Beyond the Backcountry: What Are We Preparing For?

There are frontiers that dwarf the Grand Tetons, the vastness of the BLM lands, and even the deepest backcountry trails we navigate in our Skoolies. When we talk about ‘adventure,’ we often picture a trail marker, a mountain pass, or a National Park overlook. But sometimes, the greatest adventure is simply looking forward—looking at the stars, looking at the next generation, and looking toward a future that is far beyond our current coordinates.

The Ultimate Field Trip

National Geographic’s new series, MARS, shows us the ultimate field trip: colonizing the Red Planet. The sheer scope of the project—the massive engineering, the complex science, the incredible risk—is staggering. It makes you think about what it truly means to push the boundaries of what is possible. Is it purely about science, or is it about *purpose*? The transcript excerpt hints at this tension: a race between scientific curiosity and self-interest, a conflict over who owns the ‘big plans.’

For us, the Rogue Adventurers, the concept of a frontier has always been intensely personal. Our adventures—whether it's a family van-life trip to a State Park, a backpacking loop in the Rockies, or a local bouldering meet-up—are our way of practicing for the journey ahead. We are learning to navigate the terrain of the world, yes, but we are also learning to navigate the world's current tensions—the clash between what is genuine and what is merely self-serving.

The Convergence of Journeys

The beauty of the Rogue Adventurers movement is how it draws disparate groups into one shared path. We have the full-time RV families doing world schooling on the road; the dedicated climbers who treat every rock face like a spiritual challenge; and the homeschool co-ops planning their first great journey outside the county line. We are all seekers, all preparing for a gathering.

This reminds us of the power of the little moments. When we stop at a pristine overlook, we don't just take a picture; we set down a CRockyGo painted rock—a silent stone of remembrance and hope for the next traveler. When we stop at a local bakery like Proof Breads, we don't just buy bread; we spend a decorated Currency Kids bill, letting that small, tangible gospel tract travel with the dollar, carrying a word of hope to the next person who walks through that door.

Finding Life, Not at the Expense of It

The Mars series confronts us with a profound question: What are we willing to sacrifice for progress? The transcript echoes a sentiment: “I came here to find life not at the expense of it.” This rings true, doesn't it? Our journey—our commitment to faith, family, and community—is our declaration that some things are worth fighting for, and they cannot be bought or colonized by corporate self-interest. The greatest discovery, the life we are seeking, is always found together, in community.

Whether we are talking about the next great point of dispersed camping, the next major rock climbing festival, or the day we finally gather together as a community of believers, the lesson remains the same: We are prepared. We are moving toward something greater. Our journey is not just an escape; it is preparation. It is the practice of being ready for what is to come.

Ready to add your corner of the world to the map? Share your field trip ideas, find a local meet-up, or claim a creator profile and help us spread the word. Let’s keep gathering, keep preparing, and keep looking toward the ultimate home.