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F.A.Q.s
Frequently Asked Questions
What IS La Foret?
Opened in 1944, La Foret is a not-for-profit conference and retreat center. La Foret is situated on 365 beautifully wooded acres in the heart of Black Forest, Colorado. La Foret offers multiple meeting venues that can accommodate up to 200 people. Our lodging includes Lapp Lodge, Nine cabins and six yurts. Recreation includes an outdoor swimming pool, a ropes course, hiking trails, sand volleyball, tennis, basketball, horseshoes, gaga ball, etc. We can accommodate groups for retreats, reunions, weddings, family reunions, school outings and ropes course initiatives.
Is La Foret religious? Does La Foret require groups to be of a particular denomination?
Although La Foret used to be owned by the Rocky Mountain Conference United Church of Christ, it has been a private, 501(c)3 not for profit for many years. No affiliation is required to use this great facility. Everyone is welcome at La Foret! We provide sanctuary for all to consider the transcendent in life.
Can my family rent a cabin for a weekend?
--Families are welcome to rent cabins at La Foret. Our cabins sleep between ten and twenty people, and are equipped with bunk beds. Rooms in Lapp Lodeg can accommodate up to five persons per room. We require at least twenty people to open our dining hall for meals, unless we are already serving other groups. Two of our cabins have full household kitchens. One of these cabins with kitchens sleeps eleven and the other sleeps eighteen. Small groups that rent our cabins with kitchens are able to be self-contained and cook their own meals.
Does La Foret allow tent camping throughout the woods?
--Group tent camping is only allowed in designated areas. This typically entails renting our yurt village, which has its own bathhouse and fire circle. It also includes use of the Ben Smith Stables. We are not a campground, so we cannot currently accommodate individuals looking for a spot to pitch a tent.
Do you require a deposit upon booking?
--A 20% down payment is due two weeks after the contract is issued. The 80% balance is due two weeks prior to the event. We contract based on minimum numbers, so if you exceed your contracted minimum, we will issue a final invoice, which reflects your actual count for meals and for lodging.
Can your kitchen accommodate our group’s dietary restrictions?
--We will cater to all serious food allergies by offering them an alternate choice, and will cook their food separately to attempt to avoid cross contamination when necessary. However, our kitchen does not have designated prep areas and cross contamination cannot always be prevented. Dietary preferences will be honored when possible. In addition to our hot meal, we provide fruits, yogurts, oatmeal and cereal with every breakfast, and a large salad bar with every lunch and dinner. So even those with highly particular needs can find something tasty at every meal.
What is the refund policy?
--If a group cancels at least 60 days prior to their event, 5% of the contracted amount may be forfeited. We will refund 15% of the down payment. If the group rebooks for a different date, we are able to transfer the entire 20% to the new retreat. If a group does not give at least a 60-day cancellation notice, they may be liable for the entire contracted amount. Extreme emergencies may be given leniency.
Do you offer discounts for non-profits or repeat users?
We offer a variety of rates to groups, these include our partner churches, UCC & DOC, those we consider ecumenical partners and mid-week school groups. Rates can also fluctuate depending on the size of your group and the season of the year. Our Guest Services team will be glad to work with you.
Is La Foret open to the public?
La Foret is open to the public, but to attend La Foret, you must be with a registered group or have made arrangements with the office ahead of your arrival. For the security and safety of our guests, we are not able to accommodate walk ins or transient guests. La Foret is a Colorado licensed resident camp. When licensed camps are in session, All adults on site must have completed a background checked process to be in attendance.
How can I volunteer at La Foret?
Prearranged work groups are welcome to come to La Foret to help with fire mitigation, trail maintenance, etc. Volunteers working in other capacities (such as with our summer camp programs) are first required to complete a background check.
Are prices different during certain parts of the year? Do you have off-season rates?
La Foret's rates are based on what it costs us to operate and remain in business. We reserve the right to offer special pricing when it is possible. We offer off-season rates for weddings, November 1st - April 30th. We also offer discounted rates to our ecumenical partners and are happy to support our mid-week school groups with special rates.
Do I need to bring my own bedding?
Linens can be provided at the rate of $22.00 per person. Our linen set includes mattress pad, sheet set, pillow, blankets and a towel. Linens are included in Lapp Lodge room rates. Many of our guests bring their own sleeping bag/bedding, pillow and towel. You will also need to provide your own personal toiletry items.
Can I bring my pet?
--Unfortunately, only licensed service animals are allowed at La Foret. Emotional support animals are allowed, but you will need to have a letter, including their contact information, from a licensed psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist stating the need for your support animal. Download our rules here
Did any of La Foret burn in the Black Forest Fire of 2013?
--We are very lucky that firefighters worked so hard to save our property and buildings, as well as many other important community spaces. No, thankfully our land did not experience any of the major wildfire that year.
How long has La Foret been a conference & retreat center?
Alice Bemis Taylor, famous Colorado Springs philanthropist, developed and operated La Foret as a personal Retreat from 1928 until her death in 1942. On April 15, 1944, the Bemis foundation deeded La Foret to the Colorado Congregational Conference, later to become the United Church of Christ. Cabins and a dining hall were added to the property, and the conference began using La Foret for their outdoor ministries. Over the years La Foret has developed into a full-service conference and retreat center, serving well over 100 groups every year.
How do I sign my kids up for summer camp?
--Summer camp is available through several different hosts, as well as La Foret's own camp. On the Camps and Events page, you can find details and links to additional websites for easy, online registration. Sign up here!