Spring Canyon Conference Center

Summer Celebration #4
2024-06-28 - 2024-07-05 | Spring Canyon Conference Center, 26000 County Road 344, Buena Vista, CO, 81211
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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Summer Celebration #2 (Homeschool Week)
2025-06-15 - 2025-06-20
Speaker: Dr. Tegan Truitt
Tegan Truitt is a husband, father, university educator, economist, Anglican seminarian, and homeschool graduate. He met his wife Bethany working at Spring Canyon, where they were subsequently engaged and married. They have one son, Eliot, who seems to share his father’s love of books. You can often find the Truitt family hiking, playing board games, or cooking for friends. When not teaching undergraduates or researching European economic history, Tegan likes to read classic literature. He will receive his doctorate in economics from George Mason University in May, and return to his alma mater Grove City College as Assistant Professor of Finance and Economics in July.
Topic: “Education and the Christian Vision”
Our world is a deliberate communication from God to His creatures. Secular education tends to see the hard sciences as fundamental and the humanities (art, literature, music, etc.) as mere expensive indulgences. But if all the natural world is a communication from God, then physics and chemistry do not describe fundamental reality – they describe fundamental features of our world, which point deliberately to a God who transcends that world. Conversely, the humanities offer us a unique way to represent God as His image bearers – as sub-creators and sub-communicators ourselves. These sessions will describe a mode of education ordered toward giving students this Christian vision of the world, with special attention to the questions of how, and why, parents are uniquely equipped to give heir children such an education in the home.
Guest Ambassadors: COL Rob and Tami Jassey, USA (Ret.)
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Summer Celebration #3A
2025-06-22 - 2025-06-27
Optional OCF LEAD! Local Ministry Leadership Track
Find Out More!Sessions with Tim will parallel with Summer Celebration Week 3B (OCF LEAD! Track), with shared activities and fellowship.
Speaker: Col Tim Hale, USAF (Ret.)
Tim and Jennifer Hale have been married 45 years. They served as an Air Force family for 28 of those years, experiencing 14 PCSs and living in 20+ houses. They raised three wonderful daughters who experienced too many schools to count! Through it all, a steadfast faith in God helped them not only survive but thrive. They were blessed to be loved in many different church and chapel families. The Hales have been OCF members for almost 40 years. They served with the OCF USAFA Cadet ministry while Tim was an AOC, and Tim has served on the OCF Council. Tim is currently OCF’s Area Coordinator for the Oklahoma-Kansas-North Texas area and helps lead a Bible Study at Tinker AFB.
Tim was an MC130 Special Ops pilot for most of his career, earning two Bronze Stars and four Air Medals. He understands the importance of resilience as a military professional lens and as a military husband and dad. Tim was ordained a pastor in 2015, earned an MA in Pastoral Counseling with an emphasis in Military Resilience from Liberty University. He also volunteers as a pastor to military and veterans supporting numerous organizations.
Topic: “Joyful Resilience”
“Joy-FULL Resilience” is a series of messages focused on the need to keep CHRIST as our central focus for ALL areas of life. Drawing upon a large vault of personal experiences, Tim hopes to offer Scripture-based practical insights to JOYFULLY show Christ’s love and hope at work and at home!
Guest Ambassadors: Col PK and Lindsey Carlton, USAF (Ret.)
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Summer Celebration #3B (OCF LEAD! Local Ministry Leadership Track)
2025-06-22 - 2025-06-27
OCF LEAD! Local Ministry Leadership Track
“Now is a pivotal time to equip, encourage and embolden Christian military leaders. We strongly desire to further strengthen our current local leaders and mobilize a new generation of leaders.” – Col Scott Fisher, USAF (Ret.), Executive Director of Officers’ Christian Fellowship
OCF’s Leader Equipping And Development is designed to encourage and equip OCF leaders – and potential leaders – for dynamic, Christ-centered ministries of outreach and service to positively impact the military community. Facilitated by seasoned military ministry leaders, Summer Celebration LEAD! will equip OCF Members with the essentials of local OCF ministry leadership. These sessions will parallel Summer Celebration Week 3A, with shared activities and fellowship. Come be refreshed, equipped and inspired for Christ-centered military ministry!
