More to Know - Colorado 2027
We'll leave from GSP
We will make air arrangements in the fall once the roster is set. We fly as a group. For this trip we plan to fly to Denver and pick up our rental van and luggage vehicle there. Then it's just a little over an hour drive to Colorado Springs. It is possible for your son to meet us in Denver or in Colorado Springs, but this will take some special pre-work to get the arrangements figured out. Airfare is separate from the trip fee.
We will make air arrangements in the fall once the roster is set. We fly as a group. For this trip we plan to fly to Denver and pick up our rental van and luggage vehicle there. Then it's just a little over an hour drive to Colorado Springs. It is possible for your son to meet us in Denver or in Colorado Springs, but this will take some special pre-work to get the arrangements figured out. Airfare is separate from the trip fee.
Lodging
Our program is amazing, our leadership is mature and amazing, and our lodging...well....we don't stay in five-star resorts. We choose lodging that fits us and this summer is no exception. Our hotel will provide an ample continental breakfast which saves us a bunch of time and there will be a pool. Rooms will sleep three boys. All rooms are equipped with TVs, fridges, and three beds.
Our program is amazing, our leadership is mature and amazing, and our lodging...well....we don't stay in five-star resorts. We choose lodging that fits us and this summer is no exception. Our hotel will provide an ample continental breakfast which saves us a bunch of time and there will be a pool. Rooms will sleep three boys. All rooms are equipped with TVs, fridges, and three beds.
|
Food
Eating is an important part of our days. Our "food service" is unlike any other camp. Breakfast is provided by the motel/hotel. Lunches are usually from fast-food restaurants near where we might happen to be. Occasionally a lunch might be a regular sit-down restaurant style meal. Dinners will be eaten in local restaurants. As expected, it will be the big meal of the day. Boys will get to choose from the menu. You are not going to find that in any residential camp in the world that we know of. Actually, you'll get to choose your food items for all three meals. Picky eaters need not worry...you'll find plenty to eat. Of course all meals and many snacks are included in the trip fee. |
|
We'll have ways boys can pick up some "free" cash during the trip. No, not by gambling - but honest pursuits. Here we were playing pool in 2026 in Boone. In Colorado we'll have a bowling and miniature golf tournaments - MTA traditions.
|
How a Day Might Unfold
Like all MindStretch Travel Adventures programs, there are no two days that are the same - ever! Our days will be full. There's a lot to do during this short trip. We'll tell you each evening what time to have breakfast finished by and what time we'll be meeting to start the day's adventures. We'll let you know what you'll need to bring each day...but it's pretty much the same: daypack, water bottle that's filled, rain gear (if it looks like that's a possibility), proper shoes for the activities, and a fleece or jacket. We will certainly schedule some "chill" time where we can just relax. Our hotel will have a pool. Boys might be given some very limited free time to explore the downtown section of Manitou Springs and possible other small towns or villages. There will be strict guidelines as to travel distance and time to report back in with the leaders. Parents can elect not to give their son this option. |
|
Some Logistical Notes
All the details will come your way as we get closer to the trip. But here's some more info that might be useful to know now. Luggage You will receive a "What to Bring' list in early spring. Your son will need one main piece of soft-sided luggage (think duffle or rolling piece). It does not need to be large. In fact, the smaller the better. We're only going for eight days and it's not absolutely necessarily that your son have a fresh set of clothes for each day. However, we do recommend clean underwear and socks for each day. In addition to the main piece of luggage, he'll need a daypack (book bag) that should be packed and ready to go each day. We will not be doing laundry on this trip, though motels usually have a small coin-operated laundry if there's a clothes emergency. Electronics
If your son has been on any of our domestic trips over the past several years, you'll know that electronics have been banned. It makes a huge difference when boys put away their electronics. They tend to focus on talking and interacting with each other...and that's an important life skill. And they actually see the beautiful scenery we're experiencing. 
Leaders on Pikes Peak in 2023.
We're ready to get back on top.
|
The North Carolina High Country boys on top of Blowing Rock this past summer.
Leadership
At this time, leaders on the trip include Mark Levin, aka Papa Mark (founder of the program), Don Silleman (Mr. Don), and Rae Silleman (Ms. Rae). All are experienced MindStretch Travel Adventures staffers. We've been around the block...and more than once. If we add any additional staff, they will be listed here as pages get updated.You should check back from time to time. We occasionally have a couple of experienced and mature students who help out as "Senior Counselors." We have not offered this opportunity to anyone at this time. |