Outdoor Ministries

AGENTS OF IMPACT

Our Story So Far.

In 1985 when YWAM Montana – Lakeside was started, there was a clear sense that this new YWAM campus would embody expressions of training, Biblical scholarship, the arts and outdoor adventure ministry.  What started as Adventure Track (2009), Outdoor Adventure & Recreation (2010) and Endurance DTS (2011) has now evolved into a much larger expression of outdoor and sports ministries at YWAM Montana – Lakeside.  Not only do we continue to run a focus DTS (Endurance DTS), but we also offer an 6-month school (OMP) which focuses on the development of higher level backpacking, rock climbing and mountaineering skills.

In between our introductory level schools where a beginner to intermediate skill set is imparted, and our highest level of training where students graduate with the tools to go and launch their own outdoor ministries, there is a little of something for everyone.  We hope that you will continue reading to find out more and to see if you’re called to come and #bepartofit!

Endurance Ministries.

Actively participating in the outdoor industry arena as ambassadors for the gospel. Providing training and resources to help missionaries thrive in remote geographical locations.

Endurance Adventures.

Endurance Adventures trains and equips outdoor adventurers to engage their local and global outdoor communities with purpose. This comes through active participation in local outdoor events and facilitating opportunities designed to empower people towards making a positive impact in the outdoors.

Outdoor Ministry Program.

An 6 month course, geared toward those who have experience in the outdoor environment and now want to develop their technical skills in backpacking, mountaineering, and rock climbing.

ENDURANCE MINISTRIES.

Entry Level Training

This 22 week focus DTS includes lecture, local and international outreach, and builds credible and translatable outdoor skills for both the mission field and for use in the outdoor industry.

SUMMER PROGRAM

ESOA is an outreach training program that uses a variety of outdoor activities as a tool to share the gospel. Students in ESOA are not only equipped spiritually, but also gain skills training in outdoor activities as well.

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POST SBS TRAINING

Titus outreach to the most remote locations in our target nations. Outdoor training provided by the Endurance Ministry staff.

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STRATEGIC MISSIONS

ESME exists to create awareness and impart strategies for effective missions and ministry specifically to unreached people groups and impoverished communities through the use of experiential education and backcountry training.

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Side by Side Along the Journey

Sponsorship, support and assistance for YWAMers journeying and/or thru-hiking the great long trails of the world! (AT, CDT, PCT, Colorado Trail, North Country Trail, Camino de Santiago).

Vision and Future Endeavors.

Part of our calling is to cast vision, see if it resonates with others and then invite them to be part of moving it forward. We have some idea of where Endurance Ministries are heading, but we want to hear from you too! Do you want to come and #bepartofit with us? Here’s what’s been on our mind. What’s on yours?

ENDURANCE ADVENTURES.

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From road running races, adventure races and ski racing to personal endurance race pursuits, “EART” supports athletes in their race endeavors. Through having a race presence at events, we seek to be ambassadors for adventure, support and encourage participants and offer our tech skills where needed.

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In partnership with industry recognized training organizations, Endurance Adventures is a proud host site for Wilderness Medical Training.

Outdoor Ministry Program.

The need for highly trained outdoor leaders is higher than it ever has been. Today, more and more organizations 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?

6-Month Outdoor Ministry School

An 6 month course, geared toward those who have experience in the outdoor environment and now want to develop their technical skills in backpacking, mountaineering, and rock climbing.

Outdoor Ministry Expeditions

A local program that connects with youth groups to challenge and empower students towards growth in their relationship with Jesus through the use of rock climbing and backpacking.

Our Outdoor Team.

Get Out There! Get Out There With us.

At YWAM Montana-Lakeside, we are all about doing whatever it takes to know God and to make Him known, together! We’d love to help you make that next step in your global missions education. Apply now!

The adventure of a lifetime.

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Endurance Discipleship Training School is a five-month discipleship program committed to doing whatever it takes to know God and make Him known in the outdoor industry and to the ends of the earth. 

Develop your Outdoor expertise.

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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!

Tech Vid: The Climber’s Contract.

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Kierra walks us through the climber’s contract, also known as the belay contract. Good communication is foundational to safe climbing!

BLOG.

Finding Two Norths

2011 was the year that YWAM changed everything. 2017 was the year I learned why. I had a nagging voice in my mind telling me …

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How do we Find Jesus in the Outdoors?

We’ve all been a part of some kind of team building exercise, low ropes course/initiative game or high ropes course. Some of us have been …

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How Dangerous is Outdoor Adventure Ministry?

“You did what!?!?” – Anyone who participates in outdoor adventures has probably heard this phrase before. I know I’ve heard it from my parents, friends, and …

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Instagram.

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What our students say.

Partnerships and Friends of Outdoor Programs at YWAM Montana - Lakeside.

Endurance Ministries, Endurance Adventures and OMP are committed to helping outdoor enthusiasts and outdoor organizations reach their goals. We value teamwork and collaboration among outdoor industry professionals, businesses and outdoor ministries. We are grateful to belong to a network of professional outdoor organizations and are always looking to strengthen the relationships we have with the numerous friends of YWAM Montana – Lakeside in the outdoor sphere.

Our outdoor programs at YWAM Montana – Lakeside are committed to environmental stewardship. We are a non-profit member of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. The practice of the seven Leave No Trace principles form the foundation for our outdoor curriculums, both here in the mountains of NW Montana and throughout the world.

Seven Principles:
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

YWAM Montana – Lakeside is proud to be a host site for Aerie Backcountry Medicine. We have hosted 9 courses since 2012 and over 120 EDTS staff and students have participated in Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness Advanced First Aid and Wilderness First Responder recertification courses. Members of our Outdoor Ministry crew have gone through Aerie’s Wilderness EMT (WEMT) program and/or bridged their EMT and WFR training into a WEMT. EDTS, DTS and OM is also proud to use the Aerie Level I & II Trauma First Aid Kits on our treks and outreaches.

Since the beginning of EDTS in 2011, it has been a privilege to serve with In His Wakes and to help them accomplish their goals through their Day 2 Remember events. We’ve also been blessed by their encouragement in outdoor ministry and by the fun days on the water that they’ve facilitated for our EDTS students and staff!

Rocky Mountain Outfitter has been instrumental in the development and continuity of EDTS and our outdoor programs at YWAM Montana – Lakeside. Offering experience, expert advice, consultation, amazing service and outfitting staff & students, our friends at RMO are our go-to outfitters and gear providers. Before EDTS started in 2011, RMO helped us get our Adventure Track off the ground in 2009 and 2010.

We’re privileged to partner with Nomad Global Communication Solutions. Nomad has been instrumental in helping us develop our backcountry communications capabilities and has served EDTS specifically by providing logistical and strategic transportation solutions.

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.