Last Updated on February 3, 2025 by OCF Communications

How close are you to a Conference Center?

Spring Canyon is located in Buena Vista, Colo. Open this address in a map app to find out how far it is to Spring Canyon:

26000 CR 344 #2047, Buena Vista, CO 81211

White Sulphur Springs is located in Manns Choice, Pa. Open their address in a map app here:

4500 Milligans Cove Road, Manns Choice, PA 15550

Ask someone to recount their first OCF Conference Center experience, and you’re bound to hear stories of unexpected connections, spiritual renewal, and moments that linger in their hearts long after the trip has ended.

Take MAJ David and Kalie Vidales, USA, who recalled a hectic time for their family mid-PCS from Fort Leavenworth to Fort Drum. On a whim, they planned to stop at White Sulphur Springs, in Manns Choice, Pa., for a week only to find out they were completely booked. But on their second day of driving, they got word that a room had become available. “We drove up with our huge car topper packed to the brim, our dog, and our three small children. We spent the week in total awe of White Sulphur Springs.”

For CDR Wendell and Mary Holmes, USN, hospitality from both the staff and other guests is what sticks out most from their first visit to WSS, a three-night family retreat as Wendell calls it. “Over those few days, we were spiritually and physically fed, nourished in ways that we didn’t know we needed,” he said. “Initially hesitant to visit because of the unknown, we have now been back over a dozen times, and our children always want to know when the next trip to WSS is going to happen.”

Or there’s Sarah Lynch, who hit a point during her husband’s deployment that left her exhausted, discouraged, drowning in diapers, and ending her days in tears and prayers. An ad for a retreat for spouses of deployed service members at Spring Canyon, in Buena Vista, Colo., is how God answered her prayers. “I felt like I had been lifted up by the hope of a real break in this deployment. As soon as I drove past the ‘Welcome Home’ sign, I fell in love. I cried so many tears of joy and thankfulness during that retreat—boy, was that retreat more than anything I even hoped for.”

Stories like these have been happening for decades at both of OCF’s Conference Centers—White Sulphur Springs and Spring Canyon.

Yet, despite the thousands of guests who have been blessed and refreshed over the years, many OCF members have never attended a Conference Center or are unaware of what they have to offer.

How close are you to a Conference Center?

Spring Canyon is located in Buena Vista, Colo. Open this address in a map app to find out how far it is to Spring Canyon:

26000 CR 344 #2047, Buena Vista, CO 81211

White Sulphur Springs is located in Manns Choice, Pa. Open their address in a map app here:

4500 Milligans Cove Road, Manns Choice, PA 15550

Ask someone to recount their first OCF Conference Center experience, and you’re bound to hear stories of unexpected connections, spiritual renewal, and moments that linger in their hearts long after the trip has ended.

Take MAJ David and Kalie Vidales, USA, who recalled a hectic time for their family mid-PCS from Fort Leavenworth to Fort Drum. On a whim, they planned to stop at White Sulphur Springs, in Manns Choice, Pa., for a week only to find out they were completely booked. But on their second day of driving, they got word that a room had become available. “We drove up with our huge car topper packed to the brim, our dog, and our three small children. We spent the week in total awe of White Sulphur Springs.”

For CDR Wendell and Mary Holmes, USN, hospitality from both the staff and other guests is what sticks out most from their first visit to WSS, a three-night family retreat as Wendell calls it. “Over those few days, we were spiritually and physically fed, nourished in ways that we didn’t know we needed,” he said. “Initially hesitant to visit because of the unknown, we have now been back over a dozen times, and our children always want to know when the next trip to WSS is going to happen.”

Or there’s Sarah Lynch, who hit a point during her husband’s deployment that left her exhausted, discouraged, drowning in diapers, and ending her days in tears and prayers. An ad for a retreat for spouses of deployed service members at Spring Canyon, in Buena Vista, Colo., is how God answered her prayers. “I felt like I had been lifted up by the hope of a real break in this deployment. As soon as I drove past the ‘Welcome Home’ sign, I fell in love. I cried so many tears of joy and thankfulness during that retreat—boy, was that retreat more than anything I even hoped for.”

