Private Expedition - Leach Family - Grand Canyon Rim to River, Grand Canyon, AZ, April 24-27, 2022

The participants hiked the Bright Angel Trail to Indian Gardens Campground and back to the South Rim. A total of 9 miles descending approximately 4,000 feet then turning around and ascending 4,000 feet! They hiked the Grand Canyon Rim Trail the following day. The average age of these participants was 69 years of age and they are a great example for all in staying fit and active! All participants were encouraged through bible study each evening.

We all have seasons in our lives where we need to be restored and repurposed. The story of King David and Mephibosheth is a perfect example of being “dropped’ by the circumstances of life. However, God knows when we are ‘dropped’. He seeks us out, picks us up, restores/repurposes us and prepares a place at His banquet table. 2 Samuel Chapters 4 and 9.

Private Expedition - Texas Panhandle Couples Ski Retreat, Ruidoso, NM; February 4-7, 2022

Why do we need to get away? Why do we need to retreat? Here are just a few reasons:

• Remembrance. We need to remember. Leviticus 23 is packed with Hebrew festivals and holidays. The Festival of the Tents is a reminder of God’s provision during the wilderness wanderings. A time to remember how God takes care of us yesterday, today and tomorrow.

• Renewal. Jesus renewed his disciples on the mountainside by spending time with them teaching and encouraging as seen in the gospels.

• Restoration. Jesus restored Peter’s life and purpose that day on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. After getting away from our norm, our purpose for living can be seen from a different lens/perspective.

These young married couples enjoyed a winter retreat in South Central New Mexico.

Private Expedition - Redeemer Church, Odessa, TX; Guadalupe Mountains, October 15-16, 2021

University of Texas/Permian Basin International students from Nigeria, Nepal, Kenya and Mexico experienced the deep West Texas mountains found at Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Students learned camping basics and hiked the front ridge of Guadalupe Peak. Student leaders had opportunity to share how the wilderness experience relates to the adventure of the Christ Life.

Private Expedition - Kelley Family, White Mountain Wilderness, Ruidoso, NM September 11-13, 2021

The Kelley family men enjoyed the White Mountain Wilderness, near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Throughout the weekend the biblical importance of going on retreat was shared. Each of these men have been mentored by older Godly men in their lives. The challenges and importance of mentoring the next generation of young men was shared. Titus 2; Psalm 68:5; Psalm 78:4. Thanks to Kirk Kelley for the excellent pictures!!

Private Expedition - Aleksuk Family, White Mountain Wilderness, Ruidoso, NM July 20-23, 2021

“The important thing in life is not triumph but the struggle….” Pierre De Coubertin , Founder of Modern Olympic Games. The Aleksuk Family learned as was shared by Laramie (RAM Guide) to ‘embrace the struggle’. Many times our struggles are not just physical, but also emotional and/or personal. Jeremiah writes in Lamentations, “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I hope in Him.” Lam. 3:22-24 NKJV

Open Expedition - Moonlight Rim to Rim, Grand Canyon, Arizona; June 24-27, 2021

This group met one another on a google meet the Sunday before this Open Expedition began to the Grand Canyon, AZ. Bonding together quickly, they completed the 24 mile, North to South Rim hike in 19 hours. Evening bible studies related Old Testament wilderness experiences to the adventure of the Christ life. This group shared throughout the expedition how the laughter and tears were worth it to complete what is rarely accomplished!

ReCreation Adventure Guide Training, Ouachita Trail, OK/AR June 3-6, 2021

On this expedition Lee and Laramie learned basic wilderness first aid; how to use RAM gear/equipment; and how to teach/lead age appropriate bible studies and activity debriefing. Lee and Laramie will be helping to lead and assist with RAM expeditions.

Open Expedition - Big Bend National Park, TX May 13-16, 2021

Big Bend National Park was the original location for this expedition; however, a recent wildfire in the mountain region and Homeland Security issues in the river region of the park changed our destination. Participants experienced the adventure of the Springs of the Southwest which included the massive cavern system near Carlsbad, NM, hiking Texas’ tallest mountain (Guadalupe Peak), and the secluded setting of Sitting Bull Waterfalls. Discussion about ‘When God Seems Distant’ from Rick Warren’s book, “Purpose Driven Life” took place each evening.

