2016 Backpacking Trip Complete Planner

Wilderness Ranch Reservation Policy

Backpack Trip Description

Trip Itinerary

Must List – What to Expect from the Wilderness Ranch Guides

Directions to Wilderness Ranch

Parents Letter

Clothing and Equipment List – Please print one for every camper going on the trip. It works best to hand these out and then meet together before you come so that you can double check that everyone will have the clothing and equipment that they need.

“Five Essential Thoughts for Trip Leaders”

Lodging and Travel Information

Wilderness Ranch Reservation Policy

R1 is December 1 and R2 is April 1 st .

Areas may reserve and buy a half-trip or full trip at WR.

No deposit is necessary for any wait listed trip.

Backpacking Half-trips are up to seven people (kids and leaders). The cost for 2015 is $3125. Full trips are up to fourteen people (kids and leaders). The cost for 2015 is $6250.

R2 – April 1 st $500 deposit due for half-trips and the remaining balance of $2625 due at camp date. $1000 deposit due for full-trips and the remaining balance of $5250 due at camp date.

Goals: We're talking high adventure! Every adventure trip in Young Life is designed to facilitate belief, growth and maturity in Jesus Christ in a small group setting. We want you and your campers to come to a better understanding of yourselves, each other, and most importantly the amazing truth of our Lord Jesus.

Activities: The Rocky Mountains! We’re gonna take you into the heart of them. You’ll be “on the trail” for six days backpacking. We do our best to include opportunities to rock climb, peak climb and get in an overnight solo. Our goal is to thrill you, to challenge you, to laugh and play with you, and relate it all back to the excitement of knowing and living a life under our Lord and Creator!

Backpacking…..CAN I REALLY DO THIS??? Sure you can. We see backpacking as the means to the end, which of course is Jesus. We’re not here to break you and your kids. This is Young Life, not the Special Forces! We’re going to lead you, teach you and take care of you. Honestly, it can be hard, but the rewards are rich, and the good parts overshadow the hard parts. Remember, it gets easier as the week goes on. You start out going up with full packs; you finish going down with lighter packs.

Ministry Content: This is the really exciting stuff! Our guides are ready and willing to share the Gospel with you and your campers. That can look a number of different ways depending on where your campers are. You will meet and pray with our guides daily and together decide on the week's content. Our guides can do it all, it can be a team effort with you, or you can take control of it. However it happens, we want to be flexible to the Lord's leading.

We will do daily "quiet times" where you and your campers will have time to search scripture and relating questions that will be discussed at a later time within the group.

We will also be sharing in group times about our lives, our hopes, our fears, our struggles, and our victories. We want to set you up as a leader, to get to know your kids on a deeper level, to hear about their lives and their thoughts about Jesus Christ. Our hope is that this will be an amazing time of listening and sharing about our lives as a body of Christ.

"Christ is the strongest, grandest, most attractive personality to ever grace the earth. It is a crime to bore anyone with the Gospel." -Jim Rayburn

 Plan to arrive at camp between 8:00am and 9:00am on Sunday Morning  Please call us from Creede or Lake City to let us know you're on your way in! o Phone #719-658-2288

 You'll be with your guides in basecamp packing backpacks  We’ll have a hot, “hand-held” breakfast at your packing stations  We'll have club and lunch together in camp and then you’ll “hit the trail” that afternoon

 You'll be out in the San Juan Mountains backpacking!  You'll arrive back at camp around 3pm on Friday  You'll unpack trail stuff and clean-up,(and hang out at the store or snack bar)  Dinner and club Friday night

 Camp is over after club on Friday night  Buses are free to leave after club (buses should arrive at camp by 6:00pm for preloading). Vans should plan on spending the night, eating a 6:00 AM cold breakfast and then departing.  Please let us know your preference on your 10-day check-in.

PURPOSE: To facilitate growth spiritually, physically and emotionally to Wilderness Ranch trip members, i.e.: campers, leaders and co-guide team members. This document helps you understand our guides better. 

GUIDE TRAINING SCHEDULE: 1. Counseling and Content: guides complete a four-day intensive on counseling and spiritual content for the trail. Property managers, former guides, guide team leaders, and professional counselors facilitate this time. 2. Medical Training: Wilderness Ranch guides take part in a three-day Wilderness First Aid course. This course is taught by WMI/NOLS (Wilderness Medicine Institute and National Outdoor Leadership School). This course allows our guides the ability to respond to medical emergencies until help can arrive. 3. Competencies: guides are given a series of seven competencies that cover all of the hard and soft skills involved in being a guide. These are then turned into their Guide Team Leader (GTL), graded and then returned to them. A guide is not allowed to lead kids until they have received a score of 100% on all seven competencies. 4. Physical Training: from the time that guides are hired in February they are required to be running 10-15 miles a week. In May they will also be required to pass a timed two mile run (men: 16 minutes, women: 18 minutes). 5. Trail Training: trail training is a chance for guides to make a practice run on the skills that they have been learning over the course of the spring. GTL’s split the guide team into groups and actually take them through a week, giving guides the opportunity to brainstorm on content ideas and better develop their guiding skills.

