The Elevate Trekking Program
What Makes Elevate so Powerful?
Elevate is more than just a retreat, it’s a transformative experience that challenges participants spiritually, mentally, and physically. The power of Elevate comes from its unique combination of discipleship, mentorship, leadership training, and immersive outdoor challenges, all designed to foster deep, lasting growth.
Elevate began as an extension of a youth ministry, serving as a unique platform for young people to grow in their faith while developing practical leadership skills. Over the years, the program has established itself as a cornerstone for many within both, the church’s youth group and adult ministries. It has successfully blended outdoor adventure with spiritual practices, creating an environment where people can explore their potential and deepen their faith.From its inception, Elevate has emphasized mentorship, encouraging seasoned leaders to invest in the lives of participants. Group leaders, acting as mentors, guide participants through various challenges and reflections, helping them grow both spiritually and personally. This model of mentorship has proven to be a powerful tool, fostering deep connections that often extend beyond the duration of the trip.
A Need Seen by Many
Recognizing the impact of Elevate within the church community, the program is now poised for growth. As part of this next chapter, we are in the process of filing for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, which will allow us to expand our reach and impact a wider audience. This transition marks an exciting evolution for Elevate, as we aim to extend our mission to individuals and groups beyond our founding church.With this expansion, Elevate seeks to create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the transformative power of mentorship and leadership training in an outdoor setting. The program is designed to meet participants where they are, offering a blend of physical challenges, spiritual disciplines, and community-building activities that foster growth and development.
Expanding The Vision
At its core, Elevate is about equipping participants with the tools they need to lead and mentor effectively, both within the program and beyond. Leadership is not just about taking charge, it’s about serving others, inspiring collaboration, and navigating challenges with integrity and resilience. Through structured activities and real-world applications, participants learn to embrace their unique leadership style while developing the confidence to guide others.Mentorship is another cornerstone of Elevate. Program leaders work closely with group leaders, modeling effective mentorship and equipping them to mentor their teams. This “mentoring the mentor” approach ensures that the values and skills imparted during Elevate ripple outward, impacting not only participants but also their communities and spheres of influence.Discipleship serves as the foundation for achieving these goals, following the example set by Jesus and his apostles. Just as Jesus invested deeply in his disciples, equipping them to carry His mission forward, Elevate fosters an environment where mentorship is not merely instructional but transformational. Participants engage in intentional relationships that emphasize learning through experience, accountability, and spiritual growth. By walking alongside one another (both figuratively and literally) leaders and mentors cultivate a culture of trust, encouragement, and shared purpose. This discipleship model ensures that leadership and mentorship extend beyond the program itself, preparing participants to invest in others just as they have been invested in.
The Heart of Elevate
The decision to center Elevate around camping, hiking, and other outdoor adventures is intentional. Nature has a unique way of stripping away distractions, providing a space for reflection, and challenging individuals to step outside their comfort zones. Whether it’s a strenuous hike, setting up camp, or sharing stories around a fire, these experiences create a powerful context for personal and spiritual growth.Being in nature also allows participants to witness God’s creation in its purest form, fostering awe, gratitude, and a deeper sense of connection to the Creator. The simplicity of life outdoors, free from screens and the busyness of daily routines, provides an opportunity to focus on what truly matters: faith, relationships, and self-discovery.
The Role of Nature
As Elevate transitions into a nonprofit organization, the possibilities for growth and impact are endless. By expanding beyond its original youth group context, the program aims to reach individuals from diverse backgrounds, offering them the chance to experience the life-changing impact of Elevate. The focus on leadership and mentorship remains at the forefront, ensuring that participants leave equipped to make a difference in their communities, workplaces, and families.
Future plans include developing specialized programs tailored to different age groups and interests, from youth-focused experiences to retreats for adults seeking renewal and direction. Additionally, Elevate hopes to partner with churches, schools, and other organizations to offer its unique approach to spiritual and personal development to an even broader audience.
Looking Ahead: A Broader Impact
Momentum is designed for the entire congregation, bridging the gap between Elevate or Ignite and Recharge while fostering a culture of discipleship and mentorship. Over 6-8 weeks, it deepens discipleship, strengthens mentor-mentee relationships, and encourages the practical application of spiritual principles through Bible study, group discussions, service projects, and mentorship circles.
03 Momentum
Ignite is a shorter, more accessible version of Elevate designed for junior high students and incoming high school freshmen, introducing them to leadership, discipleship, and spiritual growth. While the physical challenges are less intense, the program includes team-building exercises, group discussions, and remains centered around the same yearly theme as Elevate.
01 Ignite
Recharge is a weekend retreat held 4-7 months after Elevate or Ignite, designed to help participants apply what they’ve learned to real-life situations while engaging in deeper mentorship and community discussions. The retreat includes structured lessons, breakout sessions tailored to different groups, and a congregational discussion to encourage broader involvement in discipleship and mentorship.
02 Recharge
Expansion Programs in Development
Elevate is more than just a week long trip, it’s a journey of growth, connection, and transformation. Whether you’re seeking to strengthen your faith, develop your leadership skills, or simply step away from the noise of everyday life, Elevate offers a space to do so. With its foundation firmly rooted in faith and its vision expanding to reach new horizons, Elevate invites you to be part of a movement that empowers individuals to lead, mentor, and inspire others in a way that reflects God’s love and purpose.
As we move forward, we remain committed to creating meaningful experiences that challenge and uplift, equipping participants to live with intention and impact. Elevate is not just about the trip, it’s about the lasting change that begins in the mountains, under the stars, and within a community of believers, and continues to grow long after the tents are packed and the trails are walked.
Join the Journey
What Makes Elevate So Powerful?
Elevate is powerful because it fosters growth through real-world experience, pushing participants beyond passive learning into active application. By stepping outside their comfort zones, participants are challenged physically, mentally, and spiritually, reinforcing perseverance, resilience, and reliance on God. The program intentionally places them in situations that require critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership, equipping them with skills that extend far beyond the trip itself. Through these transformative challenges, participants develop a deep, enduring faith, along with the confidence and strength to lead in their families, churches, and communities for the rest of their lives.
How can you help?
You can fill an immediate need while we are in the proccess of filing our 501 (C)(3)!
One of the primary ways we are able to offer this program is by having the ability to supply Camping and Hiking Gear at no charge to those that are not able to supply their own. There are several ways you can get involved prior to formalization but the most immediate and pressing is the acquisition of necessary gear for this upcoming season. To make it as easy as possible for those that wish to contribute to this need, we have created a registry in which this gear can be purchased and shipped to our location. Please click on the link below and help us build this ministry to all those that can benefit!