MISSION STATEMENT
bringing people closer to God through discipleship.”
The outdoors have always been a major part of Carson’s life, and we believe valuable lessons can be learned while experiencing God’s creation.
The AO1 Foundation created the Outdoor Ministry in 2018 to “Foster a genuine passion for outdoor activities and bring people closer to God through discipleship.” This ministry serves children with life-threatening illnesses and other life-altering medical situations through two programs: Mountain Movers and Camp Conquerors.
Through these programs and continued discipleship, we will effectively demonstrate the love of God to these children and encourage them in their walk with Christ.
Camp Conquerors was created to provide children with an opportunity to experience the outdoors in a setting designed to uplift them spiritually, emotionally and mentally through worship, biblical teaching and small group discussion. Campers are exposed to a wide variety of activities to help them conquer fear and overcome adversity.
The Mountain Movers program creates once-in-a-lifetime hunting, fishing or other outdoor experiences for children while teaching them the ethical practices behind harvesting and consuming wild game. Children are mentored in the Gospel through small group discussions and the solitude allows them to grow closer to God.
FAMILY PACKS & REGIONAL HANGOUTS
Developing an ongoing relationship with the children who have been a part of the Outdoor Ministry and their families is critically important to us. We want to continue encouraging and mentoring these children as they grow older.
To accomplish this goal and to create a sense of community, a variety of practices have been put in place including Family Packs and Regional Hangouts.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our staff distributed more than 400 Family Packs to the children and families of the Outdoor Ministry. These packs contained a variety of games, snacks, gifts or other items designed to be enjoyed together as a family.
Each quarter, we host a Regional Hangout to bring together the children of the Outdoor Ministry for a time of fun and fellowship. These events have helped deepen the relationships formed between all involved in this ministry.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY THE OUTDOORS?
The outdoors played a major role in Carson’s development growing up in North Dakota, and it continues to be an important part of his life today. The memories created with friends and family, the solitude it provides to connect with God and the ability to bring organic, wild game to the table has always pushed him to get outdoors.
We believe the other benefits gained through the outdoors includes increased physical health through exercise, lowered anxiety and stress and the ability to restore focus.
This ministry gives children with life-threatening illnesses and other life-altering medical situations the opportunity to experience these things through hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, camping and more.
IS HUNTING ETHICAL?
We believe that hunting, when done correctly, is undoubtedly ethical.
The Bible references this in Genesis 1:26, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” This means these renewable resources are here for us to use and protect.
However, there will always be a tiny percentage of unethical people that cast a shadow on this most basic act of providing sustenance. It is our goal to introduce our participants to the ethical practices behind harvesting and consuming wild game.
WHAT STEPS ARE TAKEN TO ENSURE THIS MINISTRY IS SAFE?
The safety of children and young adults in our Outdoor Ministry is of the utmost importance.
At Camp Conquerors, a medical director and several medical staff are present to make sure campers are safe and healthy.
During Mountain Movers adventures, participants undergo a firearm safety demonstration before each hunt. This training includes general instruction and time on the range becoming acclimated with the firearm.
WHAT IS THE GOSPEL REACH?
The top priorities of the Outdoor Ministry are to introduce children to the Gospel and to help them experience God’s love through our programs.
Camp Conquerors includes worship and small group discussions on a daily basis.
On each Mountain Movers adventure, we spend time sharing the Gospel with the children each day.
Mentoring these children as they become disciples for Christ doesn’t end after exposing them to the Gospel. We value continued engagement with these children and their families in order to encourage them in their walk with the Lord.
It is our intention to create a sense of encouragement and community for these children as they grow up.
HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE TO THE OUTDOOR MINISTRY?
Currently, the best way to contribute to the Outdoor Ministry is by making a financial gift. For any other inquiries, please contact us at: info@ao1foundation.org.