Mountain Ear 2009

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Our Father in Heaven, We praise you for your faithfulness this past year in sustaining your ministry at Summit Adventure.

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy - Psalm 30:11

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Focus on Service Volunteers Save the Day!!

2009 Course Calendar Photo Gallery Ecuador Courses International Opportunities ISAS Report With Open Hands Whitney Classic Recap ‘Mad Libs’ Summer in Review Welcome!

Making a Name for Himself Prayer Needs

s u m m i t a d v e n t u r e - p . o . b o x 4 9 8 - b a s s l a k e , c a 9 3 6 0 4 - 5 5 9 . 6 4 2 . 3 8 9 9 - w w w. s u m m i t a d v e n t u r e . c o m

Focus on Service

by Tom Smith Service is the rent we pay for living.

- Martin Luther King, Jr. In Summit Adventure's long history, we have clearly entered into an era of unprecedented service. While we have always endeavored to serve our participants and staff, it is safe to say that never before has Summit Adventure poured so much effort into serving others as an integral part of our ministry. We now add those who come into contact with our participants and staff during courses and trainings to the list of those we intend to serve.

There are many ways we incorporate service into our ministry. First, during staff training, we routinely devote a day of service to fellow camps and local ministries in the Bass Lake/Oakhurst, CA area. Second, during each ISAS semester, students plan and implement programs that serve several ministries in Oakhurst and Fresno, CA. Third, these efforts help

prepare them for more extensive service learning opportunities in Ecuador that are directly tied to the 17 credits they receive at the end of ISAS. Fourth, nearly every High Sierra course we do (Adventuresin-Fatherhood, 21-day, etc.), incorporates at least a half day of service with local ministries. Fifth, our international courses devote a third of the entire course time to helping local ministries build the Kingdom of God. This service includes: ! Creating firebreaks in wooded areas at Calvin Crest, Emerald Cove, and Skylake Camp in CA ! Feeding homeless persons in Oakhurst and Fresno, CA and Quito, Ecuador ! Repairing houses for the elderly in Bass Lake and Oakhurst, CA ! Extensive renovations at Remanso de Amor in Quito, Ecuador ! Playing soccer and games with children in Fresno, CA; Monterrey, Mexico; and Quito, Ecuador The amazing thing about all this service is understanding and compassion flow both ways. Those

Summit Participants Leading After-School Bible Lesson outside Monterrey, Mexico

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we serve make as great an impact on Summit staff and participants as we make on them. Inappropriate attitudes and inadequate beliefs are replaced by the realization that God loves and cares for each one of us. It is not our social or economic standing that matters in the Kingdom, but our hearts' response to Him. Superficialities are washed away and authentic reactions to our mutual human condition are brought to the surface.

This emphasis on service means we have greatly multiplied our Kingdom-building efforts as many more people get involved with our courses. In 2008, 75 Summit course participants served over 1,200 people during 30 days of service. A great many of these folks find themselves in marginalized situations so Jesus's call to “bring good news to the poor” is becoming more of a reality than ever before at Summit Adventure.

Incorporating service into each program has helped make Summit Adventure even more relevant in our society. The me-first approach to life is simply not a Kingdom value, and we are clearly called to care for our fellow human beings in ways that show the love of Christ to all people. As many have said, “A good sermon is better seen than heard.” Interestingly, the more our participants give to others, the more power they report from Summit Adventure courses.

In the pages to follow, you will find more articles on how service is getting lived out here at Summit Adventure. Perhaps none greater than the service rendered to Summit Adventure by locals willing to donate time, energy, expertise, and resources to badly needed Basecamp renovations. Clearly, - Continued on next page GO TO PAGE 1

What People are Saying About Summit Adventure...

We were provided with many opportunities for expressing gratitude and worship to God. We also learned from each other and left the expedition with a renewed sense of hope and understanding of God. Teacher at Milpitas Christian School

Our instructors did a good job helping us take the experience and relate it back to our lives at home.

Student, Milpitas Christian School

Our leaders helped us debrief and reflect on our day of climbing – they did a great job of digging deeper…helping students go past their initial “surface level” answers.

Summit Participants helping with the construction of a mission point outside of Monterrey, Mexico

ISAS would not have happened without their help. This past year we had many willing workers who helped clear brush on Summit’s property for safety against forest fires. We had faithful, energetic volunteers who help us put on the Whitney Classic fundraiser every year, from helping pack the gear to helping run the support stations along the ride.

We are trying to be faithful to Christ's call to serve the poor, “proclaim release to the captives…let the oppressed go free…to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor” (Lk. 4:18-19).

Summit Adventure's combination of service and adventure seems to be badly needed these days. We could use all the prayers and support you can muster to continue our work in a struggling economy.

