Being here in person is the preferred way, but we understand some people are unable to do so. The advantage of being here in-person includes the break from your at-home life, the increased ability to focus, and the rest or recreation our location provides. If it is at all possible, we recommend being here in-person. If you cannot do so, we offer the same program over secure video. We ask that you clear out your week as best as possible, including taking a break from work if you can, and doing your best to allow both rest and focus during your time with us. The structure, counseling time, and follow-on support remains the same. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
At this time, participants are required to arrange their own housing. The Buena Vista, Colorado area is a vacation destination for people from all over the world and has a plethora of hotels, AirBNB, camping sites (RV and tent), cabins, and other vacation rental options. The town of Salida is about 20 minutes south and lodging options there can help during the busy season. We are currently arranging a permanent housing option for our attendees, and the lodging page will be updates immediately when these are available. If you encounter severe difficulty in finding affordable (or available) lodging, contact us and we may be able to help.
The easiest and quickest way is by rental car. We are approximately 2.5 hours from the Denver Airport and 2 hours from the Colorado Springs Airport. While some shuttle options exist, they are expensive and very time consuming. Most people prefer to rent a car and make the drive themselves. Having a car allows you the option of experiencing more of the area and gives you the flexibility to travel to/from the airport at your convenience. If a rental car is not an option, an internet search of shuttles from the Denver or Colorado Springs airport will provide you with companies that provide that service. They change frequently and so do their prices. If you choose a shuttle or bus, please be aware it can take 4-6 hours to reach Buena Vista or return to the airport.
If you have anything, such as a journal, that you feel would be helpful to carry with you, you are free to do so. If your counselor has any specific request they will let you know. Otherwise, arrive as rested and ready as you can.
Yes, especially with the five day program. Outside of the sessions you may have some exercises or reflection to complete, but your free time is considered part of our program and we encourage you to experience what the area has to offer. In the three day program there is less time outside of sessions, so if you want to spend time on a local activity, we suggest planning an extra day before or after your program.
We understand things can happen (especially in a COVID world). Last minute notifications will likely result in a non-refundable registration fee. The earlier you can notify us, the more options we have to reschedule or otherwise work with you to find a better option. Our heart is to accommodate and enable you to be here, so we will work with you as best we can to avoid difficult situations. Getting in touch as soon as possible is your best option. The closer to your arrival, the harder it is to make accommodations.
Life can and does happen to our counselors as well, and while their disruption to your schedule is extremely rare, things may happen. If this occurs, we will make every effort to accomplish your retreat. If we simply cannot, we will work with you to find a way to reschedule, discount, or refund your registration on a case-by-case basis.
When you register, you will be notified which session you are scheduled to attend. Sessions are assigned on a first-come-first-served basis unless you arrange for something in advance. Keep in mind there may be another participant in the other available session and it may not be possible to move session times.
We typically recommended coming alone if you are coming for individual counseling. However, in some cases it may be beneficial to have your spouse come with you for support. We would leave this decision to you.
We want you to find the help you are looking for, and we want you to find it wherever God leads you.
