Debriefing & Renewal: Move forward with hope.

Debriefing for everyone.

About Debriefing & Renewal (DAR)

The DAR program helps missionaries in transition reflect and interpret their experiences and brings about personal renewal. It is created for those experiencing life changes and the implications of cross-cultural life and ministry. It is not a curative program, nor is it meant for psychological counseling.

MTI offers a 6-day or a 10-day DAR. Increasingly, we are receiving feedback from participants that they would like more time to debrief. Therefore, we are offering several 10-day programs, which will allow more time devoted to grief, loss, and transition. This program will utilize the same content as the 6-day DAR but allow more time to process.

For Singles, Couples & Families:

Throughout your cross-cultural ministry, all family members – including children – will face significant changes and challenges as you return to your passport culture. MTI understands the unique issues that kids face and we’re ready to walk beside you in this transition. Our CHildren’s Intercultural Programs (CHIPs) is meant to help during this process.

While parents attend DAR, CHIPs objectives parallel the adult ones. This creates natural talking points and allows families to continue the learning process together outside the classroom. We value the participation of entire families and require them to attend together.

PLEASE NOTE: MTI does not have a specialized program for young adults who are in transition. If your family has children who have graduated from high school, please contact info@mti.org for information about alternative programs designed specifically for young adults.

The cost for MTI is all-inclusive - covering food, housing, and program materials for the length of your stay with us.

  • Each room features a bed, desk, dresser, and private bathroom. Please be aware that families may be in one room, and each child will have their own bed.

  • Our community spaces include several fireplaces (both indoor and outdoor), private seating areas, and a full playground. We also have a game room with a foosball table, ping-pong, and air hockey.  

  • All of your sheets and towels will be provided for you, and we have a complimentary full-service laundry room with washers and dryers.

  • Our kitchen staff works to prepare food options that allow for a variety of offerings throughout your stay. You will enjoy three meals a day and snacks during break periods. We also have a full-size fridge that is available for all participants to use and share.

  • We have two minivans that are available to our participants. We do ask that you stay within the Monument/Palmer Lake area. This will get you to several gyms, grocery stores, and local restaurants.

  • Located in Colorful Colorado, we have many opportunities for outdoor activities nearby. We have several trails that encircle the campus and a disc golf course on site! We are also walking distance from the Santa Fe Trail and driving distance from several more hikes. The weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to bring plenty of layers!

Life on Campus

 FAQs

  • Join us for a DAR program when you are returning for furlough, retiring, or transitioning to another assignment. We recommend attending this program 4-6 weeks after returning from your country of service.

  • DAR has been created for routine debriefing for those on home assignment, experiencing life changes, and dealing with the implications of cross-cultural life and ministry. It is not a curative program and is not meant for psychological counseling. But it does cater to the needs of our participants by having field-experienced staff and location created for both family bonding and personal reflection.

  • MTI is physically located at 421 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, CO 80133.

    Free shuttle service is provided by MTI (12:00 PM – 2:30 PM) from the Colorado Springs Airport (COS), any Colorado Springs Hotel, and the Monument Park-n-Ride. Please note that you will need to provide your own transportation if your arrival/departure is outside of our shuttle schedule or if you are flying into or out of Denver International Airport (DEN). As you make your travel plans, please be aware of the following parameters:

    • Schedule your arrival flight to the Colorado Springs Airport before 1:30 PM on Monday, the first day of the program. Our MTI courtesy shuttle runs from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM on Monday only.

    • Please plan your departure flight on Saturday from Colorado Springs Airport for after 2:00pm; flights from Denver International Airport for 3:30 PM or later.

    • The MTI shuttle will be pick up at the arrivals pick-up loading zone at the Colorado Springs Airport. If you experience flight delays, call MTI at (800) 896-3710 or (719) 487-0111 to keep us informed.

    If your arrival or departure falls outside this timeframe or you choose to arrive at Denver International Airport (DEN), your transportation options include:

    • Rental car

    • You may choose to arrange for a commercial shuttle to the Monument Park ‘n Ride or the MTI training site (MTI can pickup at the Monument Park-n-Ride between 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM). Consider Groome Transportation or Along Came Carol.

