Bid Day is over, your new member class has arrived, and suddenly your chapter has a whole new group of people to welcome.
For new members, joining a fraternity or sorority is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. There are names to remember, traditions to learn, and friendships to build. Meanwhile, initiated members have their own schedules, commitments, and established circles of friends.
A fall new member retreat gives everyone an opportunity to spend time together away from campus, without the usual distractions of classes, meetings, and other responsibilities.
It’s a chance to introduce new members to the chapter’s history and values, strengthen relationships across member classes, and create shared experiences that help everyone feel included.
At Gulf Shores Beach Retreat, we love welcoming fraternity and sorority chapters looking for a place to bring their members together.
Make the Retreat About the Whole Chapter
New member education is an important part of joining a fraternity or sorority, but welcoming a new class shouldn’t fall entirely on the new member educator.
“The relationships new members develop with initiated members can shape how connected they feel to the chapter.”
The relationships new members develop with initiated members can shape how connected they feel to the chapter.
That’s why it helps to involve the whole chapter in the retreat whenever possible.
Rather than separating new members for every activity, plan opportunities for everyone to participate together.
You might pair newer members with initiated members during games, arrange shared meals, or organize smaller discussions where students from different member classes can get to know one another.
This gives new members opportunities to connect with people beyond their immediate class.
For initiated members, it’s also a chance to get to know the people joining their chapter and help them feel welcome.
The goal isn’t simply to introduce new members to the organization. It’s to help them become part of the community they’re joining.
Plan Activities That Bring New and Initiated Members Together
You don’t need an elaborate schedule to create a memorable retreat.
A combination of organized activities, meaningful conversations, and relaxed time together can give members plenty of opportunities to connect.
Here are a few ideas to consider.
Share the Stories Behind the Chapter
One activity used in a sorority new member retreat involves asking new and initiated members to bring a few photos or meaningful items.
Each person shares why those items matter to them, giving everyone an opportunity to learn something about the people around them.
Initiated members can also share favorite chapter memories or experiences that have shaped their time in the organization.
This creates space for conversations that might not happen during regular chapter meetings.
It also helps new members see the people behind the chapter’s traditions and understand what membership has meant to others.
Make Chapter History More Engaging
Learning about your fraternity or sorority’s history and values doesn’t have to mean sitting through a long presentation.
Consider turning part of your new member education into a trivia competition.
Include questions about the organization’s founding, traditions, philanthropy, and important milestones.
You could divide everyone into teams that include both new and initiated members, giving experienced members an opportunity to share what they know.
It’s a more interactive way to introduce chapter history while encouraging everyone to participate.
Give Members Something to Work Toward Together
A retreat is also a good opportunity to talk about what your chapter wants to accomplish during the coming year.
Divide members into smaller groups and ask them to brainstorm ideas for a philanthropy project, community service initiative, or chapter event.
You could also ask each group to consider what kind of reputation they want their chapter to have on campus and what actions would help build it.
Have everyone share their ideas at the end of the session.
This gives new members a voice in the chapter’s future and encourages everyone to think about the values they want to represent.
Leave Time for Fun
Not every activity needs to revolve around chapter education.
At Gulf Shores Beach Retreat, your group has access to a private pool, sand volleyball court, and basketball goal.
You could organize a volleyball tournament, play basketball, or spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool.
The beach is directly across the street, with access through a public boardwalk, making it easy to include beach games or time on the sand.
“After dinner, members can gather around the charcoal grills for s’mores or spend time talking on the pool deck.”
After dinner, members can gather around the charcoal grills for s’mores or spend time talking on the pool deck.
These informal moments give new and initiated members opportunities to get to know one another without a planned discussion or activity.
Create Space for Meaningful Conversations
One of the benefits of a retreat is having time for conversations that don’t always fit into a regular chapter meeting.
Consider setting aside a session where members can talk about their expectations, experiences, and what they hope to contribute to the organization.
For new members, this might mean asking questions about chapter life, academic responsibilities, or balancing membership with other commitments.
Initiated members can share what they’ve learned and offer advice based on their own experiences.
You could also discuss the chapter’s expectations around respect, accountability, and looking out for one another.
These conversations help establish a shared understanding of what membership means and how members are expected to treat each other.
Our 1,600-square-foot upstairs meeting room provides space for chapter sessions and group discussions. Both sides of the retreat share the room, and it’s reserved for your chapter during the times you book.
You can use it for larger gatherings or divide into smaller groups for more personal conversations.
An Alcohol-Free Setting for New Member Activities
When planning a fraternity or sorority retreat, it’s important to understand the policies your national organization and university have established for new member events.
Many organizations require new member activities to be substance-free, including events involving both new and initiated members.
At Gulf Shores Beach Retreat, alcohol is prohibited throughout the entire property.
Smoking and vaping are also not permitted anywhere on-site, including parking areas.
These rules apply to everyone staying at the retreat.
“Having a clear property-wide policy can make it easier for chapters to plan activities around their organization’s expectations.”
Having a clear property-wide policy can make it easier for chapters to plan activities around their organization’s expectations.
However, each chapter should still review its university and national organization’s requirements before organizing a retreat, including any rules regarding event registration, supervision, transportation, and new member activities.
Keep Your Chapter Together in One Place
Organizing a retreat for dozens of fraternity or sorority members involves plenty of logistics.
You need accommodations, space for meals, somewhere to hold chapter sessions, and activities that everyone can enjoy.
At Gulf Shores Beach Retreat, each side of the property accommodates up to 80 guests.
Your chapter has its side to itself, including four bunk rooms, a fully equipped commercial kitchen, two charcoal grills, a private pool, a sand volleyball court, and a basketball goal.
The kitchen gives your group space to prepare meals together, while the recreational areas provide plenty of options for free time.
There’s also parking for buses, vans, and cars, making transportation easier to coordinate.
Bringing More Than 80 Members?
Larger chapters can rent the entire facility.
Booking both sides gives your group access to two kitchens, two pools, and additional accommodations, with no other groups staying on the property.
This can be especially helpful when you’re bringing both new and initiated members together for a larger chapter retreat.
Start the Semester as One Chapter
The first few weeks after Bid Day can be busy for everyone.
New members are learning what it means to belong to their fraternity or sorority, while initiated members are balancing classes, chapter responsibilities, and their own commitments.
A fall retreat creates an opportunity to spend time together before the semester gets too busy.
Whether your chapter focuses on traditions, leadership, philanthropy, or simply getting to know one another, the weekend can help new members feel included and give the whole chapter something to share.
Sorority chapters from universities across Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi have stayed with us, and we’re always happy when one chapter recommends Gulf Shores Beach Retreat to another.
If you’re planning a fall new member retreat, we’d love to help you find a weekend that works for your chapter.
Send us your preferred dates and approximately how many members you’re expecting, and we’ll let you know what’s available.
