simple paths to faith - small group ministry

Psalm 17:5 NKJV

Uphold my steps in Your paths, That my footsteps may not slip. 

about veronica byrd, small group leader

What do I have to offer this ministry and its participants?

• Love of nature and our Lord
• Hiking and backpacking experience
• GPS tracking device and map reading capability
• CPR / First Aid trained (renewal certification needed)
• I will always carry first aid and emergency supplies and a water filter.

Logistics

• Emergency information sheet on participants: participants with identification must carry it in case of emergencies
• Different outings for different skill levels. 
• For children’s hikes under age 16, I prefer to have 1 parent/adult participant for every 3 - 5 kids depending on hike/walk site and ages of the children involved. This is for safety reasons. 

Organization

• The following will be shared prior to each scheduled hike/walk.
  
  • Location and Meet Time 
  • Distance  & Difficulty Level
  • Expected Completion & Travel Times
• For hikes/walks within Cumberland County, we will meet at the trail/path entrance area or as close as possible. For hikes/walks outside of Cumberland County, we will try to arrange carpools depending on the number of people wishing to participate in the out-of-county excursions. 
• A relevant Bible study will be prepared prior to each week’s hike/walk. A copy of the study scriptures with thoughts and questions will be posted/shared with participants a week or more before the walk/hike. There will be a discussion prior to starting the walk/hike each week unless otherwise indicated. 

Skill Levels

Skill levels are set up as guidelines for participants to gauge individually. Skill levels may be combined. For example, an outing may be listed as it is deemed feasible for perhaps levels 2-5. Every outing is open for whoever wishes to challenge themselves.

The levels were created according to the terrain and areas in the general proximity to the plateau and the Middle and East Tennessee mountain areas.

Level 0-1:

• Little to no experience recreating, walking, or hiking outdoors
• Should be able to walk ½ to 1 mile with little difficulty. Note: this level will also include ADA-compliant trails in which people with disabilities will also be able to participate. It is important that no one is left out; this level can also be classified for small children. 
• This level will experience little to no elevation change, no more than gradual changes up to 200 ft. 
• Paths will include paved, chip gravel, asphalt, or wide, high traffic, well groomed trails with little to no obstacles such as roots and rocks. 

Level 2-3:

• Some experience walking outdoors. Examples: for health, in your job, or other regular outdoor activity in which you cover a decent amount of ground
• These walks/hikes will usually be 1-2 miles in length with gradual elevation changes up to 800 feet. 
• Trails will be well worn, may be paved. Could have some narrow areas with ground-level rocks and roots to step over. Most parks and trail keepers will make sure these paths are easy to pass through, and they will be well maintained. 
• At least 1 bottle of water will be required for all participants to carry in this level.

Level 4-5: 

• This level is for those who walk outside regularly and on uneven surfaces.
• This level is for those who can cover an easy-rated trail, distances of 2-4 miles with elevation changes up to 1000 feet, sometimes fairly steep for possibly a hundred feet. 
• Trails should not expect to be well groomed but will be well maintained. 
• At this level, a pack is required. Trekking poles, if desired.

Level 6-7:

• Some hiking experience on easy to moderate-rated trails
• Trails can be up to 6 miles with 1000 – 2500 feet elevation change, some gradual, some steep.  
• Plenty of rocks, roots, or other trail-made “debris” is to be expected. The trails will be maintained, but sometimes due to bad weather and lack of personnel, some obstacles may need to be gone around.
• Pack required, poles recommended  

Level 8-9:

• Trails with at least a moderate rating
• Greater elevation changes are possible up to 3500 ft. Distances to be expected between 5-8 miles approximately. 
• Expect obstacles to possibly include rock or timber-built trail stairs, ladders, ropes or cables for navigating over and around large rock faces, possible larger rocks on paths to climb over (aka, bouldering)
• Pack required with sufficient fuel (food, snacks, water, etc.), poles recommended

Pack Recommendations

• Water
• Snacks or food (please pack sufficiently for the planned hike)
• Advil or Tylenol, Benadryl
• Extra socks (this is very important for levels 4 and above)
• Bug spray

Recommended Clothing 

• Hard soled shoes with good tread, nothing smooth except on paved or chip gravel paths
• Dress in layers