Programs & Experiences for Retreats
While most retreat groups create and lead their own schedules, Muskoka Woods offers optional staff-led programs that are ideal for teams looking to level up their experience with our Leadership Experience add-ons.
What to Expect from an Overnight Retreat
Most retreat groups — whether corporate, student-based, or faith-driven — go beyond the basics. With our carefully crafted staff retreat ideas, we blend fun, reflection, and personal growth into every session, creating impactful weeks and weekends that stay with your group long after they leave.
How Do Staff Determine a Suitable Program for Our Group?
If you’re interested in adding structured content, our team will help you explore availability for Leadership Experience programs. We’ll consider your group’s goals, age range, and size to recommend a fit. Subject to staff availability.
Programs, led by Muskoka Woods staff, designed for youth and adult retreat groups
Whether your group is seeking spiritual connection, team-building, or just a great time together, our staff-led retreat programs and leadership experiences will take your weekend to the next level.
Campfire
Duration: 30-40mins | Participants: Unlimited
Nothing beats a lakeside campfire session. Add music, s’mores, or a message — and you’ve got the perfect evening to reflect, laugh, and connect.
Wheelchair Accessible
Capture the Flag
Duration: 60-90mins | Participants: Unlimited
This isn’t your backyard version — it’s Muskoka Woods-style Capture the Flag across our expansive outdoor spaces. Staff-led, high-energy, and perfect for getting everyone involved and cheering each other on.
Fire and Ice
Duration: 60-90mins | Participants: Unlimited | Winter Only
There are two teams, and two zones. Each team has a campfire in their zone. The goal is to put out the opposing team’s fire. Our staff MCs the night with loud music, fun challenges, and non-stop laughs. Perfect for Saturday night hype!
Four Corners
Duration: 60mins | Participants: Unlimited
Guests are in 4 teams, have their own boundaries, and have to collect the most items for their teams. Staff can issue different challenges in order to mix up the game. Led by our staff in one of our large meeting venues, it’s a great way to bring energy and inclusion to your group — especially when the weather’s not cooperating!
Fun x 10000
Duration: 60-90mins | Participants: Unlimited
Think: gameshow meets improv meets organized chaos. This one’s hard to explain but unforgettable to experience. We pack it with music, movement, competition and group-wide fun. Let go, laugh hard, and connect your crew.
Wheelchair Accessible
Open Mic Night
Duration: 60-90mins | Participants: Unlimited
Worship sets, skits, original songs or stories — this is your group’s time to shine. We provide the stage, sound tech, and good vibes. You bring the talent, the message, or the moment. Always a hit, especially for youth retreats.
Wheelchair Accessible
Leadership Experiences at Muskoka Woods Retreats
Each of these engaging, hands-on leadership experiences is facilitated by our expert staff and designed to help your retreat group grow in connection, insight, and purpose. Whether you’re planning a Christian youth retreat, adult leadership weekend, or team-building getaway, these programs provide transformational moments through creative play, thoughtful discussion, and powerful metaphor.
Arctic Pursuit
Duration: 3hrs
Participants: 5-150
Outcomes: Planning, Adaptability, Decision Making
This Eagles Flight simulation teaches the importance of leveraging every member of your team to seize every possible opportunity.
Bopper Bag & Gyroscopes
Duration: 2hrs
Participants: 1-50
Outcomes: Resiliency, Team Bonding
In this fun yet insightful toy-themed challenge, participants learn how multiple support systems help us rebound when life knocks us over.
Cadence Challenge
Duration: 2hrs
Participants: 5-150
Outcomes: Cadence, Coaching
A high-energy experience showing that great teams go through phases before they perform at their best. Perfect for church groups and teams.
Coffee Tasting
Duration: 2hrs
Participants: 1-30
Outcomes: Focus on Details, Ethical Considerations
A deep dive into the world of coffee reveals lessons in awareness, ethics, and sensory perception. Perfect for slower-paced adult retreats.