Stories like these have been happening for decades at both of OCF’s Conference Centers—White Sulphur Springs and Spring Canyon.

Yet, despite the thousands of guests who have been blessed and refreshed over the years, many OCF members have never attended a Conference Center or are unaware of what they have to offer.

White Sulphur Springs photo

The Heritage House at White Sulphur Springs, backlit during sunset.

What the data say

“Based on information provided by new OCF members and our annual survey sample of existing members, most OCF members have never visited an OCF Conference Center,” said LTC Ryan Wainwright, USA (Ret.), who now serves as OCF’s Assistant Director of Field Operations. Ryan oversees OCF’s online membership form, which asks new members to share how they became acquainted with OCF and whether they have already visited an OCF Conference Center.

“For each of the past few years, just under one-third of new members had visited either Spring Canyon or White Sulphur Springs,” said Ryan. “Each year OCF also polls a sample of its members, and only about one-third of responding members noted having previously visited an OCF Conference Center.”

When asked why more OCF members don’t attend Conference Center events, Spring Canyon Center Director Kim Hawthorne pointed to the busyness of military life and the tyranny of the urgent, which often cloud the importance of getting away and pausing a moment for spiritual reflection and relaxation.

“Our Conference Centers provide an opportunity to pause and enter into a Christ-centered sanctuary,” said Kim. “Recently, a father told me that he wished he had listened to their friends who had encouraged his family, for over a decade, to attend Spring Canyon. At the end of their Winter Retreat session, he told me that it was much more impactful on their family than expected and that they would return next year and make this a regular family vacation. He was sorry that he didn’t act sooner!”

Taking so long to heed the advice of friends and visit a Conference Center is a sentiment that White Sulphur Springs Center Director Paul Robyn says he hears regularly from first-time guests.

“Once they get here and can see and experience for themselves what WSS is all about, it seems to click,” said Paul. “Until then, I think it’s hard for many to really understand what makes the OCF Conference Centers so special.”

Forging new relationships

For many, the fellowship and friendship with others—a chance to forge new and lasting relationships—are what make an OCF Conference Center experience special. In a profession that can feel transient and disconnected at times, the sentiment among many is that the fellowship cultivated at White Sulphur Springs and Spring Canyon offers attendees something enduring: a Christ-centered community that refreshes the heart, strengthens the spirit, and reminds us that we’re not walking this journey alone.

“We have met so many people over the last decade of visiting White Sulphur Springs,” said Wendell, who shared about one connection over the years that stands out. “On our 2019 PCS from the West to East Coast, we vacationed at WSS along the way. During a meal that week, we met a high-school-age support staff member named Andrew, who connected me with his mom. God brought us to attend the same church, and we got to know their family over the next two years while stationed in the same area.”

It’s this kind of connection that transforms the centers into places where lifelong friendships begin. “I was amazed at the depth of conversation you could have with people. It was nice to start with a shared foundation of faith in Jesus Christ,” said COL Carolyn Erickson, USAR, who pointed out that the centers also provide a setting where deeper spiritual connections can flourish. “I noticed my husband having enriching, inspiring, and refreshing conversations with men that he has kept up with after we left the event. It’s rare to have that kind of intentional time to connect.”

Those relationships arguably transcend time and geography, weaving together through seasons of life. Kalie recounted one such experience that started in 2022—their first summer at WSS—when they briefly met the parents of Claire, a summer staffer who befriended their daughter. At the time, it felt like just another passing interaction, but it would become something far more meaningful in the seasons to come.

The Vidaleses returned to Fort Drum, completed their PCS, and began doing some work with Cadence International, where they “started getting to know a young lieutenant named Cole.”

“When we attended WSS over July Fourth in 2024, Cole tells us his parents were also there and that he would be joining them at the end of the week,” said Kalie. “Turns out, it’s Darren and Julie, who we had met two summers earlier. We couldn’t believe it. Julie has been so intentional in pouring into me as a mother of young children—sending messages, notes, and even a book for my kids during my husband’s deployment. It’s wild how God connects His people!”

A shared experience

Relationships that are established at the Conference Centers often continue at duty stations and provide a sense of community anywhere someone is stationed, said CAPT Josh Corbin, USN, and those relationships often start with a shared experience—in this case, the military.

