The Theological Foundations Backpacking (TFB) trip is a once-in-a-lifetime, I-will-remember-this-for-as-long-as-I-live experience. You may have seen pictures from the trip or heard about it, but you will never fully understand until you stand on a mountain peak and drink in from a dizzying height all of the raw, splendid majesty of a small corner of creation. Although it is likened to its sister program, Theological Foundations for Youth, this is an adventure all to itself. 

TFB is headed by Pastor Shane Sapp and his wife, Kelly, from Westminster, Colo., RPC. All the teachers in the program are part of the Midwest presbytery. The program is a little over a week long. Students are welcomed and hosted by members of Westminster RPC, undergo a mini-marathon of theological and doctrinal study, and then head for the mountains on a five-day backpacking, camping, and climbing adventure! 

I was privileged to participate in this program twice, first as a student a few years ago, and second as a chaperone or “Mama Bear” in summer 2015. Both times were incredible in different ways.

Every year is unique—curriculum is added or taken away, the group of students is new, the church activities vary. However, many things remain the same, such as the nervous energy on the first day as students meet people with whom they will forge close bonds by the end of the 10-day trip. The Westminster congregation always opens their homes and their lives. Also consistent is the sharp theological training, plus the life-changing time of corporate devotion and discussion on the mountain as the students’ faith is convicted and strengthened.

The physical and mental stamina that is exerted on the trail brings people together like nothing else can. I noticed many kind words and silent encouragements from everyone as we were hiking this summer. Although Shane slyly admits that trash talking is one of his spiritual gifts, the atmosphere of TFB is uplifting, as a small group of Christ’s church comes together through the common bond of faith and love and looking out for one another. It’s a beautiful thing to witness the work of Christ in His children in such a tangible way.

Students also have boundless fun, as is expected when a group of 15 people comes together from all over the U.S. and the world—or, at least, the far reaches of Northern Ireland. Good-natured teasing and inside jokes, which escalate throughout the duration of the trip, are added to adventures that happen on the trail, such as swimming in mountain lakes and running down chutes of snow and sleet. Pastor Sapp and his right-hand man, Patrick McNeely, have never lost a student—that they know of, at least! Other memorable moments include getting caught in hail storms and singing psalms and eating way too many toasted marshmallows around the campfire. 

Joking aside, TFB is one of the most formative youth programs I have had the pleasure of being in. It is geared toward high school and college-age students and takes place every summer. The small size of the group engenders a friendly intimacy, and the adventures that occur along the way serve to strengthen the bond of Christlike love and care. That, coupled with the strength of the teaching and the unparalleled beauty and handiwork of God that is seen in the mountains, makes TFB an unforgettable experience. The faithfulness and care of the Lord is overwhelmingly evident when students are miles away from the rest of civilization. I would encourage any young person in the church who is up for a physical and spiritual challenge to experience this incredible adventure for themselves.

—Michaela Williams, Providence (Pittsburgh, Pa.) RPC