Special to the CSB

YOSEMITE - The atmosphere at the hiking trailhead was one of eager anticipation.

The youth from Concord Korean Baptist Church in Martinez were busily packing their clothing and items into backpacks provided by the 52.7 Adventure wilderness ministry. The junior high and high school young men were about to begin several days of adventure, personal growth and spiritual reflection.

This unique and rewarding experience, in Yosemite National Park, is sponsored by California Southern Baptist Convention and led by Steve Hughes, resort ministries field specialist.

Concord Korean's youth leader David Yoon said after the trip, "52.7 Adventure was nothing like you could ever imagine. It far exceeded my expectations for what a hiking and camping trip could offer.

"First, you are in Yosemite. Second, you are guided and prepped by godly men and women who desire to create and guide you to the best experience possible in God's creation.

"The (youth) experienced hunger and thirst, but most of all they experienced God's awesome creation. They still remember the hard work and endurance required to complete the hike, but they hold in their hearts the truth of God's Word - Jesus Christ - clearly modeled and expressed to us by the staff of 52.7 Adventure.

"What a blessing!" Yoon declared.

52.7 Adventure provides camping, rock-climbing and backpacking experiences for members of CSBC churches at Yosemite National Park and Anza-Borrego State Park. The trips can be used to build evangelistic friendships and share the message of Christ with unchurched individuals, Hughes explained. Churches also can use the custom-planned trips for strengthening community, discipleship and leadership training, involving men's or women's group, tweens, youth or college-age young adults.

52.7 Adventure provides all the needed gear and food for the trips, Hughes said. Participants only need to bring appropriate clothing and a few personal items.

Trips can be planned for varying lengths - either a one-day climbing trip or a two-to-five-day camping or backpacking excursion. Guides will lead groups day-hiking on trails, rock-climbing and enjoying an evening campfire. Spiritual lessons can be facilitated by church group leaders, or 52.7 Adventure guides can prepare Bible studies and spiritual discussions. 

For groups desiring a more challenging adventure, backpacking opportunities are available, Hughes noted. 52.7 Adventure will help plan the trip to accommodate each group's fitness level and ministry goals. Numerous life-application moments occur while hiking and living in the backcountry, he noted.

Fees for all 52.7 Adventure trips are low when compared to other wilderness outfitters, and among the lowest to be found among Christian outfitters, Hughes asserted. Camping fees are $40 a day per person; backpacking is $50 a day per person; one-day rock climbing is $20 per person. Fees for multi-day trips include all food, gear, permits and camping costs.

This summer, two special ministry opportunities have been scheduled. From June 21-26 an "Academic Achiever" backpacking trip is planned in Yosemite, which will be open to students from economically disadvantaged areas. Students who have maintained a "B" grade average for the past three reporting periods qualify and the fee is reduced to $35 per student.

To honor and support military servicemen and women, a backpacking trip is being offered at no cost. The trip is scheduled for Aug. 1-4 and is open to all veterans and active military personnel. Contact 52.7 Adventure for more information.

Donations to help offset the cost of the Academic Achiever and military trips are being accepted. For more information about donating or about 52.7 Adventure, contact Hughes at shughes@csbc.com or 209-379-2428, or check out www.527adventure.com.