Scrapbook & Sisterhood: Our January Retreat

A'Ja Rolfe
Feb 10
2 min read

Earlier this January, the Elite Sisters of Light (ESOL) came together for our annual Chapter Retreat, and it was everything we hoped for: connection, creativity, and delicious food!

Food That Brings Everyone Together

We wanted our retreat to feel welcoming for everyone, including picky eaters, while still keeping things healthy.

Our retreat featured:

Build-your-own salad bar with fresh veggies, proteins, and dressings
Loaded baked potato bar with toppings like cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and chives
Yogurt parfait bar with Greek and regular yogurt, granola, fruits, and sweet toppings.

Not only did everyone get exactly what they wanted, but having a food station set-up also encouraged casual conversation and mingling — a perfect icebreaker.

Bonding Through Creativity: The ESOL Scrapbook

The highlight of the retreat was our chapter scrapbook activity. This wasn’t just arts and crafts — it was a way for each Sister to reflect, share, and celebrate our chapter’s journey.

Here’s how we structured it so you can try it too:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You don’t need fancy supplies! Here’s a basic list:

Blank scrapbook or journal for each participant
Colored pens, markers, or pencils
Stickers, tape, or small embellishments
Glue sticks or double-sided tape
Printed photos from chapter events (optional)

Step 2: Set Up Prompts

Prompts help guide creativity and reflection, especially if someone feels stuck. During our retreat, each Sister randomly picked a prompt to inspire her page. Some examples:

Highlight a Chapter Memory – Share a moment that made you proud to be part of ESOL
Your Chapter Goals – Reflect on what you hope to contribute or achieve this year
Gratitude Page – Write about the Sisters or experiences you’re thankful for
Favorite Quote or Motto – Include a meaningful quote that represents your journey
Personal Reflection – How has being part of ESOL shaped you personally?

Step 3: Let Everyone Create

Encourage participants to take their time, chat, and share ideas. There’s no “right” way to do it — the goal is connection and reflection. Music, snacks, and a relaxed space make this activity even more enjoyable.

Step 4: Share and Celebrate

At the end, everyone got a chance to briefly share their pages. This was such a special way to see different perspectives, celebrate individual voices, and reinforce our sense of sisterhood.

Tips for Hosting Your Own Scrapbook Retreat

Keep food simple and customizable as it allows everyone to focus on the creative activity
Provide prompts but allow freedom; don’t over-direct
Set aside at least 30–45 minutes per page, depending on your group size
Encourage photos or mementos from previous events to personalize pages

Our Chapter Retreat reminded us that bonding doesn’t have to be complicated! It’s about food, reflection, creativity, and shared experiences. The ESOL Scrapbook is now a cherished keepsake, capturing memories, personalities, and goals of every Sister.

💡 Want to see the finished pages? Stay tuned for Part 2 of our scrapbook reveal on our TikTok page!