Real-Life Adventure” at 3 stages
The SLAQ Summer Faith Adventure is an opportunity for the next generation to discover life as part of God’s “sacred story” through Real-Life: Adventure, Community, and Story.
2024 Summer Faith Adventure
June 22nd - June 28th
"My favorite part about the Faith Adventure is hanging out with all the people, and devotional times when we get to reflect on scripture together."
-SLAQer
“Being out in nature for a week straight is always a good time. If you have doubts, or are nervous to try something new you should do SLAQ, cause it will take care of that.
-SLAQ Serving Leader
Faith Adventure Intro Video
Stage 1: Campers
(parents welcome)
As an intro to the Faith Adventure Stage 1 SLAQers (open to rising 8th graders and older) will peddle and paddle over 100 miles, through Big Savage Tunnel, across the Mason Dixon line, over the Continental divide, and along the Casselman & Yough rivers as a part of a real-Life bike packing adventure on the Great Allegheny Passage (Gap Trail). All with the support of the SLAQ Wagon hauling their camping gear & providing their food.
Stage 2: Packers
SLAQers ready for stage 2, will complete 140 miles, starting on the Gap trail, sharing the same journey as the “Campers” but extending their adventure for an extra day onto the C&O Canal. Unlike “Campers” Packers must make their journey while packing their own gear on their bike along the way. Meals will continue to be provided by the SLAQ Support Crew.
Stage 3: Venturers (2025)
Stage 3 of the faith adventure is when SLAQers really begin to take on more personal responsibility as they continue beyond the Gap Trail, and venture out for an extra 3 days/100 miles on the C&O Canal. All while packing their own gear and food without the support of the SLAQ Wagon, and being entrusted to develop their own communal practices. This 9 day epic adventure which totals 250 miles of Bike-packing is by invitation only for those SLAQers who have completed the previous stages of the Faith Adventure.
Note: Must be 16 or older, and have completed an earlier stage to join the Venturers Trip
Sojourners (2024)
Individual youth (over 17 years of age) that have completed all three stages of the SLAQ Adventure, have the support of their family and community, and have shown the maturity and resiliency necessary, will be invited to participate in the SLAQ Sojourners Trip. Whenever possible we encourage this trip to function as a rite of passage that incorporates the support of their family & community. While a given rite of passage may or may not correspond with the typical “Faith Adventure” week, the experience will be unique in requiring greater levels of maturity and independence as the youth develops and determines their own itinerary.
Note: Sojourners is by invitation only and must be 17 years old.
What Gear Will I Need?
Bike packing as it’s name implies requires a significant amount of gear. However, much of what you need you already have, and much of what you don’t have is affordable. And if you can’t access all your own gear let us know, we have many items that can be borrowed.
SLAQ Adventure Costs: $550
SLAQ Adventure costs $550 per person ($500 for additional family members) and includes guide fees, rentals, camping, & food. Fundraising support available for all & Scholarships available for youth from diverse cultural backgrounds and/or those living under the poverty level.
Faith Adventure Stats & Highlight Videos
Since the summer of 2020 SLAQ has guided 47 people on 12,893 collective miles of adventure, community, and story
2024 Faith Adventure
28 SLAQers on a 120-333 mile real-Life adventure in three different stages (Camper-Packer-Sojourner) from outside Pittsburg to Cumberland, with our Sojourners completing the entire trail all the way to Washington D.C
Collective Adventure Miles = 3,979
2023 Faith Adventure
19 SLAQers on a 120-230 mile real-Life adventure in three different stages (camper-packer-venturer) from Layton to Harpers Ferry over 5-8 days.
Collective Adventure Miles = 2,978
2022 Faith Adventure
18 SLAQers on a 100 mile real-Life adventure from Frostburg to West Newton over five days, with 7 folks starting with a challenge day climbing from Cumberland to Rockwood, and 8 packers venturing and extra 40 miles into the heart of Pittsburg.
Collective Adventure Miles = 2,216
2021 Faith Adventure
20 SLAQers on a 100 mile real-Life adventure from Frostburg to West Newton over five days, with 8 packers venturing and extra 40 miles into the heart of Pittsburg.
Collective Adventure Miles = 2,320
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SLAQ is a ministry of VMMissions that offers youth from diverse backgrounds a chance to discover the sacredness of life and the gift of a “good” creation through real-life adventure, service, & wisdom
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