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JULY 24 - 30, 2022
Backpacking in Northern New Mexico

If you liked summer camp, but are looking for a deeper, more intimate experience, then this backpacking trip is for you.

Perfectly situated outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, This Wilderness Trek backpacking trip will be a spiritual catalyst adventure that will help you grow into the person God calls you to be. No matter what your walk of life or fitness level, be ready to be introduced to the wonders of God’s creation on a whole new level, opening your heart to become a lifelong follower of Jesus Christ. In terms of creature comforts and man-made features, this is The Opposite of Camp. In terms of getting close to God through the natural beauty and wonders of His creations, it’s An Experience With No Equal. Be ready to experience 13,000ft peaks, pristine lakes, and solitude for miles---all of which are waiting for you in the nation’s second-oldest national forest area, the Pecos Wilderness. You will see the area famed trapper Kit Kason called home while traveling through several ecosystems to isolated alpine summits you'll not soon forget.

This trip is open to all high school students, but keep in mind that there are a VERY limited number of spaces available for this one-of-a-kind trip. Information on what to bring with you and a student handbook will be provided to each registrant. 

Here is some very important information about the trip:

• Registration fee for the trip is $590.00, with a $100.00 deposit required upon registration.  

• The deadline for registrations is July 1st.  Final payment is due July 15th.

• All forms required for the trip must be turned in to the First Pres Youth office no later than July 15th.

• Last day for refunds will be July 8th.

• Register here:  https://firstpres.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/780079

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People from many nations will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
    to the house of Jacob’s God.
There he will teach us his ways,
    and we will walk in his paths.”   

Micah 4:2

First Pres A&O Seniors 2022 Make a Difference in Ireland

The Senior class of 2022 chose to go to Ireland for their mission trip, where the group made a lasting impression with everyone they came in contact with. Everyone enjoyed the time serving at Drewstown House, which is a Christian retreat and adventure center operated by Billy Swan with Dublin Family Outreach. Because this 18th century home and grounds, are in constant need of repair and decoration, each year the directors of Drewstown House and Dublin Family Outreach are pleased to welcome groups like ours to help with agreed projects in and around the House. Dublin Family Outreach benefits from this work through being able to host summer camp at the House with hundreds of families. 

The kids learned new skills and helped tremendously with much-needed sanding and painting of several rooms in Drewstown House.  Friendships were deepened through working together and daily praise and worship.  Getting to attend a church service with the Dublin Family Outreach families and the annual St. Patrick's Day parade in downtown Dublin were real highlights that created lasting memories.  

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Thank you, First Pres Family for your support that helped make this once-in-a-lifetime trip possible.  You are helping our youth serve and make a difference around the world!