Eagle Eye Ministries
Excursions
Bow before Christ in Adoration atop the Rockies. Kneel on orange stone as you receive the Bread of Heaven in a desert canyon. Feel the Holy Spirit stir within you as the Salve is intoned in the winter night.
Let EEM Excursions be the next step on your journey toward sainthood.
Eagle Eye Ministries
Excursions
July 22 to Aug 9 | Wind River Wilderness Excursion with the Saint John Institute
Eagle Eye’s 2020 Summer Excursion will be a unique partnership with the St. John’s Institute and COR Expeditions. Participants in the excursion will join Fr. Nathan Cromly and students from the SJI master’s program on a two-week backpacking course led by COR Expeditions. This course will take place in the breathtaking Wind River Mountains of Wyoming, which are considered one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the entire United States. The course is similar to NOLS wilderness survival courses (which are typically double the cost of the course we offer) with the added benefit of the sacraments and spiritual formation.
Over the course of the two-week trip, all participants will benefit from spiritual formation, daily Mass, and Adoration led by Fr. Nathan as well as the leadership programming facilitated by COR. Each participant will take a Wilderness First Aid course as part of this trip, and will have the opportunity not only to hone their leadership skills but also to develop the technical skills of effective back country living. Based on skill development, the group will have the opportunity to travel independently of the instructors for the final days of the trip. Prior backpacking experience is not necessary, but adequate physical fitness is a must to function effectively while backpacking at high elevation. The majority of gear needed, including backpacks, tents, and more, can be rented from COR and is included in the trip’s cost. Questions concerning the course itself can be directed to Sarah Carlstrom (sarah@corexpeditions), while questions concerning cost and registration can be directed to Kalene Morris (excursions@eagleeyeministries.org)
There is a formal application process for this excursion due to its intensity.
- How to apply:
- Carefully read the informational packet
- Contact Sarah Carlstrom at COR Expeditions to set up an interview (sarah@corexpeditions.org)
- Upon approval, proceed to registration in brushfire using the code you receive from Sarah
December 2 to 6 | San Diego Desert Excursion
Dec 28 '20 to Jan 7 '21 | New Zealand Excursion
Talk about a bucket list item!
Join Fr. Nathan Cromly with Eagle Eye Ministries and COR Expeditions for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in New Zealand! This course will be a trip like none other, combining outdoor adventures amid the world-renowned scenery of New Zealand’s South Island with profound opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship with other young Catholics.
The course begins in Christchurch with the Community of St. John, making its way down the South Island with day hikes in the Aoraki Mount Cook area before a five-day, four-night backpacking course incorporating the iconic Routeburn Track with the Greenstone-Caples Loop. Finally, the group will experience the breathtaking views of Milford Sound by boat before the trip concludes in Queenstown, considered to be the adventure capital of New Zealand. Throughout the trip, you will not only be able to experience the beauty and adventure of the outdoors, but also be nourished by preaching, Liturgy, and prayer. Make friends, experience Christ, and grow in your spiritual life amid the amazing landscapes New Zealand has to offer!
The course will take place on the South Island of New Zealand from Dec. 28-Jan. 7. Participants will be asked to provide basic personal items as well as certain backpacking items. Moderate physical fitness is required for this course, as the backpacking portion of the trip will take place in sub-alpine and alpine environments, will have significant elevation gain and loss, and moderate mileage. Participants can expect to carry 35-45 pound packs while hiking. Weather in New Zealand, especially in mountainous areas, is variable even in the summer season; snow, rain, and temperatures in the 30’s-80’s Farenheit can occur while backpacking or camping. All food and travel costs (including lodging) during the course dates will be provided by EEM and COR. However, while with EEM and COR, participants can expect to tent camp or sleep in churches, assist with group cooking, and go for 2-5 days without showers. Participants are required to obtain their own airfare that fits within the EEM itinerary, but are welcome to extend their travel in NZ either before or after the course itself.
Please contact Sarah Carlstrom (sarah@corexpeditions.org) or Kalene Morris (excursions@eagleeyeministries.org) BEFORE purchasing your airline ticket. We are happy to help you work out any details before your flight is purchased; however, we may not be able to help you afterwards! Stay tuned to the EEM Facebook page for a Facebook Live event in March that will answer any questions you may have about the trip, and will offer suggestions for anyone wishing to travel on their own in New Zealand before or after the course.
ITINERARY: Note that the trip begins in Christchurch and ends in Queenstown
- 12/28 Monday | Participants fly into Christchurch by 2pm local time, overnight with the Brothers of St. John (please note that depending on your departure city this may require departing on 12/27 or even 12/26)
- 12/29 Tuesday | Group leaves Christchurch; drive to Mt. Cook area
- 12/30 Wednesday | Day Hike Mt Cook
- 12/31 Thursday | Drive to the Divide (start of Routeburn)
- 1/1 Friday | Begin hiking Routeburn-Caples
- 1/2 Saturday | Backpack
- 1/3 Sunday | Backpack
- 1/4 Monday | Backpack
- 1/5 Tuesday | Backpack; come out at trailhead; showers!
- 1/6 Wednesday | Drive to Milford Sound for boat tour
- 1/7 Thursday | Trip ends; depart for Queenstown airport (fly out after 12pm local time)