Shiloh's Edge

Seeing the Big Picture

2011-12-08T09:05:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Keith Lugthart for putting this together. For more information on gym hours please visit www.theedgehalfmoon.com

The Edge-Halfmoon is OPEN!

2011-12-02T19:33:00.002-05:00

After years of planning and construction The Edge-Halfmoon Indoor Climbing Gym is finally open. The gym which is one of the largest, tallest and steepest in the state of New York is only part of the new Youth for Christ Adventure Center.

Photo by Harry Young

2011-09-07T19:13:00.002-04:00

One of our students on the recent Allagash Wilderness Trip created this and I love it. The picture is from our trip this past July. Thanks Katelyn!

Bridges Peer to Peer Mentoring

2011-08-19T08:12:00.002-04:00

We began our training days for the South Colonie High School Bridges Peer to Peer mentoring program. Amazing group of students and faculty this year. I'm looking forward to next week when I get to spend more time with them during the second phase of mentor training.

Youth Build on the Course!

2011-06-08T10:40:00.000-04:00

Building Update

2011-03-04T13:33:00.003-05:00

The steel framing is being put in place this week and it's starting to look like a building!

For more pictures check out "The Edge - Halfmoon" on Facebook.

Shiloh's Edge Winter 2011

2011-02-23T13:45:00.003-05:00

Who Needs Xbox? Six of us recently transformed the normally serene sport of snowshoeing into something a little more exciting.

Follow us on Facebook

2011-02-18T14:28:00.001-05:00

The construction of our new climbing gym is underway. We've been keeping a better account of it's progress on the Facebook page. The Edge - Halfmoon

Find it. Like it. Suggest it to friends.

Winter Retreat 2011

2011-02-18T14:20:00.002-05:00

We had a great weekend with some incredible people. We recently spent three days at The Camp of The Woods retreat center in Speculator, NY.

Lots of fun, great food and real conversations.

Foundation Work Begins

2010-12-09T16:21:00.002-05:00

These are from 12/9/2010

Things are really starting to speed up!

The Site Work Continues

2010-12-06T19:42:00.002-05:00

The crews continue to transform the property.

Big heavy round things with holes.

Working on the sewer connections.

Site Work Continues

2010-11-22T20:55:00.002-05:00

The crews continue to make headway. For those of you familiar with the ropes course the three vertical poles on the right side of the picture is (maybe I should say was) the pre-course training area.

An Erector Set for big kids!

The Edge: An indoor climbing gym

2010-11-10T14:14:00.001-05:00

We starting construction this week on our new facility in Halfmoon, NY. A 12,000 sqft indoor climbing gym will be the centerpiece of this project.

It will also be home an indoor skatepark, coffee house and our new offices.

More to come...

Alumni Profile- Jonathan Hogan

2010-09-23T20:50:00.005-04:00

Jon recently returned from a walk in the woods. A walk that started in Georgia and finished 2179 miles later in Maine. Jon has finished what many only dream about completing. The Appalachian Trail is our nations longest marked footpath and touches 14 different states.

During his trip I was able to keep up on his travels through emails and his progress was a regular conversation at our home during dinner where a map of the States hangs above our table. Zoe came to refer to Jon as the "Hiker Man" and was excited to finally meet him and hold his pictures.

Thanks Jon for sharing your adventures!

Jon was a regular in our high school indoor climbing league and also joined us in Joshua Tree, CA for a week of climbing during spring break.

Caught on Camera

2010-09-16T16:43:00.001-04:00

These are a few of the images that our security cameras have captured after hours on the Challenge Course this past year.

Bridges Peer to Peer Mentoring

2010-09-16T14:18:00.002-04:00

We rolled out our new mentoring program for the 2010/2011 school year.

See below for more details.

2010-09-16T13:42:00.003-04:00

For many students the first year of high school is filled with an anxious uncertainty. Surrounded by new people, different experiences and interesting distractions, these kids might have the feeling of visiting a far off land.

Now imaging meeting in this foreign place two highly experienced locals that will help guide and coach you through your adventure. Would your anxiety level go down? Would you be grateful that someone knew your name and was interested in YOUR story?

This is reality in one of our local high schools. Last May we began laying the foundation for our brand new Bridges Peer to Peer Mentoring program. We presented the idea to the school’s administration of hand picking 35 upperclassmen to serve as peer mentors to the incoming class of 470 freshman. This past August Shiloh’s Edge hosted this group of mentors and 12 faculty advisors including the principal on the Challenge Course for a day of team-building. The following day we met with the same group in their school library and taught them the basics of facilitating a small group, explored the role of a mentor and introduced the unique curriculum that we created. Curriculum that covers topics such as the concept of self value, overcoming negative labels, the benefit of being real in friendships and identifying the reality of consequences. These are just a few of the many issues that will be discussed by the mentor teams and their group of freshman. These teams, consisting of two upperclassmen and a faculty member, will continue to build this supportive relationship throughout year.

All of sudden this “foreign place” called high school doesn’t seem as daunting. Important life choices made during this first year now have the advantage of receiving positive peer influence. From the very first weeks of school a support system is in place to help these kids deal with social and academic challenges. Hope can be introduced.

An Equipment Barn... Finally!

2010-08-05T21:49:00.003-04:00

Youth Build, a division of the Commission on Economic Opportunities (CEO) has been building an equipment barn for the Challenge Course. This is a MUCH needed addition. Thank you!

Visit www.ceo-cap.org for more information on CEO

Schoharie Youth Adventure Camp

2010-08-05T21:34:00.000-04:00

Loudonville Mission Team 2010

2010-07-15T10:18:00.003-04:00

Just days before they leave on a short-term mission trip they spent the evening on our course.

Building trust, teamwork, friendship and community.

Great working with you all!

All in the Family

2010-07-11T19:25:00.002-04:00

We hosted the Kiddle Family Reunion on the course this weekend.

Great group!

For information about reserving the course for your family or group please contact us.

Youth Build from Troy, NY

2010-07-05T16:18:00.002-04:00

Youth Build is part of the Center for Economic Opportunities which is based in Troy, NY.

These teams of young people are learning many valuable life skills through Youth Build in addition to the hands on training they receive at the numerous construction sites they are involved with.

This is the third team that we have been able to work with over the past few years.

These individuals are always a pleasure to work with and we look forward to meeting the next team.

Brunswick on the Course

2010-07-05T16:09:00.000-04:00

Schenectady High School on the Course

2010-05-25T21:36:00.002-04:00

What do you get when you add a bunch of kids from an inner-city school to a 43' tall ropes course? A super fun day! These students where amazing and a real pleasure to work with.

Shiloh's Edge Challenge Course in Full Swing!

2010-05-25T21:29:00.000-04:00

We need YOU!!!

2010-03-16T21:31:00.002-04:00

Are you interested in volunteering with the Shiloh's Edge Challenge Course?
Whether you assist from the ground or 40' above it we could use your help this season.

You determine your level of availability and what days of the week would work best.
Our first training date is April 24, 2010 at 9:00 am.

Please contact me for more information.

The Shiloh's Edge Challenge Course is located off Rt. 9 in the town of Halfmoon, NY.

