Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp

Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp (RTLC) is an outreach ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Rocky Mountain Synod. Rainbow Trail is a year round ministry that offers an extensive summer camping program that includes on-site programs for all ages as well as a backpacking program, Compass Points, for Junior High and Senior High youth, and a mission oriented program called Bridging Borders designed for Senior High youth. In addition, Rainbow Trail offers retreating opportunities for the other nine months of the year including sponsored confirmation retreats, men’s retreats, church worker training events, and family weekends. There site is also available for rental use by congregational and school groups.

History

In the late 1920's the Porch family built the Rainbow Lake Club. The property was sold to Ruth and Edgar Percival in 1940 and continued to host guests and vacationers as a summer resort. In 1957 the United Lutheran Church - Rocky Mountain Synod and the West Central Augustana Synod purchased the property, renaming it Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp. The Camp opened a new chapter as plans for ministry were developed. Christ-centered hospitality and education became the focus of Rainbow Trail as the first campers arrived in the summer of 1958.

The family of Carol Joy Holling provided generous gifts and matching funds for the construction of the outdoor chapel, dining hall, Aspen Lodge, and the shower house from 1959 through 1963. Most camper cabins were constructed between 1965 and 1971. Additional facilities were completed and acquired between 1989 and 1993 through generous gifts of the Holling family and many other generous supporters. They include Columbine, Juniper Lodge, Golden Banner, and Eagle Peak Lodge.

Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp is owned by the Lutheran congregations of the Rocky Mountain Synod of the ELCA. 2007 marked Rainbow Trail's 50th year of ministry.

When The Bell Rings

"When the Bell Rings", by Angela Tarrant, is the first complete written history of the ministry of Rainbow Trail. This book shares the strong story of how the Holy Spirit over and over again moved in amazing ways as it shaped the ministry that happens through this special place. “When the Bell Rings” contains information on the Rainbow Lake Club and how it came to be Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp. It also contains brochures, historical photos, advertisements, and quotes that capture the rich history of RTLC.

Let It Shine

"LET IT SHINE Rainbow Trail: A Celebration of Ministry" begins during the days of Lewis & Clark’s legendary expedition across Western America and Zebulon Pike’s discovery of the "Grand Peak".

This 120-minute documentary depicts the journey through the life and times of Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp starting with the mining boom in the late 1800s that led to William and Eula Porch’s building of Cloverdale Mine, and eventually, the Rainbow Lake Club, which would later be purchased by the Rocky Mountain Synod.

From “Futch’s Folly” and a legendary horseshoe toss which led to Don Simonton volunteering as the first director of Rainbow Trail, LET IT SHINE tells the story of this Colorado camp that has experienced both the best and worst of times.

Rainbow Trail has seen devastating forest fires, experienced the loss of its dear friend and neighbor Billy Humble, been impacted by five different camp directors, and nourished the faith lives of countless people every year.

ummer Camps

Intro to camp

2nd and 3rd graders. A 3-day camp for kids open to adventure and making new friends. Activities include Bible Study, arts & crafts, nature study, archery, games, and hiking. Fee includes a special Intro Camp T-shirt and camp water bottle.

Junior Camp

4th through 6th graders. Bible Study, new friends, incredible counselors and so much more! A full week of building relationships with new friends and your counselor through worship, Bible Study, hiking and games in God's great outdoors.

Junior High Camp

7th and 8th graders. In Junior High Camp you get your first chance at the ropes course, white water rafting the Arkansas River and climbing Eagle Peak. You still get to experience Bible Study, Games, Arts and Crafts, & Archery.

enior High Camp

What does it mean to live in Christ? Senior High Camp gives you the opportunity to be a part of a Christian community that values your input and your experiences. Come and meet new friends and grow deeper in your relationship to Jesus Christ. Whether you have been a long time camper or are new to Rainbow Trail, a week at Senior High Camp can be your best week for the summer! Share in a week of creativity, high adventure, leadership opportunities, and close relationships! This experience can include white water rafting on the Arkansas.

Bridging Borders

Mexico

Build relationships as you build a home. Travel with your youth group with Rainbow Trail down to Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico, and work together to build a house for a family in need. The days are filled with laughter, smiles, hard work and a focus of serving others as Christ would. Mission opportunities for Senior High: Rainbow Trail will team up with Casas por Cristo, an organization that builds houses for families in Ciudad Juárez. Participants will be physically challenged as they help construct a house, work with kids at an orphanage, and develop strong relationships with families in the surrounding community.

Puerto Rico

Bridging Borders Puerto Rico Mission Opportunities provide the chance for Senior High Youth to minister to children & adults alike in Puerto Rico. Rainbow Trail will partner with an ELCA church near San Juan to help run a service-filled week long Day Camp.

Participants will grow spiritually as they teach Day Camp songs, play games, and worship with the youth in Puerto Rico. Time at the beach playing and ministering to people will also happen throughout the week!

Adult and Family Camp

A week that is focused on helping your family to grow in your relationships with Christ. Activities are offered with opportunities for the whole family to participate and grow. Bring the whole family to Rainbow Trail to experience fun, quality family time, and spiritual renewal! Enjoy hikes, games and activities, optional white water rafting, and outstanding home cooking. There program includes Bible Study for all ages including adults. Specific program information is available by contacting the camp office. White Water Rafting can be part of this week's experience! The Labor Day Family Weekend is a traditional "end of summer" camping celebration.

