About Venture Off | Wilderness Education

two people with their arms up in the wilderness

The Why

WILDERNESS

‍Our society is becoming more disconnected and isolated, leading to a growing need for time spent outdoors to reconnect with nature and one another. The wilderness offers a unique, transformative environment, providing beauty, challenge, and a sense of community that no other setting can replicate. It's a place where personal growth and deeper connections thrive. By immersing ourselves in nature, we aim to foster a sense of belonging, teamwork, and resilience, helping participants gain confidence and a renewed appreciation for the natural world.

CANYONEERING/TECHNICAL ADVENTURES
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We believe that technical and adventure-based sports bring an exciting challenge to our trips, enhancing both physical and mental growth. Canyoneering, in particular, offers a multi-layered experience—combining strength, endurance, and agility with problem-solving, navigation, and teamwork. It’s an exhilarating way to explore the outdoors while pushing personal limits. Beyond the physical aspect, canyoneering allows participants to experience nature in a fully immersive way, not just viewing it, but engaging with the landscape on a deeper, more meaningful level.

Who We Serve

Students in middle and high school
Middle and high school youth groups
Christian and non-profit organizations seeking team building and leadership opportunities.
Groups from missionary and Bible schools seeking to prepare missionaries for the rigors and challenges of developing-world missions.
Families/parents/caregivers seeking to connect with their children through outdoor adventures.

STAFF QUALIFICATIONS AND SAFETY

Venture Off Staff are experienced and qualified outdoor experts committed to Jesus and safely guiding students through challenging and unexpected environments. They are certified as Wilderness First Responders and hold various other certifications in their area of expertise. Staff is trained to identify, assess and approach obstacles as a learning tool, to be managed but not eliminated, to provide students with the opportunity to gain insights and perspectives into their capabilities.

On a Venture Off trip, although all within a person’s capability you will live and travel in wilderness settings that will open you to certain risks. We believe those risks will give you rare opportunities to gain insight, grow in self-awareness, and change perspectives when necessary. Overcoming risk and uncertainty are central to the concept of adventure.

We have more than twenty years of experience leading groups into the wild. We have qualified leaders with many hours of experience in all the areas of skill and discipline that we will encounter.

The ability to communicate with emergency help is always a priority with us. On each trip, we bring Garmin Inreach devices. Through satellite technology, these devices allow the sending of messages and contacting search and rescue support. Our devices also allow family and friends to track our progress and view our location on Google maps.

Meet the team

Brief History

VENTURE OFF began in the summer of 2009 with a mission to inspire students through immersive wilderness education. The founders recognized that the outdoors offers a unique opportunity to remove distractions, challenge individuals physically, and foster personal growth.

Since its inception, VENTURE OFF has led hundreds of students from schools, youth organizations, and community groups on outdoor adventures in diverse wilderness settings, including the Utah Canyons, Colorado Mountains, and the jungles of Puerto Rico.The organization’s approach to wilderness education is grounded in the belief that nature can be a powerful catalyst for personal development. By encouraging students to push themselves beyond their comfort zones and rely on teamwork, VENTURE OFF aims to create an environment where participants can grow in confidence, resilience, and leadership.

Over the years, VENTURE OFF has built a reputation as a trusted provider of outdoor adventure experiences. The organization works with a wide range of groups, from youth programs to educational institutions and family retreats, offering transformative adventures for all.As VENTURE OFF looks to the future, it remains committed to its founding vision of using the wilderness to inspire and empower students through outdoor education.

About Us

Why We Exist

The Why

Who We Serve

Brief History