Spring Canyon Conference Center

Summer Celebration #5
2021-07-03 - 2021-07-10 | Spring Canyon Conference Center, 26000 County Road 344, Buena Vista, CO, 81211
Speaker(s):
Dr. Del Tackett, Lt Col, USAF (Ret.)
Dr. Tackett served over twenty years on active duty in the United States Air Force, including four years on the faculty of Air University and as Deputy Commander of the 47th Communications Group supporting the multinational NORAD command. He also served on the White House staff during the George H. W. Bush Administration, and as Director of Technical Planning for the National Security Council. He served as Senior Vice President of Focus on the Family and President of Focus on the Family Institute in Colorado Springs, CO. He Dr. Tackett developed and is the speaker of the Truth Project. He lectures extensively on developing a Christian world view and America’s Christian heritage for Summit Ministries and at conferences and churches around the country.
While Del was working in national security at the White House under US President George H. W. Bush, the Lord began breaking his heart for the state of the nation and the church. He was burdened that so many believers had lost their biblical worldview—they weren’t looking at the world around them through the lens of Scripture.
After leaving the White House, Del helped start a seminary where the founders hoped to begin addressing these shortcomings. To systematically teach a biblical worldview, Del compiled a comprehensive curriculum that became the basis for the Truth Project, a DVD curriculum distributed by Focus on the Family.
Topic:
“The Engagement Project”
In the Engagement Project, Dr. Tackett answers two important questions, Why did Jesus leave? and Why does God send? The answers to these questions may turn your world right-side up. In this new series, Dr. Del Tackett takes us on a series of worldview tours that reveal God’s endgame for all of us… what He is after. You’ll discover God’s world-changing mission for yourself and for your family and that Jesus has told us exactly what He wants us to do. In the Engagement Project, you’ll learn why & how this will change everything.
Guest Ambassadors:
Col Steve and Miriam Shambach, USA (Ret.)

Summer Celebration #6
2021-07-10 - 2021-07-17
Speaker:
Dr. Berkley Baker
Berkley Baker served as an Army officer and has worked in healthcare for approximately twenty years. He serves as an elder at Hope and Life Fellowship and enjoys studying the Scriptures and teaching. He holds a doctorate from Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business, an MBA from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University, and a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Berkley lives in Lawrenceville, Georgia, with his wife and three children.
Topic:
“Walking WITH God in a Post-COVID World”
Jesus’ parents left Him in Jerusalem. The rich young ruler walked away from Jesus. Even Saul, despite his religious lifestyle, missed God. It’s sobering to think about how often people living for God found themselves almost living with Him. Dr. Baker will explore the reality of loving people leaving Jesus behind out of misunderstanding His divine nature. He will explain how experiencing godly miracles may still leave us eternally separated. We’ll examine how abandonment is a necessary part of our Christ-like transformation. We’ll discover how Jesus’ response to a woman caught having illicit sex teaches us something about intimacy. God designed us to have a dynamic, personal relationship with Him. In introducing The Four Blends of Divine Nature®, Dr. Baker’s goal is to awaken us to grow beyond the scripted life of living for God and move us into the abundant purpose-filled life of living with Him.
Guest Ambassadors:
Royce and Shawn Bervig

Summer Celebration #7 (Call for Availability)
2021-07-17 - 2021-07-24
Speaker:
Pastor Keith Peck
Keith and wife, Gale, who is also his ministry partner, have served the White Sulphur Springs, Spring Canyon, and the U.S. Naval Academy OCF communities for the past 35 years. Keith is a PCA pastor and is currently on staff at Mercy Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg, VA. Keith and Gale have 5 children and 17 grandchildren.
Topic:
Hope: A Weary World Rejoices

“Unprecedented”…a word we have repeatedly heard in the media during 2020-2021. The unprecedented effects of the pandemic on our lives, our economy, our jobs, our medical community. The unprecedented speed with which the COVID vaccine was developed. Throughout these unprecedented times, another word on our hearts has been “HOPE”. Hope for a vaccine, for economic recovery, for our political party, for racial justice, for a return to the normal of family gatherings, school reopenings, group hugs. Someone has said we can live without almost anything, except HOPE. We are a hope-hungry people. The prophet Isaiah is called the “prophet of hope.” Together, we will unpack the gospel of Isaiah’s hope-saturated prophecies and explore experiencing this hope in our uncertain, painful world.

Guest Ambassadors:
Col Chet and Michelle Arnold, USMC (Ret.)

