CATALYST
Men's & Women's
Backpacking Trips
Men: MARCH 22-24 | Women: APRIL 26-28
Embark on an adventure that is sure to challenge and renew you physically, mentally and spiritually!
***Brand new for 2024, we are excited to offer our 1st annual WOMEN'S BACKPACKING TRIP!***
Participants on both men's and women's backpacking trips will tackle 15 miles on one of the most beautiful hiking trails in western Pennsylvania! We will carry everything we need for the trip on our backs and enjoy the beauty of God's Creation together as we dive into His Word and spend time in group discussion, personal reflection and solitude throughout the weekend.
This is an experience you'll never forget.
Must be at least 18 years old to participate.
*Boys 16-17 years old may attend with their father or mentor
*Girls16-17 years old may attend with their mother or mentor
Cost: $125
Includes:
-
Use of internal frame backpack
-
Hiking and Camping permits
- Trip Guide & Speaker
- Shuttle service to and from trail
-
5 Meals & All Cooking Equipment
*Maximum of 12 people, register early!
*Please note, camping on trip is primitive -
no running water or electricity
Registration NOW OPEN!
*The Laurel Highlands Trail is a physically
demanding trail with several sections of
prolonged elevation gain and uneven,
rocky, steep descents. Participants must
be in excellent physical condition and
ready to tackle some difficult terrain!
Men's Speaker :
Tom Ribar
I have worked in gospel ministry for almost 40 years. I have 20 years of campus ministry experience in student life, mission leadership, and teaching both in and out of the classroom. I have served for nearly 20 years in a variety of pastoral roles with three different congregations. This includes my current service as part-time pastor to the congregation of Mt. Pisgah Presbyterian Church in Greentree. Nothing excites me more than helping disciples of Jesus grow in faithfulness by deepening their understanding of the Biblical story and our place in it.
My journey as a teacher and preacher of the Gospel began in earnest at Muskingum College (1984).
After several years working in campus ministry with the CCO in western PA, I completed my Master of
Divinity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (1992). I am currently finishing my MSW for licensure
as a counselor (something to do in retirement!)
My most cherished gift is my wife, Tami, who I wed in December of 1985! We have three grown
children, Jessa Darwin, Lexi Ribar, and Nathan (Lydia) Ribar. We have 4 grandchildren who are the joy of our lives. Tami and I live in the Garfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh, where we enjoy being close to our children, and particularly being grandparents!
Women's Speaker:
Becky Juliano
I’ve been working for the CCO, a campus ministry organization, in partnership with the First Presbyterian Church in Waynesburg since 2008. I have had the opportunity to lead wilderness trips in a wide variety of places, but I think my favorite has been the Adirondack Park in upstate New York. Connecting at Pine Springs through being a VWD and participating in Women in the Woods has been a gift. My two kids (and my husband) absolutely love going to camp as well! Random fun facts, I have an undergrad degree in engineering and a Masters degree in Christian Formation and Ministry (with an emphasis in outdoor ministry), I am a certified Wilderness First Responder, I love listening to audiobooks, and my soul really needs the outdoors. I love learning about God, others and myself in the wilderness environment so I’m very excited for this adventure!
Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.
-Deuteronomy 8:2
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Elevation Profile
