Mountain Conquerors began in the summer of 2010, with the ultimate goal of providing youth experiences and lessons that will last a lifetime.

The program is divided into three phases.

Base Camp

Laying the foundation of all that is needed for growth, mentally and physically. At this stage the team works on relationship building, individual character, personal growth, and team work. Different leaders from the city the teens live in will teach/train each day. Every lesson will then be applied to the individuals. For example, after teaching on team work, the group will participate in a low ropes course that reinforces principles taught. Or, after teaching on living life beyond self, the group will serve at a local woman's shelter. Physical fitness will start during this phase as well. Each day the teens will have planned hikes, hands on training to learn how to use all the necessary gear, and how to be good stewards of the environment. Everything learned during this stage lays the foundation for hope and success for the present as well as the future.

Summit

Allows the participants to put all they learned into practice as they set off to complete a three day, 23 mile hike. All the individual and group skills taught will be tested as they learn to work together to accomplish a common goal. The hike is designed to push the teens physically, mentally, and emotionally. True character comes out under pressure. It is during this phase that we can address real characters issues and help them recognize areas of growth as well as ways they they can achieve them. The climb also gives each teen a real goal to accomplish. A goal that is larger than what they think they can accomplish, a goal requiring a strong finish. To do this requires each teen work together, trust and encourage each other so that they all can achieve the common goal.

Graduation

This will take place one week after the completion of the adventure camp. This phase allows for those completing the camp to reflect on all they have accomplished and for many others to rejoice with them as we recognize and honor them with an award. During this phase the teens will be able to reflect on what they have accomplished that will reinforce their capability of overcoming the obstacles already facing them within their daily lives. Each teen will be given a digital movie of the trip highlights to help them remember their life experience. The teens will continue the relationships they formed with the camp staff following the end of the program. In addition to these connections there will be a three and six month follow-up to evaluate and mentor the teens on accomplishing the vision they set for themselves after the adventure camp.