“Because of the retreat centers, we have connections at every duty station,” said Josh. “Additionally, I learned what it looks like to be a believer and successful officer from mentors I met at White Sulphur Springs.”

COL Luke Hofmann, USA, whose family has now attended Spring Canyon for 15 consecutive years, said there are other retreat centers that have equal lodging, food, activities, and even some with strong Biblical teaching. “But what makes the OCF Conference Centers unique is the military backgrounds of its staff, and the military backgrounds of those in attendance. It is this uniqueness that makes the Conference Centers so desirable for anybody in the military.”

“Families who understand the military lifestyle can support and encourage one another in this unique experience,” Josh said. “There is something so special about connecting over meals day after day consecutively that cultivates a depth of relating about the unique aspects of military life, especially including lengthy separations from family and deployments.”

The unique experience and the camaraderie that Hofmann describes is something that veterans often reflect on when recalling their time in military service.

“The bonds of friendship forged through shared hardships and common experiences are strong bonds indeed,” said Paul. “Christian fellowship is similar in that we are united by much more than just friendship—we are united by the Holy Spirit and our common belief in Jesus Christ. When you combine those two things, military camaraderie and Christian fellowship, in a setting that fosters meaningful conversations, deepening relationships and building lifelong memories…that’s what makes the OCF Conference Centers so much more than ‘just’ another retreat center or camp.”

“For moms especially, life is full—whether it’s a side hustle, homeschooling, working, or being a military wife, it’s a lot to juggle. The Conference Center provides a space where someone like me, who is responsible for so many things, can step back and be cared for.”

—Kristen Holt

Unique settings and spaces

OCF Conference Centers facilitate much of that connection by providing a space and a setting that allow guests to recharge spiritually and cope with the challenges of life in a way that’s unique to them. Nestled in the woods and rolling hills of Pennsylvania or under the shadow of Mount Princeton in Colorado, the settings invite reflection and spiritual connection for those who “need a break,” as Kim puts it.

“Active-duty members and their families are likely weary from the journey and need a place to recharge and be renewed,” he said. “We seek to create an environment where military leaders and their families, retreat groups, and individual guests sense the presence of God and are transformed through the work of the Holy Spirit. Our fruit is our military guests who go out and positively impact the military community.”

Spring Canyon’s natural beauty and thoughtful programming offer a similar reprieve for the Cross family. “It is like an all-inclusive resort where things are taken care of for you,” explained Sarah, whose husband, Ryan, is a retired Air Force captain. “The setting gives us opportunities and activities we don’t normally have access to. In the winter, we enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, and tubing. In the summer, we go hiking, whitewater rafting, and running. We also love the teaching sessions and the families we meet, gaining wisdom and prayers during transitional periods in our lives.”

A sentiment echoed by MAJ Matthew Nulk, USA, who added that the Conference Centers serve as a great place for introspection and spiritual growth. “The week at Spring Canyon gave our family some time to be ‘off the grid’ together,” said Matthew. “We slowed down, listened to each other, and gained perspective from other believers. It also gave me time for personal reflection—meditating on Scripture and spending time in prayer.”

Such “off-the-grid” opportunities allow guests to step away from the daily demands of military life and reconnect with God, family, and fellow believers even if it’s just briefly.

“Arriving at WSS is akin to pushing a ‘pause’ button on the busyness of our normal military life,” said Wendell. “While on leave, the work phone remains largely quiet, and we suddenly are able to give undivided attention to the members of our family. These weeks or weekends away allow us to catch our breath, knowing that we are in a place where each member of our family will be cared for and loved well.”

For the Vidaleses, this intentional focus on family and faith is a rare gift. “WSS is the only vacation that we would honestly call a vacation. It’s time where each member of our family is poured into. Time in the Word is built into the everyday rhythms for each age group,” Kalie said. “The everyday stressors of planning are alleviated because we know our children are being well cared for in our absence. It frees up the mental load to focus on discussing the sessions or spending extra time in the Word.”

