Become a leader that can radically grow and disciple future generations.
Do you have a passion for the outdoors and for connecting others deeply with God and one another?
Do you feel like this is where God is calling you but lack the skills to go farther?
If yes, this course is for you! As you backpack through stunning canyons and desert, you will come to gain the hard, soft and meta skills indicative of competent wilderness ministry leaders. You will learn how people grow and skills to help people move from their actual into their potential. Along the way you will also grow and experience for yourself how God uses the wilderness to bring people closer to His heart.
So whether you are looking to instruct with SROM or are looking to use these skills for another space, come learn from a leader in the industry the skills you need to be a wilderness ministry professional. Are you ready to have the time of your life AND level up?
DETAILS
July 31 – August 19, 2022
Arrive: 8 am | Depart: 8 pm
Tuition
$350 available from Leave No Trace.
(Must be enrolled to apply)
Age
21+
Duration
20 DAYS
START & END BASE
LOCATION(S)
Grand Canyon or Grand Staircase Escalante (depending on permits)
Academic Credit
Essential Eligibility
Skill Level: Advanced
Prerequisites for this course are 6 weeks field experience and a desire to learn and grow.
Physical Ability:
- Carry a backpack 40-60% of your body weight, hiking 4-8 miles a day on the backpacking section
- Hike and camp at elevations of 8,000 ft. and up
- Long days, often up at 6 am and in bed at 9 pm
We understand the physical requirements may be overwhelming, but we find most people can train and do great. We provide a training plan to help you be physically prepared for your trip so you can succeed and have the most fun.
Learned Skills*
TALK TO AN ADVENTURE SPECIALIST
We would be happy to chat. Call (307) 755-0642 or email admissions@srom.org.
Itinerary
ARRIVAL
Backpacking
From SROM HQ you will travel to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. There you will see the majestic Grand Canyon, beautiful desert landscapes, wildflowers, and incredible starlit skies in some of the finest wilderness areas in North America. We will teach you the technical outdoor skills to thrive in the desert, learning things such as campsite selection, route finding, and navigation.
In this section, you will be teaching lessons to your peers, and be taught facilitation skills by your instructors. The lessons will build upon each other.
A Typical Backpacking Day:
(times are estimates and will vary)
6:00 AM – Breakfast: cook breakfast with your cook group
8:30 AM: Pack-up camp and head to your next campsite
Noon – Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a scenic spot on the trail
3:00 PM: Get to your new campsite and setup camp
4:00 PM: Time Alone with God (TAG), typically 1hr, and/or teaching.
5:00 PM – Dinner: Make a tasty dinner with your cook group
7:00 PM: Family Time – debrief day, worship, and devotional/teaching
9:00 PM: Bedtime
Special Days:
- Solo
Departure
Returning to the SROM base, you will de-issue group gear and rented gear before showering and debriefing with one of our staff members. Afterwards, teams often go out for a celebratory dinner* at a local restaurant. Officially closing the course, you will be awarded with a course completion certificate. There is also a celebratory welcome home cookout that friends and family are invited to attend on the final afternoon of this course. This is a time for sharing and celebrating the accomplishments of the team. The party and course officially conclude at 8 pm.
*This meal is not covered by SROM as it is outside of the official course. However, it is a good thing to plan for.
PHOTOS & VIDEO
Testimonies of Transformation
This course was meaningful for me and for us as a mission organization in many ways. I was emerging from the fog-storm of the unknown, and I am now finally clear of the fog. I can’t explain how amazing it is for me to finally have definition for me on the what and the how.
Regular
Applications March 1st - April 1stEarly
Applications before March 1stLate
Applications after April 1stBring a friend and you'll both save $50!
Questions?
We would be happy to answer any questions you have. Ask away below or call (307) 755-0642.
What is Wilderness Ministry?
Get a FREE mailed catalog to learn about our philosophy of wilderness ministry that we have developed over 35+ years. Topics include:
- Why Wilderness?
- Creation Deficit Disorder
- The Reward of Risk
- Leadership Development
- Philosophy of Education
- and much more!