Speakers:
Lt Col Tom Falconer, USAF (Ret.)
Tom and Jan Falconer have been involved with OCF since 1978 and currently serve in several capacities with OCF: Colorado Springs Area Coordinator; Spring Canyon Advisory Council, Rocky Mountain OCF ROTC Coordinator and ROTC Ministry Lead at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. They reside in Colorado Springs and have two adult sons, a daughter-in-law and one granddaughter.
Lt Col Steve Wade, USAF (Ret.)
Steve Wade currently serves on the OCF Council/Board of Directors. He flew the FB-111 and 3 other aircraft as well as other staff assignments. Steve served 22 years in the Air Force. He and his wife, Rita, lead the OCF ministry at the Air Force Academy from 2003 to 2020 as the OCF Staff Couple. They reside in Colorado Springs and have two children and 9 Grandchildren.
Col Larry Simpson, USAF (Ret.)
Larry currently serves as OCF’s Director of Regional Operations. A former Air Force Human Resource Management officer, Larry served at commander, director, and division chief at various levels of assignments. Larry and Bobbie have enjoyed ministry with OCF for over 18 years. Starting in 2006, as the Family Outreach Staff Couple (2006-2020); Puget Sound Field Staff Representatives (2008-2020); and as Regional Coordinators for the Pacific Northwest Region (2021-present). Larry is the author of OCF’s devotional book, “Leader, Draw Near.” They reside in Puyallup, WA, and have three adult children and six grandchildren.
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Summer Celebration #4: Optional Fly Fishing Track!
2025-06-29 - 2025-07-04
Speaker: VADM Luke McCollum, USN (Ret.)
Vice Admiral Luke McCollum retired from the U. S Navy in 2020 after completing 37 years of service. His last assignment was in Washington DC where he served as the 14th Chief of Navy Reserve. Luke also served as corporate vice president, Walmart Inc. at its Bentonville, AR, based headquarters where he held key leadership positions in the company’s supply chain, technology, and international divisions during his 25 years with the company. He and his wife, Leanna, have been married for 41 years, raised 4 children, and share a lifelong passion of serving in the local church.
Topic: “Decision Points to Turning Points: Living Abundantly in Christ”
Luke will discuss how using God’s Word as our foundation for decision making is key to an abundant life in Christ. Using Biblical examples, personal experiences, and family testimonies, Luke will illustrate how key decision points can become life impacting turning points whether it’s raising a family at home, progressing in a career, or serving in ministry.
Guest Ambassadors: Col Chet Arnold, USMC (Ret.)
Optional Fly Fishing Track!
TSgt Ryan Padgett, USAF (Ret.) and guides from Bold Face Fly Fishing will lead Spring Canyon’s 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 approx. 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.
Make a Reservation

Summer Celebration #5 (Work Week)
2025-07-07 - 2025-07-12
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 session, there is no cost! Volunteers still get the scheduled half-day off.
For all other guests who are not working the full session, we offer a 20% discount from our standard Summer Celebration rates. 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: 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: “Did the Emotional Clue Bus Pass You By? How Your Emotional Fitness Affects & Impacts Every Area of Your Life”
Our ability (or inability) to process our emotions affects our relationship w/the Lord, our families, our friends & our co-workers. How many of us have ever been trained on our emotional fitness? How frequently do you emotionally “work out”? This week we will discuss Biblical examples of the power of emotions and learn practical exercises of how to grow & develop our emotional fitness.
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Summer Celebration #6
2025-07-13 - 2025-07-20
Speaker: CH(CDR) Jim Ellis, USN (Ret.), PhD
Jim began his military career at 18 as a Coast Guard Boatswain-mate. The Lord called him to the Navy Chaplaincy during his initial enlistment, and he served as a Navy Chaplain for 24 years, retiring in 2005. Jim received his PhD Organizational Leadership in 2004 from Regent University. Upon retirement he served as a professor at Union University and Arizona Christian University. Jim also was Chaplain for Samaritan’s Purses’, Operation Heal Our Patriots. He currently serves as the Pastor of Counseling and Care at Redemption Church, in Peoria, AZ. He and Shirley celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary in May. They have 3 daughter’s, 2 sons in law and 2 grands, Griffin (6) and Molly (3).
