Enjoy holiday dining, festive brunches, special Christmas day menus, and a celebratory end of the year NYE Bash! Pages 4-5
HOLIDAY SPA SPECIALS
Enjoy or give the gift of relaxation at Strata Spa & Salon with holiday packages, gift cards and special member pricing! Pages 14-15
MEMBERSHIP EVENT
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MESSAGE FROM JOHN REILLY
Managing Director
Dear Members,
December is a special time at the Club. This season brings many opportunities to connect with fellow members and loved ones in meaningful ways.
Early in the month, I encourage you to join us for our December Member Mingle, as well as our ICONic Wine Tasting, a beautifully curated experience featuring exceptional wines and elevated pairings crafted by our culinary team.
Families will discover plenty of holiday magic throughout December. Don't miss Santa and Mrs Claus as they make appearances at events throughout the month, as well as festive Kid's Club activities. There's something special about the magic of the season seen through the eyes of our youngest members.
For those looking to stay active amid the celebrations, our racquet sports and fitness programs offer a fun way to keep moving. From Ugly Sweater tournaments to the End Strong, Start Stronger fitness challenge, there are many ways to stay engaged and energized heading into the new year.
And to close out 2025 in style, we invite you to join us for our New Year’s Eve Bash, featuring live music, an exceptional dinner, and countdown celebration.
Thank you for making this community so vibrant all year long. On behalf of our entire team, I wish you a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, connection, and memorable moments.
Sincerely,
John Reilly Managing Director
TASTES & SIPS
SIP of the MONTH:
AMBROSIA
This delightfully smooth and crisp take on a classic vesper combines raw honey-infused gin, Citroen vodka, and ginger liqueur. Served shaken, not stirred in our Rocks and Grand View Bars daily.
TASTE OF THE MONTH
CONFIT DUCK CROQUETTE | $19
Duck legs are cooked for 12 hours in a mixture of rosemary, thyme, shallots, garlic and duck fat. Then we pull the meat from the bone and combined with yukon gold mashed potatoes and coated in panko before we fry them to a golden perfection. Croquettes are served with a chipotle aioli and topped with pickled red onions and an herb salad.
HOLIDAY WEEKEND BRUNCH
Your loved ones are already gathered, let us do the cooking! We will be offering brunch every Thursday-Sunday the weekend of Christmas and New Year. So breathe in the mountain air, sip, savor and enjoy your holiday company with the best views in the state, and mouthwatering cuisine.
Click to Book Reservation
Click to watch Chef Kelley's Invitation!
Click to watch Chef Adam plate this flavorful dish!
Click to watch the creation of this drink!
CHRISTMAS
Brunch | Grand View 7am - 2:00pm A la carte brunch
Ring in the New Year with us at Garden of the Gods Resort, featuring live music by Dotsero and an unforgettable dinner experience. The evening begins at 7:30 PM with a reception and passed hors d'oeuvres, followed by a delicious dinner. We'll toast to the new year as the band leads us into midnight with a countdown! Dinner is $145 per person (Member discounts apply, plus tax and automatic 20% gratuity).
Please note: Laura Rupejko is no longer playing Live Music on Wednesdays
EARLY DINNER
KC SPECIAL
Dear Members,
Thank you for your wonderful support of the Men’s League Day and Women’s League Day lunch specials at Kissing Camels Bar & Grille. Your enthusiasm and participation help make our golf community vibrant, connected, and enjoyable.
As a token of our appreciation, we invite you to enjoy an Early Dinner Special from 4 pm – 5 pm. $5 off select entrées and wines at Kissing Camels Bar and Grille throughout the month of December. This special offer is our way of saying thank you for making league days such a success and for continuing to support the Club’s dining experiences.
We look forward to welcoming you back and serving you again soon.
Warm Regards, Kim Medeiros
Click to View KC Grille Monthly Specials!
