Spring Canyon Conference Center

Rocky Mountain ROTC Spiritual Fitness Retreat
2023-02-17 - 2023-02-19 | Spring Canyon Conference Center, 26000 County Road 344, Buena Vista, CO, 81211
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 Kate Toms, Ph.D., USAF
Topic:
“Love Your God with All Your Mind…Because It Matters What You Think!”

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, 17 February 2023 at 1830
Ends Sunday, 19 February 2023 at 1330 (after lunch)
Make a Reservation

Spring Break Service & Adventure Week
2023-03-24 - 2023-03-31
Students, Cadets and Midshipmen – Join Us for Spring Break Service & Adventure Week!
Spring Canyon Retreat and Conference Center
March 24-31, 2023
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!
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
Register Here!

OCF Local Leader Conference
2023-03-31 - 2023-04-02
A gathering of OCF Local Leaders–and those interested in becoming Local Leaders–who seek to develop a vision for grassroots ministry by studying the Word, praying together, and sharing lessons learned with peers.
To reach a dispersed and transient military community scattered across 4,800 locations in 160 countries, OCF makes an impact by engaging military leaders in biblical fellowship through small groups, all led by Local Leaders. As Local Leaders around the world pursue the same vision of seeing the military community impacted through Christlike leaders, it’s vital to set aside time to come together, encourage and equip one another, and be refreshed to go back to local ministries.
To that end, OCF will host its annual Local Leader Conference, an interactive, workshop-based weekend in which attendees are participants, not just recipients. Plenary sessions, led by OCF Director of Field Engagement Hous Waring, and a variety of practical workshops will enable Local Leaders–and those interested in becoming Local Leaders–to develop a vision for grassroots ministry. For the first time ever, OCF’s two conference centers are hosting this event simultaneously, enabling real-time interaction among conference participants across the country.
Price:
$200 per person
$150 for CGOs
$100 for enlisted
FREE! $100 for cadets and mids

Childcare provided for ages 0-12. Prices below for any children that attend.
$160 for 0-12 year old dependents (includes childcare)
$120 for 13-18 year old dependents (no childcare)
Speakers:

Plenary Sessions: “Vision for Military Ministry” and “Why OCF?”
with Col Hous Waring, USAF (Ret.), OCF Director of Field Engagement

Spring Canyon: “OCF – Purpose, Mission and Vision”
with LTC Colin Wooten, USA (Ret.), OCF Director of Operations

Spring Canyon: “Foundations of Resilience”
with Col Tim Hale, USAF (Ret.), Area Coordinator for Oklahoma, Sheppard AFB and McConnell AFB

Spring Canyon: “Ministering Effectively in the Military Community”
with Lt Col Tom Falconer, USAF (Ret.), Area Coordinator for Colorado Springs

Spring Canyon: “What’s Happening in the OCF Mountain/Central Region”
with Col Steve and Miriam Shambach, USA (Ret.), Mountain/Central Regional Coordinator Team
Register Today!

OCF's 15th Annual Chaplains' Family Retreat
2023-05-05 - 2023-05-07
The OCF Chaplains’ Family Retreat at Spring Canyon provides restoration, recreation, and refreshment for military chaplains and their families. With inspiring teaching, delicious family-style meals, and great activities for all ages, this is an opportunity to reconnect with friends and family and be refreshed in your own ministry. Let our world-class staff serve you and your family during this relaxing spring vacation. Make the OCF Chaplains’ Family Retreat your “vacation with a purpose!”
Price:
$100 for adults (13 and above) and $70 for children (3-12); ages 0-2 are Free
Children’s program for ages 0-12 provided at no extra cost
Speaker:
CH(MG) Doug Carver, USA (Ret.)
Chaplain (Major General) Doug Carver, US Army, retired, is the Executive Director of Chaplaincy for the Southern Baptist Convention’s North American Mission Board. An advocate for the religious liberty of service members, veterans, and their families, he oversees the professional and pastoral support to 3700 Southern Baptist Chaplains who minister in various institutional settings in the United States and around the world.
Prior to joining the North American Mission Board, he was the Army’s 22nd Chief of Chaplains (2007-2011), leading and serving over 2900 chaplains supporting the religious and pastoral needs of our 1.2 million soldiers and families. Chaplain Carver served at every level of the Army, from platoon to the Department of the Army Staff. At the beginning of the Iraq War in 2003, he served as the senior military chaplain in the combat theater of operations.
A native of Rome, Georgia, he and his wife, Sunny, celebrate 49 years of marriage and reside in Charlotte, North Carolina near their two daughters and five grandchildren.
Topic:
“Endure To the End!”
In these times of rolling traumas, we need a constant reminder of the prevailing power Jesus has given believers to live victorious and hope-filled lives. How do we fulfill Jesus’ command to “endure to the end”?
Guest Ambassadors:
COL and Mrs. Arnie Ahnfeldt, USA (Ret.)
Register Today!