Topic: “Marriage as a Gospel Liturgy”
Practicing the Story of God in the rhythms of marriage is personally and corporately fulfilling. Besides the example of living faithfully in your personal relationship with Christ, marriage is the most practical and effective example of the gospel. It is “the” example most used in scripture to illustrate God’s love. Marriage as a Gospel Liturgy will examine several of the rhythms of marriage that are an example being loved and accepted by one another as Christ has loved and accepted us.
Guest Ambassadors: CMSgt Vance and Pam Clarke, USAF (Ret.)
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Summer Celebration #7
2025-07-20 - 2025-07-27
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: “The Gospel According to Romans 8”
Romans 8 is one of the most beloved chapters in the Bible. The British pastor/author, J.I. Packer, calls Romans 8 the “Mt Everest of the New Testament”. Ascending the chapter, we will explore the good news of your identity in Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit in living this identity, and how this identity brings hope in suffering.
Guest Ambassadors: Col Scott and Carolynn Johnson, USAF
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Summer Celebration #8 (Medical Week)
2025-07-27 - 2025-08-03
Speaker: Lt Col Del Tackett, 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 Ambassadors: Dr (COL) Arnie Ahnfeldt, USA (Ret.) and Dr (COL) Jeff Ginther, USA (Ret.)
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Summer Celebration #1 (Leavenworth Week)
2026-06-06 - 2026-06-13
If you are graduating from Fort Leavenworth CGSC or SAMS, Summer Celebration Week 1 is ideal for you! Those not currently living at Fort Leavenworth are also welcome!
Speaker: CH(COL) Seth George, USA
Chaplain Seth George currently serves as the Combined Arms Center Chaplain, Fort Leavenworth, KS. He graduated from high school in Murphysboro, IL, attended Covenant College, and was commissioned as a Chaplain in 1997 at Sangre de Cristo Seminary in Westcliffe, CO.
He has ministered as a chaplain at Walter Reed Army Medical Center; Tripler Army Medical Center, HI; Hohenfels and Schweinfurt, Germany; 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment at Fort Lewis, WA; 3rd Brigade Combat Team at Fort Carson, CO; Special Operations Command South, Homestead ARB, FL; Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD; and multiple roles as a chaplain and pastor at Fort Leavenworth, KS. In these roles, he has deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as Poland, Romania, and Germany.
CH George holds a Master’s Degree in Religious Studies from the University of Kansas and a Doctor of Ministry from Covenant Theological Seminary. He and his wife Sarah have three children: Katherine (19), Timothy (17) and Anne (14).
Topic: “Designed for Discipleship”
Our study will consider the design of discipleship beginning with the significance of Jesus words to his own disciples, “Beware the leaven of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” The disciples were holding tightly to a cultural faith that was fractured and fading away when Jesus entered their lives with new and unsettling questions. If the old temple design was to fall away, what new tools would the disciples need to build a living temple stone by stone? Our daily discussions will explore how Jesus uses elements of vision, pressure, testing and sacrificial love as the discipleship tools to build His church.
Guest Ambassadors: LTC Jim and Christina Harbridge, USA (Ret.)
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Summer Celebration #2
2026-06-14 - 2026-06-19
Looking for a private retreat or simple family vacation? Summer Celebration #2 will offer great optional activities, short small group devotional Bible study, and optional children’s program/babysitting with plenty of time for personal reflection or family time. This modified schedule will allow for an even slower pace and simple time away in the beauty of God’s creation at Spring Canyon. All meals included. Two-night minimum required.
Contact our Guest Services team with any questions (719) 395-2328 or reservations@springcanyon.org
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Summer Celebration #3
2026-06-21 - 2026-06-26
Speaker: LTC & Mrs. Joel Eberly, ARNG (Ret.)
After doing some really cool stuff in the Army, Joel decided to return home for college and had a 10 year successful career in the corporate world while serving in the Army National Guard part-time. Joel felt the calling to volunteer for an active duty deployment after 9-11 and stayed active until he retired at 31 total years (Legion of Merit, Bronze Star,…).
