Lifelines is here to serve and partner with you. Our experiences challenge how your students and staff members think about themselves, others and their faith. We offer our experiences for free or a minimal cost and focus on the following areas of content:
- leadership
- outreach/movement launching
- team communication
- character development
- diversity
- Cojourners experiences
- men’s and women’s experiences
- equipping volunteers
Request an Experience
Professional Trainings
The Lifelines guide schools are part of Staff and Rep training, but are also an excellent opportunity for Cru staff members, college students, leaders in church and other ministries, and anyone who is interested to sharpen practical ministry skills. Come and grow in expertise as a facilitator of spiritual growth and as an outdoor guide.
Dates: Spring 2026
Where: New Braunfels, Texas
John Newcombe Tennis Ranch
Cost: $785 | Includes lodging and meals
Registration: CLICK HERE
Info Contact: bob.kuzman@cru.org
WHAT TO EXPECT IN FACILITATOR GUIDE SCHOOL
This school is designed to help people live more authentically and make a greater impact for the Kingdom. Participants will sharpen their small and large group facilitation skills while also discovering how to use experiential learning to practice Biblical truths with believers and not-yet believers. They will discover methods to create a Christ-centered community that offers a loving, authentic environment for growth, all while living each concept out experientially. Challenging, faith-focused, and fun, this school will teach ways to tailor experiential programs to one’s specific audience, transforming any team, Bible study, work group, or family for the glory of God.
Contact: bob.kuzman@cru.org
Dates: April 7th-11th, 2025
Location: Denver, CO
Cost: $795 | Includes lodging, meals, training materials, access to training website
Registration: CLICK HERE
Info Contact: stephanie.bethel@cru.org
WHAT TO EXPECT IN BACKCOUNTRY GUIDE SCHOOL
Backcountry Guide School is an immersive training where you will learn the skills you need to take people on incredible outdoor adventures. Our training is taught by professional guides passionate about helping you lead those in your ministries to experience the awe and adventure God’s creation offers.
While required for those wanting to lead outdoor trips within Cru, BGS will benefit anyone looking to hone their outdoor ministry skills, including people outside of Cru.
Backcountry Guide School is a hybrid learning environment: 5 days in person and approximately 2-3 days of online learning and reading ahead of time. We will discuss the ministry opportunities found in creation and cover the essentials of backcountry navigation, wilderness leadership, risk management, and other vital outdoor skills.
Expect to be challenged. It is helpful to have prior outdoor and guiding experience, but not necessary to attend this school. The in-person portion will include outdoor adventure and activities along with many opportunities for hands-on learning. The course includes a final written, oral and practical exam.
Backcountry Guide School is a great time of bonding, gaining expertise, and growing in our capacity to lead others into the awe inspiring beauty of God’s creation. It’s our prayer that as we get more and more students out into the beauty and quiet of creation they would meet God there and it would change their lives.
Contact: stephanie.bethel@cru.
Rep Program
Do you love connecting with students on campus and feel at home in the outdoors?
Join Lifelines as a Rep and become an outdoor and experiential-learning specialist.
The Goal
Lifelines uses outdoor adventure and experiential learning to reach college students and help staff members grow in their relationships with God through activities like hiking, rock climbing and whitewater rafting.
The Process
Lifelines Reps are campus staff members who work within a Cru Missional Team, report to their MTL and remain a full member of that team. They receive training in group facilitation and backcountry guiding, which expands the types of ministry skills they can offer their team.
Rep Levels
FACILITATOR: Equipped to lead experiential learning programs
GUIDE: Facilitator + equipped to lead some outdoor activities
SENIOR GUIDE: Facilitator + equipped to lead backcountry trips
Training and time investment vary with each level. You could become a Facilitator in as little as five days or a Guide/Senior Guide within a year – depending on your skill and experience.
Next Steps
Contact us to start your adventure as a Lifelines Rep.
Lifelines Campus Monthly
Helping you climb higher
Join the Lifelines Campus Monthly and get free resources to use with your staff team, group or small group every month. Each activity will help you:
- Grow in leadership
- Build an environment of grace and truth
- Become an expert in small group facilitation skills
You can opt out at any time and we don’t share your info with anyone—ever.
Get the Scripture Field Guide
Sign up and we will send you this free ebook, which helps you connect with specific verses about God’s Creation.
Here’s what others say about Lifelines activities:
“Lifelines helps you create a safe environment on your team by learning to ask good questions and to resolve conflict well.”
– Christian Rainbolt, Cru staff with Valor