Summer Celebration #8 (Medical Week)
2021-07-24 - 2021-07-31
Speaker:
Roc Bottomly
Roc Bottomly is an Air Force Academy graduate finishing with a B.S. in Astronautical Engineering. As a cadet, Roc trusted Christ through the Navigators’ ministry and worked closely with them as a lay leader in military, collegiate and community ministries throughout his service years. While in the Air Force (1969-1976), he served as both a flight instructor and an intercontinental transport pilot. He then graduated with a Th.M. (Master of Theology) from Dallas Theological Seminary. From 1981 to 2001 Roc then served as senior pastor for multiple churches. In 2001, Roc moved to Colorado Springs to become the Senior Fellow for Marriage Studies for the Focus on the Family Institute. For the next seven years, he and his wife, Bev, taught biblical marriage to the 1800 students who passed through the Institute during their tenure. In 2008, Roc became the lead pastor at Our Lord’s community Church where he is working to help build a Word-Spirit church committed to “being and making disciples… starting right where we are.”
Roc married his wife, Bev, in 1974; and they have four grown children and thirteen grandchildren.
Topic:
“The Love of God”
THE LOVE OF GOD. It is the most important subject in the world! It is only as we realize and receive God’s love for us that we are able to do life’s most important thing… “Love the LORD your God… love your neighbor….”
God’s love…
· Ignites our desire. It is the engine of our life with God. It is what makes us want God and His way for our life. “… for Christ’s love compels us….” – Paul.
· Provides our direction. It is the steering wheel of our life with God. It is how we know what to do in the tumble of daily life. “A new command I give you…. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – Jesus.
· Describes our destiny. It is our destination. It is how we will all be in the wonderful End. “But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him….” – John.
In our times together, we will explore what God tells us about His love from Him Word. We will ask the Holy Spirit to help us get it. We will think about where we need to reflect it to those closest.
God tells us that His love “surpasses knowledge”; so there is always more to understand and more to enjoy in this genuinely astounding wonder of life!
Guest Ambassadors:
Dr (COL) Arnie Ahnfeldt, USA (Ret.) and Dr (COL) Jeff Ginther, USA (Ret.)

Summer Celebration #1 (Homeschool Week)
2022-06-04 - 2022-06-11
Speaker:
Wesley Dickinson
Wesley Dickinson is a rare homeschool parent, because he’s a stay-at-home, homeschool dad. Moreover, he directs a Classical Conversations Foundations and Essentials community of almost 30 families near Offutt AFB in Omaha, Nebraska, where his two daughters attend. His educational background, outside of homeschooling, includes a bachelors degree and a masters degree in civil engineering with teaching experience at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. He and his wife, Mindy, will celebrate their 13th anniversary this year. She is patient, and his daughters are adventurous. Wesley also enjoys spending time in the woods, drinking strong coffee, studying Latin, reading old books, and cooking as often as possible.
Topic:
Practicum Plus: Home Education and the Classical Model
Family Celebration Week 1 will encourage and equip homeschool parents with the tools for classical, Christian home-centered education and help parent-teachers gain confidence for the upcoming school year. During this week we will explore the tools of learning and practice them together. The skills acquired are sure to enrich your family’s educational experience!
During this week-long family adventure at Spring Canyon, homeschool families will enjoy family worship time, delicious family style meals prepared by a professional chef in the dining room, very comfortable lodging, parent practicum sessions, Biblically-based youth and teen programs, and combined family time, which can include optional adventures like horseback riding, whitewater rafting, hot springs relaxing, or guided fly fishing. Family-centric activities pack the evenings, such as a talent show, a bonfire complete with s’mores, and a western barn dance. Another highlight of the week is parent date night, where dad and mom get to escape to town for dinner while the staff take care of your children.
While parents spend time together in practicum sessions, students participate in a fully staffed youth program. Your students will enjoy vacation Bible school: Colorado mountain style! In addition to age-scaled Bible studies, younger students have the opportunity to kayak, rock climb, fish, hike, take local field trips, and shoot arrows at the archery range, while teenagers can spend time with other teens and certified Spring Canyon staff kayaking, rock climbing, completing the high ropes course, cooperating on the team challenge course, and enjoying an overnight camping adventure.
Guest Ambassador:
David Punt
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Summer Celebration #2
2022-06-11 - 2022-06-18
Speaker(s):
Dr. Berkley Baker
Berkley Baker served as an Army officer and has worked in healthcare for approximately twenty years. He serves as an elder at Hope and Life Fellowship and enjoys studying the Scriptures and teaching. He holds a doctorate from Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business, an MBA from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University, and a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Berkley lives in Lawrenceville, Georgia, with his wife and three children.
Topic:
“Purpose-Filled Living”
Purpose can be defined as “the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.” Understanding purpose enables individuals and organizations to act consistently with who they are. But in the absence of purpose, there is a void. There is nothing like observing something doing what it was designed to do. And like the eagle, snake, and ship, our authored purpose allows us to accomplish amazing things. While living a life absent of purpose leaves us, like King Saul, grounded, broken, and bottomed-out.
This session is about awakening to purposed-filled living. It begins by exploring how an intimate knowledge of who we are predated our design. Together, we will explore the foreshadowing of purpose amid an origin story—the hints of personal meaning. We’ll consider purpose and progression while looking at how immaturity can cause us to stumble along the way.
We will discuss practical steps to recognizing purpose by examining frequency, focus, and faculty. Specifically exploring, what happens early, often, and habitually in our lives. What we pay attention to and what distracts us. We’ll explore the role of physical and mental aptitudes in purposeful living, as well as so-called luck. In this journey, we’ll take the time to consider purpose derailed through surrender, failure, and shortsightedness. And finally, we will conclude by discussing how purpose reinforces our connection with God and others.
Guest Ambassador:
Col Chet & Michelle Arnold, Jr., USMC (Ret.)
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Summer Celebration #3
2022-06-18 - 2022-06-25
Speaker:
Lt Col Leemon Baird, USAF (Ret.)
Leemon served 24 years in the Air Force, first as an Air Force Academy cadet, and later a professor there. After retirement, he has worked as a researcher and started several companies. He has been a member of OCF since 1985, and enjoys studying the Bible, and teaching Bible studies for groups from children to adults.
Topic:
“All for Christ”
We are called to do everything for Christ. God wants us to be living for him every moment. So how can I serve in the military or do my job for Christ? Take care of the kids for Christ? Go to school for Christ? Wash the dishes for Christ? Let’s explore the scriptures together to see what it really means to do everything for Jesus.
Guest Ambassador:
LTC Jim and Christina Harbridge, USA (Ret.)
*If you are graduating from Fort Leavenworth CGSC, Summer Celebration Week 3 is ideal for you!
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Summer Celebration #4
2022-06-25 - 2022-07-02
Speaker(s):
Lt Gen Bruce Fister, USAF (Ret.)
Bruce Fister reigns from Cincinnati, Ohio, was a pilot in the U.S. Air Force for over 32 years, commanded multiple units, and has had leadership roles in global military operations and in Christian nonprofit organizations. His wife Melissa of over 57 years is a high school sweetheart who has supported him since he graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1964. Bruce has commanded multiple military organizations and has visited every continent in the world, and he and Melissa have lived in Europe and visited countries from Europe to the Pacific. He has been in business, and perhaps most important, served as Executive Director of Officers’ Christian Fellowship for 10 years. The sparkle in their eyes is their two sons, their wives, and three grandchildren. Bruce and Melissa reside in Niceville, Florida. Bruce is the President of the Robert and Christine Steinmann Family Foundation and serves as a Coxswain in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Read about his experience leading OCF at www.growingandbuilding.com.

