Highlights from the Wilderness Trail

Dear Friends,

Galatians 6.2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

The ministry of Wilderness Trail is built around this sentiment of fostering community and helping those who need it. This idea was never more present on the trail than on this summer hike with our youth, where the focus of our daily scripture discussions was built around the act of servant leadership.

The ride up to the Property was more or less silent with the teens/ preteens talking quietly and spending their last couple hours playing with their phones. We arrived at the Property to a fanfare of counselors. We were quickly given the week's supplies and equipment, fed dinner, participated in a quick worship service, and whisked out onto the trail within the span of a few hours.

Once camp was set up we eased into what would become our routine of nightly discussions of little foxes and holy ground around the campfire. Our mornings started with a devotional prompt to ponder and 20 minutes to sit alone in our thoughts and reflect on the day to come. Throughout the week the weather was beautiful, with blue skies during the day and amazing views of the milky way at night. The trail was sometimes steep and rocky, overgrown occasionally, but always surreally beautiful. The deep mossy forests yielded to halcyon meadows full of wildlife and craggy overlooks where you could see the mountain tops in the surrounding states. Seeing this wonder through the younger voices helped open my eyes with a new perspective.

Our counselor and leader for the trip was named Topher. He is a 19 year old engineering student who was wise beyond his years and able to entertain the youth to no end. He was as capable of instigating a dance party on the trail as he was patching up a quiet time whittling accident. Ever the calming presence, he was most adept at coaxing the youth into meaningful conversations about faith, and how they could practice the act of servant leadership in their daily lives. They couldn't get enough of his warmth and positive spirit.

The week of hiking provided all of us the opportunity to let go of the devices that tie us to the modern world, forget our daily routines, and turn our focus to more important pursuits of faith and contemplation. This release from the daily grind was an exciting proposition when I was a kid attending these same events 30 years ago and I imagine it is only more so today for the youth with the prevalence of technology and our society's need to be entertained all the time.

Throughout the week, all involved became kinder to each other, shared deeply held feelings, and grew in their expressions of faith and their ability to look at the world through the eyes of a servant. I was fortunate that I got the opportunity to share this time with the group, but especially because I got to spend the time with my daughter who is forever busy with sports and dance, etc. Watching the constant perseverance through the week inspired even deeper love and appreciation for my daughter and all the members of the group At camp, we played games, went swimming in icy creeks, played frisbee, and tee ball if the space allowed.

The hiking week ended with a foot washing ceremony that echoes back to the Last Supper when Jesus deemed it important enough in his final hours to take the time to wash his disciples feet as a sign of how they as followers should embrace letting go of rank and class to embrace putting themselves below those they wished to serve.

On "get back day" we had a last quiet time on the top of pine mountain as the fog swirled and baked away. We hiked down the mountain to the pick-up spot where we would meet the van while the kids sang Disney songs and talked about all the food they planned to eat. The rest of the midday was spent cleaning up, eating, and playing wiffle ball with more than 100 people. That afternoon was spent in worship and one last round of group discussion unpacking all the lessons from the week. When darkness fell there was a ceremony on top of the Property under a rugged cross where we took turns building each other up and praying for better days ahead.

The following morning we said a heartfelt goodbye to Topher and the rest of the staff, took a loud victory lap around the Property and headed back to Asheville. The ride back was at first ebulent with chatter about the experiences of the week. As we neared Asheville the quiet took over again with the kids deep in conversation, listening to music on headphones and engrossed in their phones, ready to enter back into society.

I came back feeling renewed, with my spiritual cup flowing over. I hope each kid left feeling a little tougher, tied more deeply to both their wilder roots and church community, ready to serve.

— Jason Pass

PS. Click here to view pictures from the trip.