Friday, February 26, 2010

Visual Reminder 2

Our year in Seattle is more than half over.  Let's just say we're pretty stoked to see this view again.
(Click on the image to get a full size version for your desktop).
[Updated]

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Why Beyond?

We recently asked a number of you the simple question of Why Beyond?  Here were a few of your responses.

So, Why Beyond?

There are many reasons why I keep going on Beyond trips. To some extent I know what to expect, but each trip is unique and rewarding in its own unique way. Without a doubt, a week in the mountains on a Beyond trip can be one of our most physically challenging experiences people ever experience. Understandably, some folks are daunted by the prospect of going into the mountains with everything you need for a week in your backpacks. However, we always return to base camp with the same people!
I love all aspects of Beyond – the boat ride to base camp, orientation, putting the pack on and taking it off, hiking, setting up tents, trail talk, the physical challenge, the views, the shared sense of accomplishment when we summit and arriving back at base camp. However, one thing I find extremely rewarding year after year is the community created within a small group of hikers and guides in such a short period of time. Sharing of life stories, laughter, tears and the physical experience creates a fellowship that binds us together in ways we couldn’t have imagined when we arrived at base camp. While I know something like this will happen every year, each time it is difference. In a sense, Beyond is some kind of spiritual therapy or renewal for me.
 Ernie Fraser, Victoria, BC
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We started this tradition years ago and it stuck.  We start selling it to campaigners when they are freshmen and by the time they are seniors, they cannot wait.  Beyond is an amazing experience like nothing else.  It challenges them in ways they are never challenged, both physically and spiritually.  It provides a way to escape life back home and enjoy God's beauty.  We pose tough questions and have great conversations that help them get to know themselves better and their friends, while growing closer to Christ.  Beyond also does a great job of preparing them for life after high school.  I like to use the analogy of Beyond being a journey, our kayaking is a journey, just like high school, college and life.  Beyond is amazing and everyone should experience the realness it provides.
Heather Hene, Atlanta, GA
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The things I appreciate most about bringing kids on Beyond:
  • It is a chance to take kids completely out of their normal lives and allow them to examine life in a new light.
  • The long days of hiking allow for plenty of time for significant life conversations.
  • The Beyond experience gives kids a unique adventure:  Difficult challenges in a magnificent setting.
  • Beyond is a truly new experience for kids who have seen everything Young Life camping has to offer.
  • The trip gives kids a profound sense of accomplishment.
  • Without distractions, the evenings are a perfect for long and thoughtful conversations.
  • Kids come home saying it is the best trip ever. And they continue to say it.
  • Beyond Bars.
Rick Wilson, Scottsdale, AZ

Monday, February 22, 2010

Photo Contest Results

We received a bunch of really sweet photos from folks after our last Route Notes email.  Here are a few of our favorites.  A big thanks to all who submitted. 

  
First Place: Ian Marriot, Livermore, CA

  
Second Place:  Bill Hamilton, Phoenix, AZ

 
 Third Place:  Erin Griffith

As always, we'd love to see any more pictures you have.  Send any more photos our way to beyondmalibu@beyondmalibu.younglife.org.  Who knows, maybe we'll use your submission next.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

A few quotes from 2009 Beyond Participants

“Every trip gets better and better.  I want to tell more people about it because there is so much potential and so many people need this ministry.”
-Deon Human, Trip Leader from Powell River, BC, Canada

“The life stories were great!  They made us think more of our lives and how God is included.”
-Karl Williams, Trip Leader from Forney, Texas

“The most valuable thing I learned this week is that I am beautiful and people really do care.”
-Camper from Mesquite, Texas

“The trip was a time for us to connect deeper than we could with all the distractions of the outside would.  It gave us a time to truly reflect and learn about God; it helped us learn to work as a team.”
-Brittney Kroon, Trip Leader from Wasilla, AK

“I see God in a bigger way after this trip!  He says the mountains are good—but we are very good!  I have a bigger perspective of God.”
-Monica Zylstra, Trip Leader from Lynden, WA

“I feel like I’ve come closer to God over the past week.  I’ve realized his love for us and also the changes I need to make in my life in order to better serve him.”
-Camper from Raleigh NC

“This trip brought me a million times closer to Jesus; before, I never truly understood or cared about a relationship with him.  God is an everlasting constant in my life and he will always be there for me.”
-Camper from Donsman, WI