FAQs
Bible School
Definitely don’t forget your Bible! Additionally, you are free to bring your computer and other study tools if you so desire – We will provide you with any books needed for classes. We also have an extensive collection of books, Bible commentaries and other resources in our library.
Weather in Estes Park can range from warm spring days to cold snowy winter days, all year round. (~20°F) -(~70°F) We suggest you bring warm clothing and boots for snow and wet weather. Classroom attire is casual but neat.
Clothes suitable for indoor and outdoor work duties will be needed. Guys should bring a pair of work gloves. Students should also bring more formal attire for church attendance and special occasions at school. Storage and closet space are limited, so please do not bring too much.
We are working on putting a packing list together for you and will have it posted as soon as it is finished!
Storage and closet space are limited to 3-4 drawers, approximately 24 inches of hanging space (hangers are provided) and space beneath the bed. Please do not bring too much! Also, please realize you will be sharing your room with up to five other students.
Ravencrest provides transport to town only once a week. That being said, we encourage you to bring your own vehicle if you plan on exploring Estes Park and the surrounding areas.
Four-wheel-drive is helpful, especially during the winter and spring months, but not necessary. It is wise to keep chains or cables available in your vehicle for snowy and icy conditions.
You parents are welcome to stay on campus when there is space available. Call the office at 970-586-8118. For Registration Day, Parents Weekend and Graduation we recommend that parents find lodging in nearby Estes Park.
For information on lodging prices and availability in Estes Park, go to http://www.estes-park.com/
Students are required to have graduated high school or hold a GED. Most of our students fall in the age range of 18-25, but we are thrilled to have older students as well!
If there are scholarship funds available, priority will be given to students from Third World countries.
Interested in donating to our Scholarship fund? Donate here.
You are allowed to have a job as long as you work hours do not interfere with class or study time.
We do not have work programs available for our Bible school students. We do however have volunteer opportunities. You can find more info about volunteering here
Besides our student recreational facilities, there are many opportunities for recreation in Estes Park and surrounding areas. Rocky Mountain National Park is 15 minutes away and there is National Forest just up the road from us. Estes Park also has gyms and a rec center. There are many opportunities for rock climbing, hiking, camping, snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding.
Ravencrest is required to have all students participate in our program under the Accident and Medical Insurance we have. It is minimal coverage but also inexpensive and is a good supplement to your current coverage. There is no deductible and the insurance provides coverage for an event that occurs while attending the Ravencrest program.
The insurance that we provide is a secondary insurance, but if you don’t have insurance, it works as a primary insurance. When you register you will be asked to show valid proof of your own health insurance, including the company name and policy number.
Ravencrest offers a shuttle at the beginning and end of the school terms. Reservations must be made with the office at least two days prior to the day of travel. Cost is $15 one-way to and from Denver International Airport.
Please allow two hours for travel time between Estes Park and the Denver International Airport. Times and Locations: Departs Door 604 (West terminal) of the airport at 3 pm on student arrival days and departs Ravencrest Chalet Campus at 8:30 am on student departure days.
For USPS mail:
c/o Ravencrest Chalet
PO Box 2620
Estes Park, CO 80517-2620.
Please ask your correspondents to include your name in the address.
For packages via UPS, FedEx, etc:
501 Pole Hill Road
Estes Park, CO 80517.
The U.S. Postal Service does not deliver mail to 501 Pole Hill Rd so make sure to use the PO Box unless UPS or FedEx carriers are being used.
Many Christian colleges accept the studies completed at Ravencrest Chalet for transfer credit. This makes our program beneficial to those students who plan to continue with their college education. For those interested in missionary work, our school satisfies most mission agency requirements of thirty credit hours of formal Bible training. For a list of schools that accept transfer credit from Ravencrest Chalet, click here.
The Bible School is approved for the training of Veterans and eligible persons.
Ravencrest Chalet does not penalize students using VA educational benefit programs under Chapters 33 and 31 while awaiting payment from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Students will continue to have access to classes, libraries, and other institutional facilities as outlined in our catalog. No late fees will be assessed and student accounts will be considered on hold. (Title 38 USC 3679)
Need a Transcript? You can request a student Transcript by filling out and submitting the request form here >
Ascension Wilderness Experience
Outdoor gear can be expensive. I would advise that you buy quality shoes since a good shoe is essential to your experience. If you are looking to buy used gear, check craigslist.org, or other local online selling platforms. Steepandcheap.com is another great resource. Borrow from friends or family members. I would suggest a mummy bag over a standard sleeping bag due to size and weight. Here is another article that will be helpful in purchasing gear: http://gizmodo.com/a-basic-guide-to-cheap-outdoors-gear-for-broke-adventur-1682102787 . Another great book is Allen and Mike’s Really Cool Backpacking Book.
Temperatures are often moderate at elevations below 9,400′ (2,865 m). At higher points, like Bear Lake, Trail Ridge Road, or Longs Peak, it may snow even in July. A wide variation between day and nighttime temperatures is also typical of mountain weather.
We currently do not offer scholarships for the AWE program.
You must be 18 or older to participate. The average age is 18-24, but all ages are welcome and encouraged to participate.
Altitude sickness is something that all visitors to higher altitudes should be aware of. Most trails in the park begin above 7,800 feet, and abruptly climb higher. Elevations on park roads range between 7,800 feet and 12,183 feet – the highest point on Trail Ridge Road. At this lofty spot there’s 35% less oxygen in the air than at sea level. Atop 14,259-foot Longs Peak, the highest mountain in the park, oxygen levels are 50% less!
Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), can occur in some people at elevations as low as 8000 feet. AMS can also affect as many as 20% of all visitors who travel from sea level to above 8,000 feet, regardless of their physical condition.
There are several steps you can take beforehand to help prevent altitude sickness:
- Stay properly hydrated. Fluid loss normally occurs during the acclimatization process, so you need to drink lots of fluids (water is great, but no alcohol) to remain properly hydrated.
- Rocky Mountain National Park rangers recommend that you spend at least one night at 7,000 or 8,000 feet prior to setting out. This will allow your body to begin to adjust to the change in elevation.
- Adjustment to high altitude is best done by acclimating slowly; build up to higher elevations over several days. If acclimating slowly is not possible, take it easy, walk slowly, avoid strenuous walks and hikes, and take time to enjoy the scenery.
No, as cool as they are, they are not hiking boots. Never. Ever.
A wonderful question with an exciting answer. So that our participants can learn the beauty of what it means to live each day as it’s own, free of worry, the schedule is not revealed to the participants. Participants will be informed as necessary as to what they are doing and what they must bring to be prepared. Other than that, just enjoy the ride.
No, cell phone will not be allowed to be brought with you during the program. They will be encouraged to be turned off so that you can live free from distracting during this special time in the wilderness.
Sleeping bags should be rated to 32 degree to keep you warm at the higher altitudes that we will be camping at.
All deposits will need to be submitted by May 15th to secure your spot for the program.
No.
No.
Yes, there are multiple mountain shop in town where extra gear can be purchased if necessary. There is also a Safeway in town where groceries can be purchased if you need them.
Yes, there will be transportation provided to a laundromat in town where laundry can be done. Please bring extra pocket money to pay for washing.
There will be one organized shuttle that will meet at a predetermined time to provide transport to and from Ravencrest. If this is not possible, you will have to arrange your own transport to and from the airport. There is a Estes Park Shuttle that provides transport to and from the airport at a cost of $45 each way.
Yes. There is free, public wifi located in any of our public buildings.
