The history of Summit Adventure is so complex that it would be difficult to trace all the people and events which have had such an influence on its ministry.

In 1971 Tim & Pam Hansel founded Summit Expedition. The ministry was born out of their strong conviction that a rugged Christian program, designed to challenge people in a concept of total spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical fitness, would be able to address the tremendous need for such fitness.

Summit’s early courses were primarily run in the Stanislaus National Forest, east of Sacramento. In the late 70’s Summit Expedition acquired a YWCA lodge on three acres of leased Forest Service land around Bass Lake and made it a seasonal base for courses. In 1987 the main office moved from San Diego to Bass Lake. Shortly after that, chronic health problems resulting from a climbing accident forced Tim & Pam to retire from Summit.

In 1988, under the leadership of Dave and Barb Kelley, Summit Expedition became Summit Adventure. The first year of Summit Adventure was operated out of the basement of a rented house and our first course (SA#1) was run in Joshua Tree in the fall of 1988. Through the generosity of supporters, Base and some gear was bought from Summit Expedition during the spring of 1989.

During the early 1990s, the mobile home that now provides offices for the administrative staff was acquired. The SeaLand trailer and gear lockers became the home of logistics in 1995. In 1995, Mike Rollinson, board member and instructor since 1989, became the Executive Director of Summit. That same year Dave Kelley broke new ground as Director of Resource Development.

Summit has continued pioneering work with a wide variety of populations including families, youth, adults, the disabled, youth at risk, schools, churches, parachurch ministries, and professional development groups.

Many people have participated in the three decades of ministry through Summit Adventure. Without the efforts, sacrifice, and vision of each of them we would not be where we are today.