2010-02-22T10:33:00.003-05:00

* Meet new friends from around the country
* Amazing Campsites
* Swimming in pristine lakes
* Campfire cooking
* 7 Days on the water
* Exciting fishing
* Lake, river, and whitewater travel

Environment:
This 98-mile canoe route is an absolute classic. The Allagash River is without a doubt one of the most sought after canoe trips in the Northeast. As we travel north through an extremely remote section of Maine, we’ll experience incredible scenery, abundant wildlife and a variety of water conditions. In fact, this journey contains every sort of canoe adventure imaginable: large lakes, small ponds, lazy rivers, swift whitewater sections, including the famous 8-mile Chase Rapid. Moose sightings are almost a daily occurrence. Our record for the trip is 28 different moose over 8 days!

Section progression:
No prior canoeing or camping experience is needed for this expedition but good physical fitness is desirable. We’ll spend a good deal of time teaching paddle strokes and basic canoe skills on the water section. You’ll also learn all of the necessary camping skills like tent pitching, cooking, and Leave No Trace ethics.

Weather and other challenges:
There are times you might be cold, wet, or tired, but you will learn to manage these situations, and maybe even smile while doing so. The consistent practice of risk management techniques and assumption of responsibility for yourself and other group members will help make your expedition in this wild and beautiful place a trip to remember.

Trip itinerary:
Students will arrive at our office in Latham, NY on July 7 at 10:00 a.m. to give us an opportunity to issue gear, meet the rest of the team and load the vehicles. The team will spend the night together at our office and then the following morning we’ll travel to Maine. We’ll return to Latham by 5:00 PM on Friday, July 16.

About your Guides:
You’ll be accompanied throughout the expedition by seasoned guides who have spent a great deal of time leading adventure based back-country trips. The senior trip leader, Steve Prettyman is a New York State licensed guide who is also trained in wilderness first aid and emergency response. Over the years he has gained extensive experience in leading groups and individuals (including his three year old daughter) down the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.

Contact Steve at shilohsedge@gmail.com for more information.

Shiloh's Edge Alumni Trip 2010

2010-01-12T09:32:00.001-05:00

We just returned from a great weekend of ice climbing in the Adirondacks. The group was made up of college age students that joined us on a Shiloh's Edge trip during their years in high school. It was great reconnecting with them as well as getting to know some of the new climbers who came as friends of alumni.

The forecast for the weekend was bitter cold temperatures (-15 at night) but the mercury never seemed to get that low. Never the less it was pretty cold but the group did great in spite of the added environmental challenges that can make ice climbing radically different from rock climbing.

Climbing at the Quarry in Cascade Pass just outside of Lake Placid.

The satisfaction of a solid swing!

Lunch, coffee and pie at the Noonmark Diner in Keene Valley before we headed home.

Shiloh's Edge Alumni Ice Climbing Trip

2009-12-17T10:04:00.000-05:00

Join me for our second annual alumni Ice Climbing trip to the ADK's. Reserve your spot now because space is limited. The cost is $30 a person and that includes your meals and gear. Bring your own sleeping bag and a dessert to share. If I don't have your size ice boots then you'll need to borrow from another climber or rent from the Mountaineer in Keene which will cost around $40 (in addition to the $30 for food and lodging).

This trip is open to college age alumni. Friends Welcome!

We'll meet at the Stewart's in Keene Valley at 11:00am on Friday, January 8.

Start Time:	Friday, January 8, 2010 at 11:00am
End Time:	Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 7:00pm
Location:	High Peaks area of the ADK's

New York National Guard families spend a day on the challenge course

2009-09-29T11:35:00.003-04:00

Students participating in the New York National Guard Family and Youth Program Symposium walk the wires at the Shiloh's Edge high-ropes challenge course. The 75 children of National Guard Soldiers and Airmen participating in the symposium spent the day at Shiloh's Edge negotiating a number of obstacles to build teamwork and confidence and just have fun.

Story by: Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo - 42nd Infantry Division Public Affairs

Saratoga Springs, NY--Nearly 200 New York National Guard family readiness volunteers and youth leaders spent the weekend of Sept. 18-20 learning better ways to do their jobs.

“This workshop has been a great opportunity to identify lessons learned and best practices from folks who have been doing this for some time,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Cipolla, Commander of the 204th Engineer Battalion in Buffalo. “It will definitely assist our Family Readiness Group in developing programs to help Soldiers and their families.”

The weekend was designed to train our volunteers in dealing with the stresses of military life and deployments, said Lt. Col. Kelly Hilland, the director of the New York National Guard Family Program.

“The program is designed to enhance the quality of life and assist geographically dispersed military families by providing extensive support throughout the tough times of military life, including mobilization, reintegration and the resulting issues that affect members and their families,” Hilland said.

This is accomplished through an established network of trained volunteers working with Active and Reserve Components; government agencies; employers; veteran & volunteer service organizations, and private businesses in support of all military service members and their families throughout New York State, she explained.

“Our goal is to make our service members and their families resilient by insuring they know about the resources available to them and know how to access those resources,’ she added.

Cipolla and his wife Sue learned a great deal from the workshop about educational opportunities and financial programs available to families of National Guard Soldiers.

“I’m here to learn so I can teach others; and getting contact names and phone numbers to get assistance for family members was very helpful,” Sue Cipolla said.

While the adult leaders discussed the program’s finer points, nearly 75 children, ages 5-18, shared a full day of leadership, and team and confidence building at Shiloh's Edge high and low ropes challenge course in nearby Halfmoon.

Shiloh's Edge is a non-profit organization which uses outdoor activities to enhance the physical, mental, social and spiritual lives of children.

“This was a great opportunity for our kids to challenge themselves and create lasting lifetime friendships and memories,” said Shelly Aiken, NY National Guard Youth Program Director. “They learn to work together and depend on each other, just like their parents do in the National Guard.”

Sixteen year-old Skymarie Kinkle attended the Symposium thinking it was a chance to spend the weekend away from Long Island with her Mom, brother and Stepdad, Private 1st Class Keith Bickmeyer from Co. B, 642nd Aviation Battalion. What she hadn’t planned for was a new experience that would help her overcome her fears.

“It’s all about teamwork and building trust to rely on each other to get through an immense amount of obstacles,” Kinkle said. “It was a lot of fun and I got over my fear of heights.”

Since the start of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the deployment of more than 10,000 members of the New York Army and Air National Guard to combat zones, the family program has expanded to include full-time consultants in child welfare and psychology and the establishment of professionally-staffed outreach centers around the state.

Family Readiness Group volunteers, meanwhile, have become an integral part of the Army and Air Guard units they support, maintaining programs that help families cope with the stress of separation during deployments, Hilland said.

We Need You!

2009-05-13T17:16:00.001-04:00

The Shiloh's Edge Challenge Course Needs You!

We are looking for more adult instructors to volunteer with us.
You will receive the necessary training that will enable you to engage young people in a powerful new way.

Please contact me for more information.

Thanks!

Shiloh's Edge Climbing Team returns from Tennessee!

2009-04-20T14:43:00.001-04:00

Adam writes, "Well, we have returned safely from our southern trip. Another hugely successful Spring Break with kids. As I mentioned before we left, this was a smaller group, but amazing none-the-less.We had pretty decent weather the whole trip. A few rainy nights, but none that ever kept us from climbing. We got in five days of hard bouldering and slipped a rest day in the middle. Our travel went very smoothly, a little traffic here and there but we reached our destinations without incident.The climbing and the energy were great, however what I came home most jazzed about was the discussion on the ride home where I got to share my full testimony and what a relationship with Christ means in my life.The analogy that I used was one that the kids could relate to very well. I said that having Christ in my life was like having Kyle and Nyle (our two largest climbing partners) as my spotters while I am high up on a hard route. The climbing is still hard, but the assurance that I will not be seriously injured is ever present. However, during the times in my college years when I wasn't allowing Christ to be the center of my life, I honestly felt like I was 'off-route' and had no spotter at all. I was scared and doing life on my own, trusting only myself.The kids really identified with these feelings and know both the comfort of having great spotters and the anxiety of having no spotter at all. They assured me that this was something they could understand and said, "that's a cool way to think about it."
Please pray that the Lord will continue to stir that message in the hearts of these kids and that I will have many more opportunities to share my faith in Christ with them.
Thank you for your prayer and support of this exciting ministry. I am looking forward to many more weekend climbing trips this spring and some longer trips this summer.
Together in ministry,Adam"

Shiloh's Edge Challenge Course

2009-04-18T20:11:00.001-04:00

Our Challenge Course is up and running for the 2009 season. We hosted a large group of students today from Vermont and New York.

