Master Plan is charging enough for this event so that we can put any proceeds toward our ministry objectives. We also want to invite men to give financially to our ministry during one evening of the week, our vision night. There is no obligation to give above the registration fee.
Can we smoke and drink beer?
There is a "no-alcohol" policy at Cascade Lodge. If need to smoke, we ask that you go for a little walk outside.
Are these events for men only?
Yes. We are trying to give men a chance to escape the typical daily routines, and be authentic and real with each other. While we love our wives and are thankful for women, this is a "men's retreat". Note: there may be women serving at the retreat in various roles such as kitchen cook.
What is Master Plan Ministries?
Master Plan Ministries is a non-denominational, evangelical, Christian ministry that exists to glorify God by helping fulfill the great commission. You can learn more at this link.
Is Master Plan Ministries an outfitter?
No we are not. The cost to attend the Getaway covers only MPM’s costs involved in conducting the Getaway with no MPM staff receiving any compensation from the funds paid for or raised at this event. The hunting and fishing activities are self-directed at each participant’s discretion. MPM is not a licensed “Outfitter” as defined by Colorado law and cannot engage in, nor be compensated for, guiding or supervising hunting and fishing activities nor providing gear for such activities.
Can I come if I am not a committed Christian or have never been to a men's retreat like this before?
Yes! We think that any natural born man would really enjoy this retreat. It will also help if you are open minded to the claims of Jesus, and are willing to listen to several men share stories about how God changed their lives and willing to listen to engaging messages from the Bible. Also note, there will be no alcohol at the Cascade Lodge, and we are aiming to cultivate a God honoring enviorment.
Can I bring my ATV, boat, or RV?
Yes, but we need to be sure that we have enough space to park them. Call Russ at the number below to confirm.
Do I have to go to the Bible study?
We recommend that you hunt closer to the lodge if you want to hunt as late as possible in the evening so that you can be back for dinner at 6:30. We want all the men who come to value the Bible discussion at 7:30, even if they are eating with dinner on their lap. If you miss a Bible discussion due to a close encounter with an elk, or poor time judgment, its not going to hurt our feelings. However if you plan to skip all the Bible discussions, this getaway is likely not a good fit for you. We are trying to encourage an environment of real Christian growth. This is a big way to honor the Lord Jesus who is the giver of every good gift, including successful hunts.
Can I bring my son? We think that a young man age 11 and older can have a lot of fun and meaningful growth as a Christian at this getaway. We expect them to participate in the evening Bible studies, and if the discussions are PG-13 due to the seriousness of life, we figure you will be responsible to debrief with your son about the content to help him process becoming a man. Ask about if there is a youth sportsmen discount this year.
Russ is the president of Master Plan Ministries and grew up in this part of Colorado as an outdoorsman. He founded Master Plan Ministries in 1985, and has conducted dozens of men's retreats in this area over those 30 years. Russ has been hunting elk in this area since he was a teenager.
Austin came to Durango from PA in 1997 and has been climbing mountains and enjoying the CO outdoors since then. Austin has been serving on staff with MPM for since 2002 and has been hunting in SW Colorado for just as long.
Can I come late or leave early?
Yes. Opening day of the season is Saturday.
I heard that you bring horses and butcher animals that are harvested on site. Is that true?
While Russ has historically brought his horse and mule, and a meat grinder, and cutting boards, etc. past history is in no way a promise or guarantee as a part of any future Sportsmen's Getaway. We are not an outfitter or official guides. All outdoor activities are officially self guided.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel for any reason up to 4 weeks before the start of the event, we will refund your deposit minus the 3-4% transaction fee charged by Eventbrite. This year's cut off date is by midnight of September 25th
If there are not 6 Sportsmen’s Getaway deposits made by the end of Sept 25th, MPM reserves the right to cancel the event due to lack of interest, and we would plan to notify men immediately and refund your deposit in a timely manner. Further will notify you that we are confirming the Sportsmen’s Getaway on that date as well (or earlier if there is earlier, high interest).
If you cancel after September 25th, we will not refund your deposit, but will keep it and put it towards our ministry fund raising efforts.
As an exception, if you develop a serious medical condition, or if you have a death in the family as a reason you cannot come that you learn about after the cutoff date, we will work with you refunding your deposit.
How is COVID-19 affecting these Getaways?
If you are not able to come due to direct COVID-19 reasons such as travel bans, or developing symptoms, we will refund your deposit or transfer it to a getaway for next year.
