Glossbrenner United Methodist Church (UMC), 713 Church St., Mount Joy, recently offered an outdoor excursion opportunity to church members and others. From July 12 to 14, the six participants completed an approximately 17-mile backpacking journey in the Tiadaghton State Forest in Lycoming County. They trekked the Black Forest Trail in Pine Creek Gorge - also known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania - located near the town of Slate Run. Their path included vistas and scenic waterfalls. The final night, July 14, the crew had dinner and stayed at the Black Forest Inn.

The trip was led by Glossbrenner member David F. Eichler. He recently retired from a 35-year career as a Donegal High school physical and outdoor education teacher, and he has also been a North Carolina Outward Bound school instructor. Eichler holds a doctorate in adult education from Penn State University.

The other participants were Pat and Steve Spence from Glossbrenner, Eric Boyer, Alex Boyer, and Andrew Miller.

The trip became possible after the Donegal School District School Board decided to transfer unused outdoor adventure equipment and gear to Glossbrenner UMC. Additionally, a church parishioner made a donation that allowed for the purchase of additional equipment.

The trip began on July 12 with a 6 a.m. departure from the church and a four-hour drive to the start of the course. The crew members were then supplied with backpacks, food, sleeping bags and rain and other camping gear, including sleeping pads, plastic ground sheets, water bottles, bowls, spoons, and orienteering compasses. Group camping items included camp stoves, fuel bottles, pots, tarps, a topographic map and equipment for carrying and filtering water.

The crew was instructed in the use and care of the equipment. The training came in handy during rain showers on the first evening and high wind with thunderstorms and heavy rain during the second night; because the tarps were erected soundly, no sleeping bags were dampened. The crew also learned how to use compasses, a topographic map and a route plan to help them navigate the numerous trail systems that would be used.

Daily devotions utilized the "Upper Room" booklet, and the corresponding Bible verses were followed by a prayer. Topics of discussion included praising and trusting God during times of struggle, as well as how the most ordinary tasks or acts of service can bring glory to God. Various acts of services occurred during the trip. Examples include giving a hand to a crewmate struggling on the trail, redistributing gear in backpacks to balance weight and ability, purifying water for others' water bottles, assisting with the tying of knots and hitches for tarp construction, and preparing or cooking a meal for the group.

During their journey, participants learned about the specifics of backpacking, like how to pack a backpack, prepare a meal on a camp stove without overcooking or undercooking the food, purify water correctly, practice Leave No Trace principles, set up a shelter, stay hydrated and utilize rest breaks. They also honed skills such as compassion and humanity.