The Olive Branch is the Perfect Place for:
Family Gatherings: The Olive Branch Retreat has hosted a family Christmas Celebration for 100 people. This party filled the Olive Branch to the brim with people and fun activity. Broomball, ice skating and ice fishing occurred on the lake. Card games, feasting and an ugly sweater/ugly hat contest were the focus of the gathering. The Olive Branch was also a destination for a family Christmas gathering of five with a more calm and reflective encounter. The tree was decorated. The sleds were used. Christmas wrap was even found under the beds. Both families loved every minute…. and took the time to really know each other.
Special Events: The open house for the Olive Branch Retreat was set up like a wedding. We wanted to see if we could host such a large-scale event. Without doubt, a wedding would be absolutely fabulous here. For our Open House, we had a live band inside the Gathering Space; three buffet lines inside; a wet bar on the patio along with a steak & shrimp kabob grilling station and a second wet bar with chicken wing hors d’oeuvres set up in the Chicken Barn. It was a night to remember! Our first 50thWedding Anniversary party was a huge success. We can’t wait to help our first bride plan a wedding at Olive Branch Retreat. Incidentally, it would also be a perfect place to host a groom’s dinner… and the bridal party could even stay overnight!
Girlfriend or Couple Getaways: Girlfriend getaways are by far the event that Olive Branch has hosted the most. All of these ideas work great for a group of couples as well. “The Hub” – a nearby restaurant will cater your meal. They cook, they serve (even going so far as to pour your wine) and clean up when they leave. It is dinner out, without the drive! We also have massage therapists available that will come to the retreat and do massages on site. Call us to set one up or bring your own. What a great way to let the relaxation begin! We even have a personal chef available for a unique pampering experience. Or have everyone work together in the kitchen to make your own perfect meal!
Crafting/Scrapbooking Escapes: We have 12 folding tables that can be set up in pods in the 680 square-foot Gathering Space. This gives up to 12 crafters their own personal space large enough to spread out and get creative. Task lighting is available to ensure everyone can focus and no one gets sleepy too early. Typically, Crafters plan their own meals and assign ingredients to each guest, but don’t forget that catering from local restaurants is available. Cater in everything, or just a special meal!
Business Meetings: The Olive Branch has hosted team-building activities for groups. There is plenty of outdoor space for team challenges and games. Cooking meals in the Olive Branch Kitchen has worked well as a team-building activity. Don’t forget to judge “presentation” as one of the criteria … there is plenty of china and serve ware to make dinners beautiful!
Spiritual Retreats: Church groups and bible studies have appreciated the opportunity to “get away” for a more in depth retreat that offers socializing and fun as part of their bonding experience. There is something about the natural setting and the history of the home that is extra inviting to these guests. All denominations are welcome.
Grief Healing: There are so many things about the Olive Branch that make it an ideal place to heal. It is on a semi-private lake. The water soothes, especially since the motorized boats on the lake are few. We offer a duck boat, a pontoon, and a canoe for getting out on the water. Our Chapel is on site and is the perfect place for quiet reflection. Our quiet corners are comforting and inviting. Inspirational literature is available in the library and scattered throughout the bedrooms. It is the perfect place to be quiet - or be heard.
