Sky Ranch Programs: Seekers Confirmation Camp

Who's coming?

The Seekers program is for confirmands, of proper age determined by the home congregation. The program is offered through most of the summer; call for available dates. (Churches interested in using camping as part of their confirmation program must first secure a reservation from Lutheran Ranches of the Rockies. Call 970-493-5258 for available dates and space information.)

What activities does my child get to do?

Enjoy a week at Sky Ranch with friends from your congregation. Your time in the mountains includes daily worship (led by youth), our famous "stepping stone" Bible quests, challenge course activities, group games, arts and crafts, nature study and music. The flavor of Sky Ranch and its incredible mountain hiking and challenge activities are used to foster trust, self-confidence and cooperation among campers. Youth register with their churches who have made reservations for specific weeks. Check with your church confirmation leader for details.

Can I see an example week?

Absolutely! Here's a quick overview:

Sunday: Campers arrive between 2pm and 4pm. They eat dinner at our chuckwagon and meet their cabin and counselor, who helps them move in. At night the entire community gathers for song and introductions, and bedtime comes early, right after the cabin has devotions and some get-to-know-you games and conversation.

Monday: Breakfast is around 8am and all campers worship together at our camper-led SONDance morning worship. The morning might have low ropes and games scheduled; "low ropes" are activities designed to build cabin bonds and teamwork, and also to prepare for our high ropes course (which Homesteaders do not participate in). The counselor takes the entire cabin to a scenic rock outcropping behind the lodge for a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, the cabin learns about Madagascar from Niry, one of our exchange students from foreign countries. Afterwards, a nature walk by the river and burned forest piques the campers' curiosity. Group games bring the camp together again and dinner is around 5:30pm. After dinner, the camp separates by church and each confirmation group has community time. Later, worship expounds upon the theme for the day and features a homily by a pastor or staff member. After worship, campers get to choose an elective to participate in for an hour. These may include kickball, friendship bracelet making, cookie decorating, writing letters to soldiers, quiet time and games made up by staff or campers. An evening snack precedes WINDWhisper, our campfire that closes the day in song and prayer. The counselor leads devotions at the cabin and the campers head to bed.

Tuesday: Campers head to breakfast and SONDance and join in more teamwork activities throughout the morning. It is this cabin's turn to set up for lunch and lead prayers and songs beforehand, so they head to the lodge early. After lunch, the campers head to weaving class and create a basket out of reeds and decorations to take home. Then they head next door to the store and hang out for a while, meeting other campers, maybe purchasing an ice cream or Gatorade or camp shirt. The counselor has Bible study on the hill near the store and talks about creation, clearly visible in the stunning mountain vista. Group games and dinner come next, and confirmation community time, worship, electives, snack and WINDWhisper finish the day.

Wednesday: Breakfast and SONDance start out the day, and the cabin comes back to play a game in the forest with another cabin. After playing, campers learn to knit with one of our dedicated volunteers. Lunch follows knitting, and then the cabin heads to the Nature Center to learn about geology (and even edible rocks!). In mid-afternoon, the cabin heads to the high ropes course to embark upon a challenging teamwork activity. Campers can climb up to 40 feet in the air with their cabinmates' encouragement and help with the ropes. Certified high ropes instructors teach proper climbing techniques and belay the campers, while everyone participates in different activities throughout the course. Afterwards, the cabin heads to arts and crafts and might draw, paint or sculpt. Group games are fun in the meadow, followed by dinner, confirmation community time and electives. Snack and WINDWhisper end the busy day.

Thursday: It's Day Hike day! The group has chosen early in the week which trail to hike, and can go to a mountain meadow, lake, stream or peak. Sky Ranch has dozens of trails situated in Roosevelt National Forest and Comanche Peak Wilderness around the camp. The hike leaves right after breakfast and goes until late afternoon. Cabins eat lunch on trail. Many times, adult sponsors come along with campers. When they get back, the cabin can choose to go to group games, but many times the campers just want a shower and rest. Dinner in the lodge comes soon. Confirmation community time, worship, electives, snack and WINDWhisper finish the evening, and campers sleep well following cabin devotions.

Friday: A last breakfast brings campers to the lodge, along with luggage and crafts to take home. The counselor takes advantage of one final hour together as a cabin and might hike up to some rocks or down to the creek to play games, have devotions and talk. A closing worship is open to campers and parents, followed by lunch and farewells.

How much does Seekers Confirmation Camp cost?

Participants register with their church, so please check with your home congregation for details. Or if you have a confirmation group you'd like to bring, click HERE to register for the Seekers program at Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp!