UMA exists to serve the community in a positive way by encouraging teens to turn off their cellphones and computers, step out of their comfort zones, and set off on a real adventure. We desire to impact teens by leading them on wilderness experiences that develop a new perspective on life and impart a deeper understanding and respect for the world around them . We feel that any youth can benefit from the physical and spiritual challenges found in exploring nature.
Urban Mountain Adventures provides life-changing wilderness experiences and outdoor adventure trips for urban youth.
WHO
We serve a core group of about 100 urban youth ages 6-18 in Lynchburg, VA.
WHY
We are passionate about the vital role the outdoors can play in developing life skills, confidence, and a deeper sense of purpose. UMA provides opportunities for teens to get out of their comfort zones and have a wilderness experience that will impact their life at no cost. We are committed to adhering to our core values as we fulfill our purpose.
HOW WE SERVE
Weekly Small Groups
We currently have 8 small groups that meet weekly. In these weekly gatherings, we focus on biblical values, team work, sportsmanship, leadership, and life skills.
Adventure Trips
Adventure trips allow us to expose our youth to new experiences. They face fears, are challenged, overcome, and are empowered. These trips enable us to overcome barriers and build trust at a level we couldn't reach with our weekly bible studies alone.
TITUs Project
This is our new mentorship program. We pair up two leaders and two of our youth for two-on-two mentorships. It's a lot of baking and visits to the park, but is also another touch point to support and love our youth throughout the week.
Coming Soon: Apprenticeships
We want to prepare our High Schoolers to join the workforce by providing training(CPR/ First aid) and skills, by teaching responsibility and accountability while in a supportive environment. We are still working on the details but we are really excited.
Core Values
Challenge
We facilitate professional wilderness adventure programs which challenge participants outside of their comfort zones. Overcoming fears is a vital part of our ministry.
Safety
UMA staff and volunteers adhere to the strictest safety standards and we seek to instill those standards within our youth by teaching risk-management while on our adventure trips. We are also staffed with EMTs, Paramedics, Firefighters and Rescue Squad members.
Community
UMA recognizes the value of intentionally living within the community we serve. This provides a consistent and personal involvement with our youth and their families, thereby demonstrating a Christ-centered model for living.
Spiritual Growth
We encourage corporate and individual growth in Christ. This takes place through personal accountability and relationships as well as group fellowship with the UMA staff.
Leadership & Service
We seek to empower our youth as they grow up into young adults. This is a newer initiative, we seek to do this by putting them in leadership roles and through community service.
Responsibility
Our youth are responsible for their gear on our adventure trips. We also teach good stewardship by practicing Leave No Trace principles.