One final note - Some of you may be wondering what became of your a n n u a l M o u n t a i n E a r. W e eliminated the long standing traditional paper edition because it was simply better stewardship of our resources.

Program Director, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church

My instructors encouraged me to share in and establish a stronger sense of community with others in the group and to consider how I can apply my faith to more areas of my everyday life.

Stanford Student

It was really incredible to see kids open up and tell about their innermost secrets. Seeing these profound discussions encouraged me to pursue my relationship with God. I have never felt more comfortable with older people. It seemed they actually cared about what I had to say, and they really listened. They were all firm in their faith and tried to help us see more clearly the love of God. Adventure Leadership Participant

This course changed my relationship with my son forever. We are leaving with new tools to work on with our relationship. I learned to love my son in a new way. Thank you Summit Adventure and may God continue to bless you.

Adventures in Fatherhood Participant

The service projects were a highlight of the course. The days spent interacting with Ecuadorians gave a cultural perspective that climbing mountains would not have provided. Though many of the service days were hard work, they were the most rewarding part of the trip.

John Hopkins University Student

It was encouraging to hear other men express their faith and to find common ground with them.

Mt. Rainier Participant

My personal highlight was rock climbing and rappelling, but the thing I will most remember is all the time I got to spend with my dad.

Adventures in Fatherhood Participant

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Summit Adventure logo inscribed inside main entrance

donating his time and skills to build up the cabinetry in the all-important kitchen. Between the pine cabinet doors, hickory countertops, new floor, and some new appliances, the kitchen looks fantastic.

How about Paul Kasner, a man with nearly limitless abilities and Godly devotion, stepping in to build a library/study room and offer his services to a great many upgrades

VOLUNTEERS SAVE THE DAY!!

There is a new look at Summit Adventure. To accommodate our semester program, we needed significant renovations to an aging Basecamp facility. The remodel included new floors, kitchen cabinets and countertops, appliances, bathrooms, heating and lighting to name a few.

If you have been to Basecamp before, the following pictures show improvements beyond belief.

Basecamp now looks both different and incredible. People nearly gasp when they first see it.

The renovation was made possible because a board member and his parents made a huge financial donation designated solely for Basecamp improvements. We were then able to hire staff at summer's end to help in the renovation process.

That extremely generous show of support spawned a spectacular list of artisans stepping up to serve.

Take, for example, Rory and Kim Shea, who donated countless hours and amazing expertise to create a concrete floor that can best be described as “artwork”. It would be worth a trip to Bass Lake just to see how it has transformed Basecamp.

(As a sidebar, if you or anyone else you know has interest in a concrete floor beyond your wildest dreams, give us a call or contact Rory and Kim directly at (558) 760-3388.

Then there was Wayne Warner

being woven by the Master Weaver.

Or Dennis Fisher, who flew in from West Virginia to lead a spectacular remodel of the men’s bathroom. Or Maril Parker’s donation for badly needed light fixtures.

Indeed, God has renewed and strengthened a wonderful place where year-round ministry is occurring. The renovation of Basecamp is a crucial component to the vision God put on our hearts for a broad and relevant ministry. God is clearly using the service of certain people to bring the vision to reality.

These people understand the concept of service well.

Each of them gave their time, skills, and resources to Summit Adventure in New kitchen cabinets and countertops service to our ministry. Our debt to them is huge, yet and repairs. Paul is our “go-to” man they ask for no payment. Apparently for nearly endless Basecamp it is enough to know and see how issues. much impact they have made on us Or Dan Rogers, former carpet layer and what we do. We are thankful turned lawyer, who donated several beyond words!!

The ISAS library and study room

evenings to install carpet in the dorm rooms. He had a great many other options to choose from in his spare time but believed enough in Summit Adventure to donate to the cause.

Consider the service rendered by two board members, Mark Lavan and Tim Fickling, who helped install retaining walls and ceiling fans crucial threads in the overall tapestry

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One of the ISAS dorm rooms GO TO PAGE 1

2009

COURSE CALENDAR #

Dates

901 902 903 904 905 906

06/20 - 07/03 06/20 - 07/10 07/01 - 07/05 07/24 - 08/02 08/05 - 08/09 Pick your dates

14 21 5 10 5 3

910 911 912

06/20 - 06/24 07/08 - 07/12 08/05 - 08/09

913

08/05 - 08/09

920 921

01/05 - 05/01 08/24 - 12/18

Mt. Rainier Wilderness Instructor Adventure Leadership Women’s Retreat Mt. Baker - Mountaineering

