Who We Are

About Wilderness Trek

We are a self-supported nonprofit ministry with proper oversight and accountability through our board of directors. We offer Christian based outdoor programs, which provide individuals from all ages and all backgrounds an opportunity to develop a closer relationship with God and learn leadership skills through programs in multiple wilderness environments.

Fun. Inspiring. Safe. Life-Changing.

In all that we do we seek to have fun and inspire others to life change in a safe environment. All of our programs are designed to get people out of the comfort zone and challenge themselves through physical activity with other Christians in amazing locations. By getting “off the grid” we learn how to better hear from God in His creation, while also learning about important skills like leadership, spiritual formation, and Bible study.

 

IT’S WHO WE ARE.

Our Mission and Vision

Our Mission: Transform lives and pierce hearts by God’s presence and power as experienced in the grandeur of His creation.

Our Vision: Wilderness Trek provides faith-based wilderness experiences. We are a backcountry guide service dedicated to leading people spiritually and physically through wilderness areas. Since 1976 we have guided over 30,000 teens and adults to become better disciples and leaders through multi-day backcountry experiences. Our motto is: Grow, Connect, Experience, Challenge.

And we do it all in a fun and inspiring way that is designed to “Get ’em off the Couch!” and bring the best out in every single participant.

 

IT’S WHAT WE DO.

Our Core Values

We Grow

We grow leaders. Our programs teach people to stretch themselves spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Nature is the best place to walk with God and discover God’s purpose for our lives.

We Connect

There is an old African proverb, “Traveling teaches men their way.” Each trip is designed to connect people with others, with their creator, and to their journey.

We Experience

Traveling in nature gives us an opportunity to experience God’s wonder and beauty. Each trip is a journey filled with fascination and excitement. From counting falling stars to listening to a river babble, we provide an experience of a lifetime.

We Challenge

Camping and living outside can be a challenge in itself. Each trip is also designed to challenge our spiritual and physical norms. From climbing a mountain to crossing rivers, wilderness travel challenges us and our faith out of stagnation.

WTCC Guiding Principles

See the “Guiding Principles” for the ministry of Wilderness Trek Christian Camp. Inc.

Statement of Faith

See the statement of faith adopted by our board in 2011.

Mission Statement

See the board resolution for our mission statement adopted 2006.

Staff

Enthusiastic. Energetic. Inspiring. Experienced And Fun.

Our staff is made up of a bunch of fun, friendly people who are also serious about providing you with the best adventure ever. Each day they demonstrate their passion for serving Jesus Christ through leading by example and with a cheerful demeanor. All of our staff goes through two weeks of dedicated training that includes Wilderness First Aid, Backcountry travel and safety, Child Protection and safety, and spiritual awareness and formation. All of our staff and volunteers have also been screened for safety and have had background checks.

Our staff members are recruited based on their:

Personality & Qualifications

Passion for Teaching

Servant's Heart

Relationship With Christ

Rich Van Eaton

Executive Director

Avery Van Zee

Director of Operations
View Bio

Executive & Board of Directors

Tim Bennett

Board of Directors – President
 

Anicka Olsen

Board of Directors – Vice President
 

Paul Russell

Board of Directors – Secretary
 

John DeCecco

Board of Directors – Director
 

David Faulkner

Board of Directors – Director
 

Kelley Denby

Board of Directors – Director
 

Brent Southard

Board of Directors – Director
 

Lauren Armstrong

Board of Directors – Director
 

Bart Croasmun

Board of Directors – Director
 

John T. Wright

Board of Directors – Director