Wellspring and Project Forty decided to partner on an outdoor adventure activity because we have much in common regarding mission, beliefs and approaches to working with youth. There is a profound belief between both organizations that our society desperately needs new leaders to arise from amongst our young people. We need leaders that have a strong sense of direction, integrity and a desire for service. The wish is to provide five of our teens, who have already demonstrated leadership attributes and interest in developing their Christian faith, a powerful growth experience.

Through their participation in high adventure activities, we hope that the five young people participating will become stronger leaders and gain greater self-confidence. Also, we hope they will move closer, in relationship to their Creator, surrounded by the beauty of the area, engaging and learning from fellow team members and staff, studying scripture passages and reflecting on their personal journey during a solo experience.

We have learned from our many Summer Adventure Programs, which involve 4-days of camping in Sleeping Bear Dunes, that outdoor adventure activities help teens to decompress and experience a certain amount of healing through the times of solo reflection and group discussions. Many frame their comments and experiences in the context of a personal faith practice, although the Summer Adventure Program is not a program designed to do so.  Because the mission of Project Forty is to integrate adventure experiences with a faith practice, we thought this we be a great opportunity for interested youth to build their adventure skills through a program that includes opportunities to include their faith into the process.

The five Wellspring youth participants will be accompanied by two Wellspring staff and two guides from Project Forty.