Happy Cog Takes Georgia: Our 2024 Company Retreat

As a fully remote company, we understand the unique challenges of virtual work environments. Our annual retreat is not just a break from the routine; it serves as a vital opportunity for our team to come together and foster connections that go beyond computer screens. Foxhall – nestled on over 1,000 acres of picturesque landscape – offered a variety of activities that catered to all interests and strongly grew the camaraderie among our team.

(Also, check out the writeups for our 2022 Retreat in the Poconos and 2023 Retreat in the Catskills!)

Setting the Scene(ry)

Foxhall Resort served as an exceptional backdrop for the retreat, offering a stunning combination of scenic views and comfortable amenities. Spanning over one and a half square miles, the resort is a haven of natural beauty, featuring expansive prairies, serene lakes, and more.

Fun in the Sun

Fun in the sun meant games and adventures of all different flavors for us Happy Coggers.

Morning Yoga and hiking sessions provided a calm start to each day, helping everyone find their zen amidst the beautiful natural surroundings.

Foxhall’s pool was a popular spot for the Happy Coggers, who took full advantage of the sunny weather to soak up some rays and enjoy a refreshing dip.

Happy Coggers who like wine were invited to tour Little Vine Vineyards in the nearby town of Villa Rica. We learned about the vineyard’s history and got a behind-the-scenes peek at how the winery operates. Instead of a typical tasting, the group received individual samplings so everyone could pick what they wanted to try. We took our selections to a cozy outdoor patio with a beautiful view of the vineyards, and everyone agreed that the best wine was Little Vine’s famous Red Dirt Road Red.

For those seeking something more active, there was no shortage of fantastic options.

For example, Happy Coggers were able to participate in archery and axe throwing. At the archery range, we got to show off our aiming skills– some of which were very impressive! Meanwhile, at axe throwing, everyone tapped into their inner lumberjack. The instructors covered everything from gripping the axe to getting the right stance.

Foxhall’s property features multiple lakes, where we enjoyed a variety of water activities, such as kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and paddleboarding—perfect options for those of us looking to unwind on the water.

Afterward, the Golf Cart Scavenger Hunt had teams navigating the expansive grounds, turning the resort into their playground. We raced from one location to another, solving clues that led to various checkpoints scattered throughout the property. Happy Cog detectives were on the case!

The more artistic Happy Coggers had a blast at a Paint and Sip class, where both wine and creativity flowed freely. This fun event let everyone tap into their artistic side in a chill and friendly vibe, mixing socializing with the joy of painting. It was all about having a good time, laughing with friends, and getting a little messy with paint while enjoying some drinks!

Foxhall’s Spray Painting class was a huge hit, giving everyone a chance to let their creativity run wild. Participants got to dive into the world of spray paint, exploring different techniques and styles in a fun, laid-back setting.

The dining at Foxhall was exceptional, offering many options that had something for everyone. We ate meals at the various restaurants and outdoor spaces on the property, each showcasing fantastic views and different cuisines. More important than the food, though, was the company; Happy Coggers from all corners got to share interesting stories from the past year and enjoy time together.

During our retreat, we were absolutely captivated by Pete the Horse, the beloved resident of Foxhall. With his friendly nature and playful antics, Pete quickly became a favorite among us. We loved visiting him and feeding him apples (his favorite snack).

(Mostly) Friendly Competition

We played a wide range of games during the retreat, from board games to outdoor sports and everything from an energetic (and surprisingly competitive) round of cornhole to casual games of cards.

Trivia Night stood out as a highlight, expertly hosted by Happy Cog's trivia enthusiasts – Senior Engineering Manager Julian and Senior Project Manager Ben. Everyone was split into random teams, and the competition was both fierce and hilarious.

The most competitive clash of the retreat was the long-anticipated doubles Pickleball Tournament, expertly emceed by our controller Sara Hillyer. Duos were randomly chosen months before, and the weeks leading up to the retreat were filled with funny team names, planning for matching outfits, and a lot of smack-talking. “Turbo Team” (software engineers Dan Varnau and Dave Olson) was crowned the winner, but some Happy Coggers (Sara and Stuart) are already vowing to defeat them next year.

Nighttime

The fun lasted well into every night.

Impromptu golf cart adventures quickly became a favorite nighttime activity, cruising around the resort grounds on late-night golf cart rides to wherever we could explore.

Every evening, a few employees pulled out their instruments and showed off their incredible musical skills, eventually turning into group jam sessions and singalongs.

And at Karaoke Night – a must-do tradition we talk about all year – Happy Coggers left it all out there on the stage. Coggers performed everything from classics to modern favorites to 90s boy band hits. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to let loose, bond over music, perform in front of a friendly and supportive crowd, and make the Foxhall staff relieved it was our final night.

1 AM pizza and negronis, another cherished tradition at Happy Cog retreats for the late-night crew, carried on every day—the perfect way to cap off the night.

What Happy Coggers Gained

This year’s retreat was more than just a fun getaway; it was an investment into our team's cohesion, morale, and productivity. As a fully remote company, we often miss the spontaneous chats and camaraderie that come from being together in person. This retreat gave Happy Coggers the perfect space to strengthen relationships that virtual meetings just can’t replicate, where we can connect, collaborate, and recharge. We dove into team-building activities that broke down barriers and made it easier to work together when we got back to our screens. Our retreat at Foxhall Resort reinforced Happy Cog’s commitment to a positive company culture where connection and collaboration thrive.

Overall, Happy Cog's 2024 retreat at Foxhall Resort was a resounding success that rejuvenated our spirits. As we look forward to next year’s retreat, we have a lot to live up to from Georgia!

This blog was crafted by Rinn Holman, a valued SEO Content Specialist here at Happy Cog.

Links to past retreat blogs:

Happy Cog Takes the Catskills: Our 2023 Company Retreat
Happy Cog Takes the Poconos