Adventure Camping

ADVENTURE CAMPING — 1970

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse“ (Romans 1:20).

Adventure camping in Young Life found its footing in 1970, with the start of “La Vida” outside Saranac Village, and Beyond Malibu in the coastal mountains of British Columbia. Soon to follow would be Wilderness Ranch, in Creede, Colorado, and Pioneer Plunge in the Great Smoky Mountains near Windy Gap. These unique Young Life camping experiences were founded through the efforts of pioneers like George Sheffer III, Barney Dobson, Will and Betty Wyatt, and Jim and Sarah Hornsby. Though uniquely different in location, at least three traits were shared by these Young Life adventure camps: experiencing God in and through creation, personal growth through physical stress, and learning to live life in community. These three attributes are summed up beautifully in Made For This: “Pushing themselves outside their physical zones paved the way for kids to open themselves up spiritually. Like the 20 minutes of silence in a traditional camp, the peacefulness found atop a mountain or under a sky of infinite stars provided space for receptivity to the Spirit’s dealing in their lives. Having this play out alongside a small band of like-minded explorers also helped instill in kids their need for Christian community.” In the words of one Atlanta teenager who spent time at Pioneer Plunge, “My time was the greatest, most painful, joyfilled, cryingest, laughingest, into-it, out-of-it, concerned, indifferent, lovingest, hatingest time I ever personally spent! In other words, I’d do it again!” (MFT, pp. 75-78)

La Vida, Beyond Malibu, Wilderness Ranch, Pioneer Plunge - USA

Creation, physical stress and community are hallmarks of Young Life Adventure Camping. When you consider these three traits, which have you seen personal growth through in the past? Is it possible that God might be calling you back to these today? When was the last time you simply sat in awe of God in His creation, were pushed to a point of only getting through with His help, or truly gave yourself to the community that He has provided?