Mission Trip or Pilgrimage to Upstate New York

"...perfect destination to encounter God in nature"

VOYAGE TYPE

Historical Site
Outdoor Adventure

Upstate New York is the perfect destination for pilgrims eager to encounter God in nature. The Adirondack Mountains span for more than 9000 square miles of the state, and with 46 peaks that reach above 4000 feet high, the area has some of the best views in the east. Speckled with lakes, rivers and flowing waterfalls the state’s bodies of water are equally as awe-inspiring as its mountains.

A Wonder Voyage to upstate New York will be filled with exciting ways to explore the backcountry from hiking to whitewater rafting to camping under the stars. Join us on a pilgrimage up the Hudson River to discover the rich history and dynamic beauty that will make for an unforgettable experience.

Overview

Splash in the Hudson River on a whitewater rafting trip.
Zoom down the twisted ice of the Olympic training bobsled tracks.
Take in the panoramic view on the most scenic gondola ride.
Help maintain the splendor of the Adirondacks with a trail project.
Support a local congregation by beautifying their church grounds.
Roll up your sleeves at an educational farm.

Itinerary

Every Wonder Voyage itinerary (mission trip and/or pilgrimage) is personalized to the desires, direction and personality of each group. This itinerary is only a description of the kind of journey we can create for your unique team.

Day 1- Faith is a Journey
Welcome to Upstate New York. You have arrived at one of the most beautiful regions on the East Coast: The Adirondacks. This region is the largest contiguous park in the mainland United States. It covers one-fifth of New York State, is nearly three times the size of Yellowstone National Park, and is equal in size to Vermont. We explore the natural wonder of the area while also exploring our faith pilgrimage. Get ready to discover how wonder changes everything.
Day 2- Local Wonder
We are staying in an area covered in trails begging to be explored. We will put on our hiking shoes, pack a lunch and launch out into the surrounding woods. In our day of wandering, we will summit high bluffs, canoe on picturesque lakes, hunt down historic ruins, and hear the love of God through the beauty of nature. We will return in the evening to a delicious meal and time around a roaring fire. Smores will comfort our aching feet.
Day 3- Faith is a Community
As a Christ-follower, faith is never an individual consideration. We are part of a community that spans the ages. This Sunday morning we connect with a portion of the body of Christ by joining a morning Eucharist at a local Episcopal congregation. After a huge lunch, we begin a Wonder Voyage tradition that brings us all to the table. Our afternoon is spent exploring the Adirondack forests
Day 4- Faith is Loving Others
Faith is an action–without works of faith, we cannot be said to have faith at all. There is a difference between loving Jesus and loving the idea of loving just the idea of Jesus. As followers of Christ, we are actively involved in loving others as Christ taught us to love. Today we dedicate one day of our pilgrimage to a time of service in the community. Tonight, we love our fellow pilgrims in another way – by creating a delicious and surprising Stone Soup meal.
Day 5- Faith is Historical
The Christian faith has deep historical roots. Understanding our history is imperative as a foundation to grow and mature on our faith journey. Today we travel back in time to Ft. Ticonderoga, an 18th century French fort where history comes alive. Our walk back home brings us back in touch with nature and how important the natural world is to having a connection with our shared history.
Day 6- Faith is Art
We will have two different adventures today. The first takes us to a community of artists. We will have an opportunity to pick a discipline like blacksmithing, pottery or painting and spend a couple of hours with an artist who will teach us the foundation of their trade. We will explore several acres of huge sculptures and learn the heartbeat of the Creator. In the afternoon, we will see natural art by hiking to a local waterfall, a thing of beauty, and allow God to sculpt our hearts.
Day 7- Faith is Adventure
To be a person who travels the path of faith is to guarantee adventures into the unknown. Helen Keller famously said, “Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.” Let’s engage in a real adventure on our last full day in the Adirondacks.
Day 8 – Faith is Love
Your pilgrimage to the Adirondacks has been filled with adventure, history, exploration, and wonder. We’ve learned that faith is a journey. We leave this journey as a stronger, more deeply rooted community, committed to loving others. The adventure does not stop. You are at the beginning of a new pilgrimage that will carry you back home with the message that faith is love, and love is action.