The world is not lacking in beautiful scenery. As a matter of fact, if you have the eyes to see it, you can just about find different definitions of beauty everywhere you look. However, it is becoming more difficult to find space and time to slow down, connect, meet others, and intentionally engage with them.
We are a society that prioritizes “likes” and algorithm instead of meals where we linger and nurture relational intimacy. What are we to do then to build a growing community; places where we are seen and known? Our human nature has not taken its cues from society’s’ trends; we still long for deep relationships. There are no shortcuts to strong community but it seems to be difficult these days to even find the long way there.
How is community built? What are the pillars and what is the foundation? If it were a house, what is the insulation and what makes it a home? Having shared interests helps but having shared values is what drives the bond deeper. Healthy relational skills, empathy, and laughter are important parts of the equation while intentionality, time, and shared experiences surely help to create a sturdy structure. Where do we look to find like-minded people and build true community?
As time continues on, people are turning to social media to not only find the latest gadget or way to fold their fitted sheet; they are also looking for true connection. It doesn’t take more than a few words typed into a search bar to find groups gathered around dog training, cooking, and ranging from helpful and entertaining to informative and educational.
FROM A SOCIAL MEDIA GROUP TO OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
After being a part of numerous Christian groups on Facebook, Simoun Jacobe began to look for a space online that created community around two things, loving God and loving the outdoors. When he couldn’t quite find a group that fit the bill, he decided to create one in December of 2022.
The Christian Outdoor Collective was born.
It started out like every other social media group, a couple people here and there finding it or adding their friends. Originally it was thought that it would grow and with time would provide people a chance to connect and plan their own individual outings and invite people along. While that has happened and continues to, something else began to form and that has been a sweet surprise to Simoun, the leadership board he formed, and the group as a whole.
What began as a group for people with similar values quickly began to morph into something a little bigger. When a poll was created for a group event, the Grand Tetons won by a landslide. A few months later, 43 strangers from all over the states flew, drove, and carpooled into Jackson, Wyoming to spend a few days camping and adventuring together. We had community dinners and spent a night taking communion and worshiping through song together.
A little over a week ago I boarded a plane from California, to head to a state I’ve never been in, to be picked up at a tiny airport by people I’ve never met, so we could travel to a remote location to sleep outside with complete strangers.. it may have been one of the best decisions I’ve made all year….. I would be remiss if I did not post about the blessing of this Grand Teton trip, echoing the sentiments of so many others from this past week; of the freedom, healing, and friendship that occurred in the four short days I spent in the wilds of Wyoming. ~April Antonio, member
Being with the group at the Tetons was super special. It marked a new beginning for me as I was moving to Colorado after the trip. A strong desire in my heart is to find real authentic community. Finding that community back home has sometimes been hard, but it felt like with this group, I finally found the community I was looking for. These people are beautiful on the inside and out, they love Jesus, love to have fun, and enjoy the outdoors. As we sat around the campfire one night, I thought about what a beautiful picture of the Church the group was and is. It brought me to tears and really blessed me. It’s more than just hikes, taking beautiful pictures and having fun. That’s certainly part of it.. but the lifelong friendships that have been made, the encouragement to keep Christ in the hard moments is what it’s about. I love this group so much. ~ Sarah Tucker, member
FROM OUTDOOR ADVENTURES TO SERVING LOCAL COMMUNITIES
As of November 2023, The Christian Outdoor Collective has had five events, each in different states, with new and repeat participants exploring beautiful creation and creating space to fellowship and worship together. Each event has been a little different, from the Crested Butte event where admiring the fall colors was the main event to camping on the beach at La Push, Washington. What has characterized the events has been the sweet fellowship of believers, the admiration of Gods handiwork, and a “choose your own adventure’ type of schedule with plenty of time to make friends, explore the surroundings, and then gather together over a delicious meal at the end of the day to enjoy each others company as a group.
The final event of the year was our first service event, in Prescott, Arizona where we served at Village of Hope, a home that supports and provides assistance to pregnant women in crisis. We camped out, explored the surrounding area and spent a day serving at the women’s home in any way they needed us to.
While we are a group that enjoys going on adventures together and building community, another equally important part of the groups’ vision is to serve and help others. The Prescott event was the first of many more diverse opportunities that we will offer to invest into the communities around us and love on the people and places that we are privileged to visit. It’s our prayer that as people are encouraged and refreshed at our events, that they take back the hope of authentic community and heart of service to their home town.
I always knew this group was going to be impactful to others, but little did I know, that throughout all the events and building of community, the person it would have the biggest impact on… was myself. ~ Simoun Jacobe, founder
As the events have continued to unfold it feels like God has been weaving the supplies to build community into the days spent together without us even recognizing it; roasting each other during a game of corn hole, or helping each other cook dinner or build a fire. We huff and puff up the mountains together, sharing our stories and our Lunchables. All too quickly it’s three days later and we are hugging each other goodbye, making plans for our next adventure together or finding out when the next TCOT event is, that we can both attend. Meeting strangers in the mountains has turned into group texts and exploring new cities with friends, phone calls about what gear to purchase, and a “cloud of witnesses” here on earth cheering each other on.
Come join our group on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for more details and upcoming event dates. We already have a few booked full for next year and more adventures coming soon.
One Response
Great article capturing the first year of such an amazing, God-inspired group. As a member of TCOC it feels like there are no words to express the fullness of the group and what it has meant to me, but I think this article comes close!