Since our inaugural summit in 2012, we have conquered Wheeler Peak over half a dozen times and in our seekers lives for over 10 years. 2021 saw us conquer afresh with our 2 seeker girls, and then with four of our venerated once and future seekers from the past decade. See, read, and learn why VLA continues to build productive leaders through Christ, the outdoors, and a holistic lifelong lifestyle.
Teenagers who scale mountains, wake up at 5 a.m. on their own accord, cook and clean their own meals, research the mysterious of God, can it really be real? Well our superstar Seekers showed that given the tools and the opportunities, they truly can excel. Come read how in our 2016 Awakening Trip Recap.
Yesterday, our 2015-2016 class of Seekers and leaders headed out to West Texas for their first big trip of the year in Big Bend National Park. The Awakening Trip is an introduction to the core tenets of Veritas: Body, Mind, Spirit--through hiking, cooking, camping, journaling and discussion time. Above, all, exploring God's wonders in creation. We pray over our Seekers year-round, but we ask that if you feel so inclined, that you join us in lifting up our team and our youth as they embark on their journey.
The Awakening projected timeline is as follows:
Day 1: Leave for Alpine, Texas, at 5 am and check in at Hacienda. Watch Bethlehem Star Project.
Day 2: Program introduction to all three life aspects, and overview of application of the week's hiking and equipment at the house. Possible swim at Balmorhea State Park's spring-fed pool. Visit McDonald Observatory at 7:20 p.m.
Day 3: Begin Chisos Loop hike and camp at CO1 (Colina Trail 1)
Day 4: Hike along South Rim and camp at LM sites (Laguna Meadow)
Day 5: Pack up, hike out and return to Dallas and Houston, better equipped and ready for the next challenge.
Here's a glimpse of the trail our Seekers will be traversing.
If you'd like to follow our Seekers on their journey, sign up for Spot Tracker for the trip! Password: veritas. You'll get email notifications of their progress and you can see on the map where the group is on the trail.
Look for a recap of the trip in the upcoming weeks!
The unexpected theme of our 2015-16 Intro trip. Primitive weaponry, 40 foot accessions in 20+ mph winds and 40 degrees, moonlight fireside talks, and mouthwatering healthy Texas style chili illuminate the tales we experienced. Come read and get a feel for yourself what in means to begin seeking after truth.