Kristen Holt noted that even though her church is very supportive of military members and their families, “the Conference Center is the only place where I can have extended, focused retreat time—time with God where everything else is taken care of so I can truly focus on Him, invest in my family, and process our military commitment from a God-centered perspective and for His glory.”

“For moms especially, life is full—whether it’s a side hustle, homeschooling, working, or being a military wife, it’s a lot to juggle,” said Kristen, whose husband, Samuel, is a Navy lieutenant. “The Conference Center provides a space where someone like me, who is responsible for so many things, can step back and be cared for.”

Equipping leaders and families

The Conference Centers provide more than rest and a chance to find clarity in a chaotic world—they also equip attendees for leadership and Christlike service. Through workshops, mentoring, and modeled servant leadership, guests gain insights and skills to serve effectively in their military roles, families, and ministries, leaving with a renewed sense of purpose to impact others. For many, the lessons learned and the fellowship experienced leave a lasting impact on their approach to leadership.

“The opportunity to learn how other officers integrate faith into their military life has been such a blessing for me,” said Josh. “The guest speakers, mentor couples, staff, and other guests have taught me so much about being a Christlike leader by their example.”

For Nulk, attending Spring Canyon reshaped his perspective on leadership entirely. “I felt a significant urging out of the conference to reframe my work as a ministry—I think this was the Holy Spirit’s work!” he shared. “I lead a high-powered team, and I’ve taken discipleship principles and teachings from my time at Spring Canyon and applied them within my team. I’m now looking at my job as a ministry, measuring my actions at work by how I can be a witness to Christ.

“Sharing my faith has opened several doors and increased the depth of relationships that I have with the folks on my team only for the better.”

Spring Canyon also served as a pivotal moment for the Cross family, helping them align their ministry efforts with their personal and professional goals. “We led a small group Bible study for three and a half years at our local church as a direct result of our discussion and planning sessions at Spring Canyon,” Sarah explained. “This communication helps us to lead more effectively in our careers, family, and ministry.”

LCDR Ian Kilpatrick, USN, emphasized that the centers offer more than practical strategies—they provide spiritual refreshment and focus. “Regardless of how a retreat theme or topic may be applied, being refreshed, encouraged, and possibly refocused is preparation to step back into the fray.”

OCF’s Conference Centers equip attendees with the tools and encouragement needed to lead with Christlike character, making a meaningful impact wherever God has placed them. But with all the talk of mentorship, teaching, and fellowship, some might wonder, “Is it fun? Will I have a good time?”

When asked that question, here’s how Ian’s wife, Jacqui, responded. “It’s definitely a fun experience because of all the family-friendly activities, all of the new friends we have made by attending retreats, and just watching our kids have a great time as well,” Jacqui said. “The feeling of community also adds to the overall experience, and we feel it more and more the longer we attend over the years!”

Don’t hesitate

At White Sulphur Springs and Spring Canyon, fellowship isn’t just a part of the experience—it’s a reflection of God’s design for community. For those hesitant to attend, the collective advice from so many is simple: “Just come. Don’t spend too much time debating it. You won’t be disappointed!”

“You can feel nervous going to meet total strangers, but the way the conference is designed, it’s easy to get to know people and strike up conversations,” said Carolyn. “It’s surprising the connections you make and enjoy. The place feels like home within 24 hours.”

“There is likely no place that can offer a week with a better combination of rest, spiritual retreat, and meaningful time with family and friends. With family-style dinners, the chairs that overlook the lawn on the porch, and the family worship time, you would have to deliberately choose to isolate yourself in order not to form new relationships,” said CPT Warren and Madison Kay, USA, calling the Conference Centers both a retreat for a family that only gets one week to spend all together in the summer and an opportunity to connect with other military families who understand your life.

Said Paul: “My advice to any OCFers who haven’t come yet to one of the Conference Centers is this—trust what you’ve been hearing from friends and others. You won’t regret visiting!” A sentiment echoed by Kim: “Don’t wait. Now is the time to come. You need it! Your family needs it. Adventure awaits!”

Join us at an OCF Conference Center. Both locations have weeklong retreats and other chances to gather throughout the year. Discover the OCF Conference Center experience at ocfusa.org/experience or find out more by visiting springcanyon.org and whitesulphursprings.org.