GUIDE RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Guide team leaders - plan individual trip schedule for week. a. Route decisions, campsite locations, peak selection, rock climbing locations. b. Spiritual input, including bible studies, trail talks, quiet times, sharing, discussions, etc.

2. Teach mountain skills to groups: ecology, safety and first aid, hiking technique, flora, fauna, meteorology, geology, general mountaineering, and trail policies.

3. Conduct daily guide team and leader meeting for evaluation, planning and prayer.

4. Actively involve leaders in leadership of trip.

5. Provide the best care possible for all program equipment checked out and return that equipment to the Equipment Manager in the best condition possible.

6. While in base camp, be responsible to the appropriate authorities for work projects supporting the total ministry of Adventure Camping.

7. At week’s end, have guide team meeting for reviews of individual and team performance and camper evaluations.

8. Know that head guides hold ultimate responsibility for the trip: spiritually, emotionally and physically.

9. Provide leadership by knowing and following all established trail, base camp and Young Life policies.

Summer Administration: Wilderness Ranch 2000 Forest Service Rd. 521 Creede, CO 81130 719.658.2288 phone 719.658.2088 fax

Winter Administration: Wilderness Ranch 8328 Thornhaven Ct North Richland Hills, TX 76182 719.395.6602 office phone 719.207.2393 Izzy cell phone

A Parent’s Guide to Backpacking at Young Life’s Wilderness Ranch

Young Life’s Wilderness Ranch is a unique high mountain adventure specifically designed to captivate and enrich the lives of teenagers. Wilderness Ranch is located approximately six hours southwest of Denver, near Creede, CO. Nestled at an elevation of 9,600 feet, Wilderness Ranch sits within the beautiful San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado.

Why this guide for parents?

We believe communication with parents is important to the success of our ministry. We want you to be informed and familiar with our program. Our mission is to provide kids with a high-quality and safe mountain experience where they have the opportunity to climb a 13,000-foot peak, rock climb and hike through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Most importantly, we desire to facilitate their growth in Jesus Christ, to provide them time to examine their lives in relation to the God who created them … we do this through teamwork, trust, vulnerability, caring and developing relationships.

Frequently asked questions regarding the Wilderness Ranch experience

Clothing: Due to the weather conditions in the mountains, the proper clothing is of utmost importance. Our years of experience have enabled us to provide you with a list of what your child will need. It is not necessary to spend hundreds of dollars on clothing - most items on the list (if not all) can be borrowed. The recommended clothing and boots are all your child needs to bring to Wilderness Ranch.

Guides: Each trip is led by two experienced guides who have extensive training in mountaineering, orienteering, relationship building, first-aid and high altitude medicine. Each guide team is equipped with a radio which allows them to maintain daily communication with base camp. Guides are fully certified through the Wilderness Medicine Institute. At Wilderness Ranch, the guides are with their group from the minute they arrive at camp until they drive away.

Food: No, we don’t eat that lousy freeze-dried stuff! All trail food is prepared at the base camp prior to going out on the trail. We provide wholesome, healthy food specifically designed to properly nourish the body in relation to wilderness hiking. If there is a food allergy, please make sure Wilderness Ranch is aware of the food allergy at least 10 days before arriving at camp.

Equipment: High quality equipment is provided by Wilderness Ranch.  Backpacks: Deuter internal frame packs that are specifically fitted by the guides to each camper.

 Sleeping bags: Rated to be warm even if it’s zero outside.  Ensolite pads: This is a pad placed under the sleeping bag to provide insulation and a little cushion.  Raincoats: Coated nylon Columbia and Sierra Designs parkas.  Rain flies: Weather-proof shelters to sleep under at night.  Everything your child will need to be safe and to have the best experience possible.

Routes: Each group travels about 30 miles during their five and a half days on the trail. They travel at elevations ranging from 9,000 feet to 14,000 feet. All trips begin and end at base camp where there are group meals in our dining hall, and campers have club, access to hot showers, store, etc.

Health and conditioning: The Wilderness Ranch experience has been designed for success for any teenager in average health. If your child has any special condition, (allergies, etc.) please be sure to note all of that information on the Young Life Health Form that you should have received. It is Colorado law that we have that form on file, and it, of course, will help us provide the best care possible in the unlikely event of an emergency. If there are additional health needs or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

What is Young Life? Young Life is a non-profit Christian outreach for youth. Young Life’s purpose is to show adolescents the person of Jesus Christ and His relevance to modern life. We do this by building personal relationships with kids, sharing our lives and participating with them in a variety of experiences through which the Gospel can be heard and experienced. One of these ways is through wilderness camping.

Wilderness Ranch is one of 25 Young Life camps in the United States.

