Finding Holy Places: Simple Gatherings on the Family Overlander Adventure

The journey, whether it’s a weekend road trip or a cross-country overlanding epic, is always a gathering. It’s where the whole crew—the kids, the dog, the gear, and the Spirit—come together. But sometimes, even the best-laid plans can feel overwhelming. You arrive at a destination, and instead of finding the quiet moment of connection you hoped for, you're faced with a massive, echoing crowd and a sensory overload of flashing lights and screaming slides.

This past weekend, we were in the Wisconsin Dells, and the goal was simple: a comfortable, low-stress place to rest and connect as a family. We learned quickly that sometimes, the greatest adventure isn't about conquering the biggest attraction, but about finding the perfect, manageable pocket of peace. We intentionally steered clear of the colossal water parks and found a wonderful rhythm instead.

It was a great reminder that finding grace often means choosing simplicity. We stayed at a brand new hotel called Avid, which was incredibly clean and comfortable—a true blessing for any family on the road. They even had a rooftop space, perfect for catching a quiet moment of fellowship before heading out. Right across the way, the Holiday Inn Express offered the perfect setup: a dual indoor and outdoor pool area. Both were heated, featuring slides and hot tubs, but crucially, they maintained a smaller, more manageable area for the littlest ones, keeping the energy high without the crushing feeling of being in a massive crowd.

For any family planning a big field trip, whether you're world schooling out of a Skoolie or just taking a weekend trip from the county line, remember this lesson: Intentionality is key. Choosing a place that supports your family's pace—a smaller gathering spot rather than a massive spectacle—can make all the difference. It allows the true joy of the journey, and the fellowship of the family, to shine through.

The Art of Intentional Gathering

As we settle into the rhythms of full-time RV life, we realize that every destination, every rest stop, and every trailhead is a potential HolyPlace. The ability to pause and gather with those we love, recognizing the goodness of the day and the promise of what is to come, is a true gift. It’s a convergence point where the practical needs of road life meet the deep needs of the soul.

When we leave a place, we want to leave something of encouragement behind. That’s where the tools of the Rogue Adventurer come in. On our way out, we made sure to stop at a local vendor, spending some decorated Currency Kids bills—each one a small tract of hope traveling with the dollar—and leaving a painted rock at the overlook. These small acts of remembrance are how we build community, one field trip at a time.

Plan Your Next Field Trip

Whether you're planning a backpacking trip through the backcountry, a bouldering meetup at a National Park, or a simple family outing, the adventure is always better when you have a community waiting for you. We encourage you to look at your calendar and plan a 'field-trip-at-scale' gathering. Maybe it's a bakery tour at a local spot, a rock-climbing meet-up, or simply a day of shared worship at a state park.

Don't wait for the destination to give you purpose; bring your purpose to the destination. Find another Rogue Adventurers family, list your next field trip, or claim a creator profile to help guide the next generation of believers on the road. Let’s keep building this map of HolyPlaces together. The journey home is calling!