"We're how far off the ground?"

Focusing on the solution

Spring Break Climbing

2009-04-16T21:29:00.001-04:00

We spent the day at Little Falls where the sun and blue skies added to the enjoyment of outdoor climbing.

Allagash 2009 - Sign up now!

2009-02-27T14:22:00.002-05:00

Register now for this year's Allagash Adventure

*Day hiking on Mt. Katahdin and exploring the ice caves
*Meet new friends from around the country
*Campfire cooking
*8 Days on the water
*Exciting fishing
*Lake, river, and whitewater travel

Environment:
This 98-mile canoe route is an absolute classic. The Allagash River is without a doubt one of the most sought after canoe trips in the Northeast. As we travel north through an extremely remote section of Maine, we’ll experience incredible scenery, abundant wildlife and a variety of water conditions. In fact, this journey contains every sort of canoe adventure imaginable: large lakes, small ponds, lazy rivers, swift whitewater sections, including the famous 8-mile Chase Rapid. Moose sightings are almost a daily occurrence. Our record for the trip is 28 different moose over 8 days! We’ll also spend a day hiking to Chimney Pond on the flanks of the mighty Mt. Katahdin, home to some amazing ice caves. This pristine remote pond is surrounded by 1000’ granite cliffs and is truly a must see.

Section progression:
No prior hiking, canoeing or camping experience is needed for this expedition but good physical fitness is desirable. We’ll spend a good deal of time teaching paddle strokes and basic canoe skills on the water section. You’ll also learn all of the necessary camping skills like tent pitching, cooking, and Leave No Trace ethics.

Weather and other challenges:
There are times you might be cold, wet, or tired, but you will learn to manage these situations, and maybe even smile while doing so. The consistent practice of risk management techniques and assumption of responsibility for yourself and other group members will help make your expedition in this wild and beautiful place a trip to remember.

Trip itinerary:
Students will arrive at our office in Latham, NY on July 22nd at 10:00 a.m. to give us an opportunity to issue gear, meet the rest of the team and load the vehicles. The team will spend the night together at our office and then the following morning we’ll travel to Maine. We’ll return to Latham by 5:00 PM on Sunday, August 2nd.

About your Guides:
You’ll be accompanied throughout the expedition by seasoned guides who have spent a great deal of time leading adventure based backcountry trips. The senior trip leader, Steve Prettyman is a New York State licensed guide who is also trained in wilderness first aid and emergency response. Over the years he has gained extensive experience in leading groups and individuals (including his three year old daughter) down the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.

Contact Steve at shilohsedge@gmail.com for more information.

Shiloh's Edge Climbing Team at US National Competition!

2009-02-18T20:40:00.002-05:00

This is from Adam who is coaching our competitive climbing team:

"Yesterday afternoon our team returned from a six-day trip to the National Championships in Colorado. The competition days were extremely busy. Every one of the boys gave it their all. Luke made it to Sunday's finals, Ben climbed hard against strong competitors but missed the cut for finals. JP finished 4th in the Intermediate category of the Citizen's competition, which is a great showing for him, as he was probably the youngest in that division."

Great job Adam, Ben, Luke and JP!

Spring Break Rock Climbing Trip - 2009

2009-02-02T20:12:00.002-05:00

Offered: April 9-18, 2009
Trip Cost:$425

Come for the Climbing...
In the climbing world, the southeast is quickly replacing Texas and the southwest as the premier off-season destination. There's probably no place in the southeast that has such a high concentration of great climbing destinations as has Tennessee. Within an hour's drive of Chattanooga alone are eight crags with enough routes to last you a lifetime. And if you ever get tired of Chattanooga, there are plenty of other climbing areas to keep you busy, from Nashville to the west to Knoxville in the east.Much of the climbing in Tennessee is on the Cumberland Plateau, a 300-mile ridge that stretches into Alabama and Kentucky. The rock is hard, high-quality sandstone, and the terrain can include long crack climbs and overhanging jugfests. The variety is incredible.There's plenty to do no matter what your climbing style. For trad climbers, T-Wall and Sunset Rock are the top choices. Sport climbers can clip bolts at Foster Falls and Obed. And there's great bouldering at places like Little Rock City (aka. Stone Fort) and Rocktown over the border in GA.

Come for the Tradition...
You may not know all the names, but since 2000 more than 100 high schoolers from the Capital District have spent a Spring Break climbing with us. Some were the best climbers of their time and some were climbers just getting started. There has been a Tommy, a Garrett, a Logan, a Greg, a Pinto and a Sharon. There was also Lucas and Sheik who came four years straight. Let’s add you to the legacy!

Excel 2009 Update!

2009-01-23T20:12:00.002-05:00

We received the following email this week from a mother who was volunteering with us at Excel this past weekend.

"Amazing, amazing, amazing! God is AMAZING! Every day a small miracle happens and we sometimes miss them, although I'm trying hard to see them happen!
On Friday when the speaker invited people to accept Jesus I RAN from the back door to the front to see if one of the kids we brought was standing up in front. She was. Praise GOD! She is 17 years old and I've been best friends with her mother for 15 years. She is my daughter’s best and oldest friend. 3 years ago her 3 year old brother fell to his death 8 stories from a hotel balcony while her family was vacationing in Hawaii on New Years Day. Since then she has struggled with depression, cutting, eating disorders and behavior issues. She has been in and out of hospitals, treatment facilities, ect. We begged her mom to let her stay home one week longer (she was going into a month long treatment facility in New England this month) so she could go to Excel with us. As a family and at youth group we have been praying for her. Last week her mom finally decided that 1 week wasn't going to hurt waiting and sent her to Excel with us. Her life has CHANGED overnight. She went from that sad, broken, introverted girl, to the outgoing, confident, loud girl she was 3 years ago! She has decided she doesn't need the facility anymore! She gave me her razors on Saturday night and announced she knew that God was much stronger than the devil and that she needed to pray and not cut to get rid of her pain.
We will continue to pray for her daily but she is over that horrible time in her life and ready to take on the God who loves her so much! She has already asked to be baptised at our church and told all her friends she has been born again!

God is sooooo good!!!
Youth leader, mom and Excel volunteer "

Excel 2009 - live from Saratoga!

2009-01-18T09:07:00.001-05:00

Right now I'm in Saratoga Springs, NY at our annual high school conference called Excel which is in it's 23rd year! Surrounded by over 1000 students and youth leaders from around the northeast the energy level is consistently surging.

Late night at Club Excel with DJ Ex-O!

Zoe

2009-01-14T10:45:00.002-05:00

Zoe snowshoeing!

