What is Upward Challenge?

Upward Challenge is a week-long event that focuses on introducing youth to the person of the Holy Spirit, encourages them to seek a deeper walk with Jesus Christ and nurtures a growing relationship with God the Father. During the week, youth participate in interactive teaching sessions, small group discussions, personal solo times, one-on-one prayer ministry, powerful times of worship, group games, a challenging field trip, and times of wonderful fellowship and service.

Upward Challenge is a unique event that places PRMI’s Dunamis teaching in a camp setting where youth learn by hands-on interaction and activity.

Elizabeth gives a very good summary of what makes Upward challenge effective.

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A video clip of Elizabeth Long Schultz, The Founder of Upward Challenge, sharing the impact on youth who have been to Upward Challenge. 

Who is Upward Challenge for?

This event is designed for youth (8th-12th grade) who have a desire to be deepened in their faith and are actively seeking to grow. It is recommended that the youth who attend already have a basic knowledge of Scripture and a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Upward Challenge takes place at the Community of the Cross in Black Mountain, NC. Here, the nations are impacted by the prayers of God’s people and many have been equipped for the work Christ calls us to do.   The Community of the Cross is a place of encountering God’s healing and empowering presence.

Upward Challenge is a growing community and service oriented event. Meals will be prepared and served by the attending students and each individual is expected to contribute to the community through clean-up, set-up, participation, and the expression of their individual gifts.

All Terrain Human In 2009 Upward Challenge focused on our worldview and how we, like Jesus can be connected to the Holy Spirit. During the event, participants sought the answers to questions like: How is your life "tinted" by your worldview? What needs to happen in your life to turn you from being a "Saul" to a "Paul"? How do we interact with the Holy Spirit to advance the Kingdom of God?

With the teaching comes application. During Upward Challenge participants will be equipped, empowered, and sent out to practically apply what has been taught during the week. Come join us as we dive into the adventure of being a part of God’s mission on earth.

Where teens are gathered, fun and excitement are sure to appear. In addition to incredible times of worship and challenging teaching sessions, youth will find themselves playing games, sharing tents, gathered around a campfire, participating in a service project, interacting with each other in small groups, floating down a river, and playing in God’s wonderful creation.