930 931 932 933 934

06/21 - 06/25 05/22 - 06/02 07/24 - 07/30 07/24 - 07/26 07/25 - 07/28

Cross Cultural Service& Adventure Ministry Certificate: Spring 2009 Fall 2009

924 925

01/05 - 05/01 08/24 - 12/18

940 941

06/10 - 06/14 09/26 - 09/27

Course

Days Ages

Price

YOUTH Sierra Multi-Element Sierra Expedition

Climbing in the High Sierras

16+ 16+ 13+ 13+ 13+ 13+

$1,200 $1,675 $395 $790 $395 $300

5 5 5

12+ for Child 12+ for Child 12+ for Child

$1,596 (pair) $1,596 (pair) $1,596 (pair)

5

12+ for Child

$1,564 (pair)

18+ 18+

(call) (call)

18+ 18+ 18+ 16+ 18+

$798 $2,050 $1,160 $360 $598

18+ 18+

$7,500 $7,500

16+ Call for details

$470

PARENTING & FAMILY Sierra Adventures in Fatherhood

West Virginia Multi Element Adventures in Fatherhood

COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY Immersion Service and Adventure Semester (ISAS): Spring 2009 Fall 2009

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy - Psalm 30:11

ADULTS 5 12 7 3 4

SPECIALTY Go Fot It! Whitney Classic Fundraiser

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2008 GROUP COURSES - Let us design a unique course to fit the dynamics and schedule of your group. We offer great price packages and discounts for groups of 6 or more. We work with a wide variety of organizations including Focus on the Family, Pepperdine University, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Menlo Park Presbyterian Church.

PO Box 498 Bass Lake, CA 93604 - 559.642.3899 - info@summitadventure.com

www.summitadventure.com 5

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2009 Photo Gallery 6

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Click for more photos

http://www.summitadventure.com/gallery/main.php

Click for videos

http://www.summitadventure.com/videos.htm

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Pepperdine Participant

Ecuador

By Corinna he bumper crop of Ecuador courses this past year included a rich collection of crosscultural encounters and high altitude challenges. Our courses included an open enrollment course, a course with Johns Hopkins University students, a program for men from Visalia Grace Church in California, a course with a collection of men from Southern California, and a program with Pepperdine University students.

Our course components included 15 days of service with Remanso De Amor's community center in a low socio-economic area of southern Quito called Argelia Alta. The center is focused on bringing holistic health to the community and creating a safe place. It includes a church, a school, counseling, adult education, a health clinic, and community health workers.

Our interactions included helping out in classrooms, sharing soccer games, painting, fixing chairs, carrying sand and cement blocks, accompanying community health workers on home visits, and serving lunch to students.

For many students, this was a highlight because of the cultural exposure and the interactions with Ecuadorian people.

One student remembers an eyeopening experience of receiving a gift of a frozen choco-banana from two children with whom he'd worked all

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day.

He was touched by how generous and grateful these two little people were who truly had minimal resources of their own.

Through our courses, a relationship has been growing between Summit Adventure and this powerful grassroots ministry led by Ramiro Maldonado and Extreme Response.

Last Spring, enough money was donated by alumni from Service and Mountaineering Ecuador courses to finish building the third floor of the community center of Argelia Alta. In addition to completing construction at the community center, the funds allowed six more students to attend the school and continue their studies in a community where education is a privilege.

In addition to the interactions with the Ecuadorian people, the courses included several outdoor adventure challenges. Summit attempts were made on the glaciated high altitude volcanos of Guagua Pichincha, Cayambe, Cotopaxi, and Illiniza Norte.

Each group gained from pushing to their limits in the magnificent mountain setting of God's creation. Many students found new perspective on their own abilities and limitations.

Despite a particularly rainy climbing season for Ecuador's Andes Mountains, some of the students were able to gain summits during windows of good weather and capture spectacular views.

All encountered personal challenges and gained perspective on how God calls us to face things that are bigger than ourselves.

International Program Opportunities in 2010 Monterrey, Mexico - Summit Adventure ran two courses in Monterrey Mexico in 2009 and will be offering course again in 2010. Service projects there are powerful opportunities to help build relationships with local ministries doing hands on work. Adventure options include rock and mountain climbing, as well as hiking. As always, Summit's goal is to challenge participants to expand their comfort zones and build better relationships with themselves, others and God. Israel - In 2010 Summit Adventure will to run our first ever course in Israel following in the steps of Jesus from Nazareth to the Mount of Beatitudes!

This course includes four days of moderate backpacking combined with service project days in the West Bank and in local towns along the trail. The region's historical power and geographical beauty is obvious, yet the interactions with locals from Christian, Jewish, and Islamic faiths might well tip your adventure scales from phenomenal to once-in-alifetime. This course is well-suited to individuals, couples, and even families.

r o d a u c E Grace Church Participants

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Ecuador - For five years, Summit Adventure participants from all walks of life have had their eyes opened to a culture of enormous diversity in geography and economics. The place is beautiful and the people warm and generous. Have God encourage and challenge you whether you are on a 20,000 foot mountain or holding babies in a Quito children's home. The immense power of this place and its people has been well-documented in our recent literature and perhaps it is now time for you to join the many who call this course life-changing.