Shiloh's Edge Alumni Trip 2009

2009-01-09T20:40:00.001-05:00

Ian, Morgan, Brad, Charlie and myself after a day of ice climbing

We had a great trip this week in the Adirondacks where we found decent snowshoeing and incredible ice climbing. The weather was pretty good but the view from our summit climb was obscured by clouds and snow. It was really nice to catch up with this group which had collectively been on over 14 Shiloh's Edge trips throughout thier high-school years. From Alaska to Maine I had the privilege of spending many great days with these people in some pretty amazing places. Thanks for letting me be a part of your lives!

Brad and Morgan on the way down Mt. Jo

Climbing in Chapel Pond Canyon

Calling all Shiloh's Edge Alumni!!

2008-12-11T13:44:00.003-05:00

We're planning a reunion trip!! If you've ever participated in one of our trips than this is for you. We'll spend a few days hanging out with friends while learning to ice climbing and venturing to the summit of a winter 46'er. We'll be staying at a rustic cabin outside of Lake Placid. Contact me for more information. Space is limited and the cost is $25 per person.

Contact me for more information or to RSVP

Winter Trips Are Coming!

2008-12-02T14:45:00.002-05:00

Shiloh's Edge is now forming it's winter schedule of outdoor trips and adventures. Snowshoeing, ice climbing, snow camping, winter 46'er climbs and more!

Contact me for more information and dates.

Ice climbing on the 350' Roaring Brook Falls.

The view from atop Pharaoh's waterfall.

The leaves seem to be on fire at the ropes course!

2008-10-21T17:36:00.001-04:00

This past weekend might have been the peak of our fall foliage season. What a great backdrop to the ropes course!

Zoe's hand is healing great from her recent surgery - (she had a condition called Trigger Thumb which locked her left thumb in a permanent 45 degree angle). She should have the bandages removed this week. - Thanks for your prayers.

Team RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award)

2008-10-13T17:35:00.001-04:00

24 high school juniors, as part of their initial gathering for RYLA , spent the day on the challenge course with us. It was great meeting all of you - Great Job!

Night Fishing!

2008-10-10T22:16:00.001-04:00

Ian and I spent a few hours on Saratoga Lake doing a little bit of night fishing.

An amazing sunset.

A trophy size Largemouth Bass (24" / 5.4 pounds).

Team Saratoga!

2008-10-09T20:18:00.001-04:00

We hosted the girls varsity rowing team from Saratoga High School on the course today - Great job ladies!

Right in the middle of things... so to speak!

Gear!

The First Group Through the Course!

2008-10-06T18:12:00.001-04:00

Today we ran our first group through the course - a group of mostly college students who work at the Electric City Rock Gym. Hosting an avid group of rock climbers raised the bar a bit in terms of providing an appropriate challenge but all agreed the course delivered a very rewarding experience.

We have two more groups scheduled this week - with a possibility of having close to 100 participants in the first week alone!

High atop the main cargo net.

Working together on "Islands in the Sky"

Shiloh’s Edge Volunteer Spotlight

2008-10-01T21:16:00.004-04:00

Ben Kurdt

Each year around January I track down Ben, who is usually immersed in his latest adventure (Ben is a professional climbing guide who frequently travels the world) and give him the details of our spring break trip. For the past five years he has made it a priority to join us in southern California for our annual Joshua Tree National Park climbing trip. He has actually achieved legendary status among the many students who make a repeat trip to Joshua Tree with us. As we pull into the Park for our first night the kids are usually more interested in who can first spot “Benditto” than the thousands of world class climbing routes surrounding them.

Thanks Ben for making Shiloh’s Edge a part of your life. On behalf of the many kids whom you have personally impacted by listening to their stories and sharing yours – Thank you!

THIS JUST IN: On October 2, 2008 Ben successfully climbed Cho Oyu, the sixth highest peak in the world while guiding a private client. Congratulations Ben!

Trail-guide Tip

2008-09-26T16:12:00.002-04:00

"The often neglected ground tarp"

Some people seem to associate camping with sleeping in a wet tent inside a soggy sleeping bag. Hopefully we can remedy this common perception with a look at how to best use a ground tarp. Most people place the ground tarp, which is simply a piece of plastic roughly the same shape as their tent floor, between the actual ground and the outside bottom of their tent. Inadvertently creating a barrier that prohibits rain water from absorbing into the soil while facilitating it's travel upward through the tent floor where your sleeping bag is located. Next time try placing the ground tarp inside your tent. This creates a waterproof barrier that will keep you and your belongings nice and dry. For an added level of protection, cut your own ground tarp out of clear landscaping plastic with enough material to allow its edges to rise up the inside tent walls about 6". This creates a "bathtub" effect that is really effective to keep out the elements.

Staff Training Week

2008-09-18T21:14:00.001-04:00

For the last few days our staff here at Capital District Youth for Christ has been training on our new challenge course. It's been a blast to finally be able to play on the course after waiting so long for it to come to completion.

Tomorrow we'll wrap up the training course by focusing on the low elements; the pieces of the course that are spread throughout the surrounding woods and only require the participants to be a few feet off the ground.

We've already begun booking the course for groups with our first participants due to experience the course next week. For more information or to make a group reservation please email me!

Got Mulch?

2008-09-15T20:55:00.001-04:00

Maybe I should ask if you've got a pitchfork and a few hours to spare? A couple of local tree companies have begun dumping their wood chips on the access road to the ropes course. Four weeks ago I was wondering how I was going to find enough mulch to cover the whole course and began asking some of you to pray for a cheap (i.e. free!) answer... you can pray for something else now!

Two battery operated, infrared, night vision capable, motion activated security cameras. - That's a mouth-full.

The mulching has begun!

Shiloh's Edge Climbing Team

2008-09-12T15:27:00.002-04:00

Join Now!

Shiloh's Edge and Electric City Rock Gym in Schenectady are currently forming the 2008-09 team now. Members have the opportunity to train, learn new skills and travel to competitions throughout the Northeast. This team is open to all junior high and high schoolers of any climbing ability. It is a great way to make new friends as well as improve your climbing ability. The official team training time is Monday evenings between 6-9pm. Some team members are able to come earlier and some stay longer then others, but whatever your availability, please come join us. On weekends, the team members test their skills by traveling to local bouldering competitions October - February. The competitions are not required but are encouraged as they are a great experience and a good way to push yourself.

For more information contact Adam at adamcatalano@shilohsedge.org

Team Prettyman on the Allagash

2008-09-10T14:16:00.001-04:00

Our family recently took a paddling trip down the Allagash River in northern Maine. This was the second trip I took there this past summer - the first was in July with a group of high school students.

This was Kim's first test of her reconstructed ankle in the back-country and we're glad to report that things went well with only a few tough days in the beginning of the trip. Zoe was a huge help too and really enjoyed seeing the moose - 14 of them in all!

It's now back to work on the ropes course and preparing for the staff training that takes place next week.

Road Trip!!!

2008-08-30T22:36:00.003-04:00

Join our upcoming road trip to the "EMS Nor’easter"

Music, Sports, Conservation & Camping at the EMS Nor’easter - September 26th-28th at Tenney Mountain in Plymouth, NH, Eastern Mountain Sports presents The Nor’easter, a celebration of the outdoors. The event will be headlined by the top Boston trio State Radio, with their inspiring amalgam of rock, punk and reggae that is as distinctive as it is sublime. New England’s first ever large scale festival combining music, sports, conservation and camping. The Nor’easter will feature the top emerging musicians, athletes and conservation voices in the Northeast at a full service destination venue. There are three days of activities scheduled, including the Reel Rock Film Festival, clinics and demonstrations from the world’s top rock climbers including Chris Sharma, Lizzy Asher, and Kevin Jorgeson, free camping onsite with admission and sponsor village, two nights of live music on the main stage. For the first time ever, the climbing world will descend upon the Northeast, in the midst of our perfect weather, to highlight its natural beauty, amazing climbing, and the inspired community that calls these places home. Don't miss the celebration!

