The importance of exercise and team-building activities like sports has been emphasized heavily by the recent pandemic. Countless people took the lock downs as an opportunity to start exercising again, and one of the best ways of doing so is through team sports. Team sports offer not only a great chance to exercise, but also help us connect with other people, and learn how to cooperate more fluidly.
If you’ve ever been a part of a sports team, you will know that camaraderie is integral to the success of that team. There are a number of ways to enhance that camaraderie, but perhaps the best is through organizing a sports team retreat. On this retreat, you can help develop the bonds between your team members, and often the experience will go on to benefit every aspect of each person’s life in the long run.
Here are some tips for organizing a sports team retreat that will truly enhance the abilities of both the individuals and the group as a team.
What to Look for in a Retreat Provider for a Sports Team Retreat
There are all kinds of providers you could go to for your sports team retreat, although you will have certain requirements to make it relevant to your team.
Plenty of Outdoor Space
Regardless of whether the sport you play is indoors or outdoors, you’re going to want to find a retreat provider which has ample outdoor space to train. You should also ensure that the provider doesn’t mind if you set up a pitch or goals for your team to use in practice.
Good Weather
As important as having outdoor space is having ample weather under which to practice. You don’t want to host a sports retreat where you can’t go outside because it’s raining.
What to Bring
While it may seem obvious, there are certain things which will be imperative to your sports team retreat. You should also outline what each person should bring for themselves.
Here’s exactly what’s included when you rent a summer camp in Florida like ours — and what you should know before booking.
The Simple Per-Person Pricing Model
Most private summer camp rentals (especially those serving organized groups) use an all-inclusive per-person rate rather than nickel-and-diming you with add-ons.
When you book with Orange Springs Retreat Center, your rate covers:
- All meals for the duration of your stay (prepared fresh on-site)
- Comfortable lodging for every member of your group
- Exclusive use of our entire 100+ acre lakefront property — no other groups on site
- Full access to meeting spaces, most recreational facilities, and self-directed activities at no extra charge
This transparent model eliminates surprises and makes budgeting simple for churches, schools, and nonprofits. For the latest summer camp rental pricing and availability in Florida, visit our dedicated page.
Comfortable Lodging for Your Entire Group
Your group stays together in our well-maintained lodging facilities, designed to comfortably accommodate groups from 60 to 200+ guests.
Because we were originally a traditional sleepaway camp (Camp Shalom), the property features the classic summer camp feel — think cabin-style and dormitory living that encourages bonding and late-night conversations. All buildings are heated and air-conditioned for year-round comfort, with large covered porches perfect for evening hangouts or rainy-day gatherings.
You’ll have the entire lodging area to yourselves for maximum privacy and group cohesion.
Nutritious, Customizable Group Meals
No one wants to cook or coordinate food for 100+ people on retreat. That’s why we include all meals prepared by our on-site Chef Kevin.
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and typically snacks or evening options
- Nutritious, kid-friendly, and group-pleasing menus
- Fully customizable — dietary restrictions, theme nights, or special requests accommodated
- Chef Kevin is on staff for both weekend and week-long retreats
Your group leaders can relax knowing meals are handled professionally and on schedule, freeing everyone to participate fully in programming.
Exclusive Use of the Entire Property
One of the biggest advantages of renting a private summer camp facility is exclusivity.
When you book Orange Springs, your group has the whole place to yourselves: – No sharing fields, the lake, or meeting rooms with strangers – Complete freedom to run your own schedule, worship services, small groups, or team-building activities – A distraction-free environment surrounded by nature (bordering the Ocala National Forest)
This private setting is ideal for church retreats, youth camps, high school leadership weekends, men’s/women’s groups, and corporate team-building.
Meeting Spaces & Program Support
Effective summer camp programming needs good spaces for teaching, worship, small groups, and activities. We
Setting Up A Sports Team Retreat
If you’re looking for somewhere to host your sports team retreat in Florida, look no further than Orange Springs Retreat. We have experience in hosting a huge range of groups, and have ample grounds for all manner of sporting activities. Check out our website to learn more, or contact us today if you have any questions.
Experience the Difference
If your group values privacy, flexibility, and an environment designed entirely around your program — not someone else’s schedule — we invite you to experience what true exclusive use feels like.
Contact Orange Springs Retreat Center today to learn more about availability and discover why organizations throughout Florida choose an exclusive-use retreat experience. Visit our website or call 561-221-7773.
Located just south of Gainesville, Florida, Orange Springs Retreat Center offers Group Retreat Rentals, Fall & Spring School/Church Camp venue, and an ideal Summer Camp Location.
What separates us from other retreat venues is true exclusivity: “One Group At a Time Always- No Shared Spaces, No Outside Guests”
Related Article: Why Exclusive-Use Retreat Venues Create Better Group Outcomes
