Private Expedition - Jan Lee Baptist Church Boys Day at Wichita Mtns, OK, May 2, 2026

Men’s ministry can be rewarding! Titus 2 instructs the older men to mentor the younger men. On this day we enjoyed the beauty of the Wichita Mountains, Oklahoma, as we hiked the Narrows Trail.

Beach Reach, South Padre Island, TX March 13-20, 2026

Since 1980, Beach Reach has served South Padre Island with safe van rides and late-night pancake breakfast while sharing the gospel with university students on spring break.  ReCreation Adventure Ministries partnered with West Texas A&M and Amarillo College providing van transportation and encouragement to university student leaders.  Over this one week of Beach Reach, including Texas Baptist campuses , Emporia University, Kansas; and Washington State University participating, there were 8,840 rides given; 4,946 spiritual conversations had; 4,342 students prayed with; 38 recommitments; 132 new believers and 20 baptisms in the Gulf!  Praise the Lord for His goodness!

Private Expedition - Jan Lee Baptist Mens Group, Burkburnett, TX; Wichita Mountains, OK November 8, 2025

Men and boys from Jan Lee Baptist Church, Burkburnett, Texas had a truly meaningful and refreshing experience—both physically and spiritually in the Wichita Mountains of Oklahoma.  The Narrows Trail in the Wichita Mountains is a stunning place to witness the beauty of creation, especially with the vibrant fall colors of the maple trees. It’s the kind of setting that naturally invites reflection and connection. Jesus’ rhythm in ministry is a powerful reminder to take time to reflect and rejuvenate . Mark 1:35 says, “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.” That verse beautifully illustrates how even in the midst of active ministry, Jesus prioritized solitude and communion with the Father. It’s a model of spiritual balance—engagement followed by retreat. This expedition echoed that rhythm: stepping away from the busyness to be renewed in nature and fellowship. It’s not just recreation—it’s restoration.

Private Expedition - Stonegate Church, Men's Group, Midlothian, Tx; Big Bend National Park, TX. October 10-13, 2025

Men from Stonegate Church, Midlothian, Tx enjoyed amazing vistas, plentiful wildlife, and beautiful night skies in Big Bend National Park! Evening bible studies covered several areas: 1) Learning about the Principle of the Path from Andy Stanley’s book. Proverbs 27:12, “ A sensible man watches for problems ahead and prepares to meet them. The simpleton never looks, and suffers the consequences.” (The Living Bible) What you think about determines your direction and your direction determines your destination.; 2) Mike Slaughter’s book Dare to Dream was used to give the men ideas on how to develop a life mission statement. 3) and Bill Banks, ReCreation Adventure Director, also shared his personal story and how ReCreation Adventures began.

Solo Expedition - Wichita Mountains, Oklahoma, September 25-26, 2025

Have you ever considered a solo expedition? It is an opportunity to spend quality time in prayer, reading the Bible and writing and reviewing journal entries from past experiences. It is also recommended to take a short day hike during the solo time. If Jesus knew the importance of spending time alone with the Father, shouldn’t it be important to us?

Private Expedition - Clark Family, Wheeler Peak, NM; September 12-14, 2025

Spending quality time with your teenagers is invaluable—not just as a family, but one-on-one as well. The outdoors offers a unique space for meaningful conversations to unfold naturally, away from distractions. The challenges faced in the wilderness foster not only resilience but also unforgettable memories and shared accomplishments. On this private expedition, a father and son were able to experience exactly that—an adventure that strengthened their bond and created memories to last a lifetime.

Risk Management - Pecos Wilderness, NM August 13-17, 2025

The Pecos Wilderness located in Central New Mexico is almost a quarter of a million acres. This adventure takes you on the Windsor National Recreational Trail that stretches 23 miles with majestic mountain views and beautiful streams and lakes: Lake Katherine, Lake Stewart and Spirit Lake are just three withhin the area. Summer and Fall are suggested seasons for a Backpacking Adventure Expedition!

Private Expedition- Mom and Me Weekend Campout, Jan Lee Baptist Church, Burkburnett, TX; May 30-31, 2025

This weekend was an awesome time for these girls and moms to spend time togther and show how much they appreciate one another. Conversations around the campfire focused on Titus 2 and women mentoring younger women. Not only was the outdoor setting loads of fun; but it was educational as well.

The group learned the basics of compass navigation by playing “Search and Rescue”. The weekend was completed as the girls and moms enjoyed a vist to the Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.

Open Expedition - Rim to River, Grand Canyon, AZ May 15-19, 2025

These young men enjoyed the majestic Grand Canyon by hiking the Bright Angel Trail, South Kiabab Trail and the Rim Trail. Each evening was spent exploring the “Essentials” for living from the gospel of John. What did Jesus say about the “Essentials” for life?

