Adventure in the Sierra Madre mountains

This program would not be called Exus Challenge if it were not challenging for everyone. Thus, we have extreme activities of varying levels so that everyone feels that they reach their limits of courage and experience. We make sure that all the activities are run with the greatest level of safety and quality possible so that you can concentrate just on hiking, camping, riding, running, swimming, and yelling to the best of your ability. We are passionate about physical challenges and we want you to share that passion. This is why we carry out the adventures in a “class” format, so that by the end of the semester you know how to do (and enjoy) each one of the activities on your own, in a fun and responsible manner.

Some of the adventures we include in The Exus Challenge are:

Rock climbing

On the same campus we have various sport and traditional rock climbing sites. We also have first class climbing gear that has been bought and donated for this specific ministry use. We start these classes with simple top-rope climbs in which you learn the basics of going up and coming down. Later we move on to sport climbs, which are a little more exciting. And finally, we finish with multi-pitch climbs that will make the adrenaline start pumping. To practice the more difficult moves of the sport, we have a few ideal sights for bouldering. And, if you already have experience climbing, perhaps you’ll want to attack our 5.11 or 5.12 routes that we have right here. If you don’t understand any of this, don’t worry. By the end of the semester you’re going to be able to impress your friends with all the climbing terminology that you’ve learned here.

Horseback riding

One of the attractions of the program is learning to ride well and learning to take care of your horse as God and the ranch hands demand. Your instructors will be cowboys from the ranch; the class room with be an 18,000 acre ranch; and the lesions will include taking 200 head of cattle from one pasture to another along with learning to castrate year-old calves. At the end of the semester your back yard back home will seem too small and you’re going to miss the neighing of your favorite steed.

Continuous training

Due to the diversity of personalities with which God made us, some are more attracted to climbing and others to camping. Thus we have optional adventures only for those who are interested in that particular activity. But, all students, without exception, should meet their individual training program goals. This means that we all make a commitment to exercise to a certain level of intensity and growth, at least three times a week. You may choose cross country running or perhaps go for a hike or a mountain bike ride. But, whatever you choose, you must meet certain pre-set times to be able to participate in the trek and graduate “with honors” from the program.

Trek

A few weeks before the semester’s end, we’ll pack everything that fits into our backpacks and we will hike mountains, cross rivers, rappel waterfalls, wade through streams, make campfires, and hike, hike, hike…for eight days! That’s why it is important to be in shape, since this is a highly demanding activity. Yet, don’t worry. During the semester we learn the LNT ecological camping concepts and all the other abilities that you will need to survive in the field that week.

Basaseachi adventure

Hopefully you’ve heard of (or seen pictures of) the Basaseachi waterfall. It’s amazing! If you join our group, you'll be able to enjoy the waterfall in all its splendor, from above and below. Around midsemester, we go to the Basaseachi national park and hike down right next to the foot of the falls. Then, we camp and canyoneer through the Candameña river bed until we arrive at the Gigante - the largest vertical rock face in Mexico. And as if that weren’t enough, we include a bit of rock climbing in the San Lorenzo area as well. Pretty cool, huh?

Why include adventures in a discipleship program?

The adventures provide us with excellent opportunities for spiritual application. For example, if in the Spiritual Formation class, we’re talking about the necessity of facing temptation or peer pressure…rock climbing can help us illustrate that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the conquest of it. Or, if we are trying to incorporate the spiritual disciplines into our daily routine…regular and intense exercise helps our bodies accustom it’s self to being “under the command” of the will and not under that of comfort.

Priorities

When we do our adventures, we do them within a strict set of priorities which are as follows:

1. Safety – the most important thing for us is avoiding accidents and unnecessary dangers. We also try to foster an attitude of respect for risk. Yes, we want to challenge and encourage you to take risks, but not at the expense of your health or that of others.

2. Application – As the first paragraph in this section explained, the adventures we do have a deeper goal that merely physical results. We always try to make an allegory between the adventure and spiritual life. Christ taught with parables, and the adventures give us the opportunity to do the same.

3. Health – The adventure program, particularly during training, works in conjunction with the meal plan. It is designed for students to reach the best physical condition of their lives. Also, as you progress to your best level, you will enjoy exercise more.

4. Continuity – The Exus Challenge semester is enough for you to return come in excellent physical shape. But, we want that shape to be a lifestyle and not a temporary condition. Thus, we share with you the necessary training principles to stay healthy and active long-term.

5. Fun – Yes, we want you to have an awesome time, and to get the most out of the program’s activities. Picture this: open-air activities along with individual and group challenges in an atmosphere of training and encouragement. All of this will be together with Christian friends in the middle of the Sierra Madre Mountains! You’re gonna love it!

Emergencias

The staff involved in the adventures is certified in Wilderness First Responder by SOLO (Stone Hearth Open Learning Opportunities) and by the Red Cross. Each adventure has a contingency plan and an operational process approved by U.S. insurance companies for extreme sports.

Website Name