Illinois—Wilderness, Inspiration, Leadership, Discovery—that’s what going WILD at Wilderness Adventure Camp means!

"Lord, I lift Your name on high," rang out from approximately 7,000 feet above sea level on the top of Spire 4, the tallest spire in the Cathedral Spire group of South Dakota's Black Hills. It was Wed., June 28, and eight members of the Illinois Conference Wilderness Adventure (Wilderness) team had just scaled the pinnacle and were praising God for the memorable experience.

Incredible doesn’t even begin to describe Wilderness, according to Jennifer Freedman, recounting her experiences later. "The trip changed my life," she said. "I gained so much confidence in myself and in God. I now believe that I can climb the 'mountains' in my life, and the ones I can't climb, God will move."

Confidence like this is gained through a variety of experiences throughout the Wilderness week. Mornings include time spent alone with God in Bible reading and prayer, time spent learning skills necessary to survive in the wilderness, and time spent learning to work together as a team. "I believe that it is important to have our youth learn to work together in teams, because no man is a island," said Stephanie East, a.k.a. Kronos by Wilderness attendees. And working together as a team is necessary, whether scaling a three-pitch rock face or setting up a campsite.

"This year we had trials that really made the whole group unite and made us find real friends," said Eric Shadle, a two-year Wilderness veteran. It is through these challenges God is able to touch lives and work miracles, according to Michael Adair, a six-year veteran staff member. Campers have to give their trust to someone other than themselves. "Their first rappel is usually where they have to release their grip on the things that they know and put their trust in the unknown," Adair said. "I think this helps them get a better understanding of how they can direct their faith from the things they can see to the unseen Lord."

This is the whole goal of Wilderness, according to Rodney East, Wilderness director. "We want to get kids in contact with God through nature and activities that push their self-imposed mental limits, both spiritually and physically."

Learning to trust God and turning burdens over to Him are important concepts to learn while in our youth. "If you spend time outdoors, you will come in contact with God," Rodney said. "I think one of the most important things about Wilderness is learning about God through nature, God's second book," he said. "So if you stray from God later in life, being in nature provides a connection back to Him."

Are you in high school or college and do you want a life-changing experience? Call Linda Hinton at the Illinois Conference office and sign up for Wilderness Adventure Camp. The adventure begins Aug. 4, 2005. Call, get the details, and then join us for the challenge.

Stephanie East, Illinois Conference Wilderness Adventure Camp co-director