Beach Reach, South Padre Island, TX March 7-14, 2025

Since 1980, Beach Reach has served South Padre Island with safe van rides and late-night pancake breakfast while sharing the gospel with university students on spring break. ReCreation Adventure Ministries partnered with West Texas A&M and Amarillo College providing van transportation and encouragement to university student leaders. Over this one week of Beach Reach, including all Texas Baptist campuses participating, there were 7,204 rides given; 5,848 spiritual conversations had; 4,790 students prayed with; 46 recommitments; 138 new believers and 56 baptisms in the Gulf! Praise the Lord for His goodness!

Open Expedition - Gila Wilderness, Silver City, New Mexico January 3-7, 2025

The Gila Cliff Dwellings is the gem of the Gila Wilderness area. Mogollon Indians arrived in the late 13th century, lived in this area for approximately 25 years, and left in the early 14th century. No one knows why. Hiking the Gila Wilderness is a challenge for even the most experienced backpacker. These men persevered through the rugged terrain and the freezing nights. Stories around a warm fire each night were a highlight.

Private Expedition- Men's Ministries of North Central Texas, Wichita Mountains, Lawton, OK., Saturday, November 9, 2024

Men’s Ministry can be rewarding. Titus 2 instructs the older men to instruct, teach, and mentor the younger men. These men and young men enjoyed the beauty of the Wichita Mountains, Oklahoma, encouraging each other as they hiked to the top of Elk Mountain. Plans are being made for future expeditions in Men’s Ministry.

Private Expedition - West Texas A&M Baptist Student Ministries, Palo Duro Canyon, TX October 18-20, 2024

West Texas A & M University International Students from Nepal, Ghana, and Israel experienced the beauty of Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Students learned basic skills of wilderness trail hiking protocols. Student leaders had the opportunity to share how the wilderness experience relates to the adventure of the Christ Life.

Fly Fishing Clinic, North Central Texas area (Wichita Falls), October 12, 2024

Fly fishing is a sport rich in excitement, challenge, and tradition. Participants were taught the fundamentals of fly fishing including gear needed, types of flies, knot tying, and casting. Scripture was shared that shows how fishing is used in the Bible as a teaching tool. Thanks to our instructors, Greg Allen and Robert Ritter. Photo credits: Robert Ritter.

Risk Management - Continental Divide Trail CO/NM, August 21-24, 2024

Chama, New Mexico is the perfect base camp for this Southern Rocky Mountain Adventure! Participants will spend the first night in town acclimating to the altitude which begins at 10,000 feet (trailhead). This two-section, 40-mile expedition starts at the Colorado state line and heads south into New Mexico finishing at Hopewell Lake and campground. The suggested time of the year for planning this trek is July - September.

ReCreation Adventure Ministries Guide Training, Wheeler Peak Wilderness, Red River, New Mexico July 11-14, 2024

The ReCreation Adventure Ministries Annual Guide Training was held in the Wheeler Peak Wilderness, Red River, New Mexico. Topics discussed and reviewed were expedition planning, wilderness first aid, cooking in the backcountry, leave-no-trace camping, and leadership/expedition behavior. RAM guides enjoyed the beauty of Northern New Mexico while summiting Wheeler Peak (New Mexico’s highest point). Photo credits: Rob Bescheinen.

Risk Management Big Bend National Park - May 21-24, 2024

Want to design your southwest adventure? If you are a canoe/kayak enthusiast or would enjoy backpacking the primitive desert wilderness, ReCreation Adventures can put this trek together for you! You can canoe/kayak the Rio Grande River through the Santa Elena Canyon. Hiking /backpacking expeditions range from the Window View trail (1/2 mile) to the South Rim trail (13 miles round trip) or anywhere between. For the final evening, you could sleep or dine at The Lodge! ReCreation Adventures takes care of reservations, permits, equipment, and transportation. Photo credits: Scott Slater

Open Expedition - Rim to River, Grand Canyon, AZ April 25-29, 2024

These men from Burkburnett, Texas enjoyed the majesty of the Grand Canyon during this five day expedition! The change in the colors of the canyon did not disappoint as they hiked the Bright Angel, Rim, and the South Kiabab Trails. Titus, that small book found in the back of the New Testament, was our evening study/ discussion for this adventure. The Apostle Paul encourages Titus to find Godly men to help lead the church in Crete. Some of those foundations for men were: identity, character, the Gospel and investing in other men.

