Community Foundation is running a family retreat designed to uplift the mind, body, and soul for the whole family in this unique 3-day residential set in the peaceful countryside at YHA Chester Trafford Hall.

Families will take part in enriching outdoor activities, daily group reflections, and quality family time. With exclusive use of the Slades building at YHA Chester Trafford Hall, the retreat includes comfortable en-suite accommodation, delicious halal meals, and a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities suitable for all ages.

Activities Include:

• Cross-country walks and scenic orienteering

• Night hikes and campfire gatherings

• Family quiz competitions and team challenges

• Daily Salah in Jama’ah with uplifting Nasiha sessions

• Relaxation and bonding time in the games room and shared spaces

Accommodation & Meals:

• Private en-suite room with 4 beds per family

• Full halal meals provided:

• Full English breakfasts (unlimited)

• Light lunches (sandwiches)

• Cooked halal dinners

• Tea, coffee, and hot drinks available throughout the day

• Access to private kitchen, games room, and car parking

Community Foundation Family Retreat 2025

This weekend, Community Foundation successfully completed its first three-day Family Retreat at the beautiful YHA Chester Trafford Hall, held from 31st October to 2nd November 2025.

The retreat brought together 11 families from across the West Midlands for a weekend filled with outdoor pursuits, interactive workshops, family challenges, reflection, and togetherness — creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Day One began with families getting to know one another through fun and creative activities, including designing family flags and exploring family values — discovering how to embed those values in their homes and daily lives.

On Saturday, families took part in an exciting buggy-making challenge, constructing working go-karts from barrels and timber — and yes, they actually raced them, reaching speeds of up to 10 miles per hour! Next came a thrilling orienteering adventure, where families used maps and compasses to navigate and locate hidden checkpoints scattered across the site. The activity brought out a great sense of teamwork and friendly competition among both young and old.

After lunch, it was time to test survival skills — families learnt the art of fire lighting using flint and steel, discovering that even damp twigs could ignite without matches! This was followed by a shelter-building challenge, and just in time — as soon as the shelters were complete, the rain poured down! Thankfully, no one got wet, proving the shelters really worked. The evening wrapped up beautifully with a warm campfire, where everyone shared stories, toasted bread over the flames, and ended the night with a lively Kahoot quiz, testing their general knowledge and family teamwork.

The last day brought clear skies and sunshine, setting the perfect scene for our final activities. The morning began with fencing, where participants got to experience what it’s like to be a musketeer, wielding safe plastic épées while fully equipped with masks and protective gear. The grand finale was the much-anticipated archery session, where everyone, including the little ones — channelled their inner Robin Hood. While no one hit a bullseye, most managed to land arrows on the target, and the cheers of encouragement made every shot count.

Throughout the weekend, families came together and enjoyed the activities, delicious halal meals, including the full English breakfasts. The YHA staff were full of praise for the group’s excellent behaviour, discipline, and positive energy.  It was truly a weekend of bonding, learning, and joy — and we’re already looking forward to organising next year’s Family Retreat with the support of YHA.