Joel has been mentioned in articles and a book, on the news several times and radio, the featured speaker or contributing presenter at numerous events, published articles, founded and led an activity group for special needs kids in the Raleigh area, volunteered in high school as a soccer coach, volunteered with numerous non-profits through the years beginning in college, is a former WMD advisor for 2 state committees – worked with Secret Service/FBI at Super Bowls and Presidential events as Commander of a special Army unit, has a Master’s Degree, started an annual 200 mile bike ride to help wounded troops/military kids,… and started numerous other events through the years. Joel is/was on the council of a non-profit, board member of another, former President of another, speaks weekly at 2 drug/alcohol addiction centers and cooks a pig for them monthly, started 7 Bible studies,… and is constantly helping people behind the scenes. Those around him truly can’t keep up with all he has done and still does that people have no clue about – people drop in/text/email/call him for encouragement/advice often.
He loves making others laugh (at his expense and doesn’t care much about what people think of him), can fix about anything, hangs out with all types of people, is an avid outdoorsman (takes people fishing and hunting), loves to play (not watch) sports, and is crazy (rode bulls in the rodeo and illegally jumped solo out of civilian planes with no formal training/certification). He reminds people he has made a ton of mistakes and still does-says he is not special and thinks he does not do enough for others but I say he is a one of a kind.
Author of The Three Hardest Things In Life (Amazon)
Topic: “The Three Hardest Things In Life”

Part 1 – Most people think they are a good person, even if not religious, but are you? Also, should we settle for being average or try to be great at a few things? Who defines “good person or good Christian” and why is it so hard?
Part 2 – People in relationships/marriage for a long while will tell you that it is tough to always call it “great” and some will even sadly say it was often bad. We will share deep tips from each other and of course, the Bible.
Part 3 – Any idiot can have kids and put in little effort to raise them to the point where they can take care of themselves – the third hardest thing in life is to raise them right. How do you define “right”?

If you are not married or don’t have kids, you will still enjoy those parts of the presentation because the information can be used to help others (God may bring you a soulmate, you may be an aunt/mentor/…). Also, sadly all of us adults need a refresher in the various topics.
Guest Ambassadors: CAPT Jim and Sandy Speicher, USN (Ret.)
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Summer Celebration #4A
2026-06-28 - 2026-07-03
Speaker: Brig Gen Robert G. Armfield, USAF (Ret.)
Brigadier General Robert Gwyn Armfield, USAF (ret) served as a special operations leader in units and assignments around the world before he and his wife Catherine settled in northwest Florida. In this season of life, they are serving in their local church leading a program for at risk students and enjoy mentoring young military families. Gwyn is the co-author of the book Lead to Serve and Serve to Lead: Leading Well in Turbulent Times with former OCF Executive Director Lt Gen Bruce Fister (ret).
Topic: “Philippians: Finding Purpose and Joy”
Philippians offers us the opportunity to center our lives on Jesus by humbly putting others first and discovering the deep joy of relying on Christ’s strength. During our time together at Summer Celebration 4A, we will explore and discuss Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi and how we apply this wisdom to our lives.
Guest Ambassadors: Col Scott and Carolynn Johnson, USAF (Ret.)
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Summer Celebration #4B (Women's Track)
2026-06-28 - 2026-07-03
Uniformed women and military wives will spend time building friendship connections, enjoying time to hang out as women who are experiencing the breadth of life’s ages and stages – all while being equipped to face their next set of challenges.
Speaker: LTC Brittany Simmons, USA (Ret.)
Brittany (USMA ‘02) served in the US Army Military Police for 20 years, leading at multiple levels, including Platoon Leader, Company Command, and Battalion Commander. She is married to Jack Simmons (USAF Reserves). They currently reside in Fishers, Indiana with their sons, Peter (13) and Luke (9). Brittany currently serves as the COO/CFO and a coach with Arrowhead Leadership Consulting. At Grace Fishers Church, she serves on the governing board, as a member of the Women’s Groups Leading Leaders Team, and as a women’s small group leader. She enjoys traveling with her family, watching/coaching sports, listening to podcasts, and occasionally decorating a cake. She has a passion for developing women leaders and equipping fellow Christians to positively engage the world around them for Jesus.
