I walk through life with the understanding that it is far better to give than receive. I also feel this same thing applies to the great outdoors. The excitement I get when sharing climbing, hiking, etc with a person that has never experienced it as I have is amazing. To see a young person light up with joy when they have conquered their fear of climbing a route they swore they were not strong enough to achieve is just one of the many things that gives me new energy to keep enjoying my own outdoor adventure and renews my love for climbing.
A few months back I started guiding on the weekends with Compass Wilderness, a faith based 501 c3 guide service that has set it’s path to share a message of Christ to Christians and non-Christians alike. The centered purpose to parallel adventure activities such as rock climbing, rappelling, hiking, camping etc in an way that connects with people on their daily walk with Christ.
Compass Wilderness reaches youth groups, mens groups, at risks youth, and the list goes on. It really boils down to meeting people where they are in life – connecting on a deeper and individual level. Sharing the simple yet overwhelming and amazing joys of the outdoors with those who maybe have never even been on a hike or slept under the stars.
Compass wilderness is a guide service that offers hiking, climbing, and camping primarily, but Compass staff share far more than wilderness knowledge. They work to give individuals the tools to stretch out of their comfort zone and try new things.
Over the past few months I have seen angry hearts softened, self esteems soar, and closed minds open to brighter possibilities all because Compass Wilderness gives people something that sounds so simple, yet what everyone is searching for. Strength and acceptance.
On one of my first trips with Compass I was assisting in belaying a girl who had never climbed outside. She was trembling with fear and talking herself out of trying from the start. She was just sure she couldn’t do it and that it was going to be to hard. It’s in those instances Compass’s staff is able to to reach inside a person and pull out their stregthens. Showing them that it’s ok to take risks and pull for what they want in life. She and I talked on the rocks that day until she reached the top. The look of joy on her face as she was coming down is exactly what Compass Wilderness strives to share.
For more on Compass Wilderness head to NewsOk.tv for a video interview with Compass Wilderness’s Oklahoma DIrector of Operations, Steven Charles.
Happy trials Girl vs. Wild style,
Jacquelyn Farris
