Each year the GCF youth group ventures into northern Minnesota for our annual camping trip. This is no ordinary camping trip, mind you. We hike, jump cliffs (safely) into pools of water, cook and eat delicious meals over an open fire on a giant steel griddle...to name a few. Did I mention bacon. Bacon!
Its about time I write a little bit about why hiking in particular is so good for a youth group to do together. Here are four reasons:
Hiking Improves Your Physical Strength and It Is Great For Your Health
Walking is a healthy activity. Hiking is even better. I have thought to myself many times while hiking, isn't hiking merely taking a walk in the woods? Actually, it isn't, especially on the trails that we hike on Minnesota's North Shore where there are mountains involved (and yes, technically, Minnesota has mountains, the Sawtooth mountains to be exact).
The main difference has to do with the surface and how that affects your health. When you walk on a paved path that is even your body is allowed to go into a rhythm. This rhythm keeps your body in motion and keeps you from having to work as hard as you would while hiking. Because a hiking trail is uneven with lots of inclines, declines, rocks and tree roots you cannot hit the kind or rhythm you would while walking on an even surface. It is suggested that a person works about 28% harder hiking than they would walking. This equates to not only more calories being burned but a better cardiovascular activity as well.
The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 4:8: "for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
Can I please say something about this, maybe a few things? Ok I'll be quick. First of all, Paul is addressing training like an athlete would train, not normal physical activity. He still says this is of some value. What we need to realize is that Paul did not write this command in a sedentary culture like ours. If bodily training is of some value perhaps we can conclude that basic bodily activity is, oh I don't know, needed? Lets face it, there are massive risks for humans who won't move physically and it is something that stewards of God's creation need to take seriously. Any activity that is just about impossible to do while looking at a screen is a definite bonus! Don't you agree?
By the way, bacon!
By the way, bacon!
Hiking Is Good For Your Mind
Navigating uneven surfaces requires constant mind engagement. Unlike pendulum swinging walk going back and forth in seemingly perpetual motion, to hike is to think carefully about each and every step. If you don't pay careful attention to where you place your feet you may get hurt. Thus, while hiking your mind is constantly engaged in strengthening and sharpening ways.
Additionally, a hiking trail cuts through a forest and typically brings you into close contact with a lot of unusual sights, smells and sounds. Hiking is a mind engaging activity because of the full sensory experience that it is. Along the way the hiker is making a lot of observations and considerations about the unique world you find yourself in.
Scripture is complete with commands relating to our minds. Here is one:
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. Romans 12:2
I don't want to inappropriately stretch this to apply to something that it doesn't. When Scripture tells us about the role of our minds it refers to the ways that Christians must grasp truth and orient their lives upon it. This isn't exactly happening when we look for rocks on a hike. The connection has more to do with the way hiking exercises the mind and stimulates thinking, which is a crucial part of the Christian life.
You know something else that is good for your mind? Bacon!
You know something else that is good for your mind? Bacon!
Hiking Is A Parable Of Faith In Christ
If we can go back to 1 Timothy 4:8 we read: "for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." What Paul seems to be saying is that there are many principles that are transferrable between training bodily and training spiritually. This is definitely true with hiking and the journey of faith.
When you hike there is usually a goal, or a summit that you strive for and keeps you going through challenges. There are many challenges and temptations to overcome along the way such as pain, discomfort, longing to be at the end, hunger, thirst. There are times the trail is easy and light and other times it is rugged and rigorous. I could go on but you get the point. Debriefing with a group helps them get a better picture of what life in God's kingdom will be like and this strengthens their faith as they "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:13).
You could make the case that there is an obvious 5th reason hiking is good: it builds character. What I just said really supports this so we will give it an honorable mention:) Do you know what else gets honorable mention? ___________!
You could make the case that there is an obvious 5th reason hiking is good: it builds character. What I just said really supports this so we will give it an honorable mention:) Do you know what else gets honorable mention? ___________!
Hiking Is A Great Way To Do Discipleship
Have you ever been at a coffee shop staring someone face to face and tried to cover up the awkward silence? This is something you don't have to worry about when you are hiking. Everyone has a goal, to get to the top of the mountain. If there is silence, it is ok, because everyone is engaged in another activity that takes the stress off of keeping the conversation going.
At the same time there is a lot of wonderfully real conversation that happens as you pass the time en route to the arrival point. Students feel a little less pressure when you are not staring them in the face and I have found they are more willing to share personal things on the trail more than they are in the coffee shop or even the small group setting. These meaningful conversations are key to discipleship. Knowing where they are really at allows you to begin applying the truth of God's Word where it is needed.
Another great benefit is the ways you can connect with several people. If you go to a baseball game with a group you might sit next to someone you really want to talk to. That is a great opportunity to connect. What isn't so great is the way you won't have a chance to connect with anyone else because of the assigned seating. Hiking isn't like this. Every once in a while the group stops to catch their breath and hydrate. Resuming the hike usually changes the order of the line and now new opportunities to talk to other people emerge. Often times you may find yourself next to someone you wouldn't choose to talk to but discover you have been missing out on their company. This is a great way for a youth group to form lasting memories, meaningful conversations and connections that will live on into the oncoming year.
There you have it. Four reasons (with an honorable mention) hiking is a great youth group activity. Biking is very similar and we hope to do another day trip this fall. Look out for details.
Blessings to you,
Pastor Kevin
Blessings to you,
Pastor Kevin
Comments
Post a Comment