Steps of Courage: A Mountain Adventure
On March 8, twelve students from Youth for Christ, displaying remarkable courage, strapped on their snowshoes and embarked on the daunting task of climbing Mount Spokane. With the unwavering support of Peak 7 and its dedicated volunteers, we embarked on a seven-hour adventure filled with laughter, challenge, and awe-inspiring views.
From launching snowballs to glissading down slopes, the journey to the top was bursting with energy and joy. The Peak 7 team even remarked on our students’ incredible spirit, making the trek lively, fun, and unforgettable! But beyond the fun, this adventure was a test of perseverance, teamwork, and courage.
One of the most inspiring moments of the trip came from a tight-knit group of 6th and 7th-grade girls who spend nearly every day together at the YFC center. Over the past school year, they have built strong friendships, supporting each other through life’s highs and lows. When the opportunity to climb a mountain came up, they boldly decided to take on the challenge together. None of them had done anything like this before, and the idea initially felt intimidating. But knowing they wouldn’t be alone gave them the confidence to try.
Step by step, their laughter echoed through the trees as they persevered through the climb. They tossed snowballs, admired the serenity around them, and cheered each other on every step of the way. At times, the climb was tough. Legs burned, and breathing grew heavy, but they kept encouraging each other through every steep section. Even when they felt like stopping, they pushed forward, surprising themselves with how far they could go.
Though they didn’t reach the very top, they climbed higher than they ever thought they could. And in the end, that was what mattered most. They weren’t just hiking a mountain. They were sharing an adventure, making memories, and proving to themselves that stepping outside their comfort zone could be a whole lot of fun. They had done it together. These middle school girls, who once doubted whether they could even attempt this, had pushed past their fears and accomplished something incredible.
At the lunch pavilion, students huddled together, warming their hands around cups of hot cocoa and cider lovingly packed by Peak 7 guide Taylor King. In that moment, the exhaustion faded, replaced by a deep sense of accomplishment. They weren’t just physically refreshed. They were renewed in confidence, friendship, and the belief that they could take on more significant challenges than they once imagined.
This is what we love to see at YFC. Friendships forged through adventure, courage built through challenges, and moments that remind students they are seen, valued, and capable. We are confident that the Lord will use this experience to deepen friendships and point students to Jesus.