RE-CON WORK

July 2008

This year Doug and the interns took some time to recon a new place in Tennessee called Cherokee Bluffs. It's a really beautiful spot overlooking the river.

Joe Lovell (GTD-Intern)

Jimmy Davis (GTD-Intern)

Rachel DayFayette (GTD-Intern)

Doug Garner (GTD Founder)

Me (GTD Volunteer) My turn! Down into blackness.

First Presbyterian Adventure Trip

July 24th-28th, 2008

I'm usually the one behind the camera so this was a self-portrait.

We took this group to Cherokee Bluffs to go rock-climbing for the day.

We had to hike a short distance to the spot and once there the kids went rock-climbing, rappelling, caving, floating and swinging off a rope swing into the Tennessee River.

Bridge Jumping

Jimmy Davis (GTD Summer Intern)

A Fear All My Own

THE BIG JUMP

I spent almost 2 weeks up in the mountains doing every activity with ease (for the most part). But, here I sat 45 LONG minutes of wanting to jump off the bridge and not being able to. I was scared of letting go and falling. As I sat there I thought about how it reminds me of how sometimes I'm afraid to give God control and just let go. I pictured myself letting go a dozen times but still, there I sat. Getting off that bridge and walking away for me was not a choice. In the last final minutes tears ran down my face.

I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and pushed!

The moment I came out of the water I was nothing but smiles! I did it! I overcame my fear. Thank you Doug for all your encouragement.

SLAMMED 2008

July 17th-21st, 2008

Slammed was the first ever GTD trip and is now an annual public adventure trip. This years Slammed took place in Northern Georgia. We went whitewater rafting, rock-climbing, waterfall riding, cliff jumping and rappelling. Our nights were spent around the campfire sharing our "favorites" of the day and listening to an Impact Point (a spiritual message given by a leader of the group). I took over 600 pictures of this trip and I'm sad to say I can't share them all. Enjoy!


Slammed 2008 Participants

Before each activity our participants are given instructions.

Joel Lovell (GTD Summer Intern) and his friends.

Amber is the girl bending over in this picture. She tried several times to go over the cliff and couldn't bring herself to do it. In fear, tears and determination she finally did it! Yeah, Amber!

Way to go!

Doug and I on a rappel line. This was the second time I went down. The first time I was used as an example and was the first one down. Going over the cliff for me was easy, but I was scared I couldn't control the line well. At the end of the activity I asked Doug to go down with me. He gave me one on one instruction and lots of encouragement.

Mike was an inspiration to us all. After sitting and watching he was convinced he wouldn't climb. With a bit of encouragement though he did and he made it all the way to the top!

Me taking on the challenge to rock-climb. I made it all the way to the top! I am proud of my accomplishment.

Doug and I going riding down Turtleback Falls, GA
(Yes, I'm plugging my nose!)

Turtleback Falls is a favorite of our participants.


Kevin and Ashley Starner (GTD staff and volunteer)

Entering the Rainbow Falls Swimming Hole

This is a picture of six amazing young Christian adults.
We nicknamed them the "FRIENDS" from the t.v. show.
Sadly enough some of them were to young to know what
we were talking about.

WOW!

Me being baptized at Rainbow Falls by Bobby Tripplet.

Slammed 2008 Participants

Adventure Race

June 12th, 2008

Doug and I setting up and testing slack lines.

Hammocks for participants to hang out in.

Horseshoes

Volleyball

Gear

Kitchen set up for lunch.

Doug and Kevin welcome our participants.

This was a great group of kids who we had a lot of fun with. I really enjoyed their determination.

With an adventure race teams are geared up with harnesses to keep them together.

Once the teams are geared up they are sent off with a map with locations of tasks they must complete before their time is up. I love this picture above. This team worked really well together.

Stepping Stones was the check-in point I was in charge of signing off on.

This was my favorite team of the day trying to complete the Stepping Stone task. They must have tried to complete it a dozen of times before being able to sign off. I loved their perseverance.