Dates and costs for 2010 are still being determined, so call us for details. Consider prayerfully whether or not God wants you or your group to step out of your comfort zones and into a world of adventure and service designed to make a huge impact on your worldview!

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ISAS

By Corinna

The inaugural Immersion Service and Adventure Semester (ISAS) began last August with a group of four students from all over the country.

Three weeks in the backcountry launched Summit's first ever experiential semester where students earned 15-17 academic credits. The following six weeks of classwork, service, and outdoor pursuits out of Bass Lake, California prepared the crew for six weeks in Ecuador.

Language school, home-stays, mountain climbing, cross-cultural facilitating coupled with lots of reflection, reading, discussion, and writing brought the semester nearly to a close.

With one last week of celebration, debriefing, and wrapping up class projects at Summit's Bass Lake basecamp, the program was complete. We sent our first students home with mixed feelings of pride in a job well done, sadness at the end of a powerful journey together, and excitement for what lay ahead for these precious students.

A f t e r a q u i c k t u r n o v e r, revamping curriculums, honing text selections, and ramping up the heating systems at basecamp, we welcomed the second semester of ISAS students to basecamp. The Spring 2009 ISAS, which started January 5, promises to be different due to climate and seasons but just as exciting and powerful with state-side and crosscultural adventure and service challenges. Once again, God has orchestrated bringing together the right students to join us on this journey of learning.

The following is an account from one of the ISAS mountaineering experiences last November on Cayambe volcano north of Quito in Ecuador.

When climbing mountains at altitudes of 15,000 ft and up, you don't expect to feel "good". Human bodies struggle

with less oxygen. There are ways to decrease the difficulty, but for the most part you have to go slow, because your lungs can't keep up and your body feels extra fatigued. Often nausea and headaches can plague you, but if nothing else, you have no appetite.

Facing these uncomfortable experiences and still pushing to the top of a mountain and back down over an 8-10 hour stretch is often the hardest thing mentally, emotionally, and physically that our students have experienced. It can be an eye opening time for people to come to the edge of their limits and see how they themselves respond. We believe having these experiences under their belt, will equip our students for the limit pushing experiences of life that will come sooner or later. For this reason we set off to test the mettle of our ISAS students and ourselves on Cayambe.

This volcano is 18,996 ft and is located

Zambiza Dump Christmas Party on the equator. It is one of my favorite mountains, partially because the drive to the climber's refuge is absolutely pastoral. Green rolling hills are speckled with small houses, grazing cattle or sheep and usually lots of wild flowers on a backdrop of alpine ranges.

Upon arriving at the climbers' hut at the base of the mountain in full view of the glacier tumbling over the edge of rock, we unloaded our stuff and found space in the upstairs bunkroom.

We spent two nights at this hut to have more time for snow travel training and acclimatizing. During this time we eat and nap, play cards and eat some more. The first evening, I lead a Bible

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study time with lots of scripture, some time for confession, praise, and intercession. Our Ecuadorian guide joined us, and we were amazed to see him participate and then converse about his renewed interest in the scriptures through our Bible study.

The second day, we had two and a half hours of snow teaching, practice walking in crampons with ice axes, traveling on rope teams, etc. We had a pep talk, answering questions and giving the students all the encouragement and information we could in preparation for the climb. A few more small meals and then we were off to bed around 7:00 pm.

Up at 11 pm, we packed our summit packs, ate a simple meal, put on our harnesses and big plastic boots. We gathered out front for prayer and took off in a slow queue up the rocky slope toward the glacier and a poignant experience with the mountain and ourselves‌ Experiences are only hollow details without reflection.

Therefore, facilitating learning from experiences is part of the role of the Summit ISAS instructor. We observe each student, asking them questions about their journey. We do our best to encourage them to see where they can grow in knowing themselves and God through reflecting on their experiences.

After a time of reflection with the students on our journey up Cayambe, one student identified he had much less motivation to keep going once all his friends turned around and it was just he and the guide continuing toward the goal. It was encouraging to him to realize - Continued on next page -

ISAS Students Spending Time Reflecting

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ISAS - Continued how important these relationships had become to him throughout the semester.

Another student was awed by God's creation in the beauty of the glaciated volcano and wanted to keep looking for that awe in each experience of life.

He realized that having this attitude of gratefulness and worship brought him encouragement to keep going through challenging times.

Personally, I learned that students often have a key breaking point on the mountain, whether they turn around at that point or not varies. The mental stamina and focus of my students are often fragile, and as an instructor and leader I can affect that powerfully.

ISAS is a journey of students and instructors living, serving, growing, and learning together for the purpose of being more able to serve Christ. It is packed full of a variety of experiences aimed at giving such opportunities.

