A series of week-long retreats featuring outstanding programs for all ages!

The cornerstone of Spring Canyon programs, Summer Celebration is a series of week-long retreats featuring outstanding programs for couples, singles and families! Regardless of your age and stage of life – or where you are on your spiritual journey – you will find practical Biblical encouragement, rest and refreshing, great meals, and access to unlimited outdoor adventures. Teens and children have the opportunity to grow in their faith and build lasting friendships through exciting age-appropriate adventures under the guidance of our exceptional teaching staff. Invite your family members, friends, or small group fellowship to enjoy life together at Spring Canyon!

A Typical Celebration Week

Every Summer Celebration is designed to provide our guests with a refreshing balance of scheduled activities and plenty of free time. During your stay, you can expect:

  • Delicious home-cooked meals served family-style in our historic Hartley Holmes Lodge three times daily.
  • Lodge & cabin accommodations with wood-burning fireplaces & gorgeous mountain views for seven nights.
  • Walking access to the Colorado Trail, scenic Cottonwood Lake, our very own beaver ponds & more.
  • Discount passes to local attractions & a variety of outdoor activities.
  • Exciting, age-appropriate programs for children & teens with Biblically-sound curriculum.
  • Outstanding seasonal & full-time staff members devoted to serving you.
  • Vibrant teaching & small group discussions for adults.

Children’s Program

Our children’s program, features wilderness-based educational activities rooted in Biblical truth. We hire incredible young teachers from across the country each summer and strive for a teacher-child ratio of 1:5 at all times. All teachers must be CPR, First Aid and MinistrySafe certified. Children are grouped by ages (0-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12) and activities include arts and crafts, exploring God’s creation, archery, fishing, and indoor rock climbing.

Teen Program

The teen program at Spring Canyon is intended for ages 13-18 and features Biblical discussions, exciting group activities, team challenges, and outdoor adventures. All teachers must be CPR, First Aid and MinistrySafe certified. Teen activities include team building, kayaking, high ropes course, overnight camping and more.

Additional Childcare

Additional childcare is available by request during your stay at Spring Canyon. Childcare is provided by our seasonal teaching staff and can be scheduled at our main office in Hartley Holmes Lodge. We kindly ask that all childcare requests be made a minimum of 24 hours in advance for scheduling purposes. Childcare is offered at an additional cost.

Summer Celebration 2024 Schedule

Speaker: CH(MAJ) Josh Grimes, USA • Topic: "A Praying Life" • Guest Ambassadors: LTC Jim and Christina Harbridge, USA (Ret.)

Speaker: Tegan Truitt • Topic: "Education and the Cultivation of the Soul" • Guest Ambassadors: LTC Bruce Verde, USA (Ret.)

Summer Celebration #3

June 21 - June 28

Speaker: Brig Gen Gwyn Armfield, USAF (Ret.) • Topic: "Living a Life of Godly Purpose" • Guest Ambassadors: TBD

Summer Celebration #4

June 28 - July 5

Speaker: COL Kevin Bouren, USA (Ret.) • Topic: "Discipleship" • Guest Ambassadors: Col. Chet and Michelle Arnold, USMC (Ret.)

Summer Celebration #5

July 5 - July 12

Speaker: CH(COL) Bob Phillips, USA (Ret.) • Topic: "Grace, Grit, Glory and Good: A Study in The Book of Titus" • Guest Ambassadors: Lt Col Rob and Sarah Crespo, USAF

• Speaker: Brig Gen Jeff Hurlburt, USAF (Ret.) • Topic: "Biblical Humility" • Guest Ambassadors: TSgt Ryan and Krisha Padgett, USAF (Ret.)

Summer Celebration #7

July 19 - July 26

Speaker: Pastor Keith Peck • Topic: Proverbs: Living Wisely in an Age of Folly • Guest Ambassadors: COL Steve and Miriam Shambach, USA (Ret.)

Speaker: Gene Rudd • Topic: “Close Encounters with Jesus” • Guest Ambassadors: Dr (COL) Arnie Ahnfeldt, USA (Ret.) and Dr (COL) Jeff Ginther, USA (Ret.)