Topic:
“Welcome Home”: Your Journey of Faith
The coming 60th anniversary of the acquisition of Spring Canyon is our celebration of how the Lord has blessed this conference center and all who have attended over these many years. How many times have you or others been “Welcomed Home” to Spring Canyon to join family, grow in your faith, be encouraged to walk as a follower of Jesus, and deepen your trust in our Lord so you can continue to be His hands and feet in your family, our military and throughout the world? The “Welcome Home” series will recount the journeys of faith at Spring Canyon and incorporate the history into the deep lessons of God’s Word.
Guest Ambassador:
Maj Dan and Lisa Abney, USMC
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Summer Celebration #5
2022-07-02 - 2022-07-09
Speaker(s):
Col Scott Fisher, USAF (Ret)
Scott Fisher recently retired from the United States Air Force after more than 27 years of faithful military service. He and his wife Christie bring a strong passion for the Lord and love for His people with experience across six continents. They have been involved in OCF ministry for over 25 years to include service as local leaders across the globe, on Council and to our chaplains. Scott and Christie have been married for 27 years and have three daughters and two sons, one of which recently became a Marine. Scott has led Bible studies for diverse groups for over twenty years, including youth, Harvard graduate students, young couples, fighter pilots and generals. He has also served as a youth pastor and lay minister. Christie has co-hosted Bible studies with Scott for over 15 years and served in leadership with Bible Study Fellowship for 11 years.
Topic:
Declare His Mighty Acts!
For over 60 years, Spring Canyon has refreshed military members and families on their journey, equipped them with excellent biblical teaching, and inspired them to serve where God has called them. In every decade, God has used ordinary people to bring about extraordinary results! Today Spring Canyon remains true to its founding vision: a Christ-centered sanctuary and training ground for Christians who live and minister in the military society – a “home away from home” on a sometimes turbulent journey. Join us in celebrating 60 years of God’s life-saving and life-changing work at Spring Canyon. Let’s pass this legacy on to the next generation of military leaders and families: “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts” (Psalm 145:4). Adventure awaits!
Guest Ambassador:
COL Steve & Miriam Shambach, USA (Ret.)
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60th Anniversary Celebration
2022-07-02 12:30 - 15:30 UTC
Topic:
Celebrate 60 Years of Ministry at Spring Canyon
Join us this summer in celebrating 60 years of God’s life-saving and life-changing work at Spring Canyon! Every week of our summer programs will include fun celebratory activities, but Summer Celebration Weeks 4 and 5 are especially dedicated to recognizing this important milestone. We will officially commemorate Spring Canyon’s 60th anniversary at 2pm on Saturday, July 2. We encourage guests attending Summer Celebration, RMH, and FTA Week 4 to extend their stay for a few hours and join us for lunch and this special ceremony! Likewise, guests attending Summer Celebration, RMH, and FTA Week 5 are encouraged to arrive early to join us for lunch and the anniversary ceremony.
Please note that this sign up does NOT include lodging. Lunch and ceremony are available to all at no charge.
Lunch begins at 1230 and the ceremony begins at 1400.
Register for EventA home away from home for the past 60 years…
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW WE’RE CELEBRATING

Summer Celebration #6
2022-07-09 - 2022-07-16
Speaker:
Greg St. Cyr
Pastor Greg St. Cyr has a passion for global missions and the local church. He spent 13 years with Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ) where he met his wife of 36 years, Mary Kaye. Greg served as a missionary for 8 years in Poland largely during communist days. For the last 27 years, he has served as the lead pastor of Bay Area Community Church in Annapolis whose global ministry extends throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry in missions from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife have four grown children and six grandchildren.
Topic:
“Victory in the Valley, Courage in the Cave”
All of us go through valleys of discouragement and trials. The longer the trial and disappointment, the darker the cave. How do we experience God’s victory and courage in times like this? We will look at David’s experiences in the cave of Adullam and Engedi, as well as how to walk through the valley of trouble, the valley of weeping, and the valley of the shadow of death. Learn how God often does His best work in valleys and caves!
Guest Ambassador:
COL Keith and Sharon Morgan, USA (Ret.)
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Summer Celebration #7
2022-07-16 - 2022-07-23
Speaker:
Keith Peck
Keith has served OCF as a conference speaker for the past 38 years. He recently retired after 45 years of pastoral ministry in the Presbyterian Church of America. Thirty of those years he and Gale served in Annapolis, MD, ministering to and with the Navigator, Cru and OCF staff at the US Naval Academy. Keith has been married to Gale, his ministry partner, for 48 years. Keith & Gale have five children and seventeen grandchildren.