One such example was the Extreme Response Christmas party that is put on for folks who work on and live around the Quito city dump. The Fall 08 ISAS students were part of this experience of shared joy and resources. Here is an account of two special encounters during that day of service.

All day we played bouncy ball with hundreds of kids who ranged from two feet to four feet tall, and sometimes even "big kids" got down for some good fun and laughter. Again and again, hundreds even thousands waited in line and perched on the big rubber balls bouncing like anxious race horses as they awaited the countdown. Then with all their might they bounced and jumped, their little pigtails flying, sunhats landing on the pavement, their grins breathless, their legs flying out to the side. I laughed, cheered them on, and handed out candy to each one at the "finish" line and told them "good job" and "everyone wins". Hours later, after we closed shop a small girl with dark eyes, long dark hair, and a big smile came up to me as I stood waiting for a ride home. "Cuando vas a regresar", she inquired. (When are you coming

back?) My heart lurched, because I knew that I would probably never see her again. I had seen thousands of children that day, (They reported that 4000 people come to the big Zambiza dump Christmas party put on by Extreme Response in Quito) and was about to be bussed back to my part of the city where people didn't live in cardboard shacks or work sorting through human's trash all day long for a lifetime. "Tal vez regresare en el ano que viene para esta fiesta de Navidad", I said. (Perhaps I'll come back next year for this Christmas party.) She smiled and ran to me, wrapping her arms around my waist. I hugged her and smoothed her hair.

This one small person who chose to come and express her appreciation and share her care and touch with me made my entire experience. I hoped the joy and smiles and simple delights of that day of play and fun could bring knowledge to that little girl that she is cared for by God and other human beings.

Timoteo was another small boy probably about six or seven years old.

He had a sweet and serious demeanor. He and his older cousin Diego attached themselves to us for the day. Perhaps they liked our bouncy ball game best out of all the games at the party. They came and asked if they could help. Soon they were carrying bouncy balls back to the starting line and helping count down and send off row after row of excited bouncers. I was instantly impressed by the humble and somehow adult-like service these young boys were doing for all these kids they didn't know. They understood. They knew what was going on. I could tell they were familiar with service. My favorite picture is of little Timoteo in his ball cap, feet spread wide, hands on his knees like a coach, counting down the start for the row of bouncers. These two boys kept up their energy and help for a good few hours until they began to tire and wander off to find their parents who were volunteering at other games.

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Playing with the Kids Toward the end of the day, they came back. It was then that I was struck by why Timoteo's eyes and his demeanor were so familiar. I asked his cousin who Timoteo's father was. "Jose Jimenez" was the answer. I knew it!

This boy's father was the pastor for the Quito city dump. He was just like his dad. Pastor Jose is one of the most Christ-like people I've met in my lifetime. He serves the people at the dump with quiet endurance and beauty. In the past 4 years I've been in Ecuador, the changes have been astounding. Where there used to only be piles and piles and piles of trash, there is now a contained and covered area where the people work pulling recyclables out to be sold for money.

(A job that is not fit for a humanparticularly in a place where toilet paper is all thrown in the trash and not down the toilets.) They wear hardhats and jumpsuits. There is a health and counseling clinic, a daycare and elementary school, showers and a lunch place.

It was beautiful to see this small boy already emitting the value of service and care for people whom his father lives for.

Check out the blogs:

Mountains of learning (http://aneldercreeklog.blogspot.com /2008/12/mountains-of-learning.html)

The Tales of Mike & Kelli (http://isas2009.blogspot.com/)

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With Open Hands When “service” is mentioned, it can have many connotations. The Postal Service, Weather Service, and Secret Service are all forms of the word used every day. Each of these forms has a different meaning and connotation that may or may not represent the word accurately.

This year, Summit Adventure has been offering courses called Ecuador: Service & Mountaineering and Mexico: Service & Adventure.

These courses enable participants to experience the adventure elements that have been incorporated into Summit courses for over 30 years.

Summit Adventure's mission statement now includes the word service as another means to facilitate transformational learning beyond outdoor adventures and experiential education.

The element of service has been a part of our programs in the past.

Under the administration of Tim Hansel, Dave Kelley, Mike Rollinson, and now Tom Smith, Summit Adventure has been offering programs that have incorporated various elements of service into their programming for over 30 years.

This concept has now been incorporated into the mission of

Lending a Hand

Playing Football, Monterrey, Mexico Summit Adventure.

While this change is exciting, it is also challenging.

The inclusion of “service” in our mission statement represents Summit Adventure's commitment to this action. The facilitation of transformational learning is a goal of Summit Adventure, but beyond this, Summit wishes to serve, because there are needs that we are able to respond to.

