Having the perfect Get to Know You Icebreaker game to kick off your women’s retreat will make everyone feel welcome and more comfortable with one another.
One of the most difficult things to do initially at a women’s retreat has to be getting women comfortable with those they don’t know well.
As a child, it always upset me when the adults in charge would make me sit by someone I don’t know. Oh, I understand why they did it, but I sure didn’t like it.
The Importance of Get to Know You Icebreakers
Now, when organizing women’s retreats, I want the same thing for the ladies those adults wanted for us when we were children – I want them to branch out and know more people.
One of the points of Loving Christ Ministries is for each one to expand her network of support. However, I don’t want anyone to feel so uncomfortable they dread the ‘getting to know you’ time.
I always make sure that when icebreakers are over, they are free to move back and sit by whomever they want. Of course, at your own event, you are welcome to do what works best for you.
Related Post: Balloon Scriptures Icebreaker (hysterical and so much fun!)
This Get to Know You game worked perfectly to get the ladies up and moving and talking to each other, even the ones they didn’t know.
The questions are meant to be thought provoking but not too personal or too difficult in order to keep conversation going.
Get to Know You Icebreaker Directions
Supplies:
- Paper
- Pens
- Container to hold questions
- Questions
What to do first:
- Print out several different ‘Get to Know You’ questions (you can grab our free list of over 20 questions HERE)
- Cut each question out in strips, fold them up, and put them in the container
- Have each lady draw a question
To play the game:
- Tell the ladies that they need to ask the question they drew to as many ladies as possible in the given time limit. They should introduce themselves briefly before asking the question.
- Each should write down the person’s name and a brief summary of the answer.
- Decide on a time limit for asking questions. We used 5 minutes for a small group of 15, but if you have many more it would probably be best to give at least 10 minutes.
- When time is called, have each lady share their name, their question, and some of the answers they received.
You can print these and cut them in strips or use your own questions.
Be sure and offer “prizes” for participating and for the winners. We’ve offered the actual prize after an activity or extra tickets to go in a bucket for door prizes later. These items always make popular door prizes at our events:
How to Play the Get to Know You Icebreaker
Looking for a great way to mix and mingle at your next retreat? This Get to Know You icebreaker activity is a super fun women's retreat icebreaker.
Materials
- Questions
- Container to hold questions
Tools
- Paper
- Pens
Instructions
- Print out several different ‘Get to Know You’ questions
- Cut each question out in strips, fold them up, and put them in the container
- Have each lady draw a question
Notes
- Tell the ladies that they need to ask the question they drew to as many ladies as possible in the given time limit. They should introduce themselves briefly before asking the question.
- Each should write down the person's name and a brief summary of the answer.
- Decide on a time limit for asking questions. We used 5 minutes for a small group of 15, but if you have many more it would probably be best to give at least 10 minutes.
- When time is called, have each lady share their name, their question, and some of the answers they received.-
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If you’d like to check out some of the other get to know you icebreakers we use, try these links:
Balloon Scriptures Icebreaker (with free printable)
Heidi Rogers says
Thanks for ice breaker questions for ladies small groups, and mini conferences/retreats!
Julie Pfeifer says
You’re welcome!
Vaishnavi says
Oh so true. I hated to sit next to strangers as a child too. Completely agree – a well planned, fun icebreaker can make an event engaging and help participants get more out of the event. Great ideas – I’ll keep them in mind!!
Ali @ An Ordinary Mom says
This would be a great idea for our moms group at our homeschool co-op. Sometimes we all just need a little help to break the ice 🙂
Julie Pfeifer says
Perfect! Let me know if you use it and how it goes! Have fun!
Julia says
What a fun game. I can see this being used in many settings. Thanks
Julie Pfeifer says
It is so much fun. I’m sure it could be used in many groups and with many ages. Thanks so much for stopping by!
JoJo Tabares says
Sounds so nice. I’ve never been on a women’s retreat. One day. 😀
gina says
I agree with your thoughts on allowing the women to move back to their comfort zones after the ice breakers. The goal is to introduce women so they have an opportunity to build on that premise. Thanks for the ice breaker.
Julie Pfeifer says
Exactly! I’ve found that a little later on in the retreat, the women get to know each other even better through our activities, and then they are more comfortable and naturally branch out to mix with others. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!