KISSING CAMELS GOLF CLUB
HOURS OF OPERATION
GOLF SHOP
Daily | 9am - 5pm
GOLF COURSE
Daily | 10am – 5pm
PRACTICE RANGE
Mon & Thurs | 9:30am – 5pm
SHORT GAME AREA
Closed for Winter
Due to potential frost delays in November, starting times will begin at 10:00am for the entire month. Please call the Golf Shop prior to tee off for updated course conditions and/or delays. If there are course delays, the professional staff will send notifications via Jonas to those on the tee sheet for the day. Online tee times will be available one week in advance starting at 9:00am.
Beverage Cart Service:
Discontinued until spring. If you need anything prior to or during your round, please feel free to ask a member of the Professional Staff or call the Golf Shop at (719) 636-2520. We are happy to deliver food and drinks while you are playing.
KISSING CAMELS BAR & GRILLE
See page 5 for winter hours. Call (719)329-6904 for questions.
SEASONAL UPDATES
Winter Golf Course Rotation: We will continue with an 18-hole course rotation throughout the winter months.
The restrooms at The Mirage will remain open for your convenience. Beverage cart service has been discontinued until spring.
Winter Practice Range: The winter range tee is now open (November 17th). We have transitioned to our new turf tee line on the south end of the practice tee. Range balls will be available in the Golf Shop until spring. Please do not remove range bags from the practice area.
Winter Course Maintenance Tips:
• Continue to fill in your divots
• Repair your ball marks and a minimum of one other
• Minimize cart traffic – we recommend 2 carts per group when possible
• When frost is present, please avoid those areas
Winter Guest Fees: (does not include cart fee)
Accompanied Guest 18-Holes: $72
Accompanied Guest 9-Holes: $52
HOLIDAY HOURS
CHRISTMAS EVE: 9am-3pm | all golf carts must be returned by 3pm
CHRISTMAS DAY: Golf Shop and course closed
SAVE THE DATES FOR 2026 – MEMBER TOURNAMENTS & EVENTS
65th Annual Smoochers Tournament – Monday-Thursday, June 8th-11th
Men’s 2-Man Best Ball – Saturday, June 20th
65th Annual Camel Drivers Men’s Member-Guest – Thursday-Saturday, July 9th-11th
Ladies Club Championship – Thursday-Friday, August 13th & 14th
Men’s Club Championship – Saturday-Sunday, August 15th & 16th
Colorado Junior Invitational – Saturday-Sunday, October 10th & 11th
SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM THE GOLF STAFF
As the holiday season approaches, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and membership at Kissing Camels Golf Club. Your passion for the game and dedication to our community are what make this club truly special. Thanks for all you do for us! May this season bring you joy, peace, and plenty of time spent with loved ones—both on and off the course. We look forward to another wonderful year filled with great golf, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments together. Wishing you and your family all the very best for the holidays and a happy, healthy New Year!
-The Golf Professional Staff
FROST DELAYS: 5 THINGS EVERY GOLFER SHOULD KNOW
1. Crunchy grass is vulnerable to damage. Golf course turf is normally resilient to traffic, but when ice crystals form inside the plants, they become brittle and vulnerable to damage. Walking or driving over frost-covered grass may rupture plant cells, leading to dead turf. Or the plants may be weakened without immediately showing the effects. It can take grass more than a month to recover from this damage.
2. When it comes to frost delays, location is everything. Many of us have looked out our windows at home and seen no signs of frost, only to find a frost delay when we reach the golf course. This is because frost can linger in colder microclimates long after other areas have thawed. North-facing slopes, low-lying areas and areas sheltered from the wind are especially likely to remain covered with frost. If you are worried about a potential frost delay it is best to call the golf shop to check on conditions at the course before leaving home.
3. Closely mown turf is at high risk. Frost damage can occur on any part of the golf course, but it poses the greatest risk to closely mown turf. Putting greens are particularly vulnerable because they experience the most concentrated traffic. A foursome typically takes 300 steps or more on each putting green; if there is frost present, all those steps could cause serious damage.