Summit Adventure is looking for ways to be a part of the service that God is already doing in the Sierra Nevadas, Ecuador, Mexico, and other parts of the world. For the past four years, Summit has helped support programs in Ecuador such as Youth World, El Refugio and Remanso de Amor. Pepperdine student, Elizabeth Thirchner, describes her experience, “I will always remember the kids in the village charging up the hill to say goodbye one last time.

They ran alongside the bus as it pulled away with us in it. We left pieces of our hearts behind in that village.” The results of service may have a greater impact on people, such as Elizabeth, who are “serving” than on those who are being “served”.

As we engage in this new aspect of our mission, it is Summit's desire to maintain a spirit of

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altruism.

As Summit Adventure serves in the Sierra Nevadas and in different regions of the world, it is our desire to focus on the needs of groups such as Youth World, El Refugio and Remanso de Amor because of the needs they are meeting. Through this action of service, our participants often times receive a transforming learning experience.

It is the desire of Summit Adventure to represent the word “service” accurately from a Biblical perspective. In Deuteronomy 15:7 it says, “If there is a poor man among you, one of your brothers, in any of the towns of the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand to your poor brother; but you shall freely open your hand to him, and generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks.” We pray God will give us a vision to freely open our hands to the people we come into contact with during our programs. We also pray this vision will be given, so that we can also open our hands to the participants on our programs.

We pray that God would give us the vision to freely open our hands in service to all people we come in contact with, whether participants on course or other people in our communities, both national and international.

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he Lord once again We want to thank the Lord for blessed Summit another safe and powerful Adventure through the Whitney Classic. Thank you Whitney Classic, and this again to all of the riders, year's ride was a great volunteers, and sponsors, as success. Twenty-eight riders the Whitney Classic would not safely participated in the 2008 be possible without your th th Whitney Classic. Four rode as investment of time, energy, individuals, and 24 more and resources. were spread over seven A special thanks to Lucy teams. This year riders had Huddy for organizing the to deal with temperatures Good Sam and Radio Ham over 110 degrees. The ride volunteers; you are truly a out of Death Valley was blessing to Summit beautiful with the sun setting Adventure!

Thanks to the as many riders made the Good Sam and Radio Ham grueling climb up Towne v o l u n t e e r s .

Yo u a r e pass. With many turns of amazing!!

Your time, energy, the pedals and lots of and efforts allow for a safe, t e a m w o r k a n d fun, and meaningful event, encouragement over 135 and we are honored by your miles, three individuals and continued support. Thanks six teams completed the t o t h e S ummit staff, Team Island Boys on the long climb toward the top ride by Sunday morning. volunteers, friends, and The main function of the family who put in time Whitney Classic is to help support Top Team Fundraiser was Team before, after, and during the ride. t h e m i n i s t r i e s o f S u m m i t Gas with $15,830. Thank you each Adventure. This year $71,519 has and every rider, volunteer, and Each year the God, Guts, and been raised to help the ministry donor for supporting Summit Gears Award is awarded to the of Summit Adventure. The Top A d v e n t u r e t h r o u g h y o u r person who exhibits the most faith, Individual Fundraiser was Randy contributions and participation in fortitude, fellowship and O'Connell with $10,675 and the the Whitney Classic.

- Continued on next page -

September 27 -2 8 , 2008

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September 27 th-2 8 th, 2008 Continued from previous page perseverance throughout the ride.

As always, the decision for this year's award was not easy, as there were many who put so much into this event. This year's award goes to Wesley Jacobson. Wes rode solo in honor of Dick Huddy and collected over 100 donations to support the ministry of Summit Adventure. Thanks and congratulations, Wes!!

The 2009 Whitney Classic will take place next year on September 26th – 27th, 2009.

Make plans to join us in Lone Pine for this amazing event and spread the word to others who might like to join us.

2008 Riders #

Name

Individual/Team

Time

Randy O’Connell, Kam Zardouzian, Jeff Busby Vince Pandes, Peter Plaisance, Keith Fieldhammer

8:41

Rick Wallace, Bill Fish, Mark Lavan, Pete Wallace, Judy Wallace

9:32

Greg Parker, Casey Cobell, Bobi-Ane Kupfer

9:57*

Jair Drooger, Spinner Allen, Tom Smith

11:36

Sarah Cupery Ottley, Jamie Breckenridge, Katharine Simon

11:46

Steve Atkins, Joe Tansill

11:58

10

Team Island Boys

20

Team Storm

50

Team Dinosaur*

90

Team Gas

40

Chicas Rublas

30

Team Catholic Guys

5

Bob Rose

Individual

15:33

6

Dave Hoffman

Individual

15:33

9

Wesley Jacobson

Individual

16:17

7

Wade Ward

Individual

DNF

80

Team BOB

Corinna Clymer, Leslie Mitchell

DNF * Whitney Sampler

More Perspectives on Summit Adventures: Finding personal solitude was the most influential time that encouraged my faith. To be perfectly honest, my faith in God was lacking before this trip, but now I understand how God's creation can restore this.

