Youth Fall Retreat Ideas at NaCoMe

There’s just something special about fall at NaCoMe. The air turns crisp, the trees glow with color, and our valley feels alive with possibility. It’s the perfect season to bring your youth group together for a weekend away from screens, stress, and schedules, to slow down, laugh hard, and grow closer.

At NaCoMe Camp & Retreat Center in Pleasantville, Tennessee, we’ve been welcoming youth groups for decades, and fall is one of our favorite times of year. Whether you’re coming for fellowship, faith, or just some fresh air, we make it easy to plan a retreat that fits your group’s needs and creates memories that last long after you’ve packed up the van.

Purpose and Planning Your Fall Retreat

A great fall retreat isn’t about doing more; it’s about creating space. Space for community, reflection, and renewal. When you bring your group to NaCoMe, we help you make that space come alive.

Community: Fall is all about gathering together. We’ve seen youth groups form lifelong friendships here through shared experiences, team-building games, and moments that remind them they belong to something bigger.

Reflection: The slower pace of fall helps students listen to what’s on their hearts. Whether that’s through a quiet hike by the creek, journaling under the trees, or small-group discussions, it’s the perfect setting to reflect on where they are and where they’re going.

Renewal: Sometimes what young people need most is rest. Time away from phones, homework, and routines can help them reconnect with God, with nature, and with themselves. At NaCoMe, that kind of renewal happens naturally.

We’ll handle the details: lodging, meals, and activity spaces, so you can focus on what matters most: your students and your message.

Fun and Engaging Fall Games

If you’re looking for ways to fill your schedule, you won’t run out of options here. NaCoMe’s property is full of places to explore and games to play. Here are some of our favorite fall activities:

1. Capture the Flag in the Woods: A NaCoMe classic. Nothing brings out teamwork and laughter quite like a good round of Capture the Flag among the falling leaves.

2. Campfire Stories and S’mores NightGather everyone around the fire for songs, stories, or reflection time. Add s’mores and hot cocoa, and you’ve got a fall evening to remember.

3. Low Ropes Course: Our ropes course helps groups build trust, communication, and confidence without anyone needing to climb too high. It’s one of our most popular fall activities for youth groups.

4. Creek Walk and Nature Scavenger Hunt: Explore the beauty of the valley together. The creek is calm this time of year, and our trails are perfect for friendly competitions or quiet reflection walks.

5. Giant Swing or Climbing Wall: If you want a little adrenaline, these favorites never disappoint. They’re perfect for challenging fears and cheering each other on.

Integrating Faith and Fun

Because NaCoMe is a Christian camp and retreat center, faith often weaves naturally into your weekend, even if you don’t plan for it. A quiet prayer circle under the trees, a verse shared around the fire, or a morning devotional before breakfast can all become powerful moments.

If you’re looking for a starting point, a verse that often guides our fall retreats is Ecclesiastes 3:1: “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” It reminds us that growth and change are all part of the journey, something every teen can relate to.

Retreat Planning Tips

Here are a few things we’ve learned after hosting countless fall retreats:

• Timing: September through November is ideal. The weather is cool enough for campfires yet warm enough for outdoor fun.

• Balance: Mix active games with reflection time so everyone stays energized but grounded.

• Evenings: Don’t over-plan. Some of the best memories happen around the campfire or during late-night talks.

• Food: Let us feed your group. Our dining hall serves hearty meals that hit the spot after a day outside.

• Weather: Bring layers. Fall in Tennessee is cozy, but it can shift from sunshine to sweater weather fast.

Example Fall Retreat Schedule

Friday Evening: Arrival, icebreaker games, and a campfire welcome

Saturday Morning: Breakfast, ropes course, and small-group activities

Saturday Afternoon: Creek walk, free time, and capture the flag

Saturday Evening: Dinner, worship, and reflection by the fire. 

Sunday Morning: Breakfast, closing circle, and group prayer before heading home

Why Choose NaCoMe for Your Fall Youth Retreat

For over 80 years, NaCoMe has been a home away from home for youth ministries across Tennessee and beyond. Our mission is simple: build community, connect people with God, and renew spirits. Each fall, hundreds of young people experience the joy of unplugging from their routine and discovering how faith, friendship, and nature come together here.

If you’re thinking about hosting your own fall retreat, we’d love to help you plan it. We’ll guide you through lodging options, meal plans, and the best seasonal activities for your group’s goals.

About NaCoMe

Nestled in a peaceful Tennessee valley, NaCoMe Camp & Retreat Center offers comfortable cabins, delicious meals, and plenty of outdoor adventure for youth groups, families, and churches. Whether you’re planning a fall retreat, winter getaway, or summer camp, our goal is always the same: to help people grow closer to God, nature, and one another.

Phone: 931-729-9723

Email: retreats@nacome.org