A Northern Minnesota Retreat
Our team retreat to Northern Minnesota couldn’t have come at a better time. Surrounded by crisp fall air and stunning scenery, it was the perfect escape from the everyday hustle. This retreat gave us the chance to step away from our routines, reflect on our accomplishments, and set the stage for where we’re headed next. With the beauty of nature around us, we had the space to dive deeper into conversations about our goals, challenges, and how we can continue growing stronger as a team. And thanks to some fun team-building exercises and great food, we returned feeling recharged and more motivated than ever to finish the year on a high note!
Destination: Grand View Lodge | Nisswa, MN
Distance from Sioux Falls: 5-hour road trip (maybe 6 with Starbucks and gas station stops for snacks)
Duration: 4 Days, 3 nights
Agenda: Team bonding, relaxing, photo scavenger hunts, Enneagram tests, food reservations, brainstorming, pickleball tournament, and lots of card games.
Day 1: On the Road & Settling In
Our road trip kicked off with Starbucks in hand, plenty of snacks, and great conversations about everything from the latest music to life’s little details. When we arrived at Grand View Lodge, we were blown away by the stunning setting.
After settling into our cozy cabin, we couldn’t resist testing out the pickleball courts. Some of us were total newbies, but it didn’t stop the fun! We wrapped up the night with a BBQ feast and started what would become our nightly tradition—some friendly (and surprisingly intense) card games.
Day 2: Scavenger Hunts, Strategy, and Steak
After a big breakfast, we dove headfirst into our scavenger hunt. One team zoomed around like pros, determined to win, while the other took a more artistic route, snapping photos and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Can you guess which team was which?
Afterward, we switched gears for our State of TSH meeting, where we reflected on our achievements in Q3 and set bold plans for Q4. These discussions weren’t just about numbers—they were about aligning our vision for the future and solidifying the path ahead.
To celebrate the day, we had a dinner filled with incredible food, great conversations, and—yes—another round of card games.
Day 3: Pickleball Tournaments & Meaningful Conversations
The final day brought our much-anticipated pickleball tournament, and the competition was fierce. After some serious gameplay, the results were in... Val and Kerry were crowned the TSH 2024 Pickleball Tournament champions!
After the games wrapped up, we gathered for our TSH Elevation Exercise—a meaningful deep dive into our strengths, challenges, and future goals. It was a time to reflect on where we’ve been and plan for the exciting road ahead.
The evening ended with one last incredible meal at Cru, but what really made the night special were the conversations that followed. We stayed up until midnight discussing our enneagrams, exploring how our unique personalities shape the way we work, communicate, and motivate each other. These insights not only deepened our understanding of one another but also laid the foundation for stronger collaboration moving forward.
This retreat wasn’t just about taking a break—it was about recharging in the best way possible. We left Northern Minnesota with new ideas, tighter bonds, and a lot of laughs along the way. With clearer goals and a fresh spark of energy, we’re excited for everything that’s coming next!