Topic:
“Daniel: Engaging a Polarized, Hostile Culture as Salt, Light & the Aroma of Christ”
In our current cultural moment, outrage has become more expected than surprising, more normative than odd, more encouraged than discouraged, more rewarded than rejected. Outrage over election “fraud”, COVID politicized government “overreach”, mask & vaccine mandates, “social justice”, LGBQT legislation. We no longer discuss. We rage, cancel and shame…too often mean-spirited and quick-triggered. In this culture of outrage, Bono, the front man for the rock band U2 warned, “We must be careful in our efforts to confront the monster not to ourselves become the monster.” So how do we engage this culture with a different spirit, the Spirit of Christ, and become the kingdom-influencers and culture-shapers we are called to be? Daniel illustrates God’s answer to that question.
Guest Ambassador:
CH(CDR) Jim and Shirley Ellis, USN (Ret.)
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Summer Celebration #8 (Medical Week)
2022-07-23 - 2022-07-30
Speaker:
Mike Chupp, MD, CEO of the Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA)
Mike is a US Board certified General surgeon who completed his pre-med chemistry degree at Taylor University in 1984, his MD degree at Indiana University in 1988 and then completed a five-year surgery residency at Methodist Hospital of Indiana in 1993. He then joined Southwestern Medical Clinic in Berrien County, Michigan where he practiced for three years as a general surgeon and remained a partner in the practice through 2016. In 1996 Mike and his wife Pam began a 20-year career as medical missionaries with World Gospel Mission at Tenwek Hospital in southwest Kenya. There he practiced general and orthopedic surgery and served as the Medical Superintendent for many years. In 2016, Mike accepted the invitation of Dr. David Stevens of CMDA USA National ministry to become the Executive Vice President of CMDA and in September 2018 the Board of CMDA selected Mike to become the next CEO of CMDA in September 2019.
Topic:
“Connecting to the Father with a 5G Heart”
Join us for a five-part series with a deep dive in Scripture on growing and maturing our hearts to be in line with the example and wisdom from two Kings, David and Solomon. One of my favorite prayers for brothers and sisters in Christ these days, like you, comes from 2 Thessalonians 1: 11, 12 (NLT): “We keep on praying, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good deeds your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ.”
Guest Ambassadors:
Dr (COL) Arnie Ahnfeldt, USA (Ret.) and Dr (COL) Jeff Ginther, USA (Ret.)
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Summer Celebration #1: Work Week
2023-06-04 - 2023-06-10
As you consider whether our Summer Celebration Work Week is a good fit for you or your family, please review the details below. You’re welcome to contact our Guest Services team with any additional questions: (719) 395-2328 or reservations@springcanyon.org.
Work week volunteers must be 14 years or older, and should be physically able to work at least 8 hours each day, completing manual labor tasks such as fire mitigation and wood splitting, exterior building staining and repairs, climbing ladders for roof repair, etc. We will schedule a half-day off for all volunteers, with optional activities like whitewater rafting (additional cost), indoor climbing wall, etc. Volunteers, guests, and staff will gather each evening for engaging teaching sessions with our guest speaker.
We will offer a limited children’s program for ages 0-13. Two of the evening teaching sessions will include separate children’s program sessions; the other sessions will not include a children’s program. We will also offer optional babysitting (additional cost) on two separate mornings.
Cost:
For volunteers (ages 14 and up) who work the full week, there is no cost! Volunteers still get the scheduled half-day off.
For all other guests who are not working the full week, we offer a 20% discount from our standard Summer Celebration rates:
Adults (14+) $608, Youth (6-13) $365, Children (3-5) $183, Infants (0-2) $0. No other discounts are compatible with these rates.
If you plan to attend Work Week, please register online, then email reservations@springcanyon.org and let us know whether members of your family or group will attend as volunteers workers or guests. This will help us accurately plan and organize our work projects.
Thanks for considering giving your time and energy to help us tackle some larger projects at Spring Canyon, your home away from home!

