How to Design a Summer Retreat Agenda That Balances Work and Play
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A summer retreat should energize your team—not exhaust them. When thoughtfully planned, a corporate offsite can provide the perfect mix of productive strategy sessions, outdoor activities, and downtime. At Evins Mill, we specialize in helping teams design well-balanced retreat agendas that keep your group focused, refreshed, and fully engaged. If you're planning a summer corporate retreat, here's how to build an agenda that balances work and play, encourages connection, and delivers real results—all while making the most of your time in nature.
Why the Right Agenda Matters
The success of a retreat often comes down to structure. Too much structure can feel like a conference. Too little can lead to wasted time. The best retreat agendas:
Align with your company's goals
Respect your team's energy levels
Make time for both focus and fun
Encourage organic connection
At Evins Mill, we help teams create custom agendas tailored to their size, goals, and pace—so the retreat feels intentional, not overwhelming.
Morning: Set the Tone with Strategy & Focus
Best Time for Work: Morning is typically when energy and focus are highest. Use this time for your most important sessions. Suggested Activities:
Group breakfast followed by a brief morning welcome
Goal-setting session or leadership update
Breakout sessions for team alignment or brainstorming
Roundtable discussions or mini workshops
Evins Mill Advantage: Our indoor conference rooms are fully equipped for morning meetings, while shaded decks and breezy patios offer a serene setting for smaller group sessions or one-on-one conversations.
Midday: Refuel and Reflect
Keep the Schedule Light: After a productive morning, give your team time to unwind and absorb what's been discussed.
Free time for journaling, sketching, or hammock lounging
Evins Mill Advantage: With beautiful creekside spots and covered pavilions, your team has plenty of options for eating together or relaxing on their own.
Afternoon: Move, Play, and Bond
Best Time for Play: By mid-afternoon, attention spans drop—but energy for physical activity rises. This is the perfect window for active team-building and exploration.
Suggested Activities:
Guided hike to one of our waterfalls
Lawn games like bocce ball, cornhole, or team relays
Creative group challenges or problem-solving games
Fishing or canoeing at nearby Center Hill Lake
Evins Mill Advantage: Our natural terrain and built-in amenities make it easy to incorporate movement and outdoor fun without requiring complicated logistics.
Evening: Connect, Celebrate, and Unwind
Wind Down the Day: Evenings are ideal for casual connection and celebration. This is where memories are made and bonds are strengthened. Suggested Activities:
Group dinner with toasts, storytelling, or a fireside Q&A
Campfire with s'mores and acoustic music
Stargazing, drinks on the deck, or quiet conversation
Optional reflection circle or gratitude session
Evins Mill Advantage: Our property is intentionally designed for relaxed gathering. With intimate fire pits, spacious decks, and private dining spaces, evenings flow effortlessly from one moment to the next.
7:30 PM – Campfire + optional storytelling or music
Day 2
7:30 AM – Breakfast
8:30 AM – Morning strategy session
10:30 AM – Break + nature walk or quiet reflection
11:00 AM – Small group breakout (innovation, goal alignment, etc.)
12:30 PM – Lunch
2:00 PM – Outdoor team challenge or guided hike
4:00 PM – Free time / optional individual coaching chats
6:00 PM – Closing dinner + open mic or awards
8:00 PM – Fireside relaxation
Day 3
8:00 AM – Farewell breakfast
9:30 AM – Optional gratitude circle / key takeaways
11:00 AM – Check-out and departure
Tips for a Balanced Agenda
Keep sessions under 90 minutes to maintain energy and focus
Alternate between high-energy and low-energy blocks
Leave room for spontaneity and social time
Honor introverts and extroverts alike with a mix of group and solo options
Use nature as a teaching tool, not just a backdrop
Let Evins Mill Help You Design the Perfect Retreat Flow
Our team has worked with dozens of corporate groups—from leadership teams to cross-functional departments—to create purposeful, balanced, and energizing summer retreats.
We offer:
Flexible scheduling and planning support
Indoor/outdoor meeting spaces and breakout areas
Custom dining and accommodations for up to 40+ guests
Built-in recreation, relaxation, and nature immersion
Ready to plan a summer retreat your team will never forget? Call us at 615-269-3740 or visit our website to check availability. Let Evins Mill help you create a schedule that works hard—and plays even harder.