Adventure Leadership Participant

The time served with the mission agency, Remanso de Amor, will leave a permanent impact on my life. The work we did was appreciated and helped in the mission of Remanso. It is exciting to be a part of what God is doing in another part of the world.

Ecuador Service & Adventure Participant

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Mad Libs Summer in Review

by Graham Ottley Orientation began as usual when Ryan McKenzie bagpipes which echoed across

his

(past tense verb)

.

(place)

Tom shared a verse from Isaiah reminding the

(people group)

that they

were precious in God's sight.

Soon it was time to out at

, so that everyone was prepared to camp

(verb)

. Leigh and Elspie made some killer

(place)

the staff to eat. Everyone was especially one

(noun)

, because soon they have to

(adjective)

The next day everyone headed up to the

for

(plural noun)

(place)

with our

on their own Whisperlite stoves.

(verb)

. Corinna and Leslie led a discussion about how we are all parts of

(plural noun)

.

After breakfast, Joel and Matt taught one group how to the day, everyone was very

(adjective)

at

(same verbs ending in “ing”)

Curt led everyone in a fun game of backcountry We were just about to begin the

(verb)

(game)

, while Monica and Colin taught another group how to .

where we had to pass a

(place)

(plural noun)

and blue

.

.

(plural noun)

and

(verb)

(plural body part)

. One evening Keith shared a

(verb)

.

Many of the staff who weren't instructing joined in to help out with the tie-dyed

and

(plural noun)

Between courses throughout the summer, instructors and staff found plenty of time to presentation about his time in

using any part of the body except our

(noun)

when Tom asked if he could pray for us bad

(event)

. At the end of

(verb)

(plural noun)

Carey and Val planned a staff party with a/an

. The participants were surprised by the many people wearing

(event)

. (era)

theme. Jordan won the

– riding competition. Jess and Brittany argued over who

(noun)

was the better

(noun)

in the

(verb ending in “ing”)

competition.

Bryce was the undisputed champion of the men's competition.

As always, there was a to

(verb)

of

(person) (noun)

(noun)

Night. This was a chance for everyone

. The funniest

(same noun)

and Lydia's impression of

(person)

. Phillip's

even made people laugh.

Overall the staff felt an immense amount of summer. During the time spent (verb ending in “ing”)

15

was Ben's impression

(emotion) (verb ending in “ing”)

about the and

, everyone agreed that it was a summer to remember.

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Leslie Mitchell – Assistant Program Director ISAS Sometimes we take steps, big or small, in a particular direction unsure of where we will eventually end up. Taking a break from my undergraduate studies after two years and leaving San Diego where all of my family and friends were are just some of the risky steps I have taken in faith. I can see now how these choices have lined the way to where I am today.

My journey as a wilderness instructor and eventually an experiential educator with Summit Adventure began with some small steps toward experiences and challenges that would come to shape me and begin the transformational process that I am currently in. Working and learning in the outdoors is just more exciting and life-giving for me so I figured, why not? The experiences and people I have encountered at Summit Adventure were pivotal in my eventual full-fledged pursuit of experiential education in adventurous settings as a career and calling.

Following my first summer as an instructor at Summit in 2004, where I was engaged in many mindcramping discussions on the educational philosophies of John Dewey with Dustin Smucker, I headed north to Canada to resume my undergraduate studies in Adventure Leadership. Returning to Summit between studies over the next three summers as an instructor, I was able to hone in more specifically on what I hoped to do with my education, skills and gifts.

ISAS was in its formative stages, and I had carefully read the prospectus with great enthusiasm and new found hope for where my learning pursuits of the past three years could potentially land! I took a leap of faith, knowing that I was particularly interested in working with University students and in non-traditional learning environments, and moved to Minnesota in January (brrrr) and started a Masters program in Experiential Education! Today, two years, many prayers, and much hard work later, here I sit as the Assistant Program Director of ISAS diving into a second semester of learning and growing together with students.

Valerie Casner – Bookkeeper My name is Valerie, one of the newcomers here at Summit. I am one of four daughters raised by Will and Carolyn Rogers in a career Navy family. When I was 19, I married a handsome, young PFC named Paul. We have three children; two are married and one is a high school senior. We settled here in Oakhurst in the spring of 2000 after Paul got out of the Army. My favorite indoor past-time is playing games and hanging out with family and friends. Other activities I enjoy include aerobic exercise and hiking. I currently have two parttime bookkeeping jobs.

My favorite Bible verse is Hebrews 13:5b, which records God's faithful promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Through life's many joys and challenges, knowing that we are never alone is a constant source of comfort and security. Likewise, it is a privilege to be part of Summit, surrounded by brothers and sisters who love Jesus.

