Great Outdoor Adventure Trips (GOAT) provides after school and summer programs designed to build relationships, equip students, and elevate leaders. All in pursuit of helping students reach their God-given potential
Our Mission:
Experiencing the love of God in nature and equipping youth leaders through outdoor adventure.
At GOAT, we believe that the great outdoors is a powerful classroom for transformation. As a member of the Lead Collective family, we are joining God in His mission to make all things new by removing the barriers that keep under-resourced youth from experiencing the wonder, challenge, and growth of adventure.
We walk alongside middle and high school students to provide healing from trauma, build social capital, and develop the leadership skills essential for long-term flourishing—all in pursuit of helping students reach their God-given potential.
Expanding Horizons. Building Resilience. Chasing Flourishing.
Why Adventure Matters
In a world dominated by screens, our youth are facing a mental health crisis. Nationally, 1 in 5 students has a diagnosed anxiety or depression-related condition, a reality often amplified in under-resourced communities where access to support is limited.
We believe that what students need more than anything is to unplug. Our programs are designed to positively impact youth mental health by building meaningful relationships in a device-free environment. Through shared adventure in green spaces, we see persistent feelings of hopelessness replaced by courage, resilience, and joy.
How We Move the Mission Forward
We address the root causes of childhood poverty by focusing on three core pillars of engagement:
1. Partnership: Equipping the Community
There are incredible nonprofits across Greenville serving youth with passion, but limited budgets often leave no room for high-quality enrichment. We serve as a ministry to other organizations, providing professionally guided outdoor adventures at no cost to our partners.
The Impact: To date, we have provided $2.7 million dollars in in-kind grants, ensuring that cost, transportation, and geography never stand in the way of a student’s growth.
2. Mentorship: The Adventure Team
True change happens through consistent, Christ-centered relationships. Our Adventure Team consists of students who participate in year-round, adventure-based mentoring. Through weekly trips, these students find a safe space to challenge themselves and build the positive networks essential for upward mobility.
3. Leadership: The Junior Guide Program
We don’t just guide students; we develop them into leaders. Our Junior Guide Program is a year-long leadership track that develops the character of high school students. They learn the hard skills needed to lead their peers, culminating in a paid Summer Internship Program where they help guide the next generation of adventurers.
Our Collective Impact
Our mission is rooted in transformation and cultivating the seeds of flourishing. In 2025 alone, we have provided 741 outdoor adventure trips, hiking thru DuPont, paddle boarding in Lake Jocassee, and biking on the Swamp Rabbit Trail with students who are discovering their own strength for the first time.
By showing up for our youth today, we are ensuring a harvest of impact that will last for generations to come.
GOAT is a part of Lead Collective. We exist so that youth in under-resourced communities will experience the love of Christ and flourish for generations to come.
Lead Collective is joining God in His mission to make all things new. Lead serves as the supportive hub for three ministries, GOAT, Éleos Ministry, and Reach, in order to multiply their impact in historically under-resource communities.