Speaker:
Noble Gibbens
Noble is the person you’d least expect to be talking about feelings & emotions! An uncharacteristic fight with his wife a few years ago revealed a glaring issue: he was clueless when it came to handling his emotions.
This West Point grad & former Army Ranger in the 82nd Airborne Division is now an EQ Practitioner and teaches Emotional Intelligence on his highly rated podcast, EQ Gangster, in his EQ Mafia Membership and through corporate coaching & consulting.
Don’t let the big beard & tattoos fool you – Noble is pure positive energy & passion! He brings 23 years’ experience as an entrepreneur and international keynote speaker to help corporate clients, entrepreneurs, leaders & influencers get their emotions working for them, not against them.
He has been married to Kathy for 27 years and they have a 15 y/o junior in high school.
Topic:
Emotionally Healthy Spiritual Leadership
How long have you been going to church? How many pastors or church leaders have you heard talk about emotions or emotional intelligence (“EQ”)? Probably not very many.
Our EQ directly affects & impacts both our relationship with the Lord and how we lead & influence others. Let’s commit our emotions to the Lord so we can truly lead the way the Lord wants us to.
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Summer Celebration #2: Leavenworth Week
2023-06-10 - 2023-06-17
Speaker(s):
CH(COL) Scott Koeman, USA
Chaplain (COL) Scott Koeman served as an enlisted Soldier in the Michigan Army National Guard for 12 years before commissioning as a Chaplain Candidate in 1997 and entering active duty in 2003. Prior to active duty, he served as an Associate Pastor at EverGreen Ministries Church in Hudsonville, Michigan. His academic education includes a Master of Divinity from Calvin Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Religious Education from Reformed Bible College.
Chaplain Koeman has served as a battalion, brigade, and garrison chaplain; and as an instructor, trainer, and course manager at the Chaplain Center and School, Fort Jackson, SC. He has pastored Soldiers and family members at Fort Bliss, TX; Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar; Fort Knox, KY; Fort Lewis, WA; Schofield Barracks, HI; Detroit Army Arsenal, MI; and Fort Leavenworth, KS; and during multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Chaplain Koeman has been married to Benita Haak for 27 years. She is a first generation Canadian of Dutch immigrant parents. Benita is the website founder/editor of operationwearehere.com. They have three children, Ian (23), Luke (21), and Kerrisan (19).
Topic:
“Rewards and Benefits of the Kingdom of God”
Guest Ambassador:
LTC Jim and Christina Harbridge, USA (Ret.)
*If you are graduating from Fort Leavenworth CGSC, Summer Celebration Week 2 is ideal for you!
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Summer Celebration #3: Homeschool Week
2023-06-17 - 2023-06-24
Speaker:
Lt Col Kevin Boden, ANG
Kevin and his wife, Wendi, have 8 children and became homeschooling parents in 2008. Kevin is a graduate of Wheaton College (IL) and received his J.D. from Seattle University. Kevin served on active duty in the U.S. Air Force for 10 years a Judge Advocate, allowing he and Wendi to homeschool in three different countries and five states. Kevin has served three years in the Alaska Air National Guard he continues his service as a Lt Col as a drill-status Guardsman. Also, as HSLDA staff attorney and Director of Global Outreach, Kevin serves as the primary contact for members in 12 states and directs HSLDA’s international program, working to expand homeschooling freedom around the world. He is passionate about the freedom to homeschool, the blessings of being a husband and dad, and most things outdoors.
Topic:
“Gospel Seasons: Building Blocks for Home Schoolers”
Stacking blocks is often the first skill a baby learns. Why? It’s an important skill because it requires coordination. Similarly, balancing the building blocks of homeschooling families also entails a synchronicity that often seems out of reach. This week will provide practical, whole-family approaches to schooling at home from a Christ-centered worldview. Come and be encouraged as we consider the building blocks unique to home schooling families.
Guest Ambassador:
Lt Col Aaron and Sarah Lynch, USAF
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Summer Celebration #4
2023-06-24 - 2023-07-01
Speaker:
Lt Col Leemon Baird, USAF (Ret.)
Leemon served 24 years in the Air Force, first as an Air Force Academy cadet, and later a professor there. After retirement, he has worked as a researcher and started several companies. He has been a member of OCF since 1985, and enjoys studying the Bible, and teaching Bible studies for groups from children to adults.
Topic:
“Knowing the Lord”
This week, we will explore through scripture how we can know the Lord. This includes knowing his nature, knowing his will for the decisions we make, knowing his work, his plan, his promises, and his presence. Join us as we discuss and seek him together.
Guest Ambassador:
Lt Col Adam and Robin Spitler, USAF (Ret.)
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Summer Celebration #5
2023-07-01 - 2023-07-08
Speaker(s):
Dr. Del Tackett, Lt Col, USAF (Ret.)
Dr. Tackett served over twenty years on active duty in the United States Air Force, including four years on the faculty of Air University and as Deputy Commander of the 47th Communications Group supporting the multinational NORAD command. He also served on the White House staff during the George H. W. Bush Administration, and as Director of Technical Planning for the National Security Council. He served as Senior Vice President of Focus on the Family and President of Focus on the Family Institute in Colorado Springs, CO. He Dr. Tackett developed and is the speaker of the Truth Project. He lectures extensively on developing a Christian world view and America’s Christian heritage for Summit Ministries and at conferences and churches around the country.
While Del was working in national security at the White House under US President George H. W. Bush, the Lord began breaking his heart for the state of the nation and the church. He was burdened that so many believers had lost their biblical worldview—they weren’t looking at the world around them through the lens of Scripture.
After leaving the White House, Del helped start a seminary where the founders hoped to begin addressing these shortcomings. To systematically teach a biblical worldview, Del compiled a comprehensive curriculum that became the basis for the Truth Project, a DVD curriculum distributed by Focus on the Family.
Topic:
The Engagement Project
In the Engagement Project, Dr. Tackett answers two important questions, Why did Jesus leave? and Why does God send? The answers to these questions may turn your world right-side up. In this new series, Dr. Del Tackett takes us on a series of worldview tours that reveal God’s endgame for all of us… what He is after. You’ll discover God’s world-changing mission for yourself and for your family and that Jesus has told us exactly what He wants us to do. In the Engagement Project, you’ll learn why & how this will change everything.
Find out more about the Engagement Project here.
Guest Ambassador:
Maj Ryan and Sarah Cross, USAF (Ret.)
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Summer Celebration #6
2023-07-08 - 2023-07-15
Speaker:
Chris Plekenpol
Chris graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1999 and served in the Army for seven years, including commanding a company in combat in Iraq. earning a Bronze Star. Upon God’s call in his life to ministry, Chris attended Dallas Theological Seminary and received his Masters in Theology (ThM). Chris traveled as an evangelist and missions group trainer with iamsecond.com for two years before becoming the Lead Pastor of Wells Branch Community Church in 2012.
Chris is married to his beautiful wife Adrienne, a graduate of Abilene Christian University, the Children’s Ministry Director at Wells Branch Community Church, and his best friend. They have four incredible boys: Austin, Jett, Titus and Paxton. Chris loves watching sports – especially Army Football – dancing with Adrienne, and thinking of creative and innovative ways to communicate the love of God.