For more information contact Shiloh's Edge at shilohsedge@gmail.com

My First Participant!

2008-08-29T14:17:00.001-04:00

Zoe tackling the 30' tall cargo net with style to spare!

The course got re-graded today in preparation for the layers of wood chips soon to come.

Remember those missing zip-lines? Well they're up and installed but still giving us some problems. The lowering system (this system enables the zip rider to reach the ground after the ride) is calibrated wrong and we'll need to wait for new parts to be shipped from Utah.

Hopefully this issue will be resolved well before September 17 when we begin the three days of instructor training.

Hip Hop Camp!

2008-08-20T11:40:00.001-04:00

Our Youth For Christ inner city ministry center is hosting it's annual Blaze Fest
Hip-Hop camp in Schenectady this week. Having just come from the camp this morning I am once again reminded of how diverse our overall ministry is for such a relatively small geographical area. Within a radius of 75 miles we have dozens of incredible opportunities for a wide variety of young people to learn and hear about the Hope than can be found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Students learning the skills of DJ-ing

Vacation!

2008-08-18T14:27:00.001-04:00

Our family just returned from a week at Myrtle Beach where we joined Kim's family (21 people in all!) for their annual beach week. It was a much needed time of hanging out together and re-connecting after a very hectic spring and summer season.

Now that I'm back to work I'll be wrapping up the grant process with the state of New York (which provided the funding for the ropes course). Please pray that this very involved and somewhat complicated piece of the puzzle goes smoothly.

Another Great Trip (continued from prior post)

2008-08-05T13:58:00.003-04:00

Chimney Pond surrounded by 2000' walls of rock with numerous waterfalls cascading down the many gullies and ravines.

Greg doing an excellent job as a sterns-man in his canoe.

Moose!

Capture the flag - Shiloh's Edge style!

Another Great Trip!

2008-08-05T13:14:00.001-04:00

Our team with Allagash Falls in the background. Due to a lot of rain the river level was extremely high which made the falls an even more impressive sight.

A self portrait of myself and my canoe partner Leah.

Two of the 15 moose we saw over a period of 12 days.

This trip was also the maiden voyage of the Naomi Grace, a canoe that was purchased through the memorial fund that was set up in honor of Kim's grandmother after she passed last December.

Heading to Maine!

2008-07-22T17:43:00.002-04:00

We'll be starting our 12 day trip to northern Maine on Wednesday. Our plans include hiking to the top of Katahdin- the tallest mountain in Maine and paddling a 100 miles of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway which terminates just shy of the boarder with Canada. We'd appreciate your prayers for our group and look forward to sharing many great stories when we return.

A Lot of Rain But No Zip Line!

2008-07-22T17:21:00.002-04:00

Due to a very heavy rain on Sunday night the course turned into a mud pit. These pictures were taken Monday morning as we're trying to get the equipment off the site and out to the road area where the rental company will be picking them up. Just as things started to get really ugly (ie-stuck in the mud) Dave showed up out of nowhere and jumped on his bulldozer and put in a new road bed under the course! Within 45 minutes all the equipment was off the site and the construction crew was leaving for the airport.

As for the Zip-Line... it was stuck in Pennsylvania last I heard. The final and missing piece to the ropes course is a pair of 100' zip lines that participants will use to exit the course. Since the crew was due to fly back Monday afternoon and the site itself was in less than ideal shape the decision was made to complete the course in a few weeks when the crew foreman returns to do the training and certification of our staff.

After 3 years of waiting what's a few more weeks?

Dave playing in the mud.

Cargo Net!

2008-07-18T19:34:00.001-04:00

The long awaited (at least in my case) cargo net was just installed.

The high elements are now in place and the finishing touches will be attended to this weekend.

The zip line, which participants use to exit the course, is currently held up in Cincinnati... not good! This is due to arrive on Monday morning - and the construction team flies home on Monday evening. It could be interesting.

Halfway Done!

2008-07-16T19:25:00.001-04:00

The construction team is halfway done their time here in upstate New York. So far the weather has been pretty good and all the equipment seems to be working well. Tomorrow they'll put up the largest of the two cargo nets on the course which should be pretty interesting.

The dangling poles will soon we strung up high in the air, becoming the means of passage for this specific element of the course.

An Update From Kim

2008-07-15T21:03:00.002-04:00

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for your prayers! I just WALKED out of my recent visit to the surgeon and I have on two sneakers and an air cast! Praise God! Only 3 months after this injury and I am walking (slowly) on my own. The pain is minimal and physical therapy is going very well. Each visit shows measurable progress in my range of motion. I am so grateful and the more I exercise it the better it feels. The surgeon said this is because ankle joints like movement. I go back to the surgeon on August 18. I have attached a photo of my xray. It shows some of the screws that were put in. Thank you again for your prayers. God is so good!

Love,

Kim

More Progress!

2008-07-15T20:47:00.001-04:00

The second roof went up today as well as a number of cables that will provide support to the structure in the event of high winds.

T.K. atop the "All Aboard" low element that we built today. This is one of the many group challenges that will be used to initiate teamwork prior to working through the high course. The goal for this element is to get as many individuals as possible on the 2' square platform. Imagine this happening with a group of 20 students... that's teamwork!

Attention to detail is what these guys are all about.

We added a second scissor lift to the already congested site today but things are still going smoothly.

Setting The Poles

2008-07-14T18:32:00.001-04:00

Placing the poles in the hole is only half the battle... they have to be straight too!

The poles are going in with surpirsing ease - these guys are good.

One of two treehouses that will be used to coach and facilitate the students through the course.

Finishing touches on the canvas roof.

The Road Is Done And The Poles Are Here...

2008-07-14T18:16:00.002-04:00

Numerous loads of crushed material was needed to firm up the road surface.

Lumber needed for the course being cut and treated with a water sealer.

A finished road surface!

The poles being transported to the site.

Gravel Day!

2008-07-10T14:55:00.001-04:00

We started laying down material on the access road to the site today. This is a crucial part in getting the equipment back to the actual site to begin construction on the ropes course.

A 30 car parking lot was also put in today.

Several small cottages were in the way of the proposed parking area so they had to go. Pretty easy to tear apart with the right equipment.

Soon the course will be in place high above this 220' long clearing.

Playing With The Big Toys!

2008-07-07T20:49:00.002-04:00

By 7:15am the sounds of chainsaws and bulldozers were echoing through the woods of Halfmoon, NY today.

When your tasked with clearing a lot of land an industrial chipper becomes your best friend!

Looking down the site from the top of the dozer.

The pro's putting up with the newbie!

Wood chips flying 70' through the air... AMAZING!!

It Begins!!!!!

2008-07-02T14:07:00.002-04:00

After three years and countless roadblocks, obstacles and hurdles we have begun the initial phases of construction on our ropes course! As I type this a bulldozer is standing by to put in a road on the recently bush-hogged trail leading to the site.

The pink ribbon in the background is the eastern edge of the 220' clearing that will be needed for the course to be constructed.

Two of the many trees that will be taken out during the process. Many of these selected trees will then be used in the construction of the low ropes course which will be located throughout the 18 acres of woods.

