TREK 2025

June 27-July 4, 2025

 

A true mountain-top experience!

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A week-long hike to the summit of one of Colorado's finest 14,000 ft. mountains near Salida, CO, to connect with God and the group in deep and lasting ways.

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PARTICIPANTS

For students who have completed 9th-12th grade.

(Interested 8th graders will be considered case by case if there is room.)

Parents who want to come are also encouraged to apply. Parents and adult chaperones will be considered based on space and other factors.

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There are a limited number of student and adult spots, so registration does not guarantee you will be given a spot.

(If you pay the deposit and are not given a spot, you will receive your deposit back.)

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IMPORTANT: Trek is a demanding experience! Each participant will need to be able to carry a heavy pack, spend long periods of time hiking, and endure the challenges of living outdoors for almost a week.

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COST

The cost per participant is $400, but GRYM is paying $100 of that, so students and adult participants pay $300.

(Contact Trane for info about financial aid.)

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Student and adult participants will also need money for 6 fast food meals and some spending/travel money.​​

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DEALINES

The deadline to register and pay the NON-REFUNDABLE deposit of $150 is Sunday, March 23.

The remaining $150 is due Sunday, May 18.

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PAYING ONLINE

Go to gardenridge.org and click "GIVE" at the top.

Fill in the information:

Give: $150 (deposit) OR $300 (full)

Fund: GRYM

Memo: Trek

IMPORTANT: Forward the confirmation email to: twyatt@gardenridge.org

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MEETING

THERE WILL BE A BRIEF BUT MANDATORY MEETING to share very important info and preparation tips about the trip.

Sunday, March 16 in The Hub (Rm 221) immediately after services.

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FORMS​

There are two forms every adult and student participant must fill out before March 16.​

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Trek Registration Form (GRYM Form)

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TEAM Ascend Packet

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These other two forms must be filled out by anyone who has not filled them out for previous events (only need to be done once) OR who have new info to update (insurance or medical info; contact info; etc.).

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GRYM General Info Form

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GRYM Release Form

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TRIP OVERVIEW

Friday, June 27, we will meet at the church at 9:30p and drive through the night to Twin Lakes, CO.

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Saturday will be orientation and prep.

 

Sunday, we will have worship in the morning, repelling during the afternoon, and then head up the mountain to set up low camp.

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Monday, we will make the long hike to set up high camp, which will be our spot until we hike back down on Thursday.

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Tuesday is a rest and acclimation day.

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Wednesday will be Summit Day!

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Thursday, we return to base camp and have some fun in town, then have a banquet and final group time.

 

Friday, July 4, we will drive home, arriving late (around 11:00pm).​

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FOR MORE INFO ABOUT T.E.A.M. ASCEND:

Check out the TEAM Ascend website: www.teamascend.org

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PACKING LIST

 

IMPORTANT: Bring money for SIX meals.

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PACKING FOR THE TREK:

Important Tips from TEAM Ascend:​

. Mountain weather is unpredictable! Bring everything on the "Mandatory" list for your safety.

. If taking prescription meds, bring double so the staff can keep some for you in case of loss or emergency.

. Make sure your footwear is well broken-in! Begin weeks before Trek finding opportunities to walk and hike in the boots/shoes you will use for Trek.

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Mandatory Clothes (for Sunday-Thursday)

. Rain gear (jacket and pants)

. Coat, fleece or sweatshirt

. Two short-sleeved shirts

. Long sleeve shirt

. Modest shorts

. Warm pants (NOT jeans)

. Thermal underwear (top and bottom)

. Underwear

. Two pairs of heavy wool socks

. Two pairs of lightweight socks

. Gloves

. Baseball cap

. Warm beanie

. Hiking boots

. Shoes or sandals to wear at the campsite (easy slip-on are best)

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Mandatory Equipment

. Bible (recommend a small Bible in a gallon Ziploc)

. Journal/Notepad and pen

. Daypack (small/normal backpack for summit day)

. Two durable, one-quart water bottles

. Headlamp

. Whistle

. Large camp cup (sierra type or mug)

. Spoon

. Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)

. Toothbrush and toothpaste

. Deodorant

. Biodegradable soap (liquid soap)

. Roll of toilet paper in Ziploc baggie

. Two lawn-size trash bags

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Recommended Items

. Sunglasses

. Towel and other toiletries

. Small folding pocket knife

. Insect repellant (FYI: deet often reacts badly with sunscreen and may cause skin irritation)

. Lip balm

. Powdered drink mix (Propel, etc.)

. Snacks

. Camera

. Batteries/Chargers for camera and phone

. Personal first aid

. Extra trash bags and Ziploc baggies (gallon and quart size)

. Wet Wipes (biodegradable)

. Gold Bond or other products to help with jock itch

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Other Instructions (for travel days and hot spring spa)

. Friday night, eat dinner before. Have your travel money in your pockets instead of in your luggage. You may enjoy a pillow, small blanket, and other overnight travel items at your seat in the vehicles. Make sure your devices are fully-charged.

. The clothes you travel in Friday night can be the clothes you'll wear on Saturday. Saturday evening, we will likely camp out in tents.

. On Thursday, when we come off the mountain, we will go to a pool at a hot spring resort. You'll need a bag with

> Soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc.

> Swimsuit (swim shirt for guys; for ladies, if wearing a bikini, also need a swim shirt)

> Towel

> Change of clothes (for shopping, banquet, and sleeping indoors after)

> Money for shopping

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Packing Tips

. Pack light! (To decrease the weight of your pack and to save space in the vehicles.)

. Pack clothes and equipment in baggies to protect from rain and to make it easier to find them in the large trail pack.

. Carabiner clips and/or bungee cords can be helpful for attaching things to your pack.

. Pack your mountain clothes and equipment into one bag and your travel clothes and hot springs spa stuff into a separate bag.

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