This retreat is for parents with kids of all ages (it’s never too early); however, the workshops will primarily focus on families who have elementary, middle, and high school-aged kids. It is also a retreat for church professionals looking to gain insight into parenting topics, parents, and parenting resources.
We hope this is the start of some honest, deep, and renewing conversations. Our leadership will be the first to tell you that there is no such thing as the perfect parent. We all have things to learn from each other. While we feel our leadership has particular gifts to share, we hope you will also be renewed through your time in Montreat away from your kids, talking with other parents around meals, and spending time in worship.
We also hope to send you away with resources and practices that matter to you and your families. While it’s great to get away for a weekend, we know the real work of parenting comes in the day in and day out routines we build into our family life.
This is intentionally a child-free weekend so parents can truly retreat, spend time together, and reflect on their parenting. We are encouraging parents and churches to plan ahead in order to get child care covered. Perhaps local friends or family members can help, or out-of-town family members can plan a visit around this weekend. Some churches are inviting older members to care for children and youth for the weekend while parents attend the retreat. There will be no child care or children’s programming provided in Montreat. We have worked hard to keep the retreat affordable, knowing there may be other retreat-associated costs for parents.
