Experience the power of Christ-centered community through adventure in the Rocky Mountains!
What is BOUNDLESS?
BOUNDLESS is an outdoor adventure experience that combines authentic community, reflection, and the beauty of God's creation to connect students with Christ's boundless love.
We understand that the transition into college can feel exciting, challenging, and potentially a bit overwhelming! It's a time when young adults find themselves asking big questions about God, themselves, and their future. BOUNDLESS exists to unplug students from the craziness of this transition and to connect them with Christ's boundless love. Our hope is to foster a community where students can break down the barriers that keep them from fully stepping into what the Lord has for them. We do this to pursue a life worthy of the calling of Christ and to find joy in the backcountry of God's creation.
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Is BOUNDLESS College Expeditions for me?
BOUNDLESS College Expeditions are trips designed for incoming CCU students who are looking for both a physical and spiritual adventure to kick off their first semester!
We recognize that your time at CCU is about more than just a degree. It is a time for powerful personal and spiritual growth. It is about an abiding relationship with the Lord and what it looks like to become more like Christ through the ups and downs of life—the hills and the valleys. Students who come on these trips often end up building a community of friends that help them navigate the transition into college. We hope that your experience on BOUNDLESS will set a beautiful trajectory for your college years and beyond as God takes you on the adventure of a lifetime.
Have limited backpacking experience? No problem! You are welcome here! Our upperclassmen guides are trained to keep you safe and walk you through everything you need to know to have the best time possible in the backcountry. Our trips are designed to balance outdoor activities that expand your comfort zone with times of rest and reflection.
2023 Trip Details
Cost: $300
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains
Duration: 7 full days, 6-8 nights
*Students have the option to sleep on the CCU campus the night before the trip begins and after the trip ends
Activities: Rock-Climbing, Backpacking, White Water RaftingAll BOUNDLESS trips require participants to be able to hike uphill while carrying a large backpack, which can weigh up to 45 lbs. This type of exercise can be extremely strenuous, especially if you have not been training or are coming from sea level. Please begin training right away so that you can enjoy your trip as much as possible!
Please fill out the BOUNDLESS agreement to register for your trip.
July 17 — 23, 2023
Difficulty Level: Easier — Estimated hiking distance of 3 miles on each backpacking day.
July 25 — 31, 2023
Difficulty Level: Moderate — Estimated hiking distance of 5 miles on each backpacking day.
August 7 — 13, 2023
Difficulty Level: Extreme — Estimated hiking distance of 6 to 10.5 miles on each backpacking day.
August 15 — 21, 2023
Difficulty Level: Moderate — Estimated hiking distance of 5 miles on each backpacking day.
No return airport shuttle will be provided because the Weekend of Welcome begins on August 23.
Itinerary OverviewAll true adventures involve some degree of uncertainty. All itineraries are subject to change due to various factors, including weather and participant capabilities. The more flexible and adaptable you are, the more fun you will have!
Day 1: 8:00 a.m. Welcome and orientation, Brief CCU Campus Tour, Outfit participants with gear, Drive to campsite, Learn camp craft
Day 2: Rock Climbing
Day 3: Backpacking
Day 4: Rest Day in the Wilderness
Day 5: Backpacking
Day 6: Rafting
Day 7: Return to CCU, Clean gear, 5:00 p.m. DismissalA shuttle will be available to pick participants up at the Denver International Airport at 4:00 p.m. the day before the trip begins. A shuttle will be available to drop participants off at the Denver International Airport at 10:00 a.m. the day after the trip ends.
*No return airport shuttle will be provided for College Expeditions: Trip 4 because the CCU Weekend of Welcome begins on August 23rd!
For more information or any questions, please contact our team at BOUNDLESS@ccu.edu.
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Is BOUNDLESS High School Adventures for me?
BOUNDLESS High School Adventures is open to students between the ages of 16 and 18 who are looking to grow in their relationship with the Lord through outdoor adventure! Our upperclassmen guides are trained to keep you safe and walk you through everything you need to know to have the best time possible in the backcountry. Whether you are considering attending CCU sometime in the future, or simply want to share an adventure with other students who love to spend time in the outdoors, this is the trip for you!
