Spring Canyon Conference Center

Rocky Mountain High #2
2025-06-15 - 2025-06-22 | Spring Canyon Conference Center, 26000 County Road 344, Buena Vista, CO, 81211
Mentor: Lt Col Jeff Miller, USAFR (Ret)
Jeff is a USAFA Grad, class of 1988. He retired after 35 years of service in 2024. During his career, he spent all but three years as an Instructor Pilot in both the Air Force and Navy Reserve. As a RMH mentor, his hope is to strengthen officers’ and cadets’ connection to Jesus Christ so that they are equipped and empowered to enjoy and serve him as they lead on the mission field that is our nation’s military.
Co-Mentor: LT Keith Holmes, USCG
Keith is a 2017 USCGA graduate and has served 2 years on CGC Alder followed by 2 years at flight school, and is currently at Coast Guard Air Station Astoria.
His goal is to support and equip current and future military officers as intentional leaders in the military, their local communities, and individual families by developing a Christian worldview grounded in the truth of God’s Word and a relationship with Jesus Christ.
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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 #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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Rocky Mountain High #1
2025-06-01 - 2025-06-08
Mentor: Lt Col Paul Homan, USAF (Ret)
Paul served 20 years in the Air Force as a Meteorologist, Commander, and Professor. He served on deployment to Iraq in 2007. He would love for all involved with RMH to walk away knowing that God has called them first to himself and then to be on mission, ministering to all those around them in both the military and civilian society, spreading the gospel wherever the Lord leads them.
Co-Mentor: LTC Tyler Jones, USA
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Dedication Retreat
2025-05-23 - 2025-05-26
Official schedule will be forthcoming but will include speaking sessions and topic around LEGACY. Childcare will be provided for ages 0-12.
On Sunday, we’ll name/dedicate four buildings–the new Columbine Cabin; the former Meaders’ house to “Meaders” after COL George and Dot Meaders, USA (Ret.); rename the current Meaders Cabin to “Banning” after Larry and Kay Banning, and name the Camp Buxton quarters to “Hammond” after COL Roy and Patti Hammond, USA (Ret.).
More information to come.
Costs
Adults/Teens (13+): $310
Youth (6-12) $218
Child (3-5) $109
Infants (0-2) Free
For shorter stays, please email reservations@springcanyon.org to inquire about availability.
Retreat ReservationOnly attending the dedication event? Those attending the ceremony and lunch ONLY are asked to register for RSVP purposes even though there is no charge for the day event and lunch. Register here:
Dedication Only Registration

Chaplains' Family Retreat
2025-05-02 - 2025-05-04
Speaker: CH (MG) Doug Carver, USA (Ret.)
Chaplain Carver is the Executive Director of Chaplaincy for the Southern Baptist Convention’s North American Mission Board. He retired from military service in 2011 with 38 years as a commissioned officer, serving at every level of the Army. He and his wife, Sunny, celebrate 50 years of marriage and live in Charlotte, NC, near their two daughters and five grandchildren.
Topic: “Christian Character: A Study of the Beatitudes”
Members of the Armed Services have the unique privilege of going to work every day with heroes. Does your idea of a hero include someone poor in spirit? Meek? Merciful? In this study of Matthew 5:1-12, we will study the eight virtues that define Christian character as seen in the life of Jesus Christ, the Hero of Heaven.
Guest Ambassadors: COL and Mrs. Arnie Ahnfeldt, USA (Ret.)
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Spring Break Service and Adventure Week
2025-03-21 - 2025-03-30
Students, Cadets and Midshipmen –
Join Us for Spring Break Service & Adventure Week!
Spring Break Service & Adventure Week at OCF’s Spring Canyon Conference Center is a win-win event geared for you!
Work side-by-side with fellow future leaders in a variety of maintenance and construction projects. Be equipped and encouraged by Spring Canyon staff who have “walked the walk” as Christian military leaders. Enjoy great local activities in the Rocky Mountains: skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, hot springs and more! Your service helps make life-changing ministry possible!
If you plan to only attend part of the week, please come for at least 4 nights. Contact reservations@springcanyon.org with your exact dates.
Participants pay for their own travel and adventure excursions.
All meal and lodging costs are covered by Spring Canyon.
Questions? Call (719) 395-2328 or email reservations@springcanyon.org
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Rocky Mountain ROTC Spiritual Fitness Retreat 2025
2025-02-14 - 2025-02-16
Come grow as a “Servant-Leader” who integrates faith and profession. This retreat is for you as future Christian military officers! Contact Lt Col Tom Falconer, USAF (Ret.) with questions at (719) 661-2442 or tbirdUSL75@gmail.com.
Speaker: Lt Col Tom Falconer, USAF (Ret.) and Bobby Rainbolt
Topic: “Jesus’ Model of Servant Leadership”
Price:
$100 for Cadets, Midshipmen, and Enlisted
$150 for Company Grade Officers
$225 for Adults
Schedule:
Optional Dinner Friday at 1730. RSVP Required! No cost for cadets/mids. $15 additional cost for all other adults; $10.50 additional cost for ages 3-12.
Session begins Friday, 14 February 2025 at 1830
Ends Sunday, 16 February 2025 at 1330 (after lunch)
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RMH Mentor Retreat
2025-02-14 - 2025-02-16
Our Spring Canyon Outdoor staff is inviting all past, present, and future RMH Mentors to attend the Rocky Mountain High Mentor Conference. If you get here, your room and board will be covered by Spring Canyon. Attending this conference does not require, nor does it guarantee, that you will be a mentor for the upcoming summer. The purpose of this annual conference will be professional/spiritual development for a growing cadre of RMH mentors that are unified in supporting the OCF/Rocky Mountain High mission (Psalm 133). If you cannot attend in person, let us know so that we can make sure you have the link for portions of the conference that will be live streamed. During the conference, we will engage in workshops concerning these issues:

