Support the Future of La Vida

Today’s society is information-rich but experience poor. Research shows that the current generation of youth is overcome with disproportionate amounts of loneliness, anxiety and stress. Troublesome in themselves, these symptoms also breed insecurity and hinder a person’s potential. While these issues are most apparent in youth, the problems of today’s culture transcend generations. Outdoor experiences are a vital ingredient for every member of a community that seeks to reverse these cultural trends. 

La Vida transforms participants of all ages through outdoor experiences that catalyze their emotional, physical and spiritual health. Empowered by tangible encounters with their true potential, La Vida participants return to their home as agents of change. The guiding lessons of their La Vida experience combat the overwhelming side-effects of today’s technological landscape.

In order to empower and equip Christian leaders in Wenham, New York and beyond, La Vida is committed to deepening our ministry in four main areas:

Not everyone who needs La Vida can afford it. Many of the people La Vida is designed to reach are prohibited due to costs. La Vida is seeking to increase the opportunities for underserved communities—children, youth and adults—to participate in our programs.

In order to lead outdoor excursions, a lot happens behind the scenes. Most of the buildings and material needs for our programs aren’t covered by what participants pay. We’re seeking to maximize our facilities through key renovations while also upgrading vital equipment needs.

It’s not just today’s generation that needs La Vida. We’re poised to provide innovative leadership development for the needs of tomorrow, too. An endowed fund helps us invest for future generations of La Vida participants

Equipping equals credentials. Through academic and certificate programs, La Vida will provide professional qualifications for rising outdoor educators who multiply the ministry beyond La Vida’s own programs.

Faith Rising Campaign

Gordon College recently launched a comprehensive $130 million campaign—Faith Rising—to meet the evolving and dynamic needs of today’s generation. The campaign focuses on three areas: affordability, academics and community life. Through the generosity of Gordon’s extended community, the campaign will deepen the College’s commitment to serving future generations while advancing Gordon’s distinctive mission. 

La Vida is a fundamental part of the student development experience, and also extends its programming to area children, youth, other university students, parents and corporations. La Vida carries the Gordon mission beyond its walls by cultivating community, catalyzing character formation and developing servant leaders in the wilderness and world. 

La Vida Campaign Goals

As we celebrate La Vida’s 50th anniversary alongside the Faith Rising campaign, La Vida seeks to raise $2.5 million:

PRAISYE YEO
ADK Expeditions

“La Vida has taught me to step out of my comfort zone and take risks to test limits created by fear. I’ve found the type of leader I want to be, the kind of higher standard to which I am called.”

TY SPENCER
Compass

“La Vida’s Compass program elevated me to new heights. The things I’ve learned and the relationships I’ve built will push me further into the love of Christ than I have ever been before.”

 

JESS TOZER
Discovery

“For six years I believed that I shouldn’t bother trying because someone was also going to taunt me, tease me or bring me down for the way I did things. God used La Vida to remind me of the fact that he truly and undeniably loves me. Suddenly, I felt important. I felt cared for. And for the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel like a burden.”

 

WENHAM PARENT
Adventure Camp

“La Vida has been a huge confidence builder for my daughter with special needs. She feels she has gained a higher level of independence. This is a turning point for her.”