Topic:
“Everyday Christianity”
God was at work in the everyday life of the church at Thessalonica. We will explore the parallel between this New Testament church of Greece, compared to the American church today. You will be astonished how nothing has really changed in combating the influence of culture on the church. Pastor Plek will challenge all to impact the culture – whether military or civilian – with the love of Christ.
Guest Ambassador:
LTC Steve and Angela Kreh, USA (Ret.)
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Summer Celebration #7
2023-07-15 - 2023-07-22
Speaker:
Keith Peck
Keith has served in pastoral ministry for the past 45 years. For 30 years, he and Gale ministered in Annapolis, where their church supported the Nav, Cru & OCF ministries at USNA. Keith and Gale now serve OCF in the role of Pastoral Care. They are blessed with 5 children and 17 grandchildren (who live in 5 different time zones).

Topic:
“Ecclesiastes: When All You Ever Wanted Isn’t Enough”
Ecclesiastes begins with “the words of the Preacher”. Yet as you read, it is unlike any sermon you’ve heard. The sermon’s theme is “meaningless, meaningless”. This seems so strange. And yet its strangeness provides an honest portrayal of the common human experience of people everywhere as we grapple with the perplexities of making life work “under the sun”. Solomon’s strange sermon invites us to engage this perplexing life more fully “under the SON”.
Guest Ambassador:
TBD
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Summer Celebration #8: Medical Week
2023-07-22 - 2023-07-29
Speaker:
Roc & Bev Bottomly
Roc and Bev Bottomly have been providing marriage training nationally and internationally to both singles and couples for the past 20 years. Roc is a USAFA ’69 grad who majored in Astronautical Engineering. After graduation, Roc received his M.S. at Purdue, finished UPT, and served as a flight instructor in T-37’s and a transport pilot in C-141’s. Bev grew up in southern California. She trusted Christ in college; and after graduating, she joined the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU) where was the first staff woman in their military ministry. Soon after graduation, Roc met Bev; and after a lengthy long distance friendship (Georgia to California), Roc finally “awoke” and they married. After completing military commitment, Roc graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary, and spent the next 35 years as the Senior Pastor of four churches and the Senior Fellow for Marriage Studies at the Focus on the Family Institute in Colorado Springs. In 2016, Roc “retired,” and he continues to work with Focus on the Family providing marriage training to Arabic speaking pastors in the Middle East and coaching to pastors, ministry leaders and young businessmen in Oklahoma City. Roc and Bev have been married since 1974. They have our grown children and thirteen grandchildren.
Topic:
“Building a Thriving Marriage”
As all know well, the pressures on military medical marriages can be enormous. The combination of long hours, heavy workloads, difficult work situations, promotion requirements and repeated deployments can take a heavy toll on the best of marriages. This year the theme will be “Building a Thriving Marriage” and the sessions will provide an opportunity to heal your bruises, refocus your direction, and rekindle your passion. Whatever the state of your marriage – from “Really Good” to “Struggling Mightily” – come join us, and give your marriage the opportunity to really thrive.
Guest Ambassadors:
Dr (COL) Arnie Ahnfeldt, USA (Ret.) and Dr (COL) Jeff Ginther, USA (Ret.)
Note:
We are prioritizing medical personnel (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, etc.) for Medical Week reservations until May 15. If you are not a medical professional, please consider signing up for a different week of Summer Celebration. If this is your only available week to attend Summer Celebration, please contact our Front Office team at (719) 395-2328 or reservations@springcanyon.org, and we will assist you with reservations.
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Summer Celebration #1: Leavenworth Week
2024-06-08 - 2024-06-14
If you are graduating from Fort Leavenworth CGSC or SAMS, Summer Celebration Week 1 is ideal for you! Fort Leavenworth OCF Members attending Spring Canyon for the first time qualify for a special 20% discount this week. Contact our Guest Services Team at (719) 395-2328 or reservations@springcanyon.org to confirm your eligibility.
Since this week is slightly shorter, the costs are $650 for Adults/Teens (13+), $390 for Youth (6-12), and $195 for Children (3-5).
Speaker: CH(MAJ) Josh Grimes, USA
Topic: Topic: “A Praying Life”
Guest Ambassadors: LTC Jim and Christina Harbridge, USA (Ret.)
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Summer Celebration #2: Homeschooling Week
2024-06-14 - 2024-06-21
Speaker: Tegan Truitt