Kim's Progress

2008-06-30T13:37:00.000-04:00

I got great news from my surgeon today! I could be out of this big, black boot as early as 3 weeks!!!! Woohooo! I am starting this week to put 50% of my weight on the ankle, 75% next week and 100% by the third week. The surgeon wants me to walk into the next visit (in 3 weeks) without crutches! Praise God for this healing! I will start PT as soon as I can schedule an appointment.

Thank you all for your incredible prayers and support these past weeks and months. We have been truly blessed!

Love, Kim

Kim's Ankle Update

2008-06-06T14:36:00.000-04:00

Thank you all for your prayers. The doctor says I can go back to work on June 16. The bones are healing nicely and I am to start putting 20-25% of my weight on it. Hopefully the pain will stay low. In two weeks I go back to the surgeon and, if everything is still holding together, I should be able to start physical therapy. Thanks for all the prayers! They are working! Praise God for the healing! We have also continued to receive many delicious meals and generous support for our family through our church. Please continue to keep Steve in your prayers as he is in the midst of his really busy time with Shiloh's Edge and it seems his unexpected to-do list at home keeps growing. I am so grateful for his incredibly positive and self-less support he has been providing. Zoë has recovered from her sinus troubles and is full of energy and making us laugh once again. (She currently likes to be called, Z-diddy.) She has had her tools out and is always ready to give her daddy a hand fixing things around the house. Thankfully, she is taking my crutches and hiding them less often as well. God has truly blessed us as we learn to "be still" before Him. He has generously provided peace and contentment as we go through this unexpected adventure. Take care!

Love, Kim

Teamwork and Rock Climbing

2008-05-28T13:09:00.004-04:00

Shiloh's Edge once again got the opportunity to provide a day of rock climbing for First Presbyterian of Schenectady's short term mission team. Using the time on the cliffs as a team-building experience the group made good use of the day by growing in their friendship and trust levels with one another.

Thank you!

2008-05-28T12:03:00.003-04:00

Every spring I put together a canoe trip that draws a variety of men from around the country. After arriving in the Albany, NY area we head to the Adirondacks for five days of paddling and exploring. This year we set our sights on the Oswegatchie River, one of the most remote and pristine canoe areas on the east coast.

Although the weather was an unsettled mix of clouds, showers and sun we still had an amazing time. This yearly trip is a favorite of mine for many reasons but mostly because my dad and I get to spend the time hanging out and reconnecting with each other.

Thanks guys for another great trip and I'm already looking forward to next year's adventure!

The Oswegatchie winding it's way through the wilderness.

Joshua Tree 2008

2008-05-28T11:49:00.003-04:00

We have returned from our Eight Annual Spring Break trip to Joshua Tree. Once again, we had an absolutely amazing week, full of incredible climbing and bouldering. This year we did more bouldering than ever before, offering at least a portion of every day for the kids to go boulder on some of the most unique granite. We even spent a day hiking two hours back to the newest bouldering area in the park "The Underground". We got to climb together as a large group a few days and split up into two smaller teams for others.

We did have our first injury on a Joshua Tree trip. My wife Kim broke her ankle dismounting a boulder problem. However, if we were to have an injury like this, it came at the absolute best point in the trip and at the easiest location for getting her out to the car. It was the end of the second to last day and about 20 yards from the car. She spent the night in a hospital and hotel and then flew home with the rest of the team the next day. She is recovering from surgery well and we'll continue to update her progress.

Shiloh's Edge Alumni Spotlight

2008-04-09T16:30:00.004-04:00

Morgan Boswell in Joshua Tree 2007

"Joshua Tree 2005 was my first Shiloh’s Edge trip, and my first real interaction with God. Out there in the desert I really had to learn to trust and to be trusted. It was hard to put my life in someones hands, but hearing the way P (Steve) would talk about himself putting his life in God’s hands made it easier for me to do the same. I can't say I hadn’t known of God previous to California, I had gone to church on many occasions but being out there at night around the fire and hearing other teenagers experiences and encounters with God made it that much more real for me."

Morgan is currently a student at the State University of New York at Cobleskill. In addition to hitting the books she is also working at a local outdoor store.

"After J-tree I made it a priority to attend as many Shiloh’s Edge trips as I possibly could. And, that I did. I’ve been on so many that I can hardly remember all their names. I’ve done trips that consisted of small amounts of labor and lasting only for a few hours to trips that took days and me having no choice but to push myself and give them my all. One that stands out to me the most would be the Gauntlet, it started out rocky and after being told by outside observers that It would be nearly impossible for us or at least the girls on the trip to complete kind of made it a bit rough to get into. But after being reassured by P and Spooky (Adam) that not only did we have them beside us but we had God there as well, it made it possible for me to continue. I can honestly say that trip so far was the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life, and if it wasn’t for me being able to pray to God while we were dredging through tall grass with canoes tied to our waists, I don’t think I would have been able to complete the journey.
Because of Shiloh’s edge I was able to spread the word of God to others with out just saying, “Hey do you know God?” I could start by talking about these hard-core trips I had been on and how God interacted with them, sort of the same way Cheri did with me five years ago. The one person I can remember doing this with the most would be with my best friend Erica. She like myself had known God but I wanted her to know him the way I came to knowing him, and of course what better way to do so then Shiloh’s edge. She was just as interested in California as I had been, and once she joined the team, it was smooth sailing from there."

Morgan has passed the torch to her younger brother Nick who joined us this past summer on our Allagash River trip in northern Maine.

"I’ve made wrong choices but I like to think that I make the right ones more often then not. When times get rough I know I have God right there and if it wasn’t for Shiloh’s edge and the rest of Youth for Christ I know life would be ten times harder. YFC gave to me more then I could ever imagine, I’ve met wonderful people and teenagers just like me who know exactly what I’ve gone through, and I’ve talked to many and know that they all feel the same way as I do, so thanks to YFC for making the real world that much easier to handle."

Shiloh's Edge Alumni Spotlight

2008-04-02T19:04:00.003-04:00

An interview with Jeff Nadas

Jeff is finishing up a degree in Adventure Recreation from the State University of New York at Delphi. While finishing his last few credit hours (he'll be graduating this May) he is working part-time at the indoor climbing gym where I first met him eight years ago.

What Shiloh's Edge trips have you done? I did Spring Break in Joshua Tree as well as a mountain biking and rock climbing trip in the Adirondacks. I was also involved in the indoor climbing league for four years during high school. (Jeff was a team captain for two of those years)

What's one of your favorite trip memories? It's got to be the camaraderie. It's great being with a really cool group of people.

What's one thing that you'd tell a student that might be considering a trip with us? No experience necessary! You'll learn everything you need to know on the trip.

Did you learn a lot on the trips? Yes! I learned so much.

Where do you see yourself in 12 months? Some where out west working in the outdoor industry, maybe working as a guide.

Scheduled Summer Trips for 2008

2008-03-25T22:16:00.005-04:00

Sara, Charity and Mandy in the High Sierra, CA

Summer Climbing Days with the Climbing Travel Team

Once summer comes around, the travel team will continue to climb together, now switching over to every other Wednesday. June 25, July 9, July 23, August 6 and concluding with a trip to Rumney, NH, August 20-23.

--
Bivouac Adventures

Rock Climbing, July 1-2*
Whitewater Rafting and Rock Climbing, July 15-17*
Whitewater Rafting and Rock Climbing, Aug. 20-22*

*These trips are open to students of military families, serving either at home or overseas, these families deal with challenges that many kids their age don't experience. The trips will be run in the Adirondacks and are open to the novice and the experienced student. Scholarships are available.

