History

Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters began in 1995 as a dream and vision to use the camp and retreat platform to challenge students to deeper discipleship and pursuit of Christ. Since that time we have held fast to the philosophy that there can be long term value and ongoing partnership with the people God has sent us. We have always believed that SWO was called to be a friend and partner to the local church. From the beginning we have sought to challenge students both physically and spiritually so that their lives may be changed eternally. We share in the experiences that high recreation affords, and challenge them physically through these experiences. As walls come down, we minister the Gospel to them so that the challenge is not only physical and temporary, but spiritual and eternal. Our roots have grown deep through so many of these shared experiences, and continue to spread as we grow.

SWO began with very humble beginnings, like so many other ministries do. There was no major support initially, and the obedience of a small group of people to follow the call and vision God had for the ministry was at times very challenging. But God doesn’t call people to easy things, and it became evident very early that He was going to do something special here.

In the first year we committed to simply pray and fast and seek the Lord so that we might know the direction he would have us go. Then in January of 1997 the tangible roots of what would eventually become today’s facilities were planted. The land that we needed was made available by the Coleman family and we broke ground in February of that year by clearing the first road through the property, which was the home to a small herd of cows (the cows were not too enthused but adapted well). The going was slow that first year but in the first part of 1998 construction began on the first cabin thanks to the first major donation the ministry ever received. With that donation we were able to frame up one cabin and purchase two outfitter style platform tents. These facilities would serve as student housing for the first two years of camp, making the initial capacity around 50 people. During that time the Holloways lived on the property and the Colemans commuted from their home outside of Atlanta. In July of 1998 the Colemans moved the main office of SWO to a small rental house near camp. This house doubled as an office for camp and a home for the Colemans. With this move the reality of SWO was affirmed, and the wheels of the vehicle God was powering were rapidly turning.

In 1999 SWO ran our first full summer of camp and had an additional 6 weekend discipleship camps. We staffed the summer program with 6 staff members and saw over 500 students come over the period of 8 weeks. Even with limited resources and the demand for much creativity in the area of recreation, it really was an amazing time of realized vision and blessed ministry. We have never stopped pressing forward and God has done more than we could have imagined. Each year has seen growth in numbers, but more importantly, in ministry quality and effectiveness. SWO currently facilitates and partners with hundreds of churches each year, ministering to thousands of students annually. From tiny beginnings, we have seen God grow mountains. SWO is now the year-round home to over a dozen families and 25 full-time staff.

The initial call to disciple and minister relationally was met with repeated doubt by many well-intentioned friends and ministry partners. To some it seemed that this type of ministry could only serve evangelistic purposes and no more. God had different plans and continues to do much for the Gospel both evangelistically and in the area of discipleship. We have a heart for those who don’t know Christ personally, and a heart for the growth and maturity of the church. Come be a part of the history God is making at SWO. It has been a breathtaking decade, and we can’t wait to see what is next.