Climb Together #1
2023-05-12 - 2023-05-14
Join Us Today!
If you are ready to join us for an amazing weekend with your 8- to 13-year-old children in Colorado’s stunning Rocky Mountains, please sign up online.
Find out more here.
Make a Reservation

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.
Make a Reservation

FTA #2 (Father-Daughter)
2023-06-10 - 2023-06-17
Mentors: Col Kim Hawthorne, USAF (Ret.) & Mrs. Amy Grace Jacobs (née Hawthorne)

Make a Reservation

RMH #2 (International Week)
2023-06-10 - 2023-06-17
Lead Mentor:
COL Andy MacLean, USA (Ret.)
Co-Mentor:
CPT Jonathan Dotson, USA
Make a Reservation

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!
Make a Reservation

FTA #3 (Father-Son)
2023-06-17 - 2023-06-24
Lead Mentor:
Rick Kuhlman
Make a Reservation

RMH #3
2023-06-17 - 2023-06-24
Lead Mentor:
LTC John Cross, USA (Ret.)
Co-Mentor:
Rob Allen
Make a Reservation

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
Make a Reservation

FTA #4 (Father-Son)
2023-06-24 - 2023-07-01

RMH #4
2023-06-24 - 2023-07-01
Lead Mentor:
Lt Col Jon Krause, USAF (Ret.)
Co-Mentor:
LT Brent & LT Bridget Sacks, USN
Cancelled, call 719-395-2328 if this is the only week you can attend.
Make a Reservation

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.)
Make a Reservation

FTA #5 (Father-Son)
2023-07-01 - 2023-07-08

RMH #5
2023-07-01 - 2023-07-08
Lead Mentor:
Lt Col Michael Weeks, USAF (Ret.)
Co-Mentor:
LT Keith Holmes, USCG
Make a Reservation

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.)
Make a Reservation

Father Teen Adventure #5
2023-07-06 - 2023-07-13
Speakers: TBD
Topic: TBD
Guest Ambassadors: TBD
Make a Reservation

FTA #6 (Father-Son)
2023-07-08 - 2023-07-15

RMH #6
2023-07-08 - 2023-07-15
Lead Mentor:
Maj Tim Tormey, USMC (Ret.)
Co-Mentor:
Maj Emily Holcomb, USA
Make a Reservation

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.)
Make a Reservation

FTA #7 (Father-Daughter)
2023-07-15 - 2023-07-22
Mentors: Col Dale Holland, USAF (Ret.) & Mrs. Leah Bowman (née Holland)
Make a Reservation

RMH #7
2023-07-15 - 2023-07-22
Lead Mentor:
Col. Hous Waring, USAF (Ret.)
Co-Mentor:
Col. Jackie Breeden, USAF (Ret.)
Make a Reservation

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
Make a Reservation

RMH #8
2023-07-22 - 2023-07-29
Lead Mentor:
Col. PK Carlton, USAF (Ret.)
Co-Mentor:
Aaron Sherbondy
Make a Reservation

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.
Make a Reservation

Climb Together #2
2023-09-15 - 2023-09-17

Aspentime 2023
2023-09-22 - 2023-09-24
Speaker:
CH(MAJ) Jake Snodgrass, USA
Chaplain Jacob Snodgrass is a native of Ames, OK, and graduated from the University of Oklahoma and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Applied Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City. He was commissioned from ROTC in 2002, and has served as a Chaplain since 2009, endorsed by the Southern Baptist Convention. He currently serves as the 10th Special Forces Group Chaplain and as the lead pastor of Agape Carson, Fort Carson, CO.

Chaplain Snodgrass has served numerous assignments as a chaplain, pastor, and church planter, including Camp Humphreys, Korea; Fort Lewis, WA; and Kandahar, Afghanistan. He was named U.S. Army Chaplain of the Year in 2019.

Chaplain Snodgrass has been married for 18 years to the former Heather Dostal of Leakenheath, UK and they have six kids, Manuel 24, Karmen 22, Gage 15, Boyce 14, Jovie 11, and Bennett 8.

Topic:
“Spiritual Formation: A Counter-Cultural Approach to Spiritual Renewal”
In this transformative weekend, participants will explore the profound concept of spiritual formation through the lens of renowned authors such as John Mark Comer, Dallas Willard, John Ortberg, and Donald Whitney. Attendees will uncover principles and practices that challenge contemporary ideals, emphasizing the necessity of community in the pursuit of spiritual growth. Through interactive discussions, activities, and real-life applications, leaders will discover how to build and sustain a vibrant military ministry while fostering personal renewal in an increasingly secular world and military.
Guest Ambassador:
COL Steve and Miriam Shambach, USA (Ret.)
Register for Event

Climb Together #3
2023-09-29 - 2023-10-01