4. A little frost can cause big delays. No signs of frost on the first tee? That doesn’t mean you will get the “all clear” sign. If frost remains in areas that are unavoidable early in the round, the course must remain closed. It is also important to remember that once the frost is totally clear, the maintenance staff will need time to catch up on course preparations before play can begin.
5. More light goes a long way. Shade extends frost delays by preventing sunlight from melting the frost. Pruning or removing trees that shade primary playing surfaces can improve the course’s overall health and reduce the duration of frost delays. This is especially true on holes played early in the round. The shade from a few trees can keep an entire course closed.
INACTIVE SCORE POSTING SEASON:
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
As cooler fall weather establishes itself across much of the country, golfers in some states will find their golf season move from “active” to “inactive” as it pertains to their Handicap Index®. What does that mean, what’s the purpose and what if you play a round in a state that is active but reside in a state that isn’t? The USGA Handicapping Department covers your questions below.
What is the inactive season?
Simply put, the inactive season is the period on the calendar during which any round you play in your home state or region does not count toward your Handicap Index.
But my course is still open during the inactive season, why doesn’t my score count?
The inactive season exists to address how seasonal weather can impact the conditions of a golf course. When an Allied Golf Association (AGA) issues a Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™ for each set of tees at a golf course, both are based on effective playing length and difficulty under “normal” conditions. In many parts of the country, there are certain months when facilities remain open but are unable to maintain regular course conditions because of weather. If scores were acceptable for handicap purposes during these times, the Handicap Index of players could be unfairly distorted.
What if I reside in a state that’s inactive but play in a state that’s active?
Let’s say you live in Colorado but play golf in Florida in January – in that case, your score does count toward your Handicap Index. Just remember that, as in all cases, any rounds played on a course other than your home course should receive an Away or “A” score designation when posting the score.
Who
determines
the inactive season?
Your local Allied Golf Association (the Colorado Golf Association). Note that the duration varies by region with some states (like California and Florida, for example) always staying active due to a favorable year-round climate.
Colorado Inactive Season: November 15-March 15
IN OUR COURT
WINTER JUNIOR TENNIS PROGRAM
10-Week Session | January 12-March 20, 2026
JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT:
Future Stars – Red Ballers (Ages ~4–6)
• Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday
• Time: 4:00–4:30 PM
• Cost: $170 (1x/week for 10 weeks)
Stars – Orange Ballers (Ages 7–9)
• Days: Tuesday or Wednesday
• Time: 4:30–5:30 PM
• Cost: $250 (1x/week for 10 weeks)
All-Stars – Intermediate Green Ballers (Ages 12 & under)
• Days: Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday
• Time: 5:30–7:00 PM
• Cost: $300 (1x/week for 10 weeks)
All-Stars – Novice (Regular Ball, Ages 12+)
• Days: Monday or Friday
• Time: 4:00–5:00 PM
• Cost: $250 (1x/week for 10 weeks)
COMPETITIVE:
Advanced (Top Players) – Preapproved by Director of Racquet Sports
• Days: Monday or Friday
• Time: 5:00–6:30 PM
• Cost: $300 (1x/week for 10 weeks)
PICKLEBALL EVENTS & CAMPS
Register for all events & camps on the Member Portal!
Ugly Sweater MXD Doubles Pickleball Tournament
December 20 | 12:00pm–2:00pm
All levels welcome — FREE entry! Ugly is encouraged…style points optional.
New Year’s PBX Pickleball Camp
January 6–8 | 2:00pm–3:30pm | $105 single program • $140 all days
Perfect for those jumping into the fastest-growing sport in America. Learn techniques, gameplay, and confidence-building skills to start 2026 with a bang.
New Year’s Pickleball Bootcamp (3.0+)
January 6–8 | 3:30pm–5:00pm | $105 full camp
Resolution energy required — high-paced drills and match play designed to elevate your 2026 pickleball performance.
