Becky McKinnon
Explore 2 Program Coordinator
beckym@campbighorn.com
BA in Elementary Education (Wheaton College)
Advanced Wilderness Leadership Program (through Wheaton College Graduate School)
Wilderness First Responder (and CPR)
Lifeguard
ACA Advanced Swiftwater Rescue
It’s been a seemingly long journey that has brought me to Camp Bighorn. My first introduction to the world of wilderness trips was as a freshman entering Wheaton College. On that trip I was faced with challenges which gave me perspective on how God was teaching me through the challenges of my “real” life.
After graduating with an elementary education degree, I had the opportunity to return to the woods as a part of a graduate school program through Wheaton called the Advanced Wilderness Leadership Program at Honey Rock. After 6 months of training and a summer of leading trips, I knew that I loved using the woods to challenge students to grow spiritually and personally. I continued being involved in the wilderness program at HoneyRock for the next 3 summers, working at an environmental education center during the winters.
Tired of the transitory nature of these seasonal jobs and unsure whether God wanted me to continue in this field, I moved to Maine, to join some friends in starting a church there. I found myself in the midst of a strong community, yet struggled to find work. As I led a couple trips a year for several colleges, I was reminded each time how much I love being a part of the growth and struggle that takes place in the wilderness.
In 2010 I came to Bighorn for a winter trip as a leader with Montreat College’s Immersion Semester. I was impressed with the staff we worked with, and was excited to hear of an opportunity to work with the Explore 2 students. Investing in students’ lives, challenging them to grow in their relationship with God and in their teaching and leadership skills in the wilderness is what I love, and I’m thankful that God has provided an opportunity to do that at Bighorn.
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