Family Bike Tour along the Erie Canal, July 7-10

From Oneida Lake to the Village of Scotia, the team will travel for four days along the beautiful Erie Canal Bike Path, camping by the river each night and supported by vans, this is a trip for anyone that loves to peddle a bike. Students, Dads, Moms, bring the whole family if you like. (Minimum age is 13)

--
Allagash, Maine - July 23 - August 3

Returning for our third year in a row, the Allagash is just an incredible canoe adventure in the most remote region of the northeast. This nearly 100-mile trip travels both lakes and rivers, flat water and easy whitewater. On this year's adventure, the team will also attempt to summit the highest peak in Maine - Katahdin.

Visit the following website for more information regarding the Allagash.

http://www.yfc.net/Brix?pageID=20058

Spring In The Mountains!

2008-03-25T09:05:00.004-04:00

Spring is an amazing time to be in the mountains! The days are longer and temperatures are a bit more moderate. This year we're having incredible late-season conditions for back-country skiing and ice climbing.

On Monday Ian and I skied into Avalanche Pass in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks with our sights set on climbing the Trap Dike, a 2000' route of steep snow and ice that leads right to the summit of Mt. Colden. Although the climb itself is one of the oldest mountaineering adventures in the country it still provides an amazing experience to those who venture up it.

Avalanche Pass is five miles from the closest road and is framed by towering walls rising out of a frozen lake. It's a very dramatic location with 200' icicles clinging to the cliffs, gusting winds and swirling snow. It's not too hard to convince yourself that you're in some wild and remote place like Alaska.

Ian's first taste of winter mountaineering gave us both a rewarding day in the back-country and plenty of motivation to come back next season and climb another of the outstanding routes to be found here.

A final look back at our objective from Marcy Dam. 90 minutes later we were inhaling gas station hot-dogs and hot chocolate!

50 Middle School Kids and Duct Tape!

2008-03-17T09:32:00.006-04:00

Building a "Tower of Power"

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The rules are simple. Each team has 20 minutes to build the tallest freestanding structure using marshmallows, balloons, toothpicks, popsicle sticks, Saltine crackers and duct tape.

No two towers are ever alike!

At this years Breakout conference, held last week in Saratoga Springs, 800 middle school students spent the weekend listening to engaging speakers, participating in hands-on style workshops and strengthening their relationship with Jesus. I offered the Tower of Power workshop twice during the conference and both times the students created amazing structures that at times seemingly defied the laws of gravity!

The purpose of the challenge was to clearly see how important foundations really are. In life we have so many areas that can easily crumble down around us unless we take the time and invest in them. Friendships, families and a connection with Jesus Christ all excel when they are able to grow on a solid foundation.

The highest structure of the weekend topped out at 29.5 inches.

My indispensable High School volunteers!

Shiloh's Edge Alumni Spotlight

2008-03-06T10:26:00.002-05:00

Erik relocating the bear canisters for the evening in southeast Alaska

"The teenage years are teeming with insecurities and questions about what makes them special as individuals, and do they have what it takes to handle what life may hand them down the road. As a mother of teenager I wanted to give my son the tools to survive and even flourish in what is often a tough and unforgiving world. One of the best tools I used in those years were the trips put together by Shiloh's Edge. My son, Erik had the opportunity to participate in the week long trek along the Cohoes Trail in the White Mountains and later a kayaking trip in the Alaskan Fjords. I can not emphasize enough the growth these experiences afforded my son in the areas of confidence, proper self-esteem, and leadership. Exposed to some of God's most exquisite, awe-inspiring creation, and at the same time required to push himself beyond his level of physical and emotional comfort, learning to live and work closely with different temperaments gave Erik special insights into his own God given abilities to cope with unusual circumstances. Also he had the opportunity to see in others and experiment himself with different attitudes and perspectives of problem solving in a supportive Christian environment. These insights and learning's helped him weather the worries of the teenage years with more hope and optimism. I knew that the "high" he received from these trips were a much better alternative to what the world could offer him. I also know that the leadership skills he obtain during these trips were in part responsible for his receiving a Distinguished Scholarship to the University that he is now attending."

-Angelina, Erik's mom

Shiloh's Edge Alumni Spotlight

2008-02-28T10:55:00.003-05:00

Photo by Tom Stillo

Doug "Flash" Collin catching some air in Colorado

"Douglas began taking trips with Shiloh Edge at about age 15. After each trip Douglas came back wanting more of what they offered. He began to use his own money to purchase the equipment needed for the upcoming trips. He enjoyed the leaders and learned a great deal from them during each outing. The Shiloh’s Edge adventures challenged and broadened Douglas’s horizons in the skills of the great outdoors. His deep respect for the leaders and their knowledge taught him the safe and proper way to address technical adventures. This in turn gave Douglas a greater confidence in himself and his outdoor survival abilities. We are grateful to Shiloh’s Edge for showing our son that people who love the Lord can enjoy high adventure.
Douglas continues to push the envelope in Gunnison, CO by freestyle skiing, ice and rock climbing, hiking, river rafting and mountain biking." - Debbie Collin (Flash's mom)

Shiloh's Edge is currently in it's tenth year of providing quality outdoor experiences that incorporate the message of Jesus. A huge thank you to the hundreds of people who have stood by us over the years and provided the much needed support through financial giving as well as by your specific prayers and letters of encouragement.

To show you our appreciation we're beginning a regular feature called the "Shiloh's Edge Alumni Spotlight" where I'll catch up on the stories of the many students who experienced Shiloh's Edge during their high school years and share them here. Some will be from the perspective of a parent, some will be straight from the student themselves. On their behalf and mine, thank you for helping make this ministry a possibility.

YFC's Annual Conference

2008-02-25T14:28:00.006-05:00

We just returned from Mid Winter 2008, the annual gathering of YFC/USA staff, executive directors and board members. Over 750 people from Anchorage to Miami came together for a week of networking, spiritual renewal and a time of re-connecting with old friends.

This year was really exciting for me because it was the first time that I got to meet the rest of the National Camping Leadership Team which I have been a part of since last February. I was sick and unable to attend the initial meeting held in Denver during April of 2007 which made the quarterly phone conferences a bit challenging since I had no faces to put with the voices. One of the team's focus for the next 12 months is to develop a uniform standard of excellence for the ministries of YFC across the country that utilize camping based ministry.

Although the week was somewhat different weather wise than what southern California is known for (it was rainy and a bit chilly some days) we still found time between the sessions and meetings to visit the beach and see the San Diego Zoo!

The Pandas, Zebras, Gorillas and Koala Bears ranked pretty high with Zoe!

Summer 2008 Trips!

2008-02-14T15:32:00.009-05:00

Team Joshua Tree- 2006

Our 2008 trips are now open for registrations!

Rock Climbing in Joshua Tree NP in CA, April 12-19

Rock Climbing Camp in NY, July 1-2

Family Bike Tour along the Erie Canal in NY, July 7-10

Bivouac Adventures (for students of military families) July 15-17

Whitewater Canoeing and Hiking in northern Maine July 23 - Aug 4

Bivouac Adventures (for students of military families) Aug 20-22

Sara and Jess on the Allagash 2007

What's a Shiloh's Edge trip like??

http://youtube.com/watch?v=hE6m88Nkv5A

Click on the link above and see for yourself.