Understanding the scope of the OCF RMH ministry.
Discussing the current cultural climate in the military, and learning how to mentor RMHers with regard to the issues they will face.
Relationship building, benchmarking, and networking for the sustained encouragement and mentorship of our cadre of RMH mentors.

Make a ReservationIf you’d like to be a mentor for summer 2025, please fill out the appropriate application below. However, you are not required to complete an application in order to attend this retreat.
2025 First time mentor application2025 alumni mentor application

Connections & Conversations Retreat #2
2025-02-06 - 2025-02-09
The Connections and Conversations Retreat is for homeschooled students in grades 9-12 (ages 14-18). This retreat is designed to connect high school students to a larger community while engaging them in the art of discussion and building fun, new relationships. There will be opportunities for fellowship, discussion, games, rock climbing, hiking, possibly tubing if there is enough snow and more. This retreat is geared toward those enrolled in the Classical Conversations Challenge I-IV programs, but all homeschooled high school students are welcome.
Andy Truitt, former Classical Conversations National Director, will be leading the sessions and the parent chaperones will lead the breakout groups. Past students who have attended this retreat have said it was “life-changing” and “…wish I could do this several times a year.”
Our discussion will be based on a book, short articles or stories.
Please plan to arrive between 6pm and 7pm on Thursday (no dinner available on the first night, so eat before your arrival) and depart at 10:30am on Sunday.
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Winter Retreat 3
2024-12-29 - 2025-01-03
Speaker: CH(MAJ) Tom Strong, USA (Ret.)
Tom & Jeri celebrated 40 years of marriage in May 2024 & reside in Colorado Springs. They have two adult sons & one grandchild.
Tom has a background of strategy, projects, and leadership for personnel and organizational development. He *graduated* (retired) from the military in 2018 having served as a US Navy Nuclear Submarine Officer & a US Army Chaplain. He invested the last 6 years developing & coaching leaders in the construction industry.
Tom’s education includes a BSc. in Chemical and Petroleum Refining Engineering from Colorado School of Mines, an MDiv from Trinity International University, and a Master of Executive Leadership from Liberty University.
Topic: “Bringing A Kingdom of God Mindset into Your Arenas of Life”
Jesus said our top priority is to … “seek first the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 6.33). But what does that mean to us individually? How does it work in the arenas of life? What role is the church to play? How do we keep the LORD primary in the busyness of life? What happens when we don’t get it right? Our aim is to understand & practice more of a Kingdom-mindset in our approach to life.
Guest Ambassadors: Dr (COL) Luke and Karen Hofmann, USA, MD
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Winter Retreat 2
2024-12-23 - 2024-12-28
Speaker: Chaplain (COL) Steve Peck, USA (Ret.)
Chaplain (Colonel) Steve Peck, USA retired in 2024 after 40 years of serving in the Army Reserve (5 years), ROTC (2 years) and Active Duty (33 years). He has served as enlisted helicopter Crew Chief and Infantry officer, including Operation Desert Storm, and served his last 27 years as a chaplain. He is a graduate of Texas A&M, earned a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, an MMAS from the U.S. Command & General Staff College, and studied as an Army War College Fellow. He and Suzanne have been married 23 years and have four great military kids. They serve on the Club Beyond Board of Directors and volunteer with their local church, Younglife, and The MomCo.
Topic: “Rescue”
God’s “arrival” on earth at Christmas initiated the rescue plan that defines all of history. God has rescued his people, both collectively and individually, and he continues working through his people to extend the reach of that rescue plan and his coming kingdom.
Guest Ambassadors: Byron and Lisa Sims
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Winter Retreat 1
2024-12-18 - 2024-12-23
Speaker: Colonel Dale Holland, USAF (Ret.)
Colonel (Ret.) Dale Holland is a 30-year U.S. Air Force veteran from Hooper, CO. He graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1987 and has commanded Special Operations Forces in Iraq, Africa and Europe as well as serving some of our nation’s key civilian leaders in the Pentagon. He is a seasoned combat pilot with over 6,700 hours of flying experience in both fixed and rotary-wing aircraft and continues to serve today as an airline pilot. His leadership experience over the last 40 years ranges from small teams to large complex organizations, both overseas and here at home. Serving as the Vice Commandant of Cadets for the U.S. Air Force Academy was one of the highlights of his career and an amazing opportunity to pass on his passion for leadership to the next generation. His greatest blessing; however, is his lovely wife, Debi, and their 5 children.
Topic: “Joy in Obedience”
Moving away from the feeling, “I have to obey” towards, “I get to obey.” How do we find joy in obeying when we really don’t feel like obeying what we know God is calling us to do?
Guest Ambassadors: Maj Joel and Pat Heath, USA (Ret.)
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Connections & Conversations Retreat #1
2024-11-14 - 2024-11-17