2023 Trip Details
Cost: $300
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains
Duration: 5 full days, 4-6 nights
*Students have the option to sleep on the CCU campus the night before the trip begins and after the trip ends
Activities: Rock-Climbing, Backpacking, White Water RaftingAll BOUNDLESS trips require participants to be able to hike uphill while carrying a large backpack, which can weigh up to 45 lbs. This type of exercise can be extremely strenuous, especially if you have not been training or are coming from sea level. Please begin training right away so that you can enjoy your trip as much as possible!
Please fill out the BOUNDLESS agreement to register for your trip.
June 14 — 18, 2023
Difficulty Level: Easier — Estimated hiking distance of 3 miles on each backpacking day.
June 26 — 30, 2023
Difficulty Level: Moderate — Estimated hiking distance of 5 miles on each backpacking day.
June 26 — 30, 2023
Difficulty Level: Moderate — Estimated hiking distance of 5 miles on each backpacking day.
July 10 — 14, 2023
Difficulty Level: Easier — Estimated hiking distance of 1.5 miles on each backpacking day.
Itinerary OverviewAll true adventures involve some degree of uncertainty. All itineraries are subject to change due to various factors including weather and participant capabilities. The more flexible and adaptable you are, the more fun you will have!
Day 1: 8:00 a.m. Welcome and orientation, Brief CCU Campus Tour, Outfit participants with gear, Drive to campsite, Learn camp craft
Day 2: Rock Climbing
Day 3: Backpacking
Day 4: Backpacking
Day 5: Rafting, Return to CCU, Clean gear, 5:00 p.m. DismissalA shuttle will be available to pick participants up at the Denver International Airport at 4:00 p.m. the day before the trip begins. A shuttle will be available to drop participants off at the Denver International Airport at 10:00 a.m. the day after the trip ends.
For more information or any questions please contact our team at BOUNDLESS@ccu.edu.
Spiritual and Personal Transformation
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
Psalm 19:1-4 ESV
All throughout the Bible we see God using His creation as an effective tool for rest, healing, and spiritual growth (Num. 32:13, Luke 4:1-13, 1 Kings 19:1-18). Christ himself used multiple nature-centered parables and outdoor settings to reveal who He was and to teach others about God's truth (John 15:1-6, Luke 13:6-9, Luke 8:5-15, Mark 4:35-41). It is no surprise Psalm 19 tells us that the heavens are shouting out His glory and that every single day His creation speaks of His existence.
We desire for every participant of BOUNDLESS to enjoy time in the wild embrace of God's creation and begin to cultivate a community of brothers and sisters that are striving after Christ. We want everyone to experience God's truths about themselves, His love for them, and their purpose by stepping outside of their comfort zones through various outdoor experiences.
What Participants are Saying?
“Boundless was a once in a lifetime experience that I’d recommend to any freshman, despite one’s level of experience with outdoor activities. I will never forget the memories I made with our 2021 Boundless crew, who are now some of my best friends at CCU. Especially as an out-of-stater, it was so much fun to explore the Coloradan wilderness and be able to come into my first week of school knowing other freshmen!” - Christina ‘21
“The Boundless trip was the perfect way to get ready for college and to be introduced to the values and heart of CCU.” – Asher ‘22
“Boundless provided me with the chance to gain firsthand outdoor experience, explore the more remote parts of Colorado, build community before my freshman year began, and grow in my relationship with the Lord. If you have the chance to go, do it!” -Em ‘22
More Questions?
View the FAQ's below or email BOUNDLESS@ccu.edu.
Who is leading Boundless?
Emiliann
Hey, y'all!
My name is Emiliann and I can't wait to explore the backcountry of Colorado with you all. I'm currently a sophomore at CCU and will graduate early with a business administration degree. Last year I was a BOUNDLESS participant and I have to say it really was the best way to start the semester and experience the Lord through His creation. (Oh! and I am Wilderness First Aid certified). Can't wait to meet you all! Until then!
Lauren
Hi!
My name is Lauren, and I am currently studying Outdoor Leadership at CCU. As a past participant of BOUNDLESS, I am extremely passionate about this program. To get to be an instructor this summer is such an honor. So much spiritual growth can happen when we take the time to disconnect, get out of our comfort zones, and learn to live in community! Boundless is an amazing opportunity to push your limits or step into a new experience. I love being in Creation in any way I can be whether that’s hiking, rock climbing, backpacking, camping, or skiing. I enjoy planning hikes, ski days, and camping trips for my friends and I. Through past leadership experiences and a Wilderness First Aid certification, I am equipped to serve and pour into those of you who come on Boundless. God is going to use this program in incredible ways!
