Backpacking 2023 Summer Dates!

July 8th – July 14th, Saturday-Friday

Every summer we embark on an adventure into the Emigrant Wilderness in the Stanislaus National Forest! This ministry helps young people grow in their relationships with God, each other and themselves.

Who can sign up?

Youth who will be going into 7th grade through college.

Where do we go?

We backpack in the Emigrant Wilderness area, which borders on Yosemite National Park. This wilderness is one of the most beautiful, inspiring and wild areas in California. It is filled with massive granite mountains, sparkling lakes that jump with trout and cool mountain streams.

How does it work?

We divide the youth into family groups based upon age and hiking ability. Each group consists of up to eight youth, three adult counselors, and one adult guide. The groups begin their journey from various trailheads around the wilderness. After three days of hiking, the groups rest a day and receive additional “real” food. Thereafter, the groups continue to hike and exit at a different trailhead. All groups meet on Friday and begin the journey home.

What is the cost?

You will never find a better value! The program cost is $180. The price includes all food and group supplies for the entire seven days.

What about safety?

We have been taking youth to the same wilderness area for over 30 years. Our guides are very experienced and well trained. We know the area and we know how to keep youth safe. All adult counselors and guides participate in hiking and safety training. We have been commended by the U.S. Forest Service for our backpacking program and techniques.

Check out our Backpacking video from this past summer!

Backpacking 2022