11 Great Youth Retreat Ideas (2024)

Searching for a few meaningful, modern youth retreat ideas? We get it! At Peerspace, we offer you access to one-of-a-kind venues to help bring your special events to life. In fact, we have thousands of stunning retreat spaces in cities across North America and beyond, all available to book by the hour.

Youth retreats are a great way for a high school class, church group, or scouting troop to spend time together in a meaningful way. It can be where they can take part in leadership exercises, discussion groups, games, and other fun youth retreat ideas. The event can focus on a particular theme or you can offer participants a variety of activities to take part in. Whether you’re planning an overnight retreat, a day trip, or a campout, check out these 11 great youth retreat ideas to get inspired.

1. Rent a unique, inspiring retreat venue through Peerspace

Finding a memorable venue to host your youth retreat is another good place to start. That way, you can design activities based on what’s available at your location. Peerspace has a range of venues suitable for youth retreats, from converted churches turned into event spaces, to rural retreat spaces in scenic natural settings.

You’ll also find plenty of spaces with game rooms and auditoriums, such as this Christian retreat space on 42 acres near Philadelphia, PA, or this private bowling alley and lounge room in Seattle, WA. Just search Peerspace for even more great youth retreat ideas in your area.

Plus, many Peerspace venues come with A/V gear, on-site kitchens, and even catering options, making it easy to plan an event. However, if you book a venue without the specific amenities you need, reach out to your venue’s local host. They strive to ensure you have an amazing experience in their space, so be sure to reach out to yours with any questions or requests!

2. Choose the right role models to lead your youth retreat

Having a memorable guest speaker or facilitator is key to hosting a great youth retreat. After all, one of the appeals of going to a retreat is getting away from all of the usual pressures of life and learning from new role models and mentors.

One great way to get participants invested is to invite slightly older teenagers or young adults to lead discussion groups. Ideas that kids might roll their eyes at when they come from authority figures might be more welcomed when they come from peers they can relate to. Likewise, finding a local business leader, musical artist, or another successful figure to deliver a keynote speech can help set the tone. It can be a wonderful way to inspire your attendees, which is what the retreat is all about.

3. Enjoy a campout that gets you close to nature

Whether you’re planning an overnight event or a single-day retreat, having a campfire is a great way to bring your event to a close. If you live in L.A., you don’t even have to leave the city to make it happen, with spaces like this rustic cabin oasis on Mulholland Drive available to host your activities. Or, rent this garden in Laguna Beach with a beautiful backyard firepit and 360-degree views of the canyon!

Meanwhile, our friends in Oklahoma can book this Instaworthy modern farmhouse cabin in Broken Bow (pictured above) that’s beautiful inside and out. We especially love the outdoor campfire space that’s equipped with seating and games! Beautiful cabins and other outdoor retreat spaces such as these are available in cities across the country, too.

Think surf and sand make a better setting for your particular youth retreat? Then discover how and where to rent a beach house for a day!

4. Reach new heights at a climbing gym

Another great youth retreat idea is to host your event at a rock climbing gym. Hire a trained facilitator to lead you in trust-building exercises and competitions that will build confidence. Activities like this also increase team spirit in a safe and supportive environment.

You can even book a climbing gym near you through Peerspace. We love this outdoor climbing gym in San Diego, CA (pictured above) and this indoor rock climbing gym in Cleveland, OH in particular.

5. Foster collaboration by playing cooperative games

Set aside competitive board games like Risk and Monopoly in favor of cooperative alternatives like Co-opoly. This is a powerful way to teach young people about teamwork and collaboration. It’s a positive alternative to traditional games that pit them against each other in a winner-takes-all tournament.

6. Screen a thought-provoking movie in an incredible setting

Take a break from interactive activities by screening a movie that addresses one of the themes of your retreat. Whether it’s a more recent teen movie like Booksmart or a documentary about mental health, use this as an opportunity to start a discussion about something timely and relevant.

