PROGRAMS
"What's Your Azimuth? Check Your Azimuth!"
Every class brings students closer to finding their direction - in the field and in life.
Christ is our true North.
The full program costs approximately $500 per participant (based on 2025 costs and expected to increase) and includes all instruction, equipment (ropes, helmet, gloves, carabiner, compass, maps, pace cords), two days rafting, campsite, food, photos, and highlight video.
Participating families are invited to contribute what they can — the remainder is made possible by generous donors and supporters.
This program is available to all middle school and high school youth regardless of ability to pay, subject to available program funds.
Flagship 10-Class Youth Program
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Youth vs. Adult volleyball tournament kickoff
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Introduction to compass · Pace determination
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Map and compass orienteering competition
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Topographic maps · Measuring distance · Orienting map
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Determining azimuth · Triangulation
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Rope knowledge — knots & Swiss seats
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Rope bridge, Australian rappel
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Ohiopyle map familiarization · Team assignments
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Two-day FTX: Mock Search and Rescue — teams triangulate position, navigate 17 waypoints including river search, rope bridge crossing & rappel station, camping & rafting the Lower Yough
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Celebration and graduation ceremony
All classes are held Sunday afternoons at Bethel EPC, March thru June, except the two-day FTX capstone that is held at Ohiopyle State Park.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
Spring / Summer 2027
Long Range Search & Rescue
A multi-phase Long Range SAR program designed for high school youth who have successfully completed the RECON flagship base course.
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification
Advanced land navigation across complex terrain
Rappelling and technical rope skills
Whitewater rafting and stream crossing
Backpacking and camping skills
Final field training exercise: multi-day/night Long Range SAR mission incorporating navigation, casualty simulation, field treatment, patient extraction, and all course elements
Helicopter insertion or extraction where conditions allow
Corporate Sponsorships Available Each sponsorship funds one team’s helicopter insertion
Wilderness First Aid Certification
Standalone foundational wilderness medical training covering:
Injury management
Environmental emergencies
Backcountry decision making
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification included
*Also included within the Long Range SAR Program
Family Day Program
Introductory outdoor skills and adventure activities designed for families - parents and children
side-by-side on the rock face and the trail.
