|
outdoor leadership testimonies
 I came to Columbia Bible College for the purpose of being trained in Outdoor Leadership at the highest level of industry standards while building community with fellow believers. In my first year here, the outdoor leadership program at Columbia has surpassed my expectations. Every lesson I learn in the program, I realize that the scope of application extends to every area of my life. The outdoors trains us in character building as well as professionalism. Our instructors teach in a highly professional manor and are committed to the success of each of us as individuals. The standard that has been modeled by my instructors in both the outdoor setting and the classroom has taught me not just to perform the given tasks, but also to perform as the best in the industry. The outdoors is one of the greatest resources that we as Christians have for ministering to others and Columbia Bible College has developed an exceptional program to utilize this resource. I cannot wait to take my skills and apply them in the real world. I am building relationships for a lifetime, learning technical skills to build a successful career in the field and developing leadership skills to be applied everyday.
- Whitney Atkinson
 The Outdoor Leadership program at Columbia Bible College has grounded my dreams. A passion for outdoor ministry resonated in my heart throughout high school. Having researched schools that offer outdoor programs, I found that most agencies that train outdoor leaders match industry standards, but lack the ministry component. Like wise, I found that Christian agencies that train leaders lack the skills necessary to meet industry standards. The Outdoor Leadership program at Columbia Bible College effectively does both. Ministry skills are taught along with the tools necessary to safely lead groups in a wilderness setting. The passion for this ministry is based on its incredible effectiveness. I personally have learned much about God, creation, and people by spending time outside the confines of city life. Consistently, strong relational bounds are built with huge personal growth when people engage within outdoor ministry. Finishing up my Bachelor's degree, I have been taught the skills necessary to follow my dreams. To lead and teach people about God and the wonderful world He has placed us in.
- Neil Zandbergen
 I am a third year Outdoor Leadership student. I am working on my Bachelor of Arts under the Aquatic department of OL and have had many amazing experiences during my three years here. I have just recently completed an internship with the OL program in the Aquatic division leading first and second year students. This enabled me to use the skills and confidence I learned during my first two years and apply it directly in a teaching environment in the field. Through the Columbia Outdoor Leadership program my skills in the outdoors as a leader and a guide have grown immensely and my abilities to work under harsh weather environments or in stressful situations are far above when coming to school. At Columbia I have also grown in my relationship with the Lord and in my knowledge of the Bible and many other religious studies. Outdoor Leadership has given me the skills to help guide people in the wilderness and through Spiritual matters. I would recommend this program to any Christian looking for Spiritual growth and a desire to work in the outdoors.
- Luke Henkelman
 Over the two years I spent at Columbia Bible College finishing my BA in Outdoor Leadership, I received excellent training in guiding practices, backcountry travel, group management, and countless other skills. Since my time at CBC I have gone on to use my education while working as a White Water Canoe trip Guide in Ontario. I have also assisted with some of the tripping done within the OL program, and currently I am working for a company called Stoney Creek Expeditions guiding short-term mission trips to the Mexican Baja. I have also been given the opportunity to develop Basecamp, the out-tripping component of the company. This is an opportunity that I could only have dreamed of as it allows me to pour my passion for the outdoors into my work, and use the skills I developed in school every day as I plan and promote the programs that Basecamp is running. As I see how the Outdoor Leadership program at CBC is developing it makes me feel very excited because the students who go through that program are receiving the same excellent training and preparation for a career in the outdoor industry that I was lucky enough to receive.
- Cynthia McHale
|
|
|