TENNIS EVENTS & CAMPS
Register for all events & camps on the Member Portal!
Ugly Sweater MXD Doubles Tennis Tournament
December 13 | 12:00pm–2:00pm
All levels welcome — FREE entry! Come serve holiday cheer in your best (worst) sweater.
JR Holiday Tennis Camp (Green Ball)
December 15–18 | Ages 10+ | 5:30pm–7:30pm $50/day • $200 full camp
January 6–8 | Ages 10+ | 11:00am–12:30pm | $50/day • $150 full camp
Adult New Year’s Tennis Bootcamp (3.0+)
January 6–8 | 5:00pm–6:30pm | $105 full camp
Kickstart your New Year’s resolutions! High-intensity drills, point-play, and competitive reps to shock your 2026 season into action. Not for the faint of heart — come ready to WORK!
September 1 - December 31st at Garden of the Gods
GoG is partnering with Racketime to help you get more time on court this Fall with your fellow members and also compete against a few other Colorado Springs clubs! Follow the QR codes below to register for one or more leagues!
All Skill Levels
GoG is partnering with Country Club of Colorado this fall to enable even more participation in dynamic match making!
Tennis Ladder (Singles, Doubles, & Mixed)
Pickleball Ladder (Singles, Doubles, & Mixed)
SOMETHING new
GOLF SHOP
NEW Winter apparel and Christmas Gifts
Golf shop Christmas deals with gift wrapping available.
LILAC BOUTIQUE DEALS!
Buy One apparel item Get One 50% OFF 40% OFF Olukai Shoes and Slippers
NEW Christmas Decor and gifts!
CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Come shop the Lilac Boutique for all your Christmas gifts. Great gifts and deals for all of your loved ones!
DECEMBER SPECIALS
SALON
Come in for 25% off a Gentleman’s Barber Cut & Shave to clean up after No-Shave November. Treat yourself to a fresh look and a little self-care before the holiday festivities begin.
MASSAGE
Cozy up and melt away winter tension with this seasonal spa favorite. Our 80-minute Herbal Poultice Massage combines soothing heat and aromatic herbs to ease sore muscles, improve circulation, and restore deep relaxation. The warm herbal compresses infuse your body with comfort, and the best part? You’ll take your poultice home to continue the calming benefits long after your visit. Normally $240, you pay $180!
FACIALS
Reveal your smoothest, most radiant skin with our 75-minute Hydra Facial + Dermaplane 6-Pack Series. This winter special deeply exfoliates, infuses advanced hydration, and delivers lasting luminosity through a customized six-session journey. A $2,010 value, yours for $1,500!
GIVE THE GIFT OF RELAXATION
New this season: Strata Spa & Salon Gift Card Bundles
Celebrate the art of giving with our limited-edition bundles. Each set combines a Strata Spa & Salon gift card with curated retail favorites for a complete gifting experience.
Back by popular demand – Holiday Packages!
Celebrate the season of giving (and glowing) with our limited-edition holiday spa packages. Thoughtfully curated to inspire relaxation, radiance, and joy, the perfect gifts for yourself or someone special.
Ring in the New Year with intention, relaxation, and renewal. Join Rachael for a serene Vin Yin Sound Bath designed to help you reflect and reset before stepping into 2026. This special practice includes intention setting, a blend of Vinyasa and Yin asana, meditation, and the restorative vibrations of sound healing, finishing with a light bite and a celebratory toast to the new year.
Space is limited. Reserve your spot early and close out 2025 feeling refreshed, centered, and inspired.
END STRONG, START STRONGER CHALLENGE
Finish the year strong with our final Fitness Challenge of 2025!
Complete 18 workouts of your choice throughout December, whether that’s a yoga class, strength session, cardio workout, personal training, hike, swim, or any movement that gets you active and feeling your best.
Track each workout using your Fitness Challenge Tracker Card and mark your progress on our Challenge Board in the Strata Fit lobby.