Configurations
Duration: 2hrs
Participants: 4-125
Outcomes: Communication, Equal Onus
This communication-based challenge emphasizes clarity, mutual understanding, and equal ownership in group decision-making.
Core Strengths/Inner Critic
Duration: 2hrs
Participants: 1-50
Outcomes: Resiliency, Strengths Awareness
Through creative reflection and dialogue, guests learn to identify and quiet the inner critic, while leaning into their core strengths.
Council of the Marble Star
Duration: 3hrs
Participants: 12-120
Outcomes: Building Relationships, Perception
A simulation that challenges participants to balance results and relationships while navigating team dynamics under pressure.
Draft Day
Duration: 2hrs
Participants: 28-168
Outcomes: Good is the Enemy of the Great
A sports-themed simulation where guests learn what it takes to build and lead a high-performing team.
Firatora Transit
Duration: 2hrs
Participants: 5-15
Outcomes: Problem Solving, Effective Communication
A timed, tactical experience where teams must guide an object through ‘tunnels’ — success depends on communication and trust.
Fire Rescue Challenge
Duration: 2hrs
Participants: 5-30
Outcomes: Decision Making, Effective Teamwork
In a simulated fire emergency, guests must rescue victims and work under pressure — complete with gear, smoke, and urgency.
Gold of the Desert Kings
Duration: 3hrs
Participants: 4-50
Outcomes: What’s Possible? vs What’s Required?
A journey through a desert map where your team must balance speed and survival to collect the most gold.
Group of Seven
Duration: 2hrs
Participants: 1-50
Outcomes: Power of Influence, Noticing vs Seeing
Set in a lakeside art camp, this reflective session uses creativity and the Canadian art movement to explore values and vision.
Mabinogion Bridge
Duration: 3hrs
Participants: 10-50
Outcomes: Bridge Building Leadership, Benchmarking
A hands-on engineering task with metaphorical lessons in trust, leadership, and execution.
NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge
Duration: 3hrs
Participants: 5-72
Outcomes: Effective Teamwork, Goal Setting
Guests operate as a pit crew to simulate high-stakes execution, timing, and role clarity.
Old Story New Story
Duration: 2hrs
Participants: 1-50
Outcomes: Resiliency, Self Reflection
Through journaling and storytelling, participants reflect on their life journeys, identity, and what to bring into the future.
Promises Promises
Duration: 3hrs
Participants: 15-150
Outcomes: Switching Focus from Me to We, Trust
A dynamic simulation of alliances, agreements, and strategy. Great for adult groups navigating complex leadership dynamics.
Pyramid
Duration: 2hrs
Participants: 8-20
Outcomes: Systems Thinking, Conflict Resolution
Guests must cooperatively complete a delicate task using only strings and communication. Trust and timing are key.
S’mores & Storytelling
Duration: 2hrs
Participants: 1-50
Outcomes: Using Storytelling to Communicate Effectively, Creativity
Using the cozy campfire setting, guests practice authentic storytelling, leadership communication, and creative expression.
Shackleton (Winter Only)
Duration: 3hrs
Participants: 5-25
Outcomes: Resiliency, Contingency Planning
An outdoor, winter-exclusive experience based on the legendary leader Ernest Shackleton — about surviving, adapting, and leading.
Trebuchets
Duration: 3hrs
Participants: 5-60
Outcomes: Benchmarking, Focus on Details
Teams build and calibrate trebuchets to launch projectiles with accuracy. A hit with engineering-minded groups and competitive teams.
FAQs
Have Questions About Our Retreat Leadership Programs?
Do we need to prepare anything for these sessions?
Are these programs religious in nature?
How do we choose which ones are best for our group?
Leadership & Development Experiences Facilitated by Muskoka Woods Staff
Looking to build stronger teams or inspire deeper connection? Our staff facilitates hands-on programs like Draft Day, Council of the Marble Star, and Core Strengths — ideal for youth or corporate retreats looking to grow.
Let’s book your retreat!
Ready to plan your leadership getaway, club retreat, or weekday corporate session? We’ll help you find the right time, space, and setup for your group’s goals.