Young Life’s Wilderness Ranch Young Life’s Wilderness Ranch Summer address (May – August) Winter address (September – April) 2000 Forest Service Rd. 521 8328 Thornhaven Ct Creede, CO 81130 North Richland Hills, TX 76182 Ph. 719-658-2288 Ph. 719-395-6602

Email: [email protected] Web Site: www.wilderness.younglife.org

Wilderness Ranch Clothing and Equipment List for Campers and Leaders

The following list of clothing and equipment is essential for your safety. You will be traveling in rugged and spectacular country where your lives are literally dependent upon you gear. All items except those listed as optional are mandatory. We ask you to trust this list; despite the weather at home or the advice from others. Don’t deviate: severe cold weather is possible all summer long in these mountains. If you want to save money, consider borrowing or buying used gear.

Mandatory Personal ___ Glasses & Contacts Clothing ___ Chapstick with SPF ___ Hiking Boots (see note below) ___ Sunscreen (at least 15 SPF) ___ Old Tennis Shoes or Sport Sandals (Teva Style) ___ Toothbrush & Paste ___ Smart wool Socks ( or wool) (3 pr) ___ Any Personal Medication ___ Liner Socks (2 pr) optional if using smartwool ___ Insect Repellant ___ Fleece Pants ___ Towel and Clothes for Trip Home ___ Shorts – not cotton (2 pr) ___ Cap or Visor ___ Underwear (2 pr) Optional ___ Long Underwear – not cotton (Top/Bottom) ___ Moleskin/Second Skin (blister preventer) ___ T-Shirts (2) ___ Parka or Vest (Down or Synthetic) ___ Fleece Pullover ___ Wind, Rain or Snow Pants ___ Wool or Fleece Stocking Hat ___ Rain Parka (Nylon or Gore-Tex) ___ Wool or Fleece Gloves/Mittens ___ Small Bottle Antibacterial Hand Cleaner ___ Bandannas (2-3) ___ Camera ___ Your Own Backpack (4000-5000 cu.in) Equipment ___ Your Own Sleeping Bag (0-20 range) ___ Sunglasses (Darkest you have) ___ Ziplock Baggies ___ Small Bible (Old/New Testament) ___ Disposable Towelettes (you will be responsible ___ Small Notepad & Pen for carrying them out) ___ Small Flashlight and extra batteries **Please do not bring a knife or biodegradable soap

We will provide all other necessary mountain gear (i.e. backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, stoves, food, first aid, eating utensils, climbing equipment, rain jackets).

On Boots: You will travel on rugged terrain both on and off the trail which requires a good quality hiking boot. Be sure your boot is above the ankle. Medium weight leather upper boots with vibram soles are best. The fabric/leather upper boots are also good and break in easily. Whichever type you have, be sure they are thoroughly waterproofed (Nikwax, Sno Seal or Gore-Tex) and thoroughly broken in before you come.

On Cotton: Let’s just say this: It’s a bad idea, don’t bring any cotton clothes. If cotton gets wet it will take forever to dry in the mountains and you will get hyperthermia.

Rentals: We rent Crazy Creek Chairs (strongly recommended) for $10/each. (Please bring cash for this).

If you choose to bring your own equipment, please be sure it is adequate for a six day experience in the mountain environment. In order to insure your safety, your guides will have the final say about what goes out on the trail.

If you are interested in fly fishing please do so before or after your trip with Wilderness Ranch. We are not allowed to fish in the backcountry per our forest service permits.

Be sure to bring a towel and clothes for the trip home.

Adventure Camping

Five Essential thoughts for leaders

1. Obey guides at all times.

 Guides are here to facilitate the trip with you  Guides are trained to touch base with you several times per day. Leaders should be informed of the day’s activities - it should not be a mystery.  Guides have experienced intense mountaineering, orienteering, interpersonal dynamics, and spiritual growth training.  Guides are trained to be bold in their ministry.  Guides will seek input from leaders regarding spiritual content.  If you have a question about a decision speak to them privately - they do make mistakes!

2. This is different than camp, however the objective is the same: to share the Gospel and discipleship.

 Adventure Camping is designed uniquely, don't expect it to be a replica experience of our other camps.

3. You're enthusiasm sets the pace. Don't ever question or comment negatively in the presence of kids.

 This is of paramount importance.  Greek word for enthusiasm: En-theos. Means "In God".

4. Expect to be stretched spiritually and physically.

 Spiritually you will rely on and experience Christ like never before.  If you are in reasonable physical shape you will do great.

5. It’s supposed to be hard. Ask your guides for help.

 You will cover, on average, 35 miles during the week.  Your backpack will weigh approximately 30-40 lbs.  A rock climbing experience may be part of your week.  Mountain weather is unpredictable - sun, rain, hail, sleet, snow are all possible during the summer. 11 HELPFUL INFORMATION ABOUT FLYING  The closest airport is in Alamosa, however it is more expensive to fly there since it is such a small airport.  Denver is approximately 6 hours from Wilderness Ranch  Colorado Springs is approximately 5 hours from Wilderness Ranch  If you do plan to fly to Colorado you will need to provide your own transportation to and from the airport.