Do you ever ask yourself, “How does anyone make new friends as an adult in Denver?” Although it’s no secret that finding like-minded friends can be a challenge, the JCC Young Adult Backpacking weekend, located at Ranch Camp may be the answer. This summer, we want you to come out for a weekend of outdoorsy fun. Not only will you be surrounded by the beauty of the Arapahoe National Forest, but you’ll expand your circle of Jewish pals and make connections that will last a lifetime. 

For decades, Ranch Camp has whisked teenage campers into the Colorado countryside. The mountains serve as the backdrop to build friendships, and the sunsets become a natural sanctuary for spiritual exploration. “Expanding that magic to twenty and thirty somethings felt like the obvious next step,” explains Max O’Hara, the Assistant Director of Ranch Camp. From July 11 – 13, a group of thirteen young adults will trek near Grand Lake. It is roughly a three-day, two-night experience designed to balance challenging hikes with relaxed down time. The group will walk five to six moderate miles per day, leaving ample time for Shabbat ritual, backcountry cooking, solo reflection, and Havdalah under the stars. 

Each participant should pack their personal items, backpacking essentials, and a hunger for adventure. The JCC staff will provide the planning, cooking, and guiding needs, as well as a pre-trip meetup to discuss further logistics. Transportation from the JCC (plus an I-70 carpool stop) is included in the cost of the program. Sliding-scale pricing keeps the cost of this weekend far below commercial guiding rates. No gear? No problem! The low-cost gear rental through the Ranch Camp “gear library” makes this trip available to backpackers of all skill levels.  

In addition to the trekking, this weekend is designed to form lasting connections for participants. As shared by a former camper, “Ranch Camp backpacking trips allowed me to gain confidence in my ability to explore the outdoors while meeting some of my closest friends.” The secret to this sauce is the bonding over the sweat earned on the steep switchbacks, playing cheesy ice breaker games, and sharing backcountry meals together. Combined with a tech-free Shabbat and time in nature, you will be sure to return home with mental clarity, spiritual rejuvenation, and a meaningful new community.