Private Expedition - Texas Mountaineers, Amarillo, TX; Smoky Mountains, TN; November 1-7, 2020

These Texas Mountaineers enjoyed the Great Smoky Mountains this week! Trails explored included Crooked Arm Ridge, Indian Grave Gap, Abrams Falls, and the Appalachian Trails. Each evening we discussed the book, How to Handle Adversity, by Charles Stanley. Our response to adversity determines whether or not the hardships we endure will bring about the desired result: spiritual growth! Thanks to Ashlee Keith for great pictures!

Private Expedition - Kelley Family, Cleburne, Tx; Ouachita Trail, Oklahoma/Arkansas; Oct. 22-25, 2020

The beautiful autumn colors were on display for the Kelley men to enjoy on the 23 mile expedition on the Ouachita Trail in Oklahoma/Arkansas. “The Man God Uses,” a study written by Henry Blackaby was the focus of bible study each evening. Thanks to Kyle Kelley for the great pictures.

Private Expedition - Hereford Group, Hereford, TX; Rim to River, Grand Canyon, AZ. September 16-20, 2020

After several months of rescheduling due to the COVID pandemic, these ladies finally were able to make their trek in the Grand Canyon. The Bright Angel Trail, Rim Trail, and South Kaibab Trail was the itinerary for the week. Each evening Old Testament biblical characters (Samuel, David, Jonathan, etc.) were studied to discover and recognize our responsibility to pray, forgive, love/honor, and invest in our relationships with others.

White Mountain Wilderness, Ruidoso, NM; Marriage Trek 101 August 28-29, 2020

Young married couples discussed biblical strategies for a healthy marriage in a fall expedition in the south central mountains of New Mexico.

Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado, Risk Management Expedition August 3-6, 2020

The Weminuche Wilderness is the largest wilderness area in Colorado spanning almost half a million acres. Waterfalls, lakes, and hot springs seems to be the theme of this area. Groups can set up a base camp at many of the camping trailheads and day hike to the falls, lakes and springs. More than just a weekend is recommended for this adventure!

Private Expedition - South Seminole Student Ministry, White Mountain Wilderness, Ruidoso, NM

Students from South Seminole Baptist Church, Seminole, TX, experienced Wilderness Camp this past week in the mountains of south central New Mexico. Students participated in small group bible study, a six mile hike up and down the mountain, navigated through an orienteering course and enjoyed a swim in the lake! Students also explored old mines and learned the basics of setting up camp (tent pitching, meal preparation and clean up).

Moonlight Rim to Rim, Grand Canyon, AZ June 4-7, 2020 Young Professionals of Texas Panhandle

These young professionals enjoyed the Grand Canyon, North Rim to South Rim by full moonlight! The North Rim trail descends 6,000 feet to the Colorado River. Then ascends 4,000 feet to the South Rim. This expedition is not for the faint of heart!

Ouachita Trail, Oklahoma/Arkansas, Risk Management Team Expedition May 17-21, 2020

ReCreation Adventure Ministries has just completed a risk management expedition to extended sections of the Ouachita Trail in Oklahoma/Arkansas. This trail is best suited for experienced backpackers. Those who live in the south/southeastern region of our country would find this expedition challenging and less travel than the other areas in the west.

Wilderness First Responder Medical Training, Commerce, TX; February 15-16, 2020

Safety is a priority on ReCreation Adventure Expeditions. Training as a Wilderness First Responder can be obtained through Wilderness Medicine Training Center International. All of ReCreation Adventure Ministry’s Expedition leaders are trained through this organization.

Angel Fire Ski Resort, Angel Fire,NM; Living Water Christian Fellowship, Canyon, TX; January 1-3, 2020

High school students from Living Water Christian Fellowship enjoyed 3 days and 2 nights of skiing/snowboarding adventures. Evening bible studies were focused on 2 Corinthians 2 and what it means to wear the aroma/fragrance of Christlikeness to a spiritually lost world.

Guadalupe Mt. Nat'l Park, University of the Southwest, Hobbs, NM; November 15-16, 2019

Student athletes at the University of the Southwest come from across the nation and around the world. For many of these students, the Guadalupe Peak adventure was their first overnight wilderness experience.

Ouachita Trail, OK/AR: Southwestern Seminary Students, October 3-6, 2019

These young ministerial students took a few days to experience the Ouachita Mountains of Eastern Oklahoma/Western Arkansas. Time was taken each day to discover the “I AM” statements/verses from the gospel of John and how each is essential for abundant living in Christ.