WHAT WE DO We venture out of Camp McDowell to explore and experience the beauty and challenges of God's creation. You will find yourself canoeing Class II rapids or through beautiful canyons, caving in the depths of the Cumberland Plateau, and hiking with everything you need right on your back.  In addition to the adventures, you will live and play in a community of friends, cook your own meals, laugh around a camp fire, sleep in a tent, and worship under the stars. You will learn so much about yourself, physically and spiritually, as well as the importance of community, as you face the fun and the challenges with your group. You will even pick up on some technical adventure skills and understand the importance of environmental stewardship. We hope to return to Camp McDowell and our homes eager to share our experiences with the outside world.
Besides the trips already scheduled, there are opportunities for youth groups to plan their own trips through Venture Out!. Contact the VO! Director for more information.
HOW WE DO IT Each expedition begins at Camp McDowell where we get "geared" up. Everyone will carry all of their personal gear plus some community gear items, such as stoves, food, tents, etc. So, we spend the time at Camp McDowell dividing the gear amongst the group and repacking backpacks.  Once we travel to our destination, the adventure begins, whether it is canoeing, or backpacking. Each day we will travel from one place to another, spending each night in a new location. Everyone gets the opportunity to prepare meals and set up camp each day. Throughout the day and particularly in the evenings, we will have time to share stories and experiences, laugh, sing, and worship with one another. Each day will end with a campfire before everyone heads off to sleep in a tent under the stars.
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WHO CAN GO? Anyone ready for a challenge and loads of fun! All races, faiths, sizes, and shapes are invited. Each trip is geared for specific age groups, so younger or new Venture Out!ers should not worry about the trips being too difficult! However, everyone should expect to be challenged--physically, mentally, and spiritually. The backpacking and canoeing trips for high schoolers do require some experience in either backpacking or canoeing, due to the terrain/river and duration of the trips.
WHAT ABOUT GEAR? Camp has most of the gear needed, i.e. canoes, tents, backpacks, and stoves. Each participant only needs to bring personal items, such as clothes, sleeping bags, raingear, etc.
HOW MUCH? The price varies for each trip according to the length of the trip and any additional costs, such as transportation (go to "Upcoming Trips " for specific prices). You won't find many adventure trips at  such great prices!
Also, scholarships are available. Please contact the Venture Out! Director for more details.
WHO'S ON STAFF? There will always be at least 2 adults on staff for each expedition. One or both will be a certified Lifeguard,  a Wilderness First Responder, and a CPR Professional Rescuer. Some expeditions might include adult volunteers who have a passion for leading trips, as well as a great deal of experience camping, backpacking, and canoeing.
If you want to go with a friend or friends, tell us. Remember, these are your trips!!!
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