Celebrate Your Way

We know just how valuable it is to spend time together, especially for the military family, and we want to make sure that you are able to get the most out of your Colorado vacation during your stay. This is why extended free time is built into every day of Summer Celebration, enabling our guests to partake in all that the Rocky Mountains have to offer. Many activities can be enjoyed right here on our 107-acre property, or within minutes of Spring Canyon. Featured here are just a few of the many additional opportunities available to you during your stay at Spring Canyon:

Available at Spring Canyon:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing in our High Alpine Ponds
  • Fishing gear – no license needed in our ponds
  • Archery Range
  • Gaga Ball
  • Hammocks, Frisbees, Cornhole, Balls, etc. available for check-out
  • On-Property hiking
  • Indoor Rock Climbing
  • Paint Party!
  • Pilates
  • Explore the Colorado Trail
  • Hike to Cottonwood Lake
  • Game Room
  • Fly Fishing lessons (add’l cost)
  • Laundry Facilities
  • Canyon Coffeehouse (specialty coffee and tea drinks)
  • Western Concert & Barn Dance
  • Bonfire & S’mores (fire restrictions may prohibit)
  • Talent Night
  • Guided Hike

Available in Buena Vista & the surrounding area:

Activities are optional and may involve additional fees.

“Thank you for an exceptional experience! You provided us with wonderful time to spend together as a family. This was life-changing.”

2024 Summer Celebration Pricing

1 NIGHT 2-5 NIGHTS 6-7 NIGHTS
ADULTS/TEENS (13+) $165/night $127/night $760 total plus tax
YOUTH (6-12) $100/night $76/night $456 total plus tax
CHILD (3-5) $50/night $38/night $228 total plus tax
TODDLER (0-2) Free Free Free

Please note during your registration or let us know via email or phone if you will only be attending certain days of Summer Celebration at [email protected] or (719) 395-2328. 

  • All rates are per person and include lodging, meals and program

  • Rates do not include taxes

  • When special meals are required due to food allergies or medical concerns, we can provide chef consultation and meals specifically tailored to you for an additional cost of $25 per weekend or $50 per week.  When special meals are required, Spring Canyon must be notified two weeks in advance of your arrival. Please note that our kitchen contains wheat, eggs, dairy, peanuts, sesame, and other allergens, and we cannot guarantee non-contamination.

Discounts

Be a Bringer or a Sender! Refer someone for Summer Celebration who has never attended Spring Canyon and you’ll both receive a discount. The first-time guest(s) will receive a 10% discount. A “Bringer” who attends with them will also receive a 10% discount. A “Sender” who refers them but can’t attend this summer will receive a 5% discount voucher good for any Spring Canyon program or retreat through July 2025. Not applicable to immediate family members. 

Other Discounts

The below discounts apply to OCF members who are presently serving in uniform (Active Duty, Reserves, or National Guard) or who are retired military.

  • 10%: OCF members who have never before attended an OCF Conference Center
  • 10%: Company grade discount (O1-O3)
  • 20%: Enlisted and military student discount (Enlisted Members, Midshipmen, Cadets and other Undergraduate College Students.)
  • 5%: Deployed service member discount (For families of currently deployed or recently-returned (within 6 months) service members.)
  • 10%: OCF Regional/Area Coordinators and Local Leaders Discount

There is a maximum of 25% discount when combining available discounts. A special program is available for widows of service members through OCF.

The maximum any OCF member family will pay for Summer Celebration is $4000 for food, lodging, and program fees. This does not include taxes or items/activities purchased at the retreat center. This discount will be applied at check out. Note that a family per this policy is defined as any parent(s) with dependent children 20 years old and younger (i.e., the maximum rate does not apply to a 21-year old college student or a married 20 year old).

Deposit Policy

A non-refundable deposit is charged at the time of registration to secure your reservation. This advanced deposit allows us to meet early program expenses including speaker travel, seasonal staff salaries and teaching materials. This one-time payment of $165 is applied toward your final bill and is not an additional fee.

Scholarship Policy

As a nonprofit, it is always our goal to provide modest rates for all of our guests. We know that traveling as a family can be expensive, and that cost can still be a deterrent for many of our families. Thanks to generous sponsors, discounts are available for families that qualify. Please call (719) 395-2328 to inquire.

Cancellation Policy

Reservations may be cancelled at any time. Cancellations made before 31 days prior to arrival will be eligible for a full refund minus the non-refundable deposit. If a cancellation occurs within 30 days of your stay, additional penalties may apply. If you are cancelling due to military orders, the non-refundable deposit and any subsequent payments will be returned in full.