Getting the Most Out of Your College Club or Organization

Going to college is one of the highest privileges available to students. 

Having the ability and the financial backing to spend several years simply gaining knowledge and skills in a chosen field helps set students up for their future careers and opens doors to many new opportunities.  

To make the most of potential opportunities, we have created a list of 4 reasons college student clubs and organizations can benefit from spending a weekend away from the usual environment on retreat. 

ONE:
Networking

The value of networking with other students while pursuing an academic interest helps build a strong network of resources as we graduate, look for employers, or start our own companies.  Networking is so valuable we’ve created a list with the three most compelling reasons to make networking a priority in college: 

1. Be In The Know 
   Networking with peers allows us to hear tips and gain advice from others on a similar trajectory. Through networking, we gain access to important news and upcoming changes in our chosen field that we might otherwise miss.  

2. Connect Connect Connect 
   We have a built-in group of up-and-coming professionals in a similar line of work. The foundation we lay in college with others through networking may lead us to a new position, or we may recall someone in our network who would be a perfect fit for an opening in our organization. 

3. Be a Standout 
   Networking during college teaches us many leadership and communication skills that we can use to stand out amongst other job applicants. 

Networking is a learned skill that can be honed as we grow and practice balancing how to help others and allow them to help us. 

TWO:
Shared Experiences 

Anyone who has lived in a college or a university dormitory knows the fun and bonding between students who've recently left home to live in a shared academic community. Let us face it: fun is an essential aspect of college years.  

After hours of studying, listening to lectures, and taking tests, a fun weekend retreat away can be a well-deserved reward and contribute to our mental well-being. Having fun with others reminds us of the essential things in our lives. 

Creating shared experiences, deepening bonding, and having fun while doing so are some things that remind us of our humanity and strengthen our networks.

THREE:
Submerging Ourselves in Nature 

One of the most effective ways to help students build bonds with each other is to design a trip to a beautiful natural area. This allows students to escape the stress of weekly classes and embrace some time with friends out in nature doing something completely different. 

Experts tell us that submerging ourselves in nature allows our bodies to relax, become attuned to a more natural state of being, and feel happier, which lessens the effects of both physical and mental stress. 

Students will also create a direct relationship with the natural world outside of university and will reap the many benefits of spending time in nature learning with friends. 

Training ourselves in college to take mental wellness breaks in nature is an intelligent way to start a wellness habit, which builds awareness of when to go outside and rebalance ourselves in nature. 

FOUR:
Creative Planning 

Many college clubs and organizations are run by students who have a full class load and jobs to attend to. Planning a weekend retreat with club and organization members may relieve some pressure on the leader by creating space for members to provide input and share the responsibilities of planning future events or activities. 

We suggest a slightly structured two—to three-day retreat focusing on creative planning for the organization's future, leaving lots of time for fun and playful activities.

Feel free to use this list of icebreaker ideas and recreational activities your club or organization may enjoy on retreat. 

• Beach walking 

• Volleyball and Tennis  

• Picnicking 

• Pond viewing 

• Outdoor Circle or campfire 

• Playing ball 

Easy Peasy Planning 

Check out Craigville Retreat Center 

We are excited to invite more college and university clubs and organizations to our beautiful retreat center in Cape Cod's heart. As an experienced host to college students, we have taken all the work out of planning your group retreat and are happy to do whatever we can to make your stay with us a wonderful experience. 

Check us out online:  Craigville Retreat Center.

Nonprofit pricing 

We offer nonprofit pricing and many options to fit almost any group size. Check out our pricing.

Location 

Surrounded by bodies of water ranging from the Nantucket Sound to the Centerville River Estuary, ponds, historic cranberry bogs, and loads of beautiful wildlife are some quaint and cozy cottages and lodges where college students come to explore and relax. 

Day Trips 

Many college clubs and organizations use these accommodations as a base for day trips on Cape Cod to visit beautiful state beaches where osprey, gulls, and other birds are year-round residents. 

Others head to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to experience the local marine life at the famous Aquarium or to many other natural or historical sites. 

Meal Service 

One of the benefits of staying at Craigville Retreat Center is the delicious meals one can purchase in the shared dining room, which makes feeding group members easy and affordable. 

Amenities 

With plenty of outdoor space, walking trails, and a central green to enjoy, students generally have many opportunities to move around while also spending time networking, having fun, submerging themselves in nature, and/or creatively planning their futures. 

Conclusion

There are so many reasons to get away with peers during college and truly take advantage of every networking opportunity, build shared experiences, get out in nature, and create a creative plan with others. We hope you will allow us to be a part of your experience.