Conviction. Courage. Commitment.

These are the qualities of leadership and character we will be emphasizing at the Challenger II Canoeing Program for Young Adults, which will be held June 6 to 12 on the Buffalo River in northern Arkansas.

Challenger II is designed for young adults who are looking to challenge themselves both physically and spiritually. Older teens and young adults age 18 to 30 who want to stimulate their spiritual growth and understand faith and commitment to the greatest cause on earth—and challenge their leadership development in doing the work of the Church—are invited to take part in this wilderness/adventure program.

Key questions we will address are: What will you do with your life? How do your experiences and accomplishments today relate to a bigger purpose? How can you "connect the dots" of your life to that greater purpose of God?

Previous canoeing or paddling experience is not required. Those who have participated in canoeing, white-water or kayaking will be able test themselves.

We will focus on many facets of paddling skills, rescue skills and protocols, all within the "team concept." Each day we will be setting and striking camp as we paddle the Buffalo. Depending on ability, participants will be exposed to lead canoe skills, river reading and canoe-party management responsibilities.

All participants will be expected to take responsibility for various aspects of the program, from equipment safety and maintenance to food preparation. Team-building and mentoring under the guidance of ministers and members experienced in our youth camp paddling programs will be a highlight of Challenger II. Young adults who think they may like to serve on staff at one of the United Youth Camps summer programs at some point will find participating in Challenger II particularly helpful.

Buffalo National River

The Buffalo River is one of the few remaining unpolluted, free-flowing rivers in the lower 48 states offering both swift-running and placid stretches. The Buffalo National River Park encompasses 135 miles of the 150-mile-long river. It begins as a trickle in the Boston Mountains 15 miles above the park.

The Buffalo cuts its way through massive limestone bluffs traveling eastward through the Ozarks and into the White River. This national river has three designated wilderness areas within its boundaries.

The U.S. House of Representatives declared in 1972, "Because it is a pure, free-flowing stream which has not been significantly altered by industry or man, it is considered to be one of the country's last significant natural rivers. It is not one single quality, but the combination of its size, its completeness, its wild qualities, and its associated natural, scenic and historic resources that makes the Buffalo worthy of national recognition."

Paddling the Buffalo in June should offer temperatures in the 70s and 80s—with a chance of rain or thunderstorms. Participants will be pack/tent camping on river's edge or sandbars in a wilderness setting—with "leave no trace" environmental impact expected. Nighttime temperatures should be in the 60s.

Spiritual/Leadership Focus

The wilderness-challenge environment is a proven, effective way for building and mentoring skills for leadership and spiritual growth. The Youth Education Team said Challenger II is "for the purpose of helping older teens and young adults mature in their relationship with God by a wilderness or specialized camp that will challenge them both physically and spiritually. Goals would include familiarizing this group with the doctrines of the Church and true godly values to be used in guiding their faith and commitment to a life of service and leadership in doing the work of the Church."

Participants should be in agreement with the intended goal of Challenger II, and should desire the kind of spiritual growth possible from working with a relatively small group (approximately 12 to 16) of like-minded young adults. A specialized series of classes and discussions is being developed for the program, emphasizing the qualities of courage, character and commitment in spiritual maturity and leadership.

Requisites for participating in the Challenger II program are:

• Minimum of 18 years of age, and a high school graduate.

• Good physical health.

• Desire to be challenged both physically and spiritually.

• Previous UYC experience is helpful, especially in a camp with a canoe or paddling program, but is not required as long as physical ability to participate is demonstrated.

• The applicant's pastor's recommendation.

• $225 program fee.

Applications for Challenger II will be available Jan. 15 at www.ucg.org/challenger/challenger2river.htm, and the deadline for applying will be April 20. The program is expected to fill early.

The camp will be directed by Doug Horchak, pastor of the Dallas and Sherman, Texas, congregations and former supervisor of the canoeing/white-water program at the Teton Challenger Camp. Mike Blackwell, pastor of the Springfield and Joplin, Missouri, congregations and director of the canoeing program at Camp Pinecrest, will be assisting.

Also assisting will be Britton Taylor, pastor of the Fort Worth and Coleman, Texas, churches, and Allen Hirst from Spokane, Washington—both of whom have been on the canoeing staff at the Teton Challenger Camp. Further questions can be addressed by writing to doug_horchak@ucg.org. UN