Complete 18 workouts and you’ll be entered to win your choice of a 50-minute Signature Massage or Spa Facial from Strata Spa!
Let’s finish 2025 with focus, consistency, and a strong sense of accomplishment as we elevate our energy into the new year.
Congratulations to our October winner, Jenna Malone!
NEW CLASS ALERT: BEGINNERS AERIAL YOGA
Take your yoga practice to new heights. In our Beginners Aerial Yoga class, you’ll explore familiar poses using a silk hammock to support, suspend, and even invert the body for a playful yet empowering experience.
Led by our talented instructor Rachael, this class blends fun with focus, helping you build strength, flexibility, and confidence. Limited to six participants per class, arrive early to secure your spot!
PREHAB AND REHAB EXERCISE PROGRAMS
At Strata Fit, we’re proud to help members prepare for and recover from orthopedic surgeries through our Prehab and Rehab Exercise Programs. Our Fitness Specialists design personalized programs that strengthen surrounding muscles, restore joint function, and build confidence for every stage of your journey. Meet our team of movement specialists:
• Logan – Medical Exercise Specialist focused on chronic injury rehabilitation and corrective exercise.
• Bev – Brings personal experience from her own successful orthopedic surgeries to guide others through recovery.
• Ellen – Helps members improve knee mobility and stability through multi-modal, full-body workouts.
• Jen – Challenges clients with balance and resistance work to enhance joint stability and range of motion.
• Shahid – Expert in golf and ski-specific knee and shoulder strengthening programs for pre/post-surgery success. If you’re considering joint repair or simply want to move better and feel stronger, our team is here to help.
FINAL FITNESS TIP OF 2025: REFLECT, RESET, AND RECHARGE
As the year winds down, take a moment to celebrate how far you’ve come. Every rep, every step, every breath matters. Use this season to rest, reflect, and set new intentions for the year ahead. Remember: consistency, not perfection, creates long-term wellness. Let’s make 2026 your strongest, healthiest year yet!
Click to join a class with Zoom Click to watch demo
Click for December Group Fitness Calendar
hours)
STRATA MED 2025
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
GIVE THE GIFT OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS
This season, give something truly meaningful — the gift of health. At Strata Med, every offering is designed to restore balance, inspire vitality, and support lifelong wellness. From IV Therapy and Acupuncture to personalized stress management and culinary experiences, you’ll find thoughtful gifts for everyone on their wellness journey.
TOP WELLNESS GIFTS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
STRATA MED GIFT CARDS
The gift of choice. Redeemable for any Strata Med service or product, our beautifully packaged gift cards make it easy to share a personal, meaningful wellness experience. Available for purchase in person at Strata Med.
SMART PROGRAM WITH DR. SHEILA BEE
Reduce stress, build resilience, and find balance. This eight-session private course teaches evidence-based techniques for relaxation and adaptive thinking.
Ancient wisdom, modern results. Support relaxation, pain relief, and energy flow.
12 Sessions – $1,080 ($1,350 value)
6 Sessions – $576 ($690 value)
MEDICAL MASSAGE PACKAGES Relief
10 Sessions – $1,275 ($1,465 value)
5 Sessions – $660 ($740 value)
SHOCKWAVE THERAPY PACKAGE
Renew strength and mobility. Accelerate healing and reduce pain with this non-surgical therapy.
6 Sessions – $783 ($900 value)
2026 LUNCH & LEARN SERIES
Feed your mind — and your body. Give an annual pass to our wellness-focused lunch series featuring expert talks, chef-prepared meals, and nutrition insights.
4 Events – $160 ($200 value)
2026 CULINARY MEDICINE COOKING DEMO SERIES
Experience how food becomes medicine. Interactive demos with our Executive Chef and wellness experts combine nutrition education with delicious tasting experiences.
4 Events – $125 ($140 value)
FUN FOR ALL
KIDS CLUB HOURS
Hours can be flexible - please contact Illianna Corum at icorum@gardenofthegodsresort.com for additional hours.