You can choose a venue like this Egyptian-themed theater in Seattle, WA, or this intimate black box theater in Los Angeles, CA. And, of course, make sure that any film you choose is age-appropriate for the youth group that will be attending your retreat. Afterward, open the floor to a discussion and recap the themes and lessons present in the film.

7. Embrace technology and host a coding contest

There’s no getting around the fact that kids who learn to code are in a better position to find work in IT and other technical fields. While it may be tempting to take their phones and iPads away to help them better focus on the “real world,” sometimes it’s better to embrace kids’ natural affinity for technology. More and more organizations are offering coding camps and competitions for kids — such as All Star Code and the Search for the Next Tech Girl Superhero.

8. Plan a writer’s workshop to sharpen their creative skills

If you prefer to focus on the written word, host a classic writer’s workshop instead. The Writopia Lab offers a three-day Teen Writers Retreat with several different paths to choose from, including Writing Your Activism and SciFi/Fantasy. The latter path even includes Dungeons and Dragons games to get them inspired! You can incorporate similar exercises into your retreat by using themed prompts and encouraging attendees to read their work aloud as part of a feedback circle.

9. Take an improv class to boost confidence

Another great youth retreat idea is to participate in an improv class. BATS School of Improv in San Francisco is just one of many programs around the country offering improv workshops for kids. They describe their class as a “tool for improving verbal expression, enhancing listening skills, building body awareness, and boosting self-confidence.” These are precisely the things that you want attendees of your youth retreat to walk away with, making it a perfect match for your event.

Planning a wintry birthday for any of your young proteges? Then check out these unique teenage birthday party ideas in winter to celebrate them in style!

10. Have them participate in a volunteer project

Another option is to take your group on a service trip or participate in a volunteer project. While many service trips are religious in nature, they don’t have to be. The New York Times has highlighted five community service programs for teens that can inspire you. If you don’t have the budget to travel overseas, volunteer closer to home with Habitat for Humanity instead. It’s never too early to try to instill a charitable nature in your young protegees.

11. Read letters from friends and family

Whichever type of youth retreat you choose, it’s a great idea to collect letters from friends and family ahead of time to hand out at the retreat. These should be letters of love, encouragement, and affirmation, reminding participants that their loved ones back home are thinking about them and are proud of them. If your retreat is an overnight event, your attendees may not be used to being away from home for so long, so reading letters from home can help them feel at ease.

12. Host a class that fosters mind and body wellness

The sad truth is that most young people do not learn the basics of health and wellness in school or at home. Hire a nutritionist or fitness coach to lead on class on how kids can help to feed, fuel, and care for themselves. An understanding of physical and mental wellness can pave the road to a lifetime of health and happiness.

Just ensure to make the classes age-appropriate and non-preachy. Like every other aspect of the youth retreat, this should be fun yet informative! Interactive components, like cooking a healthy meal and enjoying a mini yoga class can also inspire and allow for tons of laughs.

Do you need a special space to host your wellness class? Then consider booking a Peerspace venue like this bold, bright and spacious kitchen venue in Tampa, FL. It is actually the home base of Junior Chefs of America, and so has a youth-focused vibe and all the equipment and space you need to inspire and inform your young attendees.

Peerspace brings your youth retreat ideas to life

Youth retreats can be a rite of passage. This is especially the case for those who have never been to summer camp or spent much time away from home. The best retreats are those that offer a space for personal growth and discovery in the company of supportive peers and mentors. As with any retreat, you’ll want to book your venue and facilitators well ahead of time.

We think these 11 great youth retreat ideas — and venue suggestions — will give you plenty to work with! Remember to check out Peerspace for more retreat spaces near you to spark creativity. And if you need anything to complete the retreat, rely on your Peerspace venue’s local host to help make it happen. From catering to board games and A/V equipment to furnishings, they support your event and have your back!

Find unique youth retreat spaces on Peerspace