EarthTraces: Descending Into Greatness

Descending Into Greatness ("DIG")

Caving With Purpose

DESCENDING INTO GREATNESS is an exceptionally fun day - definitely outside the ordinary! This Life Experience is now sited at a number of wild, undeveloped caverns around the country (click HERE for locations) and more sites are being added! You'll see rock formations, underground rivers and strange but incredible wildlife as you journey down into the heart of creation!

Cave groups are limited to 36 participants, with larger groups being split into groups of 12-18. Each group would enters the cave 20-30 minutes or more apart so there's no interference with each other.

Be prepared to get wet and dirty - this is a truly undeveloped wild cave system! It will be a highlight of your year!

In addition to an incredible adventure deep into the heart of the Earth, "Descending into Greatness" teaches an important lesson. Contrary to society's values, God values you more for what you give others than what you receive from others. Instead of climbing the corporate ladder or seeking fame and importance in others eyes, it is more important to descend into servanthood in our Creator's eyes. Christ is our ultimate example of this.

This activity takes requires 4 - 5 hours (1 hour pre/post training, reflection & clean-up and 3-4 hours underground). It is mostly a stand-up hike - but, you will have opportunities to enter crawl zones. Some portions of the hike will be in knee-deep water. Caving gear (helmets, lights, knee pads, gloves) and activity leaders provided. Participants provide transportation to/from site, food and water. Open to beginners and experts, from 10 to 80. One adult required for each 5 participants under 18 years of age.

Click HERE for the ACTIVITY SCHEDULE IN THE CAVE and LIST OF EQUIPMENT each participant should bring (adobe.pdf file, 91K)

(Click HERE for the DIG trip message handout; adobe.pdf format, 161K)

Take a day to come with us on this incredible adventure! There's over 100 sessions available (click HERE!) and it's only $23 (with $20 of this being a tax-deductible contribution to our CIF)! Groups, families or individuals are welcome! For more information or to register: contact us or choose any available 1-day or 2-day session! ALL CAVING EQUIPMENT PROVIDED! You only need to get yourself there! Food and camping options also available.

SEE PHOTOS OF A RECENT D.I.G. ADVENTURE! Click HERE!

Locations:

Illinois Caverns in Waterloo, Illinois (40-60 minutes from most parts of St. Louis - click HERE for directions). The cave is closed on Monday and Tuesday and open the rest of the week. Illinois Caverns is a very stable, safe river cave system. (Why is it a "river" cave? There's no river nearby! Come and see! It's great fun!) While there is water, it drains well and does not dangerously flood during rain events. It is an ideal location! (Of course, trips will be postponed if unsafe weather approaches.) Cave rules generally require everyone to be out of the caverns by 2:30P, so programs start at 8:30A and 11:30A. Click HERE for the Illinois Caverns State Park site. USE THESE DIRECTIONS (click HERE) TO THE SITE! DON'T GET LOST!

NEW EXTREME CAVING TRIP: Once you've had a taste of caving on our basic trip - try our EXTREME caving trip! Do deep into Cascade Canyon and Hidden Passage as they wind their way down into narrower and narrower passages! Go where few have gone before! New messages and greater excitement too!

ADDITIONAL SITES NOW UNDER DEVELOPMENT. Contact: Error processing SSI file
anytime if you would like information about a Descending Into Greatness site in your area.

Pastors and Activity Leaders:

You may review and print the program lessons, handouts and posters anytime to encourage your members and their friends to come with you on your rappelling experience. This program is an exceptional means of reaching new people. Please click HERE for the documents list.

You may cancel program at any time prior to the off-site activity and apply participant contributions to any future activity. (Sponsor reservation contribution goes directly into the Internship Fund and is non-refundable.) Team building activities, lessons and other activities provided in case of partial rain-out, alternate dates provided in case of full rain-out.

To reserve a Descending Into Greatness program please contact us today!