SUMMIT ADVENTURE’S VISION
Summit Adventure uses experiential education, adventure programming, service, and cross-cultural immersion as tools to move individuals and groups out of their comfort zones into more reliance on God and each other.
BRIEF HISTORY OF HOW SUMMIT ADVENTURE GOT STARTED AND WHY IT EXISTS
Through the 60’s, Tim Hansel was teaching Social Studies at a public high school in California, and was growing increasingly disturbed by the apathy and lack of motivation shown by his students. He wondered if a weekend camping trip would help.
Amazed at the transformation that occurred after he implemented this, Hansel began to take groups of high school students into the wilderness, at first just for the weekend, but the trips grew longer and longer. His initial forays convinced him of the effectiveness of outdoor, experiential-based education and led to the formation of Summit Expedition in 1973, one of the earliest wilderness-based ministries in the United States. In 1988, Summit Expedition became Summit Adventure, expanding through buying a basecamp and some gear the following year, due to the support of generous donors. Since then Summit has expanded to include international trips to locations such as Ecuador, Patagonia and The Holy Land. We have a semester study abroad program and a variety of courses during the summer. We exist to impact individuals of all ages and backgrounds mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually through outdoor adventure. We exist to push people outside of their comfort zones and closer to each other and God, while learning to care for the natural world he has given us.
DURATION OF TRIPS OFFERED
They offer courses ranging from 1-7 days plus a 16-week Immersion Service and Adventure Semester (ISAS) program for college students.
EXPEDITIONARY LEARNING ELEMENTS INCLUDED ON TRIPS
- Daily devotion or quiet times
- Teachable moments or trail talks along the journey
- Peak climbs
- Having participants share their testimony
- Rock climbing
- Rapelling/Abseiling
- Backpacking
- Mountaineering
- Practicing and Teaching Leave No Trace Ethics
WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL WILDERNESS TRIP?
A trip that includes one, or multiple of the following adventure components: backpacking, rock climbing, rappelling and mountaineering. In addition, spiritual and relational components and facilitation.
HOW SUMMIT ADVENTURE POINTS PEOPLE TO CHRIST AND HELPS THEM GROW IN THEIR FAITH
By asking leading questions and taking opportunities to tell our own stories. Testimonies are often one of the best ways to start those conversations.
COSTS
Courses cost in the rage of $600-$2200
WEBSITE
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TESTIMONIAL
“Connecting our surroundings and experiences to matters of faith allowed me to see things in a different light. You can never really see God; just glimpses of Him. The discussions and experiences allowed me some new glimpses.” -John