Tegan Truitt is a father, homeschool graduate, and PhD student in George Mason University’s Department of Economics, where he teaches undergraduate economics. His passion for teaching led him into academia, and he and his wife Bethany (another homeschooler) intend to homeschool their children. While he had to pick one discipline to specialize in (Econ), he maintains interests in music, poetry, philosophy, history (especially church history), and chess. When not reading aloud together, the Truitts enjoy hiking, board games, and hosting friends.
Topic: “Education and the Cultivation of the Soul”
Tegan brings his experience as a lifelong student and professional educator to bear on two chief questions of homeschooling: Why you should consider homeschooling? How to homeschool well? Tegan argues for a vision of education where its material aims — things like getting a good job, or going to a good college — take a backseat. Instead, teachers should primarily order education toward helping the student to see God in His creation, and His image in other persons, and parents are often the best-positioned to become this kind of teacher.
Guest Ambassadors: Lt Col Scott Crabtree, USAF (Ret.) and Capt Colleen Crabtree, USAFR
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Summer Celebration #3
2024-06-21 - 2024-06-28
Speaker: Brig Gen Gwyn Armfield, USAF (Ret.)

Gwyn Armfield served for nearly three decades in U.S. Air Force Special Operations, retiring as a Brigadier General. Gwyn now runs a consulting business and is the co-author of the book “Lead to Serve and Serve to Lead: Leading Well in Turbulent Times.” He works each week with at-risk teenage young men to prepare them for future success and is on the board of two Christian non-profit organizations. During his time in the military, Gwyn was the Deputy Commanding General of Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan and commanded Air Force Special Tactics units at all levels in garrison and on 11 combat deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq and other locations. Gwyn’s wife Catherine is a former school teacher who is active in both women and children’s ministries. They have been married for over 30 years and have three adult children; one is a school teacher and two are serving in the military.
Topic: “Living a Life of Godly Purpose”
During the week we will explore how to purposefully love God and love others wherever we are called to serve. The discussions will center on applying biblical principles in real life – whether at home, work, on deployment, or after the military. “But the noble make noble plans, and by noble deeds they stand.” Isaiah 32:8 (ESV)
Guest Ambassadors: Col Jason and Shelby Bell, USAF
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Summer Celebration #4
2024-06-28 - 2024-07-05
Speaker: COL Kevin Bouren, USA (Ret.)

Kevin Bouren is a Soldier in the Lord’s Army and served as a front-line ambassador for Christ while wearing the uniform of our Nation’s Army for more than 30 years. A native of Phoenix, AZ, he is a 1997 Graduate of West Point, commanded Soldiers in combat in Iraq, and served in numerous combat and peacekeeping operations throughout the world. Kevin is passionate about making disciples and helping them to fulfill the Great Commission. His service to the Nation and our Lord is enabled and enhanced by a thriving marriage to Adra, his lovely wife of 26+ years, who changes the world one child at a time as a homeschool mom to their four delightful children: Kayla, Brady, Annalise, & Luke. The Bouren Family is passionate about Christian filmmaking and using their gifts to serve together on movie sets as they proclaim Christ to the world. In March 2023, Kevin co-founded Set Shepherds, a nonprofit ministry designed to shepherd the movie cast and crew for Christ. He’s co-produced two feature-length films: Birthright Outlaw (October 2023); and The Forge which hits theaters in August of 2024. Kevin produced his most recent movie called EMBER (March 2024) with his oldest son, Brady, who wrote and directed this short film. EMBER won Runner-Up for Best Young Filmmaker at the 2024 Christian Worldview Film Festival. The Bouren Family has been lifelong OCF members and currently makes their home in Northern Colorado.
Topic: “Discipleship”
Guest Ambassadors: Col. Chet and Michelle Arnold, USMC (Ret.)
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Summer Celebration #5 Work Week
2024-07-05 - 2024-07-12
Work week volunteers must be 14 years or older, and should be physically able to work at least 8 hours each day, completing manual labor tasks such as fire mitigation, wood splitting, building repairs, climbing ladders, and more. We will schedule a half-day off for all volunteers, with optional activities (some with an additional cost) like whitewater rafting, indoor climbing wall, and hot springs. Volunteers, guests, and staff will gather for meals and engaging teaching sessions with our guest speaker during the day.
We will offer a limited children’s program for ages 0-13. Two of the evening teaching sessions will include separate children’s program sessions; the other sessions will not include a children’s program. We will also offer optional babysitting (additional cost) on two separate mornings.
Cost:
For volunteers (ages 14 and up) who work the full week, there is no cost! Volunteers still get the scheduled half-day off.
For all other guests who are not working the full week, we offer a 20% discount from our standard Summer Celebration rates:
Adults (14+) $608, Youth (6-13) $365, Children (3-5) $183, Infants (0-2) $0. No other discounts are compatible with these rates.
Please register online and email reservations@springcanyon.org if you plan to attend Work Week. Let us know whether members of your family or group will attend as volunteers workers or guests. This will help us accurately plan and organize our work projects.
Thanks for considering helping Spring Canyon tackle some larger projects to benefit the property and better serve our guests!
Feel free to contact our guest services team with any additional questions: (719) 395-2328 or reservations@springcanyon.org
Speaker :

CH(COL) Bob Phillips, USA (Ret.)
Chaplain (COL) Bob Phillips (Ret) is a 26 year active duty veteran of the US Army. After retiring from the Army he served seven years as the Chaplain to the Corps of Cadets at the Virginia Military Institute. He and his wife Tracy have been married 36 years, they have five children and seven grandchildren. In June of this year Bob and Tracy became full-time RVers. Since then they have been traversing the nation, seeing new things and visiting old friends. Bob also serves on the OCF Council.
Topic: “Grace, Grit, Glory and Good: A Study in The Book of Titus”
The book of Titus teaches us how to: find our identity, live and lead with uncompromising Christian values, and stand for truth — even when we’re immersed in a world filled with division, arrogance, and moral decline. Paul’s letter to Titus, though short, is filled with many practical, life-affirming principles that empower us to live our faith boldly and to make an impact on the world around us.
Guest Ambassadors: TBD
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Summer Celebration #6: Optional Fly Fishing Track!
2024-07-12 - 2024-07-19
Speaker: Brig Gen Jeff Hurlburt, USAF (Ret.)

