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The
Switchback13
Brief overview of
the 13 days...
The first 5 days are an introduction to outdoors
and survival in the Appalachian forests. Both Switchback13 and
Switchback20 campers come
together with campers from our other programs to focus on team
building and leadership skills. Campers' teams are presented
with unique challenges and scenarios designed to bring to
surface character flaws and strengths. Overcoming their
own personal battles will help their team advance. While
learning outdoor skills and competing in many fun and exciting
events, the 5 days are bathed in Bible study, science, scripture memory,
and preaching.
During the next two days, the program slows down from
it's intense pace and schedule to allow campers to reflect and
focus on the individual areas of their lives where they may need a
change in direction. Our 3 to 1 camper/staff ratio provides an
opportunity for campers and staff to develop a 1 on 1
relationship where they can open up and discuss their specific
life issues and get real biblical direction and advice to help
them make right choices. During these two days, campers also get
needed rest to prepare for the remaining 6 days of adventure and
focus. It's during these 2 days that they are
assigned a "buddy" for the remaining portion of the program.
They go through a series of training steps to help them learn to
work together. This includes taking small hikes blindfolded
while their new buddy must verbally guide them down the trail.
Learning to listen and to properly communicate quickly becomes
the focus.
| Now campers begin the 3rd
faze of the program with an extreme week of solid backpacking
and trekking. Campers will load 5 days worth of food and gear
into their packs and head off on a life changing journey. Each
night campers are in a new location that they have hiked or
canoed to. They are presented with the daily challenges of working
to set up, tear down, pack, carry, cook, clean and more. As a new-found appreciation for home, parents, and material blessings
begins to develop, campers are directed to think about their
attitude. Gratefulness and thankfulness are often the focus of
the devotion time spent around the nightly camp fires. During
this 5 day backpacking portion of the program, campers learn to
work together with their buddy and the group to accomplish the
tasks at hand. They are made aware of the fact that the group
depends upon them to carry their portion of the weight and are
taught the importance of a trust relationship. They begin each
day with personal Bible reading and close each
day with a challenge from God's Word. |
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The last 24 hours of the Switchback13 is an amazing
time for campers. The last evening together as a group
is spent around what we call a "testimony fire".
Campers share with the group what the Lord has done in
their lives during the past 2 weeks. They share their
new goals and express the change that has been made as
well as encourage each other to stick with their
commitments. Campers prepare to face the reality that
they are going to soon re-enter the environment where
they will have to make daily choices to stand for
Christ and live right. The program closes with a
camper/parent picnic and graduation ceremony. This is
a very fulfilling and exciting time for both parents
and campers.
Return to Switchback
Information Page
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