Outdoor Ministry Program - YWAM Montana - Lakeside

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Outdoor Ministry Program

An Extension study program at YWAM Montana

Course Description.

We believe that one of the best ways to connect with God is through experiencing His creation. Being challenged in the outdoors is an accelerator for spiritual growth and personal development.

The Outdoor Ministry Program (OMP) is a 6-month course that trains and equips people with the wisdom and skills needed to lead backpacking, rock climbing, and basic mountaineering trips so that they can use these activities for spiritual growth and personal development in others.

There is an incredible need for well-trained outdoor leaders right now. Outdoor recreation has exploded over the last few years. There are greater numbers of inexperienced people recreating in the outdoors than we’ve ever seen. Many of those people are searching. They are searching for spiritual experiences and answers to life’s hard questions. We exist to be a witness and example of Jesus to them.

Along with learning the skills needed to facilitate backpacking, rock climbing, and basic mountaineering trips, you will also complete a Wilderness First Responder Course and take an exam to become a certified Top Rope Guide by Professional Climbing Guides Institute.

Technical training and knowledge is just a part of this program. You also need to understand how to use these skills with a purpose. This comes with experience! You will be given opportunities to grow in your leadership and facilitation skills, and you will be challenged as we look at how to be an example of the Kingdom to come in our current culture.

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Start/End Date: Apr 7, 2025 - Oct 3, 2025

Program Cost:

$11900

Basic expected resume

• Able to run at least 6 miles.
• Belay certification (can be obtained at most climbing gyms) or some level experience belaying.
• Ability to confidently climb at the 5.7 grade.
• Climbing experience. List all top rope and/or lead climbs completed. (Please include date, location, and route names if known- this will be given to the program leader).
• Overnight backcountry trip experience (Please include description and dates)
• Ability to tie these foundational climbing knots upon arrival in Montana: Figure 8, Bowline, Clove Hitch, Munter Hitch, Munter Mule Overhand Hitch, Prusik Hitch, Flat Overhand, Double Fisherman's Knot, and Klemheist hitch. ***We have created videos specifically designed to walk you through learning each of these knots and a few additional ones prior to the start of OMP, and would ask that you take time to practice and become proficient tying each knot***

Here are two videos to help with learning:
OMP Knot Video Part 1
OMP Knot Video Part 2

Additional Information & Tuition

As a uniquely technical program, we want to see everyone starting with a good baseline of experience and skill level in order to ensure that everyone gets the most out of it. If you’re unsure about your qualifications, please reach out to us and we’ll chat!

We do our very best to keep prices low, and unchanging, but all prices are approximate. Seasonal travel, outreach location, and other unforeseen factors can impact the final cost. Please feel free to contact us for more details.

OMP-Gear-List-2022

Lecture.

In the first 5 months of the program, we focus on developing your hard and soft skills as an outdoor leader. You will be participating in outdoor training, reading books and having book discussions, going to lectures, having one-on-ones with OMP staff, participating in worship/intercession, and serving YWAM Montana in critical services a few times a week.

Outreach.

The Outdoor Ministry Program includes a 3 week domestic outreach. You will be using the skills that you’ve learned to serve, teach, and show others the love of Jesus.

Vision.

The goal of OMP is to teach you how to safely use outdoor activities to promote personal and spiritual growth, while being a living witness of Christ’s Kingdom.

Meet Your OMP STAFF.

Tyler Johnson
Alexandria, Minnesota

OMP Founder
Tyler was born and raised in the wooded flats of Minnesota but since doing a DTS in 2004 has seeked places filled with mountains. In 2006 he completed his School of Outdoor Adventure and Recreation in Bishop CA and also finished his Biblical Core Course in Kona that same year. After staffing DTS's in New Zealand for 2 years with his wife AnnaRose they made their home here in Lakeside in 2011. While he helped staff EDTS for 4 years, there was a realization that there is a need for highly trained Christian outdoor leaders so he and his wife AnnaRose created and ran the first Outdoor Ministry Program in 2015. He is passionate about all kinds of climbing, mountaineering, exploring, his family, pursuing his Alpine Guide Certification through the American Mountain Guide Association, and introducing people to Jesus through the outdoors.
AnnaRose Johnson
Lakeside, MT

OMP Founder
AnnaRose grew up in Minnesota, but now claims the mountains of Montana as her home. AnnaRose and Tyler have been married since 2008, and they have two kids, Cyrus and Jakiah. She and Tyler lead the OMP department, which they pioneered together in 2015. She has worked with YWAM since 2009, staffing DTS, SOW, and of course OMP. She has developed a bit of a passion for rock climbing and bouldering. She also homeschools their kids and is known to have an obsession for planners and pretty markers.

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develop your Outdoor expertise.

Be inspired and get excited about OMP! This 6-month program will challenge you physically, mentally and spiritually with the purpose of knowing God and making him known in the outdoors!

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.

What our students say.

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