    • Uber, Lyft, or Taxi

  • Palmer Lake, Colorado, is a small community nestled up against the Front Range of the Rockies where the Palmer Divide meet. The town is named after the small lake in the center of town (think pond). There are also two larger resevoirs located a short hike from the town that makes you feel like your are nowhere near civilization. The town has a few local restaurants, a coffee shop, ice cream shop, and gift shops. If you are here in the late spring look for the Columbine flowers that are native to this area.

    • Climate Information: The elevation in Palmer Lake is 7,225 feet above sea level. Drinking plenty of water is important as you get used to the altitude. Colorado summer temperatures range from 75-90° throughout the day and cool to about 30-40° in the evening. Winter temperatures range from 0-60° with snow possible at any time. The fall and spring season will have both summer and winter ranges.

    • We have a complimentary full-service laundry room with washers and dryers.

    • Dress: Casual with layers, keeping in mind that Colorado’s weather can change dramatically.

    • Shoes or Boots: Bring shoes for hiking and/or walking.

    • Bible

    • Lotion, Chap Stick, & Sunscreen

    • Reusable Water Bottle: Drink lots of water to prevent altitude sickness.

    • Child Monitor: MTI has monitors available for use but bring your own if you prefer.

    • Car Seat / Booster Seat: MTI has car seats and boosters available for trips and transporting to and from the airport. For your information, Colorado requires a car seat or booster seat for children under 7 years and weighing less than 70 pounds.

    • Exercise Items: MTI does not have exercise equipment. Consider bringing packable items for indoor exercise or come prepared for outdoor exercise. MTI is close to a walking/running path. There is also a nearby YMCA, CrossFit Gym, and 24-hour fitness club.

  • Mission Training International is in a beautiful area twenty miles north of downtown Colorado Springs and forty miles south of Denver. The Town of Palmer Lake is a quaint village nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with an elevation of 7,225 feet. There are many tourist attractions in the area.

    To enjoy these attractions, you may find it beneficial to drive your own car to your MTI program or make plans to rent a car for the days you would like to see the sights.

    Pikes Peak Cog Railway Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Seven Falls Cave of the Winds Manitou Cliff Dwellings Garden of the Gods Olympic Museum United States Air Force Academy Western Museum of Mining and Industry Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Focus on the Family

  • While you are at MTI, you are welcome to receive mail. Let your friends and family know to have letters and packages shipped to:

    MTI (attn: Your Name)

    P.O. Box 1220 (421 State Hwy 105)

    Palmer Lake, CO 80133

  • Transfers and Cancellations:

    All deposits are non-refundable.

    Regarding Compass & DAR:

    • A requested transfer between programs will result in the loss of your deposit and requires an additional deposit before the new requested registration is confirmed.

    • Cancellation more than four weeks before the start of your program will result in the loss of your deposit.

    • Cancellation or transfer less than two weeks before the start of your program will result in the loss of your deposit and 50% of your total bill. The additional fee will be deducted from any program payment monies already collected, billed to your credit card on file or billed to your agency.

    • You will be charged the full amount of the program if you fail to cancel before the first day of your program.

    Regarding all other MTI events:

    • Any cancellation of your registration for an MTI event will result in the loss of the deposit. If no deposit was made, a charge of $150 per adult will be assessed.

    • No refunds will be issued for cancellations within 30 days of the starting date of the event.

    • Transfers are not available for MTI events.

General Questions

  • DAR begins each day at 8:30am and ends at 4:00pm. Some days during the program have exceptions and will be noted on your schedule when you arrive. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.

  • Weekends are free for participants to use as they desire. At times there are short assignments to do over a weekend. We encourage participants to sightsee and plan group outings. Colorado has so many beautiful and interesting places to see.

Program & Classroom

  • The larger rooms at MTI are designed with adjoining doors to accommodate families that need more space for children. Pack-n-plays and toddler beds are available to families who need them. Please be aware that families may be in one room, and each child will have their own bed.

  • Yes! MTI has a large playground, climbing rocks, a covered area for smaller children, and sufficient mulch padding to keep children safe. In addition to the playground, there are outdoor toys, balls, games, scooters, and bicycles.

  • While we do not provide childcare, we do have a children’s program, called the CHildren’s Intercultural Program (CHIPs). CHIPs objectives parallel the DAR adult objectives, which creates natural talking points and allows families to continue the learning process together.

    Learn more about CHIPs.

Families with Children