• I AM the Living Water - John 7:38

• I AM the Resurrection and the Life - John 11:25

• I AM the Bread of Life - John 6:35

• I AM the Light of the World - John 8:12

Beach Reach, South Padre Island, TX March 7-14, 2025

Since 1980, Beach Reach has served South Padre Island with safe van rides and late-night pancake breakfast while sharing the gospel with university students on spring break. ReCreation Adventure Ministries partnered with West Texas A&M and Amarillo College providing van transportation and encouragement to university student leaders. Over this one week of Beach Reach, including all Texas Baptist campuses participating, there were 7,204 rides given; 5,848 spiritual conversations had; 4,790 students prayed with; 46 recommitments; 138 new believers and 56 baptisms in the Gulf! Praise the Lord for His goodness!

Open Expedition - Gila Wilderness, Silver City, New Mexico January 3-7, 2025

The Gila Cliff Dwellings is the gem of the Gila Wilderness area. Mogollon Indians arrived in the late 13th century, lived in this area for approximately 25 years, and left in the early 14th century. No one knows why. Hiking the Gila Wilderness is a challenge for even the most experienced backpacker. These men persevered through the rugged terrain and the freezing nights. Stories around a warm fire each night were a highlight.

Private Expedition- Men's Ministries of North Central Texas, Wichita Mountains, Lawton, OK., Saturday, November 9, 2024

Men’s Ministry can be rewarding. Titus 2 instructs the older men to instruct, teach, and mentor the younger men. These men and young men enjoyed the beauty of the Wichita Mountains, Oklahoma, encouraging each other as they hiked to the top of Elk Mountain. Plans are being made for future expeditions in Men’s Ministry.

Private Expedition - West Texas A&M Baptist Student Ministries, Palo Duro Canyon, TX October 18-20, 2024

West Texas A & M University International Students from Nepal, Ghana, and Israel experienced the beauty of Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Students learned basic skills of wilderness trail hiking protocols. Student leaders had the opportunity to share how the wilderness experience relates to the adventure of the Christ Life.

Fly Fishing Clinic, North Central Texas area (Wichita Falls), October 12, 2024

Fly fishing is a sport rich in excitement, challenge, and tradition. Participants were taught the fundamentals of fly fishing including gear needed, types of flies, knot tying, and casting. Scripture was shared that shows how fishing is used in the Bible as a teaching tool. Thanks to our instructors, Greg Allen and Robert Ritter. Photo credits: Robert Ritter.

Risk Management - Continental Divide Trail CO/NM, August 21-24, 2024

Chama, New Mexico is the perfect base camp for this Southern Rocky Mountain Adventure! Participants will spend the first night in town acclimating to the altitude which begins at 10,000 feet (trailhead). This two-section, 40-mile expedition starts at the Colorado state line and heads south into New Mexico finishing at Hopewell Lake and campground. The suggested time of the year for planning this trek is July - September.

ReCreation Adventure Ministries Guide Training, Wheeler Peak Wilderness, Red River, New Mexico July 11-14, 2024

The ReCreation Adventure Ministries Annual Guide Training was held in the Wheeler Peak Wilderness, Red River, New Mexico. Topics discussed and reviewed were expedition planning, wilderness first aid, cooking in the backcountry, leave-no-trace camping, and leadership/expedition behavior. RAM guides enjoyed the beauty of Northern New Mexico while summiting Wheeler Peak (New Mexico’s highest point). Photo credits: Rob Bescheinen.

Risk Management Big Bend National Park - May 21-24, 2024

Want to design your southwest adventure? If you are a canoe/kayak enthusiast or would enjoy backpacking the primitive desert wilderness, ReCreation Adventures can put this trek together for you! You can canoe/kayak the Rio Grande River through the Santa Elena Canyon. Hiking /backpacking expeditions range from the Window View trail (1/2 mile) to the South Rim trail (13 miles round trip) or anywhere between. For the final evening, you could sleep or dine at The Lodge! ReCreation Adventures takes care of reservations, permits, equipment, and transportation. Photo credits: Scott Slater

Open Expedition - Rim to River, Grand Canyon, AZ April 25-29, 2024

These men from Burkburnett, Texas enjoyed the majesty of the Grand Canyon during this five day expedition! The change in the colors of the canyon did not disappoint as they hiked the Bright Angel, Rim, and the South Kiabab Trails. Titus, that small book found in the back of the New Testament, was our evening study/ discussion for this adventure. The Apostle Paul encourages Titus to find Godly men to help lead the church in Crete. Some of those foundations for men were: identity, character, the Gospel and investing in other men.

Beach Reach 2024, South Padre Island, Texas; March 7-16, 2024

Since 1980, Beach Reach has been serving South Padre Island with safe van rides and late-night pancake breakfasts while sharing the gospel with university students on spring break. ReCreation Adventure Ministries partnered with West Texas A&M, Amarillo College, and Clarendon College providing van transportation and encouragement to university student leaders.

Open Expedition - Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado, July 13-17, 2023

Spending time in the cool Rocky Mountains is the place to go when it gets hot where you live! In the evenings, these men discussed the highlights of the book Principle of the Path written by Andy Stanley. The Principle of the Path is simple - what you give your attention to determines your direction, and your direction determines your destination. The same is true for mountaineering in Colorado. Paying attention to the trail and land features allows you to reach your destination.