Beach Reach 2024, South Padre Island, Texas; March 7-16, 2024

Since 1980, Beach Reach has been serving South Padre Island with safe van rides and late-night pancake breakfasts while sharing the gospel with university students on spring break. ReCreation Adventure Ministries partnered with West Texas A&M, Amarillo College, and Clarendon College providing van transportation and encouragement to university student leaders.

Open Expedition - Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado, July 13-17, 2023

Spending time in the cool Rocky Mountains is the place to go when it gets hot where you live! In the evenings, these men discussed the highlights of the book Principle of the Path written by Andy Stanley. The Principle of the Path is simple - what you give your attention to determines your direction, and your direction determines your destination. The same is true for mountaineering in Colorado. Paying attention to the trail and land features allows you to reach your destination.

Guide Leadership Training, Wheeler Peak Wilderness, Red River, NM June 8-12, 2023

ReCreation Adventure Guides train as often as possible in different areas of the country. Spring in the Southern Rocky Mountains can present a challenge for the mountaineer due to the late wind and snow storms. Snow and or ice work is required. Snow work can be a test of patience, perseverance and physical endurance. Photo credits to Lee Coleman.

Risk Management - Boundary Waters Canoe Recreation Area, Minnesota May 15-22, 2023

From beautiful lake views to the Northern Lights, Minnesota does not disappoint! It truly is the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Our sister outdoor adventure ministry, Backcountry Sojourners, made this risk management expedition possible. Evening discussions was from selected bible passages relating to personal responsibility, risks in relationships and conquering fear.

Private Expedition - Woodland Wonders, Ouachita Wilderness, Ok/AR; May 5-8, 2023

Is there anything better than life long friends? These ladies from The Woodlands, Texas, began preparing for this expedition in the fall 2022. Several of them would say this was ‘the most challenging adventure’ they have experienced. After hot, humid afternoons, snakes and centipedes, the Woodland Wonders completed the 22 mile trek to the Arkansas state line. The book, Soundtracks, written by John Acuff, was discussed each evening. How to change overthinking from a SUPER problem to a super POWER was the focus of the book.

Private Expedition - Garcia Family, Rim to River, Grand Canyon, AZ April 20-24, 2023

The Garcia family enjoyed hiking trails in the Grand Canyon. The National Park provides educational programs for children to learn about the wildlife within the park as some of animals are endangered. ReCreation Adventure Ministries encourages families (parents) in the areas of school (private vs public), outdoor education and biblical parenting principles. Families going on retreat for spiritual renewal is what ReCreation Adventures is all about!

Beach Reach 2023, South Padre Island, TX March 10-18, 2023

Since 1980 Beach Reach has been serving South Padre Island with safe van rides and late night pancake breakfasts while sharing the Gospel with college students on spring break. ReCreation Adventures partnered with West Texas A&M University, Amarillo College and University of Texas/Permian Basin providing van transportation and encouragement to student leaders.

Wilderness First Responder Training, Commerce, Texas February 4-5, 2023.

Safety is a priority on ReCreation Adventures. Training as a Wilderness First Responder can be obtained through Wilderness Medicine Training Center International. All of ReCreation Adventure Ministry Expedition Leaders are trained through this organization. Photo Credits: Curt Howell

Private Expedition - JanLee Baptist Church; Burkburnett, TX; Ouachita Wilderness (mile 25 to 51) Oklahoma/Arkansas; October 19-22, 2022

Men from JanLee Baptist Church, Burkburnett, Texas enjoyed some autumn days on the Ouachita Trail of Eastern Oklahoma. Their goal was to backpack to the Arkansas state line! The Principle of the Path: How To Get From Where You Are To Where You Want To Be, written by Andy Stanley was the evening study and discussion for the expedition.

Risk Management, Ozark Highlands; AR October 13-16, 2022

Safety is a priority for ReCreation Adventures. Risk management expeditions pave the way for future groups to explore the challenging outdoors of the Ozark Highlands safely and filled with scenic beauty along the way. Risk Management explored the first 13 miles of the 254 mile long trail that runs West to East.

RAM Guide Training, Wichita Mountains, OK; October 8-11, 2022

What does it take to be a guide for ReCreation Adventure Ministries? RAM Guides go through annual training in outdoor living skills, wilderness trail camping, orienteering skills and how to use expedition experiences to lead others to grow spiritually. Each guide uses their own personality and outdoor experiences to connect with adults and students alike to provide the best experience on a ReCreation Adventure Expedition.