Ready for the Big Adventure?
If you are a
thrill seeker, love the outdoors and can handle physical challenges, then maybe
you are a candidate for Adventure Treks.
These trips
consist of five days of backpacking in the Big South Fork National Park in
Tennessee along the Kentucky border. Along these trips you will encounter
rivers, stone arches, rock shelters, caves, early settlement sites, wildlife and
even rock climbing or rappelling if your heart desires.
This trip is
coordinated by Larry Alexander with ChallengePoint. The founder of this program
is with the Church of Christ but he will coordinate with various groups.
The trip cost
is $160 per person and the equipment provided is your backpack, two man tent,
sleeping bag, sleeping mat, cooking equipment, water filter, etc. If you wish to
bring your own equipment, you may but the charge is still the same. You just
need to bring clothes, food, and endurance. The trip is limited to a minimum of
eight people and a maximum of twenty people. If you would like more information
on this adventure, check it out at
www.challengepoint.org.
Katrina Liby
From the
challengepoint website:
ChallengePoint
is a ministry focused on strengthening the Christian community by providing
training in leadership and teamwork. Some of the skills we teach include
communication, decision making, problem solving, developing goals, building
trust, and creating and nurturing relationships. All these skills and more are
taught through the use of adventure-based techniques. Our ministry is designed
to work with any age group from the young and energetic who have just begun to
grow, to the wise and experienced who refuse to stop growing.
Whether it
is one weekend, or one week, all challenges created
by ChallengePoint are designed to bring a group closer together by bringing them
closer to God. Our adventures are intended to
stretch the mind, revive the spirit, and restore the passion within each
individual. Devotionals and times of spiritual reflection take place
throughout the challenges, giving our program a unique spiritual
edge. The following is a general description of the types of challenges that
our program has to offer. No two challenges are ever alike. We custom design
each one to meet the needs of the particular group. So, if your group needs to
work on some specific group dynamic issues, or if they just need a challenge to
move them to the next level in their ministry, the following challenges were
created for you.
-----------------
Are you an Insider or Outsider?
Do you ever feel you need to just get away from all the
worldly distractions or daily stresses of life? Do your thoughts go to being
back to the basics and out in nature? Or do your thoughts go to being in the
comforts of home with your “Do Not Disturb” sign? Your answers to
these questions will determine if you are an insider or outsider.
I prefer to be an outsider where I feel I have no “to do” lists and can just
enjoy whatever the day brings. Don’t get me wrong though, I do enjoy my insider
time to curl up with a good book or movie on the couch also!
If you feel you need some outsider time, I want to give
a few suggestions of what I have found works for me. First of all,
your camping experiences are exactly what you want to make them. Your options
are endless and you need to try different things to see what you enjoy the most.
You can camp at campgrounds, can camp out off of a trail while backpacking,can
car camp, do day hikes, do nature trails at state parks, etc.
If you want to be outside but have some luxuries,
then consider KOA’s. You can do tent camping or stay in climate controlled
cabins or even a lodge with a kitchen and it’s own bathroom. Either choice of
your “home” at a KOA will give you shower/restroom facilities and usually a
pool.
If you are looking for a more remote camp experience,
then consider a backpacking trip. This will be more physical
demanding since you are carrying all of your things on your back but you will
get the total nature experience. There is no feeling like having everything you
truly need to survive on your back! Every time reminds me to appreciate COLD
drinks when I get back home! You do have to set up camp where you decide to pull
off the trail but nothing beats getting back to the basics.
If you are looking for more of a “just getting
outside” experience, then consider car camping. This will let you
know if being outside with the bugs, out on the ground in a tent, and giving up
the comforts of home will be a good experience for you. This option will allow
you to bring coolers of your favorite food, drinks, etc. Also you can bring any
games and things to pass the time and as much stuff from home that your vehicle
can hold to make camp life more your style.
Any option is better when you have the correct equipment
and you have prepared for your adventure ensuring you have the things you need.
You will learn real quickly what things you need to be able to enjoy these
outings or what things you will not need.
The most important thing I believe you need to bring on any
adventure type you desire is the correct attitude. Sure being outside
will have it’s disadvantages such as the body odor, physical fatigue, bugs,
missing the comforts of home, etc. But the advantages of clearing your head
without the worldly distractions, getting closer to whomever you are with if
with a group, waking up from the sun coming up in the morning and not an alarm,
the beautiful sunsets, and enjoying just being in God’s beautiful creation
should be enough for everyone to at least give it a shot!
Sunscreen, insect repellent, and body wipes for everyone!
-Katrina Liby