Climb Together #3
2024-09-27 - 2024-09-29
Come join us for a weekend full of mountain adventure with your 8-13 year olds!
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Aspentime 2024
2024-09-20 - 2024-09-22
Speaker: Dean Rizzo
Dean Rizzo is a long time OCF member from the 1980s when he was active duty Army. God used OCF to change his life. His wife, Susan, has been an OCF member even longer and it was Sue that encouraged Dean to attend a local OCF Bible study when they were first married and stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. Dean attended with lots of reservations, but God pursued and Dean finally surrendered his life to Christ in 1988 as a newly promoted Captain. Dean and Sue have a long relationship with Spring Canyon also. They would love to tell you the story if you are interested. Dean currently works as a federal govt civilian at Evans Army Community Hospital on Fort Carson and attends an OCF Bible study with young LTs and ROTC cadets in Colorado Springs.
Topic: “Soulwork Everyday”
We can experience God’s presence each day. We should and we can. We need God’s Word and His Spirit — that’s what changes us and shapes us to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. This is truly soul work — deep down to the depths of our being. God’s presence strikes a chord within us like no other. Come enjoy a weekend of fellowship OCF-style with plenty of God’s Word and prayer and iron sharpening iron.
Guest Ambassador: COL Steve and Miriam Shambach, USA (Ret.)
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Climb Together #2
2024-09-13 - 2024-09-15

Rocky Mountain High #8
2024-07-27 - 2024-08-03
Mentor: Col Hous Waring, USAF (Ret.)
Co-Mentor: Lt Col Mike Weeks, USAF
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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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Rocky Mountain High #7
2024-07-20 - 2024-07-27
Mentor: LTC John Cross, USA (Ret.)
Co-Mentor: Mr. Rob Allen
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Father Teen Adventure #7 (Father-Daughter)
2024-07-20 - 2024-07-27
Mentors: Col Hous Waring, USAF (Ret.) & Isobel (Waring) Sallah
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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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Rocky Mountain High #6
2024-07-13 - 2024-07-20
Mentor: Lt Col Paul Homan, USAF (Ret.)
Co-Mentor: Lt Col Patrick Jackson, USAF
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Father Teen Adventure #6 (Father-Son)
2024-07-13 - 2024-07-20
Mentor: Col Rick Kuhlman, USAFR (Ret.)
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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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Father Teen Adventure #5 (Father-Son)
2024-07-06 - 2024-07-13

Rocky Mountain High #5
2024-07-06 - 2024-07-13
Mentor: Maj Tim Tormey, USMC (Ret.)
Co-Mentor: CDR Lars Tormey, USCG
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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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Rocky Mountain High #4 (International Week)
2024-06-29 - 2024-07-06
Mentor: COL Andy MacLean, USA (Ret.) & Mrs. Corrie Frederickson
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Father Teen Adventure #4 (Father-Son)
2024-06-29 - 2024-07-06