Closed on Sundays and Mondays
Tuesday - Thursday | 9am - 6pm
Friday | 9am - 8pm
Saturday | 9am - 1pm & 5-8pm
*Staff is based on registration. Registration will close at 3:30pm the day prior.
HOLIDAY HOURS
December 24th – Closing at 3pm
December 25th – Closed December 26th – 9am-8pm (usual hours)
New Year’s Eve- 9am-8pm
New Year’s Day- 9am-8pm (typically open till 6pm)
*News year’s Eve hours will fluctuate for membership event
HOLIDAY MOVIE
NIGHT & PJ PARTY
Date: Friday, December 19th (During Membership Trivia Night) Time: 5pm-8pm
Snuggle up for a magical night at our Holiday Movie & Pajama Party! Kids are encouraged to wear their favorite pajamas, bring a cozy blanket, and settle in for a classic holiday movie, The Grinch. We will be offering hot cocoa and popcorn during the movie night.
LETTERS TO SANTA
Date: Saturday, December 6th Time: 9am-1pm & 5pm-8pm
It’s that magical time of year! Kids can write and decorate their very own Letters to Santa. Once their letters are complete, they can mail them straight to the North Pole through our special Santa’s Mailbox sealed with holiday cheer and a little sparkle! Activities Include writing & decorating Santa letters, creating festive envelopes and stamps, hot cocoa & candy cane snack!
UPCOMING MEMBERSHIP EVENTS
MEMBER MINGLE
December 9th, 5pm – 7:30 pm | The View and KC Bar and Grille
Join us for the December Member Mingle to enjoy old friends and meet new ones! We will feature fresh, fun gourmet food stations created by our own very talented chefs. Appetizers and Cash Bar will be available throughout the evening. Come by any time!
“We need old friends to help us grow old and new friends to help us stay young.”
Reservations are limited. Registrations canceled fewer than 3 days prior to the event will be charged a $20 fee.
ICON ic EVENING: WINE TASTING & SMALL BITES
December 10th | 4:30pm in Rocks Dining Room
Join us for an ICONic evening showcasing the prestigious ICON portfolio of Treasury Wine Estates, guided by Kim Stone, DipWSET, CS | Director, ICON Division.
The event will begin at 4:30 pm with a sunset toast featuring the evening’s signature white wine , followed by a curated tasting of five exceptional reds, including notable selections such as DAOU Soul of a Lion, BV Georges de Latour, and Patrimony Cabernet.
Each wine is thoughtfully paired with small bites created by our Chef and Culinary Team. Guests will also enjoy exclusive purchasing opportunities, along with a professional engraver on-site to personalize bottles, perfect for gifting or collecting.
This intimate and elevated wine experience is the perfect way to savor the season. Seating is limited, please register early.
UPCOMING MEMBERSHIP
MAHJONG 101
December 16th | 2 separate class times at KC Grille
Join the Mahj Squad for Mahjong 101, an engaging and hands-on introduction to this classic tile game. Perfect for beginners, this session covers the fundamentals from game setup and tile recognition to basic strategies and terminology. The Mahj Squad’s expert instructors make learning fun, social, and stressfree, ensuring you leave ready to play with confidence. Come solo or bring friends and enjoy learning, laughter, and lively play. All materials provided. Reservations required. Cost is $60.
TRIVIA
December 19th | 6pm-8pm KC Bar & Grille
Gather your smartest friends, grab a drink, and get ready for an evening of friendly competition at Trivia Night in the Kissing Camels Bar & Grille!
Test your knowledge on everything from pop culture and history to music and sports while enjoying our full menu of food and drinks. Teams can be any size, and prizes will be awarded to the top-scoring teams. Whether you’re a trivia pro or just in it for the laughs, it’s the perfect way to spend a fun, social night at the Club.
Click to RSVP for the 10am-12pm Class Click to RSVP for the 6pm-8pm Class