Text Box: Choosing Your Approach Wilderness Pilgrimage Approach Input from Dave For those interested in providing dynamic ministry opportunities for your group that can provide life changing experiences with lasting results, read on. Why bring my group on a wilderness pilgrimage trip? In 1987, the Lord opened the door for me to begin a Wilderness Adventure Program with Living Waters. Several years into the program, our camp director, Roger Black, handed me a brochure on a wilderness leadership-training program in Algonquian Park in Ontario, Canada, offered by Baptist Bible College of Clark Summit, PA . The program, entitled “Wilderness Pilgrimage,” focused on taking the wilderness setting and maximizing it as an effective tool for ministry. That spring I attended a session. I learned a whole new approach to wilderness camping. Consequently, our Wilderness Pilgrimage Approach has been closely patterned after Clark Summit’s program. Wilderness Pilgrimage...like a short term missions trip? I have been a full time and part time youth pastor for many years, and the question that always sticks in the back of my mind is, “Are we putting our energies into effective ministry opportunities for our teens?” From experience I have learned that sometimes we plan and do activities and outings without having set goals. Consequently, we have minimal impact on our group. In years past, I have helped raise funds to send numerous teens on short term mission trips for a two fold purpose: 1) So the teens may have the opportunity to be a blessing to someone on the mission field. 2) To provide an experience that will have a lasting impact on the teens. When it comes to the Wilderness Pilgrimage Approach to camping, the wilderness setting provides a great opportunity for effective ministry for a whole lot less money than a short-term missions trip! Unlike the classroom setting, where often information is presented without the opportunity for immediate reinforcement or testing, the wilderness provides a unique environment where information is put into use and tested on the spot. While on a trip, the comfortable surroundings and distractions of everyday life are removed as the group is placed into a whole new environment, ripe for personal and spiritual growth. The wilderness pilgrimage approach provides a unique opportunity for intense leadership and teamwork training. It is especially beneficial for teens who have a real desire to grow as an effective leader. <- Back More -># Wilderness AdventuresText Box: Home About Our Program Schedule Teen Leadership Program (LIT) Group Outings Photos Wilderness Center Testimonials Donations Leadership, Safety & General Info. Camp Store/Gear Staff Apply Contact