7/7 Father And Family

Overview

One of the most important and influential people in a young person’s life is their father. Therefore, SROM has developed the Father/Family wilderness experience as an opportunity to connect fathers and children in the ruggedness of God’s creation. This shared experience in the wilderness is unique in its ability to assist fathers in their goal of renewing, restoring or transforming relationships with their children. It is our sincere passion to see fathers and children connect at an authentic and honest heart level. Stresses in today’s culture and misplaced values can have the harmful effect of disconnecting families. These relationships are too often marked by dysfunction, rebellion, mistrust, anger, resentment, bitterness, and unforgiveness. It is the goal of this course to dive into the problems and cut them off at the root!

 

Description

The purpose of the Father/Family course is to build relationships by facilitating honest communication and reconciliation, with forgiveness and renewal. SROM knows this can happen effectively in the context of an extended backpacking trip set in the open wilderness that is God’s creation. The wilderness is unique in its ability to remove distractions and walls of separation so people can participate in the spiritual process of turning their hearts toward one another (Malachi 4:6).

If you are the father of a child, step-child, adopted or spiritual child, we challenge you to move beyond the status quo and embark on an experience of a lifetime! This is an opportunity to demonstrate their priority in your life and schedule by taking time away from all the distractions that compete for your attention. So why not turn off the computer, cell phone, and television? Bring them on a challenging and memorable wilderness experience in Wyoming. Doing something unique with the young person who is the extension of your legacy may be the most important investment you ever make.

Being in the wilderness is a time set apart from distractions where walls are broken down and lives are changed. God continually renews and restores His people in the wilderness. Our prayer for this course is that the hearts of fathers and daughters open toward one another so that a bond of trust and confidence can form in their relationship.

Course Considerations

Though this course is designed for all skill levels, it is important to be aware of the demands and challenges you may face. Listed below are some items to keep in mind when preparing for this course or considering signing up for this course:

• Pack weight: your pack will generally range between 40-60% of your body weight.
• You will be hiking on uneven terrain, which may be rocky and/or muddy, and off-trail at times. Depending on your itinerary, you may be on rocky approaches and descents,  navigating talus and scree with the potential for crossing snow fields and/or traveling through snow.
• Depending on the itinerary, you may be hiking 3-6 miles per day.
• SROM programs in areas of deep wilderness, and you may be hiking a full day’s travel away from the nearest trailhead or road.
• Depending on where you currently live, you may experience a significant change in elevation. Laramie, WY is at an elevation of 7,220 feet, and SROM often plans this itinerary through areas that range between 7,000 to 10,500+ feet above sea level. Elevation changes may be +/- 2,000′ and, depending on the itinerary, you may be attempting a 12,000′ peak!
• Days on course are often long, and may require you to be up at 6 am and in bed at 9 pm.
• Community on course is often one of the highlights. We have students from a variety of different backgrounds, ranging in age from 13 – 60 years old.

Learning Objectives

Students will participate in outdoor and adventure activities as a team and a community.  However, these activities are not the focus, but rather the means for growth, challenge, and refinement.  Spiritual growth will come as the group discusses the lessons learned in each activity.  The arc between each lesson learned and the practical application to life becomes a catalyst for revelation and change.  Our prayer is that this experience will lead to a renewed identity in Christ, confidence, restored relationships with family and peers, and leadership development.

Skills included on the Father/Family course include (but are not limited to) the following:

• On- and off-trail navigation and travel
• Daily camp set up and tear down
• Backcountry cooking
• Principles of Leave No Trace outdoor ethics
• Personal challenge
• Characteristics of a Godly leader