Hey there! This week, I’m fresh off a weekend leadership retreat for my sorority. I co-host this event for the new chapter council in Kappa Delta Sorority at Washington State University.
A team of alumnae advise the chapter remotely (we all live on the west side of the state, and they are on the east side), so it was important to us to find a way to connect with them right away in their term as leaders of the chapter. We came up with this idea six years ago, and it’s been really successful so we continue to do it each year.
The weekend started on Friday evening with a leadership styles quiz and we watched “Remember the Titans.”
On Saturday, we kicked things off by reflecting on “Remember the Titans” and how it showcases the stages of group development. We then dove into a variety of one-on-one position specific discussions and group discussions to talk about campus culture and expectations.
I’ve always been a believer that incorporating a theme and decorations into an event makes it more memorable and allows for easier recall of things learned/experienced. So, of course, we have to decorate the cabin in a glamping theme.
I reuse the same decorations year after year, and just update a few things here and there. My inspiration first started with a set of printables I ordered the very first year, and that really sets the tone and color scheme.
This year, I created a photo booth for the first time! I used wrapping paper as the backdrop, then added a Kappa Delta banner and tissue fringe banner. On the table in front of the photo booth, I set out a few props and a Polaroid camera for everyone to use.
I added hot cup sleeves to the themed decor this year (inspired by the Camping Sip-N-See I hosted with my mom last year) by just using a sharpie to draw the designs I came up with! Of course all the other dishes matched the theme, too.
And colorful snacks to match the theme were a must.
I added a couple camping/outdoor-themed signs that I cut out of scrapbook paper and placed them in frames I had on hand.
Everything else I had from previous years and from my own decorations. I love how it all came together, and I think it really helped set the tone for the weekend.
It was such a fun weekend, and we all learned so much from each other and feel energized for the year ahead!
If you want to read about the yummy treat we had for breakfast at Kamp, get that recipe here. And if you want to read about last year’s Kamp, read that here.
Party on!
JW
Looks like so much fun!