Day Camp

Day Camp is a four or five day program in the local church/community. The program includes crafts, music, worship, games, Bible Study, fellowship, sharing and recreation. Day Camp is primarily for youth K-6. Day Camp is staffed by staff of Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp, who work in partnership with volunteers from the local church and community. Day Camp is designed to introduce a Bible camp experience to children without staying away from home overnight.

Compass Points

Compass Points is a new High Adventure Program being offered by Rainbow Trail. Compass Points seeks to offer your group the opportunity to create your own high adventure experience including
*Backpacking
*Low and High Ropes Challenge Course
*Rock climbing
*Service
*Whitewater RaftingYour group will choose from these options to create an experience tailored to your needs. Choose a day on the High Ropes Challenge Course along with two days of Backpacking and two days of White-water Rafting or three days of Backpacking and two days of White-water Rafting...your group decides! All Compass Points trips begin Sunday afternoons at the Rainbow Trail Main-site. As you arrive you will be greeted by your Compass Point Guides and welcomed to Rainbow Trail. Your group will be treated to a home cooked meal as you prepare for your high adventure experience. The Compass Points Guides will help with all preparations for each member of your group as you begin to pack and set up gear for the week to come. As Sunday night winds down a time for devotions is shared to send you to bed. All Compass Points trips begin on Sunday afternoon and end with your group's departure early Saturday morning.

Backpacking

Head into the backcountry of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to experience nature at its finest. Spend your days exploring the mountain on day-hikes and sit back in awe as you gaze into the night sky to be greeted by innumerable stars that seem to be shining just for you. When meal times come, your group will not only help in choosing what the meal is but they will also take part in the preparation, cooking and cleanup. Backpackers also learn what it is to live in community by acts of service for one another. Your time on trail will be filled with hikes, Bible study, stories, laughter, worship, possibly a peaking opportunity and time to grow together as a group. While your group may have the opportunity to peak a mountain during your trip, as with the rest of your high adventure experience the focus of the week is on the journey and not the destination.

Low and High Ropes Challenge Course

Help your group move to the next level in teamwork and support by taking on the High & Low Ropes Challenge Course. Certified Ropes Staff will help in moving your group from warming up to building a foundation of trust on the Low Ropes Course to taking on the challenge of being over 20' up in the air. Watch as your group changes from the beginning of the day to the end as they have all participated in the Challenge Course. Certified Ropes Staff will not force any of your group members to go up on to an element, but they will challenge them to go safely beyond their comfort range. Elements of the High Ropes Challenge Course include a 9 event Circuit of elements, the Dangling Duo (a.k.a. Giant's Ladder) and the Leap of Faith (a.k.a. Power Pole).

Rock Climbing

Choose to include a day of rock climbing as part of your week long adventure. Whether members of your group have never climbed or they are seasoned climbers, this day will offer thrills, challenges and great opportunities to support one another.

ervice

Give back during your adventure and leave your mark. Work with a local community ministry to support their clothes bank, homeless shelter, food box and transitional housing programs.

White-water Rafting

Whether you are an experienced rafter or if this is your first time rafting, the Arkansas River offers some incredible views and exhilarating rapids! Choose a 2 day trip and start out on Class II portion of the river and finish on Class IV rapids!
*1 and 1/2 Day Rafting Trip - Start your group out in Class II rapids and move into Class III before you know it. Your second day offers some heart pumping Class III rapids that will grab your attention and make you want more!
*1/2 Day Rafting Trip - Jump right into Class III rapids with exhilarating waters challenging you to hold on and keep paddling right on through them!Add an optional 1/2 day Class IV Royal Gorge Rafting experience to any of the rafting trips described above. The Royal Gorge is home to the "World's Highest Suspension Bridge" as it spans the North and South rims of the gorge over a thousand feet above the water. The Gorge is also home to some of the most aggressive rapids the Arkansas has to offer with names like Sunshine Falls, Sledgehammer and Boateater.

Retreats

Rainbow Trail offers programmed retreats for a variety of ages and invites you to come and be a part. The Rainbow Trail programmed retreats are labeled "A Faith for All Seasons." Not only does Rainbow Trail offer year round retreating opportunities but also for all ages and walks of life.

AdventFest

Come escape with your family from the busyness of the holiday season. Spend time together, learn a new craft, bake and decorate cookies, sing around the Christmas tree, make snow angels, and prepare with us for the coming of our Savior!

Confirmation retreat

Rainbow Trail offers the opportunity for you, your confirmation class, your pastor and adult leaders to come and be a part of either the Fall or Winter Confirmation Retreats.

Faith for All Seasons men's retreat

Adventure, fellowship, incredible food and opportunities to grow in your faith are all included in this series or retreats. One men's retreat is scheduled for each of the four seasons with different and exciting adventures for each.

Women's retreat

Based on three of the most popular chapters in Bergren's upcoming book, What Women Want, this retreat will help you tackle your deepest cravings --- a deeper relationship with God, a stronger faith, a sense of contentment and a true understanding of love in your lives.

Youth workers retreat

This free retreat is for Full-Time paid and volunteer youth workers. The time away at Rainbow Trail offers you the opportunity to relax, rejuvenate and be rewarded for all of your hard work. This time is just what you need as you prepare for the new year. Linda Staats will also come to share in the Milestone Ministry program to help you understand how it works.