we recognize the importance of staying connected and understand that Wi-Fi is often necessary, we have intentionally designed the connectivity in our locations to encourage community rather than distraction. Our Wi-Fi is strongest in the main communal spaces, where people naturally gather, share meals, and engage in group activities. After all, it is a lot harder to get lost in endless doom scrolling on TikTok or to give in to the lure of Candy Crush when you’re surrounded by a community of like-minded individuals who are eager to talk, laugh, pray, and support one another.
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” Proverbs 21:5 The Bible
If You Fail to Plan, You Plan to Fail
Though we can try and customise our schedules, squeezing in things down to the very last strained minute, is this truly the best way to function? With different work patterns, different clubs and activities, and family life that always seems to fill your calendar, it is growing more and more difficult to find a time that works for everyone to gather and plan for the future. But this planning is so vital to the success of our churches!
A focused planning meeting will enable your church leaders to distribute resources effectively to the different areas of need within your congregation, it allows you to plan lessons that are focused on the purpose of your mission, and most importantly it can be an opportunity for growth in an ever-evolving world. So, during your residential trip, why not take advantage of the multiple comfortable, and customisable, spaces that we offer and host a planning meeting with your church leaders. Because of the flexible nature of these spaces, you can choose to host a board meeting, lead a class for the next generation, or even form a ring of chairs for a moment of meaningful community prayer.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 The Bible
A Single Stick Breaks, a Bundle Doesn’t Bend
Experiences like these can foster trust, teamwork, and mutual support within your church community. These moments help cultivate a sense of belonging and strengthen the feeling that church is more than a place, it’s a family. For all ages, the memories made during these activities can act as spiritual touchpoints, reminding us that God is present not just in formal worship, but in laughter, challenge, and friendship.
Our organisation is based on a background of Christianity, and many of our team to this day continue to represent the church through their values and virtues. Because of this Christian presence within our centres, our team are more than happy to provide resources such as microphones, speakers, projectors and more, all to help your church leaders communicate your message during your weekend with us.
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14 The Bible
Youth need Canoes not Church Pews!
When it comes to engaging children, few things compare to the thrill of fun outdoor sports! Their eyes light up, their confidence soars, and their natural curiosity and sense of adventure take over. In contrast, ask a child to sit still for an hour on a wooden church pew, and you’ll likely be met with fidgeting, glazed eyes, and whispered questions about when it will end.
It’s not that kids don’t want to learn about faith or deeper values, they do. But the way we invite them into those experiences matters. Children learn best when they’re actively engaged, physically moving, and emotionally invested. Oour centre features 30+ indoor and outdoor adventurous activities that you can take advantage of for youth of all ages! Our Leap of Faith can be an amazing springboard for a lesson on putting your trust in God and having faith towards his good intentions for you. A session of Canoeing can be translated into a message about our journey as Christians and how to handle life when it feels like you are surrounded by ‘rough waters’. Archery can show us how to fix our eyes on the goal, just like we should fix our eyes upon the Lord.
The church isn’t irrelevant to children of this modern world; it just needs to adapt and deliver God’s message in a modern way. A static pew might keep with tradition, but sports can unlock unlimited potential. If we want children to grow in faith and confidence, we need to build environments that let them move, question, explore, and thrive.
Want to book your next conference?
We cannot wait to welcome you and your group. Contact us today to book in your next conference event. Don’t forget to check out our SPECIAL OFFERS page for huge discounts on our standard packages. For 2026 we have a super special offer for children sharing a room with their parents – up to 75% off their visit!