Sam on Saturday Night Live, Joshua Tree National Park

We're heading back this year to the Allagash River and we'll be adding something pretty big... a summit climb of Katahdin - the highest mountain in Maine! If whitewater canoeing, moose, great campsites, amazing summit views and having a great time are a few things that might interest you then check out the link below for more information about joining us this summer! This trip is being offered in conjunction with YFCamps.

http://www.yfc.net/Brix?pageID=20058

or

Visit http://www.shilohsedge.org/ for more information.

Keith and me, with his first trout ever caught on a fly rod!

Going Strong!

2008-02-12T10:41:00.000-05:00

Adam Catalano, the coach of our indoor competition team shares the following.

Pinto on a roof problem

"This past month, the climbing team has just exploded, more than doubling in size and commitment level from the kids. We have just finished up a three month series of bouldering competitions (short routes with no ropes used), traveling to competitions in NY, VT, CT and RI. On March 1st we'll begin three months of indoor sport climbing (which are roped climbs between 30'-50') with competitions in NY, NJ, MA and VT."

A local comp

"The kids are all improving quickly and pushing each other to do their best. It has really been a fun winter and we're excited for what the spring will bring."

Focusing on the move

Ice Climbing, Rock Climbing, Canoeing, What's Next?

2008-02-10T18:09:00.000-05:00

Jake has been on a roll this year! In a less than ten months he's learned to ice climb, rock climb and how to successfully navigate a canoe down the rapids of the Allagash River in northern Maine. This famous paddling trip is no easy prize as it travels close to a hundred miles of a true wilderness river with numerous lakes and secluded ponds along the way.

Jake on "Dog Leg" a 200' ice route in the Adirondacks.

Jake at the Gunks, looking across the Hudson Valley.

Jake climbing a traversing pitch at the Gunks.

Jake and his team on the Allagash 2007 expedition.

The Ice is Back!

2008-02-03T15:49:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I had the opportunity to climb for a few days with a good friend of mine and his nephew Dillon. Although relatively new to ice climbing, Dillon caught on really quick which enabled us to experience two of the most sought after moderate ice routes in New York. Roaring Brook Falls, a 350' narrow line of snaking ice, and Chouinard's Gully (pictured here).

Dillon will likely join us this April in Joshua Tree for our annual spring break rock climbing trip and maybe even our August trip to Maine where we'll climb Katahdin, the highest mountain in Maine, and then canoe through the 100 miles of the Allagash Wilderness.

Chouinard's Gully is the large ice route left of center in this picture.

The Unexpected!

2008-01-31T10:37:00.000-05:00

Deep in a remote wilderness, miles from any road, without the slightest chance of a cell phone signal our group is crossing a seemingly harmless creek. With only a few members of our team left on the opposite bank we begin to feel like the task is in the bag. Then IT happens. The Unexpected rears it's ugly head in the form of a bad fall from a slippery river stone. Once the individual is pulled from the water we determine that in addition to the bumps and bruises, one of their arms is probably broken.

Now what?

The above scenario is what Adam (the co-director of Shiloh's Edge) and I spent the last few days training for. Every two years we re-certify our emergency medical skills. Standard first aid courses are great but they count on the availability of 911 and it's relatively quick response as a given. Wilderness based medical training uses improvisation and a more advanced set of skills to keep an individual stable and as comfortable as possible until the evacuation is completed or outside help arrives. For more information or to find a course near you visit http://www.soloschools.com/

A participant in the course acting as a victim gets to experience the Hypo-wrap. Once the injuries are attended to, the individual is wrapped in a "burrito" of sleeping bags and tarps.

From our 2006 Shiloh's Edge trip in the Sierra's of California.

True Wilderness.

Excel 2008, Saratoga Springs, New York

2008-01-28T13:34:00.000-05:00

Each year our ministry center, Capital District Youth for Christ, hosts an amazing conference for high school students during the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. From Friday night until early Monday afternoon, 1,500 students from around the North East join together and experience workshops, concerts and general sessions where there are opportunities to listen to some of the best artists and youth speakers in our country.

This year Shiloh's Edge offered four interactive sessions during the weekend called "Team-Building, Problem Solving and Duct Tape". Having the word Duct Tape in the title turned out to be the "bait" we had hoped it would be! The students, divided into groups of seven, were given a pile of materials such as Saltine crackers, tooth picks, mini-marshmallows, gum drops, popsicle sticks, licorice and of course... duct tape. They were then instructed to build the tallest free-standing structure possible in 20 minutes. Let's just say that things got interesting and naturally led to the topic of foundations. We wrapped the sessions up with this final thought: whether it's our tower of Saltines and marshmallows, our relationships with friends and family or our relationship with Jesus - foundations matter!

The highest freestanding structure measured in at 52".

(Update as of 1-31-08)

This email just came in from a student who participated in Excel 2008 .

"Dear Excel, My name is Carol. Before going to Excel I was strugalling with a lot. I kept asking why instead of how. God took two of my best friends away and it hurt trumendustly. I kept asking him why. Then when my mom told me to forget she ever exsisted I got anger and sad. It isn't like she was in my life in the first place. At Excel 2008 God truly opened my eyes. The first eye opener was listening to T.J.'s seminar. He let me know that we don't surrender a little we surrender all. He also let me know that God speaks in his own ways. His story about the doggie eared bible page was interesting because thwe whole weekend God kept putting the same passage infront of my eyes and it wasn't until after T.J. spoke that I got it. The second thing that opened my eyeswas Mike Peace's speak about giving up the things you love and know best to please God. Rayski is the most insperational speaker I have ever heard. Every year he comes and he opens my heart and lifts my head. He lets me know that people care. Finally the last thing that opened my eyes was the best thing because it has alloud me to recomit myself to the Lord. When we recieved the tile that repreasented the things in life that we needed to surrender I held it so tight. I could not figure out what God wanted me to give to him. I sat there the whole time praying, crying and hitting the tile against my head so hard that I cut my forehead. When I came down to it all God wanted me to give him was what I was beating my self up for. He wanted my past and my fear of never seeing my friends that past away again. He assured me that I am forgiven. He also let me know that my friends will not be forgotten and that I know that they will be in heaven because by knowing Jesus as their Lord and savior they are aloud through the gates. "

The January Thaw

2008-01-28T11:06:00.000-05:00

It seems each year we get a week of thawing temperatures in January and it's kind of frustrating to ice climbers who have to watch their favorite frozen waterfalls crash to the ground after only being formed for a few weeks. But this year's thaw provided a great opportunity to climb a historic rock route that I'd been wanting to visit for years. A few weeks ago Ian G. and I set out to spend a day ice climbing in the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks but after pulling into the parking lot and hearing the ice falling down the surrounding cliff faces we quickly opted to leave the ice tools in the truck and go rock climbing instead! We set our sights on the Weissner route, first climbed in 1938 by the legendary Fritz Weissner. To give you some idea about his contributions to modern day climbing, it's been said that half the mountain ranges in the world have a Weissner Route!

With the sun warming the rock and the blue sky above it was hard to believe that it was January! After climbing the four pitches (a pitch is one rope length in climbing terms) to the top we enjoyed an amazing view with some of the tallest peaks in New York spread out before us.

As we hiked down to the truck we couldn't believe the experience we had just shared. Although we were both soaked (despite being in Gore-Tex) from the constant melting snow and ice that was running down the cliff face, we had gotten all the adventure that we had hoped for that morning and then some! It was an amazing day on a historic cliff with a great climbing partner surrounded by Creation showing it's incredible beauty during another January thaw!

The Weissner Route (5.5) begins in the right hand corner below the large blocks