16. Ukraine: Exploring New Models of Camping

By Tymofiy Stupak

“I’ve dreamed about ministering to young people through hiking and adventure for several years”

Hiking and rock climbing are great ways to drag young people away from everyday ‘civilized’ life – away from the virtual reality of computers – giving them time to slow down in the midst of the God’s beautiful creation. It’s a great way to make time to talk, experience challenges together, build character and share God’s word in a unique environment.

I’ve dreamed about ministering to young people through hiking and adventure for several years. Eventually I started looking for opportunities. First I trained with experienced people and tried hiking with friends. This has been part of an exploration by SU Ukraine of a camping model that is different to what we’ve have been using to date.

Photo: Abseiling somewhere in the Crimea!

Last summer I went rock climbing with a friend, my younger 11 year old brother and his friend. My friend is rock climbing instructor, so I felt pretty safe! We had a great five day adventure, exploring hiking routes and places for rock climbing. We learnt a lot, had time to talk and share our thoughts, read the Bible and invest ourselves in these two boys. Although there were only four of us, I knew quality was better than quantity!

My vision is for ministry through outdoor activities, but I still need more experience. The best time for hiking in Ukraine is during the summer school break. However this is my busy time as leader of SU Tent Camps by the Black Sea, where we develop our work with Muslim kids. Please pray that I will find ways to implement my vision.

Tymofiy is the coordinator of SU’s tent camps in the Crimea, Ukraine. If you would like to make comments or suggestions to Tymofiy about your own use of adventure camping, or ask questions, go to the Catalyst Forum on line.