Graham Ottley – Assistant Program Director Change Over Time: “So how did you hear about Summit?” Mel Wachsmith asked as we ascended out of a valley known to instructors th as “Shangri-La”. It was the 10 day of our Instructors' Course, and we were making our way towards the iconic peaks of the Ritter Range - Mt. Banner & Mt. Ritter.

I had left Montreat without attending my graduation ceremony. The thought of waiting out a long progression in a stuffy building didn't have the same appeal as spending those days in the High Sierra. I could sympathize with John Muir when he said, “The mountains are calling, and I must go.” This was my first summer in the Sierra Nevada, and my first summer working at Summit Adventure. Having lived mostly in suburban areas growing up, this was a chance to take part in a Christcentered ministry as well as experience the western United States.

Through the experiences with participants, co-instructors, and myself in the wilderness, my selfish postcollege priorities began to shift. I began to see wilderness experiences - Continued on next page -

16

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WELCOME Graham Ottley (Continued) not as a privilege for those who are so physically inclined, but as an important tool that God uses to change lives. The mountains not only provided adventure but became a place where people could reflect on their priorities in life and spend time in solitude with God.

Making a Name for Himself Dustin Smucker-Oates has a passion for people. Dustin began working at Summit Adventure after coming down from Washington to spend time with another Summit instructor, Keats McGonigal.

In 2001, Jason encouraged Dustin to apply to Summit, and soon they were sharing laughs as they prepared their gear for the next course in the backcountry. In 2008, Dustin led an Ecuador: Service & Mountaineering Course that included his father Eli Smucker.

During the Whitney Classic, the Smucker family was always well represented. Dustin has completed the ride five times, three times solo and two with his brothers.

Dustin worked at Summit as an Instructor, Senior Instructor, and Program Director. Dustin was often the source of laughter and tears of joy.

During this era at Summit, instructors will recall an exchange where he and Director (at the time) Mike Rollinson faked a heated discussion that left everyone in the room with their jaws on the floor. While Program Director, Dustin would commonly visit groups in the backcountry. After a half day's “hike”, Dustin could be counted on to meet groups on their fourth or fifth day of their expedition, usually well above 8000 feet.

As a friend, Christian, and outdoor enthusiast, Dustin has been a reliable source of inspiration and leadership during his time in the Sierra Nevada.

No matter what conditions prevail, Dustin can be counted on to show his passion for the things he loves.

Dustin has proven this recently with the decision to be closer to his family and the family of his wife, Kate.

Dustin will with certainty continue to be a tremendous source of impact and joy to those around him.

Dustin, THANK YOU for your contribution to Summit Adventure over the past 7 years. You have given much more than was required. You and Kate will be greatly loved and missed. We wish you the best.

Thank You We wish to thank all the diligence and hard work of Summit Adventure's Board of Directors: Casey Cobell Rick Wallace Tim Fickling Ginger Allen Dave Neunuebel Maril Parker Mark Lavan 17

My first summer in the Sierra Nevada, I met a woman, Sarah, who would eventually marry me three years later.

Sarah showed me an enthusiasm and care for the people around her that I had never seen before. The sight of her and her friend, Kate, doing repeated cartwheels as they encouraged riders during the Whitney Classic was hard to forget. I have come to share Sarah's appreciation for the Sierra Nevada and the people passing through them.

When Tom asked if I was interested in filling the “Birkenstocks” that Dustin left behind, I felt honored and privileged. I spent several weeks with Dustin learning the basics and am now excited to work with the full -time staff at Summit Adventure as we continue to adapt and change our program to best meet the needs of our participants. I have enjoyed the transition from the many instructor roles, to the full time position that I now serve in. I am excited as Summit prayerfully considers the direction that God would have us move towards.

The question of how people learn about Summit Adventure is always an interesting one. The story of how I had heard of Summit Adventure was through an instructor, Joel Vermillion, who had instructed at Summit Adventure in the 80's and now runs a Torchbearers program in Sweden.

Although Summit Adventure has remained a fairly small organization, it has continued to have a huge impact in California and around the world. As we look forward, Sarah and I are excited to see how God will use Summit Adventure to impact people in 2009.

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P.O. Box 498

Bass Lake, CA 93604

SUMMIT ADVENTURE -

2008

STAFF

Our mission is to facilitate transformational learning that strengthens relationships, deepens faith, and builds compassion through Christ centered outdoor adventure, service, and experiential education.

Tha for nks sup your port !

Please join us in prayer for the staff and ministry of Summit Adventure. Please pray for: Participants for Summer courses ISAS students for Fall 09 and Spring 10 Spiritual wisdom and strength for staff to continue on in an ever-changing educational ministry

Praise for continued provision of all needs of the ministry Prayer for God’s ministry and transformation for all the course participants in the coming year GO TO PAGE 1