Chris woke up one morning and said, “We’re running out of time! Emma leaves home in 3 years; have we taught her everything she needs to know?!” Thus, was born our new annual tradition – the Stephenson Retreat.
Pre-Retreat Show
We kicked off the long weekend with a trip to the theatre district to see a fun family show, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Farm Lane
The next morning we drove for a couple hours to a little village in Somerset.
We had rented a barn conversion and were a little unsure whether it was what we needed, but it ended up being perfect!!
Barn Rental
Upon arrival, the caretaker told us we had full use of the vegetable garden in back.
Checking Out the Vegetable Garden
The kids wasted no time going out to see what they could find . . produce just laying in wait.
Chosen Carrots
As soon as the kids were finished with the garden, there was still an orchard to explore!
Room to Run
The inside of the barn really was perfect for what we needed . . . a large common room in the same room as the kitchen.
Living Room Area
Then all the bedrooms to either side of the common room.
Kitchen Area
We spent most of our time in the main room for our ‘seminars’, etc. Over the two full days, we were able to cover:
- The Plan of Salvation
- Reading a Recipe/Cooking
- Current Events
- Budgeting
- Education & Finding a Job
- Stranger Danger
- Leading Music
- Table Etiquette & Manners
- Scripture & Prayer Habits
- Pornography
- Internet Safety
- Word of Wisom
- Goals & Dreams
I was a bit nervous as it could have gone either way. But, we did give the kids advance notice of what we were going away to do, and gave them each an ‘itinerary’. Then as we got started we gave them each a special notebook and fun pen to take notes. So, with their expectations already set, the kids were really gung-ho about everything we did. They were attentive, asked questions, and full-heartedly participated.
We still had lots of time for spontaneous games of all kinds.
Group Dancing
Clue
Ping-pong in the Adjacent Game Room
And even took a nice, relaxing walk together in the countryside.
Waving to a Tractor
Emma
Family Shot
As we finished up on our last night with a Question & Answer session, the kids were all anxious to do the Stephenson Retreat again next year . . . same place, same time. It was heart-warming as they started suggesting seminar topics they would like to have covered next year. We’ll have to keep a running list and narrow it down as it gets closer.
Early Sunday morning we were packed up and in the car, headed back to London so as not to miss church.
Speeding Past Stonehenge on the Way Home
What a spectacular idea! I’ll have to talk to Jenn about copying this when our kids get older. I’d love to hear what topics your kids requested for the coming year!
Becca, this sounds like such a great idea! Would you be willing to share what your lesson plans were, or where you got your materials to prepare your messages? I just LOVE this!