Women’s Retreat

sponsored by Mountain States Mennonite Conference

 

March 6-8, 2026

Arrival: 4:00-7:00pm Friday
Departure: 11:00am Sunday

 

Women’s Retreat

sponsored by Mountain States Mennonite Conference

 

March 6-8, 2026

Arrival: 4:00-7:00pm Friday
Departure: 11:00am Sunday

 

Come to the mountains for a weekend away. Retreat, hike, explore, rest, fellowship, laugh, cry, and so much more. This weekend is geared towards women ages 18 and older to come together for laughter, fun, and great fellowship. Be refreshed by socializing with other women or find a quiet corner out in nature to nourish your soul.

    Weekend Worship

    2026 Resource Persons:

    Geneva Shoemaker – MSW, Diploma in the Art of Spiritual Direction, and licensed as a hospice chaplain, has spent the last 14 years providing deep listening and support to families and individuals at the end of life. With a background in social work, chaplaincy and spiritual direction, she is a seeker of spiritual connection, divining what sacredness lies beneath the ordinary. Geneva has spent many years cultivating hospitality, the culinary arts, as well as worship, ceremony and ritual in her leadership in faith communities and hospice work. She is a walking contemplative, loves a good party and is a lifelong reader, learner and writer. She lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

    Anita Amstutz – MDiv, MA  is the author of  Soul Tending: Journey into the Heart of Sabbath. In this spiritual autobiography, she notices, “How I found the Sabbath rhythm and invitation to ‘cease work’ as both solace and hospitality. In that dry, droughty space between joyful living and the soul sickness of “too much”, I recovered Sabbath Mind as a place of healing, wholeness, and shalom.” 

    Living at the intersection of Mennonite practicality and Catholic mysticism, she has served congregations in the Desert Southwest for 17 years, while simultaneously working at the Center for Action & Contemplation, founded by Franciscan Richard Rohr. She founded a  trauma informed counseling practice, Wisdom Ways of Being. Anita’s passion is calling people back to that sweet spot of their soul’s delight! As a high desert dweller, herbal and pollinator enthusiast, contemplative, writer and hiker, she lives in Taos, New Mexico.

    2026 Theme:

    Breathing Through Transition

    When things are shifting rapidly around us, tension is held in our personal and communal bodies. We forget how much we need places to breathe out deeply with kindred souls—how much we need mutual comfort, solace, and joy. As women, we often tend to everyone else, and forget how much our own bodies and souls need nourishing! 

    As transition pulls apart our lives or burns down the old ways of seeing things, times of reflection and ceasing our usual patterns of life are needed to digest the new thing that is being born. “See I am doing a new thing, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19)

    Your guides will be Geneva Shoemaker, hospice chaplain, worship leader, avid explorer of the interior life and Anita Amstutz, pastor, spiritual companion/counselor and author of Soul Tending: Journey into the Heart of Sabbath. We will explore ways we can breathe out together in Sabbath spaces of rest, through worship, song, creativity, play, silence, nature, and heartfelt sharing in community. 

    Come away to the mountains to breathe out as we enter into the sacred threshold of Sabbath rest together.

     

    The Avowal

    As swimmers dare
    to lie face to the sky
    and water bears them,
    as hawks rest upon air
    and air sustains them,
    so would I learn to attain
    free fall, and float
    into Creator Spirit’s deep embrace,
    knowing no effort earns
    that all-surrounding grace.

    —Denise Levertov

    Geneva Shoemaker

    Anita Amstutz

    Schedule & Information

    RETREAT SCHEDULE

    FRIDAY
    4:00-7:00pm – Arrival & settle/move in
    5:30pm – Optional Supper (select as part of registration)
    7:30pm – Welcome, orientation, and introductions
    8:30pm – Free time / snacks / games

    SATURDAY
    8:00am Breakfast (self start w/ blessing & announcements @ 8:15)
    9:00-11:30am – Morning Session
    11:30-12:30am – Yoga

    12:30pm – Lunch (self start w/ blessing & announcements @ 12:45)
    1:30pm – Afternoon Optional Activities:

    • snowshoe hike
    • relax in the lodge (games, puzzles, coloring, etc.)

    3:30-4:00pm – Human Curling
    4:00-4:30pm – Tube Run
    5:30pm – Supper (self start w/ blessing & announcements @ 5:45)
    7:00-8:30pm- Evening Session
    8:30pm – Free time / snacks / games in Bern

    SUNDAY
    7:45-8:30am – Continental breakfast (cereal, oatmeal, and fruit – available on your own)
    8:15-9:00am – Yoga
    9:15am – Morning session
    10:30am – Brunch (self start w/ blessing & announcements @ 10:45)
    11:30am – Farewell
    12:00pm – Optional Hike

    ACCLIMATION & WEATHER

    ALTITUDE – Camp’s elevation is 9,620 feet so it is important for campers and guests to take time to adjust to the high altitude. About one in four visitors to Colorado suffer from acute mountain sickness, the mildest form of altitude illness. Common symptoms include headaches, shortness of breath, fatigue and dry throat. Things you can do to minimize or avoid altitude sickness include:

    Drink plenty of water before and during your time here to prevent dehydration.
    Avoid strenuous exercise (hiking, jogging, etc.) and salty foods when you first arrive.
    A good first night’s rest is very helpful in giving your body time to acclimate.
    If coming from sea level or low elevation, a day or night spent in Colorado Springs (6,035 ft) will help allow your body more time to adjust to the change in altitude.

