Christikon is a ministry of Lutheran congregations that is based in an outdoor setting in the mountains of southern Montana which offers experiences grounded in and shaped by the gospel of Jesus Christ.
This year, two groups of students will experience the beauty of Christikon during the same week. 9th grade students will participate in our traditional backpacking trip while 8th grade students will experience the on-site program that includes staying in cabins, hiking, worship, all camp games and one backpacking overnight. It is also a time for them to meet other kids from around the country.
Dates - Bethel youth will attend Christikon from June 20-28 (includes 2 travel days). We will leave Bethel VERY early on the 20th and return on the evening of the 28th.
Transportation – Both group will travel together to Christikon and then part ways when they get to camp. We will be traveling in 12-passenger vans. For more travel details, please see the Christkon information sheets below.
For many years, Bethel’s youth who have completed 9th grade have participated in the “Mountaineers” backpacking trip as a part of their preparation for confirmation. Students will be placed in a backpacking group of 8-13 hikers and hike into the wilderness. Each day, they will camp, cook, worship, hike, have Bible study and live together. The first and last day of camp will be spent at camp and the rest of the week will be on trail.
Camp will provide tents, meals, bags and other gear. You will need to bring good hiking boots, a sleeping bag, a sleeping pad and other personal items. A detailed packing list will be provided. For more information on cost, payment schedule, fundraising and more, please download the "Christikon Backpacking Information Sheet."
The deposit is due to Bethel in the amount of $150 with full payment due June 1.
This year, we are creating a trip for those who have completed 8th grade (by June of 2026) to travel to Christikon and spend the week onsite, hiking, worshiping, playing all camp games, having bonfires, and more. A unique aspect of the on-site program is that students stay in cabins with students from all over the country, not just Bethel! They also get a “taste” of backpacking with an overnight on trial.
At Christikon, you will sleep in cabins with bunk beds. Camp provides tents, bags, and other gear for your one-night backpacking overnight. You will need to bring good hiking boots, a sleeping bag, a pillow, and a sleeping pad (for your trail night and our two travel nights in churches). A detailed packing list will be made available as we get closer to our trip.
For more information on cost, payment schedule, fundraising, and more, please download the "Christikon Backpacking Information Sheet."
The deposit is due to Bethel in the amount of $150 with full payment due June 1.