The goal of this program is to disciple and train you how to use outdoor adventures to lead people to Jesus. You will also learn what it takes to staff or pioneer an outdoor ministry to reach people with the Gospel.
The Outdoor Ministry Program is geared toward those who have experience in the outdoor environment but now want to develop their technical skills in backpacking, mountaineering, and rock climbing. We will properly train you to have what it takes to lead people safely and confidently in an alpine environment according to the industry standards. Along with the technical skills, you will walk away with an Avalanche 1 and Wilderness First Responder Certification.
The need for highly trained outdoor leaders is higher than it ever has been. Today, more and more organizations (Christian and non-Christian) are starting to see the positive growth that the outdoors can bring to their staff, clients, and students. They just need someone to lead them safely and confidently. Could this be you?
**NOTICE – The Outdoor Ministry Program is now 8 months instead of 11 months**
Why 8 months?
-To become proficient in your outdoor skills
You don’t become an outdoor leader overnight. Or even become one if you have taken a few classes on “Outdoor leadership”. You become an outdoor professional by spending large amounts of time and energy on different skill sets in the outdoors so you become a master at each one, to the point that it becomes second nature to you. Being here for eight months will help you better understand/prepare yourself for leading groups of people as you build your resume of experience.
-To grow/mature in your personal life and leadership abilities
Being an outdoor leader doesn’t just mean you know all the cool facts that no one really cares about, but it is also knowing how to lead with confidence, dealing with and encouraging people, facilitating/debriefing small groups, teaching, organizing details, following your gut instincts, and having well rounded knowledge of why you believe what you do. This is why we spend so much time reading through different books, have one on ones, and attend lectures on different topics on top of our outdoor curriculum.
Outreach
Built into this time, there is also a 3 week outreach to one of our Target Nations (Ukraine, Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Taiwan and an undisclosed location), where we will use our outdoor skills to further His Kingdom, be introduced to existing outdoor ministries, and work with local ministries to help them achieve their God size goals for their country.
-Endurance DTS, and leading missionary member/community trips.
You will get to apply your new skills as an outdoor leader while working with EDTS and leading missionary member/community trips. This puts you into the leadership position so you gain the necessary experience and knowledge that it takes to organize the trips, activities, and advertising.
Here is a partial list of the outdoor curriculum:
- Rock climbing 1 and 2
- Backpacking
- Orienteering
- Mountaineering
- Winter camping/survival
- Leave No Trace
- Wilderness First Responder certification
- Avalanche 1 certification
Because we are training not just to improve our skills, but to influence those around us, we will also be focusing on growing spiritually and in leadership. This will be done with reading, lectures, worship, one-on-ones, and intercession.
*Cost Includes: Room and Board, training, travel, and some required gear.
*YWAM Montana-Lakeside operates under special use permits with the Flathead National Forest, Kootenai National Forest and Glacier National Park and is an equal opportunity provider*