    SUNBURN – The sun is more intense at this altitude so be mindful of how quickly sunburn can occur. Use adequate sun protection including sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) or clothing (long sleeves, hat or cap) for outdoor activities. Reapply sunscreen periodically throughout the day as needed.

    SUMMER WEATHER – Each day offers a sample of the seasons: spring in the morning; summer in the afternoon; fall in the evening. Even winter can be represented in early June with snow! Rain and hail storms can also come at a moment’s notice just to keep things interesting. Being prepared with appropriate clothing is the key to enjoying the variety of weather the Rocky Mountains offer!

    WINTER WEATHER – Colorado winter temperatures range from -10°-0°F at night to a high of 35°-45°F during the day. Because of low humidity (8-10%) temperatures feel like 45°-65°F. Sunshine makes all the difference with an average of 300 days of sun per year. Clothing items to bring include: warm winter coat, snow pants, gloves, snow boots, and hat.

    PATHS & WALKWAYS (WINTER) – Be aware that paths and walkway conditions (especially on slopes) are a direct result of changing weather conditions (snow, melting & freezing temperatures). While the camp will do its best to remove snow and spread gravel, we need your help to take care and caution as you walk.

    WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS – Be aware that road conditions are a direct result of changing weather conditions (snow, melting and freezing temperatures). While we plow the road to camp and to facilities, plan for the conditions to be snow packed and slick. Four-wheel drive vehicles and two-wheel drive vehicles with chains or bands are recommended.

    LOST & FOUND – Any item left behind by a guest will be kept for two weeks and then donated to charity.

    QUIET HOURS – In consideration of others, noise should be kept to a minimum between 10:30 p.m. – 8:00 a.m.

    SMOKING – RMMC is a smoke free facility. Smoking is only permitted in the outside designated areas, and only when a fire restriction is not in place. Every precaution must be taken to prevent a forest fire.

    CREATION CARE

    STREAMS & POND – Please help us keep the mountain streams clean and do nothing that would pollute them. While clean, it is unsafe to drink from the stream and pond.

    TRAILS – Please stay on trails and roadways when hiking. This allows the plants to maintain a strong root system and prevents the fragile hillsides from eroding away.

    TRASH & RECYCLING – Litter should be put in trash receptacles to maintain the natural beauty of the mountains. Recycling bins are located in the foyer by the Dining Halls and in cabins with kitchens or kitchenettes.

    WILDFLOWERS, TREES, & ROCKS – Please do not pick wildflowers or other plants. Leave natural and historical objects in their place for others to observe and enjoy. Standing trees, living or dead, must not be cut or carved. Rocks are not to be rolled or thrown from high places or thrown at any time.

    WILDLIFE – Please enjoy wildlife from a distance and leave wildlife alone in their habitat. Do not leave food outside for animals of any size (chipmunks, foxes, deer, bear) for your safety and theirs.

    registration fees

    Online registration opens one year prior to the retreat.

    Online registration opens one year prior to the retreat.

    $150

    A-frame, Aspen,
    Edelweiss, Heidi,
    Jungfrau, Tall Timbers

    $205

    A-frame, Aspen,
    Edelweiss, Heidi,
    Jungfrau, Tall Timbers

    $68

    Saturday meals and program

    $93

    Retreat meals and program (no accommodations)

    REGISTRATION INFO.

    Deposit

    A $25 non-refundable deposit is required at registration. This represents our promise to save you a space to attend (and turn away others) in exchange for your promise to come.

    Payments

    Payment options include full payment or deposit with remaining balance due prior/at the retreat. To minimize registration/payment lines while at camp, we're encouraging payment in full before arrival via credit/debit cards or e-check (ACH direct payments). Cash or check payment are also welcome upon your arrival. 

    Scholarships

    Scholarship funds are available to help ensure that finances are not a barrier to attending camp. For scholarship assistance please contact the Executive Director, Corbin Graber (719-687-9506 or [email protected]).

    Cancellations

    Out of care for everyone during this time of coronavirus pandemic uncertainty, the non-refundable deposit policy (i.e. "We'll save you a spot and turn others away if you promise to come") has been temporarily suspended for coronavirus related cancellations. PLEASE stay home if you are experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms for a full refund. You will also receive a full refund should the retreat be cancelled altogether.

    Accommodations

    Housing is assigned on a first come first served basis for your preferred housing location. The housing location options are Pleiades, Emmental, Aspen (lower and upper), Heidi or Jungfrau. Emmental will be used only when Pleiades and Upper Aspen are filled.

    Pleiades/Emmental have two single beds per room and linens (bedding & towels) are provided.

    Chalets utilize an area bathhouse and linens are not included. Please bring your own or you can rent them from Camp for $15.

    To see detailed information about these facilities please go to our Facilities page.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where can I learn more about my stay at RMMC (i.e. accommodations, altitude, creation care).

    • Please visit the "Reservation Guide" page of the website for "YOUR STAY WITH US", "MOUNTAIN LIVING" & "CREATION CARE" information.

    What foodservice is offered? Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

    Camp is pleased to offer a great selection of food choices which include a main dish option, vegetarian option, salad (lunch & supper), and dessert (lunch & supper). Cold beverages (water, orange, apple, grape, crabapple) and hot beverages (coffee, tea, hot chocolate) are also provided.

    As much as possible, the camp will accommodate dietary restrictions. An option will be given to list all of your dietary restrictions during registration. We cannot accommodate dietary preferences.

    RMMC is not a peanut/nut free location since we serve a variety of campers and guest groups utilizing their own kitchen facilities.

    Do you have to be Mennonite to attend camp?

    While teachings during the retreat are Bible-based and from a Mennonite perspective, campers of all faiths are respected and welcome to attend.