Expedition Design

Intentional and Purpose-Driven

Our purposeful expedition design is the foundation of all we do and sets our program apart from others of its kind. Each of our programs will differ, offering a variety of the following components: rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, service projects, backpacking, fly fishing, mountaineering, cultural home stays, and much more. You will not just experience these things as a passive participant, but will be actively learning, leading and exploring. Though all of our programs will look a little differently, they will all be fun, safe and life-changing. All of our programs are intentionally designed as an expedition, not just a cool trip. In an expedition there is a significant, deliberate purpose, which may range from climbing a mountain, digging a ditch, building life-long friends, or conquering a fear. You will come away from each expedition with a greater understanding of your purpose and God’s purposes in His Creation.

Leadership and Skills Development

Expedition members will take active roles in leadership while on the expedition; participants will learn decision-making skills, leadership styles and necessary technical skills, all of which have real consequences and real rewards. Students will have the opportunity to be Leader of the Day, the group leader for the whole day, responsible for decision making, planning the route and being attentive and responding to the group needs. This experience provides opportunity for authentic risk taking along with a safety net — participants lead with the guidance of the instructors. Depending the expedition, participants will learn the skills necessary to summit mountains, navigate through the wilderness with a map and compass, and even travel in another culture.

Groups and Instructors

Expedition group size will range from 8 to14 participants and have 2 to 4 instructors with each group. Groups will be co-ed, self-supported, which means we will have no logistics team or porters who carry our equipment or chefs who cook our food. We are the porters and we are the cooks. The instructors role is to be the guide on the side and not the sage on the stage. Meaning that participants will be equipped to thrive in our surroundings, whether it be setting camp, navigating cross country, cooking a meal or reflecting on the days accomplishments. Everything we need will be on our backs, in our boats, and in our surroundings.
These expeditions do not end when the course is over, but continue as participants return home to their families, friends and community. This will alter the way participants actively engage at school, in their local and extended community, with their sports teams, at their workplace, friends and family!