Nate
Hello!
My name is Nate, and I am currently studying Outdoor Leadership with a Camp Management minor at CCU. I am certified as a Wilderness First Responder. I grew up in the outdoors in Southern Illinois and spent time hunting, hiking, and canoeing in Shawnee National Forest as well as in the Ozarks. As I grew older, my family started taking trips west for vacation, and I have spent many summers in Glacier National Park. I have greatly enjoyed living in Colorado and the adventures that I have had for the past year, and am looking forward to seeing what God is going to do through BOUNDLESS!
Braedan
Hello,
My name is Braedan, and I am currently working as a Graduate Assistant at CCU. I am stoked to help lead some of the BOUNDLESS trips this summer because I believe that God loves to use opportunities like this to bring about lasting transformation! Over the past 5 years, I have had the chance to work as a guide all across the country, from the Blue Ridge mountains to the Grand Canyon. Colorado is beautiful, and I am excited to share some adventures with you all this summer! I have been trained as an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and Wilderness First Responder.
Is Boundless safe? What are the safety precautions you are taking to keep us safe?
Our goal is to have tons of fun while maintaining healthy boundaries to ensure your safety. While out in the backcountry, your guides are constantly assessing situations in order to manage risk. In addition to having first aid training, they are also aware of the fastest route out, the closest ranger stations, and nearest hospitals. Every day they are checking in with our Outdoor Leadership program director, who will always be aware of the group's location and plans. Finally, your guides are well-experienced and highly responsible individuals committed to making your time on Boundless both safe and adventurous.
Do I need any experience in rock climbing, white water rafting, or backpacking?
No experience is required, but training is highly encouraged! Our guides will walk you through everything you need to know. These trips require the ability to hike with a 50 pound pack. Most participants say that they wish they had trained more beforehand so that the trip would be less physically demanding on them. Please check out the “What type of training should I be doing?” section for more details!
As far as skill development goes, our guides will assume that everyone is a beginner. They will teach everything by starting with the basics so that you can learn even if you have never taken a trip like this before. Because of this, BOUNDLESS is a great opportunity to be introduced to the beauty of the backcountry!
Do I need any gear or equipment?
Yes! You will need to bring your own clothing, shoes/boots, toiletries, personal items, and medications. Please take time to carefully review the packing list so that you can be fully equipped for your adventure!
*We strongly encourage you to invest in waterproof hiking boots and a rain jacket. That being said, the other clothing items do not have to be brand new and specifically designed for the outdoors (although that can sometimes be helpful). Most items can be purchased from the thrift store and still work just fine!
Hiking Boots vs. Trail Runners
*Although some people prefer to use trail runners when hiking, we strongly recommend that you bring waterproof hiking boots that provide stability for your ankles. If you use trail runners, your feet are likely to be wet and uncomfortable, not to mention the fact that you will be more vulnerable to rolling an ankle while carrying a heavy pack.
*If necessary, a backpack, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad can be rented from the CCU Gear Room in exchange for a $20 refundable deposit.
Can I bring my phone, or smart device?
No. Both secular and Christ-centered outdoor programs attest to the benefit of setting aside outside distractions in order to connect with those around you. BOUNDLESS is designed to be a time to grow in relationship with the Lord and in community with your peers. Although it may seem scary to unplug from technology for a week, we believe that the joy you will experience from living in the moment will make the sacrifice worth it!
Your guides will be carrying emergency communication devices so that they can respond to any situation as necessary.
What type of training should I be doing?
Please take training for your trip seriously! Our guides want you to have a great time, but ultimately, they cannot carry your pack for you. Practice running several times each week to prepare your lungs for the high-altitude mountains of Colorado. Try filling your backpack with 45lbs of weight so that you can have an idea of what it might feel like when you get to the trail! If you have access to a gym, try using the stair-master to strengthen your legs. If you put in the time and energy to train now, you will be grateful later on!
How am I expected to behave while on trip?
All participants are required to agree to abide by the CCU Standards of Conduct as long as they are on the CCU campus or participating in a BOUNDLESS trip. If a participant refuses to abide by these policies or respect the authority of their guides, our team reserves the right to have that individual removed from the trip.