Adventure Programming

This year Outdoor Ministries offers a wide variety of adventure camp opportunities. Whether you choose to attend a long weekend on the Knobstone Trail or participate in one of our many week long adventures, you will be immersed within a supportive Christian community. Outdoor Ministries adventure programs provide campers with the opportunity to gain access to seldom visited wilderness areas. Participants also gain insight and skills that can be used for future adventures.

Outdoor Ministries will outfit participants with the required specialized equipment for their adventure. The following descriptions are designed to help you choose the experience that will best suit your needs. All participants should come with an open mind and be in good physical condition.

Appalachian Trail Adult Backpacking
(Limit 12)

Join Outdoor Ministries this fall as we join the Appalachian Trail at the Pennsylvania / Maryland state-line and hike north. Within a supportive Christian atmosphere, participants will experience the beautiful mountain vistas the trail has to offer. This seven day on-trail hiking experience will cover 50 to 60 miles. Evening fireside worship will include time for group discussion and personal reflection. Outdoor Ministries will provide backpacks, tents, cooking equipment and food. Campers should have a basic knowledge of backpacking, be in good physical condition and be prepared to hike on difficult trails.

A3 Pennsylvania / Maryland Aug. 29 – Sep. 5 Director: Russ Abel & Steve Vail

cave

Senior High Spelunking Camp
(Limit 16)

Spelunking camp allows participants to experience some of the best outdoor adventure Southern Indiana has to offer. Campers will enjoy four days of caving and exploring numerous caves. This exciting adventure packed week will culminate in a day of repelling and includes an adrenalin rushing 155 foot descent. In addition to outdoor adventure, campers will also enjoy Bible study, group discussion and fireside evening worship. Based at Camp Rivervale, spelunking campers will sleep in tents and actively participate in all aspects of camp life.

SA1 Camp Rivervale July 21 - 26 Director: Greg Hunt


Bible & Saddle Camp
(Limit 16)

Bible and Saddle camp provides youth with the opportunity to learn to ride a horse in a supportive Christian environment. This week long camp takes place at Camp Mone’to amidst the backdrop of some of the most beautiful scenery Brown County has to offer. In addition to riding, campers participate in a number of creative camp activities each day. Campers will sleep in tents and cook their own food over an open fire. Quality horses are provided by Brown County State Park. However, campers are encouraged to bring their own horse.

JSA1 Camp Mone’to Kune 8 - 14 Director: Mike & Deb McRoberts

Boundary Waters Canoe Camp
(Limit 7)

Canoe camp is an inter-generational event for adult and youth (youth 13-18 must be accompanied by an adult). Campers will have the opportunity to paddle, explore and fish while experiencing the Boundary Waters Canoe Area at its best! Participants will have the opportunity to grow in their relationship with Christ, to bond together in an intentional Christian community, and to share the experience with special people in their lives. Outfitting provided by Wisconsin United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries.

A2 Minnesota July 21 - 27 Director: Alan Rumble

Junior High Extreme Adventure
(Limit 12)

This summer join us as we travel to West Virginia to explore the Monongahela National Forest. Campers will experience three days of backpacking, while on a 13.5 mile looped trail. While hiking, campers will experience beautiful open meadows, great vistas, and an array of beautiful waterfalls. Participants will have the opportunity to cook their own food, sleep in tents on primitive campsites, and build new friendships with fellow campers. During the evening, campers will enjoy Bible study, discussion, and fireside worship. After completing the hike, campers will travel to the New River for an adventurous whitewater experience on class III and IV rapids. No experience is necessary, however, participants should be in good physical condition.


JA1 West Verginia June 16 - 21 Director: Ian Hall



Junior High Introduction to Backpacking
(Limit 24)

Backpacking is a challenging yet rewarding experience. During the first three days of this camp, campers will be introduced to the world of backpacking. Participants will be equipped with the necessary skills required to actively participate in a backpacking adventure. Basic camp crafts such as fire building, food preparation, tent configuration as well as a general overview of backpacking equipment will be provided. Other topics of interest will include first aid, survival, map reading and orientation. The final days of camp will be spent applying newly acquired knowledge in a practical setting. The over 700 acres of Camp Mone’to will provide the backdrop for a mini backpacking adventure. Campers will also enjoy traditional camp recreation, swimming, Bible study, and fireside evening worship. This summer, discover the beauty of God’s creation through the exciting world of backpacking.


JA2 Camp Mone’to June 23 - 27 Director: Denny Flaherty



Knobstone Trail Adult Backpacking
(Limit 12)

Often referred to as the Smoky Mountains of Indiana, the Knobstone trial is located in southwest Indiana and offers some of the best hiking the state has to offer. Within a supportive Christian environment, you are invited to hike the entire Knobstone trail over two extended weekends, however, participants may also choose to only attend one session. Participants should be in good physical condition, as we will hike eight to twelve miles each day. While on the trail, hikers will have the opportunity to cook their own food, sleep under canvas in primitive campsites and build friendships with fellow hikers. Evening activities will include fireside Bible study and discussion. Outdoor Ministries will provide backpacks, tents, cooking equipment, and food.

A1 Knobstone Trail May 16 - 18 Director: Ian Hall
A4 Knobstone Trail September 19 - 21 Director: Ian Hall


Senior High Extreme Adventure
(Limit 12)

This summer senior high campers are invited to explore Northern Virginia’s class Appalachian mountain country. Each day campers will hike between 8 to 12 miles. While on the trail, participants will sleep in tents on primitive campsites, work together in small groups to cook their own food, and build new friendships with fellow campers. Campers will also enjoy Bible study, discussion, and fireside worship. After completing the hike, campers will travel to the New River’s lower Gauley for an adventurous white water experience. The Gauley offers some of the most intense and exciting class III and IV rapids North America has to offer, making it the benchmark by which other rivers are measured. Campers should have a basic understanding of backpacking techniques and be in good physical condition.

SA2 Virginia July 21 - 26 Director: Steve Walker


Tenderfoot Camp
(Limit 24)

Tenderfoot camp is an ideal introduction to horseback riding. This experience provides fifth through eighth grade campers with the opportunity to gain riding experience within a safe, controlled environment. Based at Camp Rivervale, campers will receive daily “classroom” riding instruction, along with five two-hour sessions throughout the week of hands on riding experience. Tenderfoot camp provides younger youth with a great stepping-stone to the Bible and Saddle camp held at Camp Mone’to.

FJA1 Camp Rivervale June 16 - 20 Director: Missi Weeks-Jones