Meet Brittany on a recent OCF Crosspoint Podcast episode!
Topic: “Armor of God”
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Summer Celebration #5
2026-07-05 - 2026-07-12
Speaker: COL Jim Brown, USA (Ret.)
James (Jim) Brown is a graduate of West Point and served for 31 years as a Military Police and Foreign Area Officer. He has an M.A. from Georgetown University and the Naval War College. Jim commanded two brigades in Iraq and a battalion in Germany and Kosovo. He was also the Defense Attache to Germany and is German linguist. He served 11 years in the Intel Community and is currently a Strategic and Defense Advisor and German cultural advisor. An avid marathoner and world traveler, Jim loves to give back and mentor or coach where called. Jim is married to Cindy for over 40 years and they have two children and three grandchildren in Vicenza, Italy.
Topic: “Committed to Christ: Peter’s Transformation from Fisherman to Church Father”
Like Peter, God’s plan for our life often expands the vision and scope of our own faith journey. Together we will reflect on key points in Peter’s life that transformed the way he followed Christ and served others.
The life and ministry of Peter and the comparisons of his journey and our journey of calling; service with challenges and sacrifice; blessings of seeing lives changed; and being refined and changed ourselves. Peter lived in a period of unprecedented change, globalization, and political turmoil. He was called to be a key leader in serving as one of the 12 disciples of Christ and in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ and establishing His Church. We serve in a time that has many similarities to Peter’s and we are charged to continue the legacy of his service with our own. Through this week, we will journey together to explore key wave points Peter’s journey and to consider our own.
Guest Ambassadors: TBD
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Summer Celebration #6
2026-07-12 - 2026-07-19
Speaker: Pastor Keith Peck
Keith and Gale currently serve OCF in the role of Pastoral Care. They have ministered at White Sulphur Springs for the past 40 years and more recently at Spring Canyon. Keith is currently pastor emeritus at Mercy Presbyterian Church. He and Gale ministered in Annapolis for 30 years, serving the Nav, Cru and OCF ministries at the USNA. They enjoy 5 children and 19 grandchildren.
Topic: “Knowing, Trusting & Following the God Who Leads”
The God revealed in Scripture is a God who guides His people. But sometimes His leading leaves us perplexed, angry, confused. God, what in the world are you doing? Other times our problems are too thorny, our decisions too complex and our perspective too narrow for us to find our own way. God, show me your will? Give me wisdom to follow you.. Together we’ll explore the Bible’s call to walk by faith, trusting our Great Shepherd whose leading is constant.
Guest Ambassadors: CMSgt Vance and Pam Clarke, USAF (Ret.)
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Summer Celebration #7A
2026-07-19 - 2026-07-26
Optional OCF LEAD! Local Ministry Leadership Track
Find Out More!Sessions with Jay will parallel with Summer Celebration Week 7B (OCF LEAD! Track), with shared activities and fellowship.
Speaker: Jay Seegert
Author, international speaker and Director of the Starting Point Project, Jay holds degrees in Physics and Engineering Technology. He is also the past President of Logos Research Associates (world’s largest group of scientists who are Christians and biblical creationists). Jay has been lecturing on science and the authority of Scripture for 41 years.
Topic: “Defending the Christian Faith”
God is the Creator of life and the universe, and the Bible is the Word of God. Are you positioned to powerfully and graciously defend those two core Christian beliefs? This seminar will equip you with answers, enabling you to confidently reach the world for Christ!
Guest Ambassadors: COL Steve and Miriam Shambach, USA (Ret.)