Brig Gen Jeff Hurlbert is a sinner saved by grace. He has been an OCF member since the late 1990s and currently serves on the OCF Council. Jeff and his wife Stephanie have been blessed with 8 children, ranging in ages from 23 to 5. Jeff retired from the US Air Force in 2023 after 32 years of service. In his last military assignment, he served as the 32nd Commandant of the National War College on Ft. McNair in Washington DC. Jeff is currently the Chief Security Officer for Applied Materials, a global leader in the semi-conductor, display, and solar panel industries. He and his family live in Austin, Texas.
Topic: “Biblical Humility”
Biblical humility is a practical application in marriage, family life, and career. “…And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly[a] with your God.” Micah 6-8
Guest Ambassadors: TSgt Ryan and Krisha Padgett, USAF (Ret.)
New! Optional Fly Fishing Track
Our Guest Ambassador, TSgt Ryan Padgett, USAF (Ret.), and guides from Bold Face Fly Fishing will lead Spring Canyon’s first-ever Summer Celebration Fly Fishing Track. Experience the beauty, wonder, and delight of God’s amazing creation while building fun new skills under exceptional instruction. Bold Face Fly Fishing is a nonprofit that thanks “everyday heroes” (military, first responders, and healthcare workers) and introduces them to the peace, excitement, and fellowship of fly fishing.

This optional track includes 2.5 days of hands-on instruction and fly fishing experience at Spring Canyon and the nearby Arkansas River Valley.

Day 1 (Spring Canyon Ponds): Gear assembly, knot-tying, and casting fundamentals
Day 2 (Arkansas River): Nymphing and dry fly fishing, visiting a local fly fishing outfitter, approaching the water, fishing on site!
Day 3 (Arkansas River): Care and release of fish, knowing and respecting local regulations, fishing on site!
Bring your catch back to Spring Canyon and let our kitchen team cook and serve them for you!

Cost: $100
Limited to the first eight signups. Minimum age 14.
You’re welcome to bring your own gear, or Spring Canyon and Bold Face Fly Fishing will provide gear
Guests will need to purchase a Colorado Parks & Wildlife fishing license.
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Summer Celebration #7
2024-07-19 - 2024-07-26
Speaker:

Keith Peck
Keith has served in pastoral ministry for the past 45 years. For 30 years, he and Gale ministered in Annapolis, where their church supported the Nav, Cru & OCF ministries at USNA. Keith and Gale now serve OCF in the role of Pastoral Care. They are blessed with 5 children and 17 grandchildren (who live in 5 different time zones).
Topic: Proverbs: Living Wisely in an Age of Folly
Multiple sources for knowledge abound at our fingertips today – Google, social media, AI – yet we live in an “Age of Folly”. Like the prophet Jeremiah’s day, right is called wrong, wrong is called right, and God’s wisdom is called foolishness. To His people God says, “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise” (Eph. 5:15). But living wisely is challenging in life’s complexity. Proverbs practically instructs us on the nature of wisdom, its purpose, and its application.
Guest Ambassadors: COL Steve and Miriam Shambach, USA (Ret.)
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Summer Celebration #8: Medical Week
2024-07-26 - 2024-08-02
Speaker: Gene Rudd

Gene Rudd completed a military residency is OB/GYN. He later served as a teaching attending, and then provided OB/GYN care in an underserved area of the US. Following that he served Samaritan Purse by providing care in crisis areas of the world. For 25 years he served as Senior Vice President for Christian Medical & Dental Associations. While technically retired, he continues to volunteer for CMDA as well as serves on the pastoral/preaching team at his local church. Gene and Brenda Gay have 4 children and 11 grandchildren.
Topic: “Close Encounters with Jesus”
Gene Rudd completed a military residency is OB/GYN. He later served as a teaching attending, and then provided OB/GYN care in an underserved area of the US. Following that he served Samaritan Purse by providing care in crisis areas of the world. For 25 years he served as Senior Vice President for Christian Medical & Dental Associations. While technically retired, he continues to volunteer for CMDA as well as serves on the pastoral/preaching team at his local church. Gene and Brenda Gay have 4 children and 11 grandchildren.
Guest Ambassadors: Dr (COL) Arnie Ahnfeldt, USA (Ret.) and Dr (COL) Jeff Ginther, USA (Ret.)
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Summer Celebration #1 (Leavenworth Week)
2025-06-07 - 2025-06-14
If you are graduating from Fort Leavenworth CGSC or SAMS, Summer Celebration Week 1 is ideal for you!
Speaker: CH(LTC) Jared Vineyard, USA
Topic: “Walking with God with Integrity”
Based on Psalm 51. Working out our salvation through repentance from sin, honesty in relationships, and receiving His Grace.
Guest Ambassadors: LTC Jim and Christina Harbridge, USA (Ret.)
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