3. Host a woodworking class
It’s no secret that many industries provide valuable leadership training to male employees and executives while avoiding offering women the chance to learn the same skills. An organization called Frailty Myths, based in Oakland, CA, is pushing back on those stereotypes.
In fact, the group offers female-led workshops in welding, woodworking, and other “traditionally male-dominated activities.” Their workshops foster trust and communication among women while providing a space to “Re-Imagine Femininity” in the workplace. It’s likely to be a great addition to any women’s retreat lineup.
4. Learn to train horses
Outdoorsy teams will love the workshops offered by Spark Women’s Retreat. It’s an annual event held in Zion National Park in southern Utah that allows you to focus on yourself and your personal growth. We especially love their Equus Excursion program, which teaches leadership skills through horse training.
5. Plan a photography retreat
For many women, photography isn’t just a hobby: it’s part of what goes into building a career in social media, web design, and other image-based industries. As you learn about the latest technologies, practice your skills together at a photography retreat like the one the Firefly Institute offers. Their photography camp for women takes place on a ranch in the Sonoma Valley, providing plenty of opportunity for inspiration. Join their retreat or host your own.
After you learn some seriously wonderful photography skills, put them to use at a one-of-a-kind Peerspace venue! If your venue is without catering and equipment, ask the host to help you take care of that.
6. Practice standup comedy
Practice your standup routines in a supportive environment at a comedy retreat designed just for women. For example, Escape the Crazy! Unusual Retreats hosted a women’s comedy retreat in the summer of 2022 in the UK.
Why not take inspiration from this and host your own? Start things off with an improv class, and conclude the event with a talent show where everyone gets a chance to shine. As a bonus, comedy can be a wonderful way to bring out the personalities of even the shiest members of your group.
7. Go on a silent meditation retreat
This one may not be for everyone, but many people who attend a silent retreat only have good things to say about it! Spirit Rock runs residential retreats, including some just for women, at their venue 45 minutes from San Francisco.
Attend one of their events, or rent a Peerspace venue and plan a silent meditation retreat of your own. Ideally, you want a venue that has plenty of space for quiet contemplation. A place with a bit of a zen vibe doesn’t hurt, either!
8. Enjoy a walking retreat
This can be either a meditative or social experience. For example, the Women’s Yoga and Hiking Retreat in Big Sky, MT, includes guided hikes and quiet time. This is a true retreat in every sense of the word. And, you and the group are sure to get plenty of fresh air while breaking away from any formal aspects of the gathering, should there be any.
9. Get a sailing certification
Learn to sail by taking the weeklong Live Aboard Cruising Course offered by Offshore Sailing in Florida. In fact, they offer women-only sailing courses that will be sure to inspire your team, providing life skills you may never have imagined obtaining. Try it as a standalone activity or in combination with other creative women’s retreat ideas.
Have to go virtual? Don’t stress it; just check out our fabulous virtual retreat ideas to dazzle your attendees!