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Summer Celebration #7B (OCF LEAD! Local Ministry Leadership Track)
2026-07-19 - 2026-07-26
OCF LEAD! Local Ministry Leadership Track
“Now is a pivotal time to equip, encourage and embolden Christian military leaders. We strongly desire to further strengthen our current local leaders and mobilize a new generation of leaders.” – Col Scott Fisher, USAF (Ret.), Executive Director of Officers’ Christian Fellowship
OCF’s Leader Equipping And Development is designed to encourage and equip OCF leaders – and potential leaders – for dynamic, Christ-centered ministries of outreach and service to positively impact the military community. Facilitated by seasoned military ministry leaders, Summer Celebration LEAD! will equip OCF Members with the essentials of local OCF ministry leadership. These sessions will parallel Summer Celebration Week 7A, with shared activities and fellowship. Come be refreshed, equipped and inspired for Christ-centered military ministry!
Speakers:
Lt Col Tom Falconer, USAF (Ret.)
Tom and Jan Falconer have been involved with OCF since 1978 and currently serve in several capacities with OCF: Colorado Springs Area Coordinator; Spring Canyon Advisory Council, Rocky Mountain OCF ROTC Coordinator and ROTC Ministry Lead at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. They reside in Colorado Springs and have two adult sons, a daughter-in-law and one granddaughter.
Lt Col Steve Wade, USAF (Ret.)
Steve Wade currently serves on the OCF Council/Board of Directors. He flew the FB-111 and 3 other aircraft as well as other staff assignments. Steve served 22 years in the Air Force. He and his wife, Rita, lead the OCF ministry at the Air Force Academy from 2003 to 2020 as the OCF Staff Couple. They reside in Colorado Springs and have two children and 9 Grandchildren.
Col Larry Simpson, USAF (Ret.)
Larry currently serves as OCF’s Director of Regional Operations. A former Air Force Human Resource Management officer, Larry served at commander, director, and division chief at various levels of assignments. Larry and Bobbie have enjoyed ministry with OCF for over 18 years. Starting in 2006, as the Family Outreach Staff Couple (2006-2020); Puget Sound Field Staff Representatives (2008-2020); and as Regional Coordinators for the Pacific Northwest Region (2021-present). Larry is the author of OCF’s devotional book, “Leader, Draw Near.” They reside in Puyallup, WA, and have three adult children and six grandchildren.
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Summer Celebration #8 (Medical Week)
2026-07-26 - 2026-08-02
Speaker: Dr. Al Weir, MD

Dr. Al Weir is board certified in Internal Medicine, with certifications in hematology and oncology. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, and was a Fellow in Hematology and Oncology at the University of Alabama Birmingham. After leaving academic medicine, Dr. Al Weir served in private practice at the West Clinic in Memphis, TN from 1991-2005 before joining the CMDA staff as Vice President of Campus and Community Ministries where he served for 3 years from 2005-2008.He is presently Professor of Medicine at University of Tennessee Heath Science Center and previous Program Director for their Hematology/Oncology fellowship program. Throughout his career, Dr. Weir has acted in many important leadership roles, including Internal Medicine Consultant for Eku Baptist Hospital in Eku, Nigeria from 1983-1985. He is now a board member of the Albanian Health Fund, an educational evangelism ministry to Albania where he has been serving for 32 years. He has twice been president of the national Christian Medical & Dental Associations.
In addition to his specialties, Dr. Weir’s major area of interest is the practical aspect of living out the Christian life as a doctor.
He is the author of three books: When Your Doctor Has Bad News (Zondervan, 2003) and Practice by the Book (CMDA, 2005) and Whispers (CMDA 2015). He has contributed chapters for Handbook of Medicine in Developing Countries and served as Editor for The Doctor’s Bible, collaboration between CMDA and Holman Bible Publishers. He and his wife, Becky have three children, six grandchildren and live in Germantown, Tennessee.

Topic: “Listening to God”

We spend so much time talking to God that we often fail to Listen. Listening is far more than silence and hearing. It involves that at times, but most of our listening is listening while we run in a crazy, busy life that God has given us. We listen to relate, listen for direction, listen for power, listen for forgiveness and much more. Dr. Weir will be sharing from his life as a physician in Christ who has been serving veterans as a Christian oncologist for the past 16 years, and from his life before. More importantly, he hopes everyone that attends will be sharing as well.

Guest Ambassadors: Dr (COL) Arnie Ahnfeldt, USA (Ret.) and Dr (COL) Jeff Ginther, USA (Ret.)
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