"grounded"

During Spring Break of 2027, we are taking students on an 8 day trip throughout the Peloponnesian peninsula in Greece and will be walking the footsteps of the apostle Paul.  
We seek to equip young men and women with a resilient, rooted faith in Jesus Christ through immersive, place-based discipleship, forming lifelong friendships, biblical worldview clarity, and a passion to explore God’s word with courage and conviction.

The heart behind "Grounded" is to help young men and women remain steadfast in their faith after high school and as they step out on their own. We also hope they will form lasting friendships and ignite a passion for exploring the world. Most of all, we want them to be deeply rooted in their faith, especially when the world around them tempts them to question God.

Students will spend the first night in Athens, and then the next seven nights aboard a catamaran as they sail through the Saronic and Argolic gulf, with stops at the Ancient Theatre at the Asklepieion of Epidaurus, Nafplion, Spetsis, and Corinth along the way. Each boat has queen-sized beds, with one room having bunk beds. Each room also has its own private bathroom.

Dr. Shawn Newberry, Senior Pastor of Battle Ground Baptist Church, holds a Doctor of Educational Ministry (D.Ed.Min.) in Leadership with an emphasis on Discipleship, as well as two Master’s degrees in Biblical Education and Christian Leadership. These degrees reflect a lifelong commitment to both sound theology and practical formation—essential for shaping the spiritual and intellectual growth of young people. His educational background equips him not just to teach biblical truth, but to form lives that live it out.
Dr. Newberry has spent nearly three decades in pastoral ministry, including service as a senior pastor, youth pastor, and mentor to both emerging and seasoned leaders. His ministry has always prioritized discipleship, spiritual renewal, and equipping others to thrive in their calling—making him especially suited to guide students through a formative spiritual journey like Grounded.

Dr. Corey Miller, president of Ratio-Christi, is exceptionally qualified to co-lead this trip, both in terms of academic expertise and spiritual depth. His unique background, personal story, and professional experience align powerfully with the mission of the trip—equipping young people to be grounded in their faith while engaging a complex world with clarity and courage.
With three Master’s degrees (in philosophy, biblical studies, and philosophy of religion/ethics) and a PhD in philosophical theology from the University of Aberdeen, Dr. Miller brings a rare combination of intellectual rigor and theological depth. He has taught nearly 100 college-level courses on philosophy, theology, comparative religion, and rhetoric—key areas that help students learn to think critically and live faithfully in today’s cultural climate.

Deposit per person by December 1, 2026 = $500
Airfare = $1,000 by January 15th.
Remaining balance due by March 15th ($1,500).
Optional Travel Insurance through the church = $30-79 per person.

The cost of the trip is $3,000 per person, including airfare.
To help defray individual costs, we will be doing several fundraising efforts.
In February, we will host a fundraising dinner at the church that will include a silent auction for desserts. Everyone attending the trip will need to be present and help with this event.
We have also been incredibly blessed by the generosity of a local business that has committed to match our fundraising efforts dollar for dollar, up to $10,000. This generous gift is a major reason we are able to offer the trip at the reduced cost of $3,000 per person. Without this donor and our fundraising efforts, the cost of the trip would be approximately $5,000 per person.
Participants may also raise additional support from family and friends to help cover their individual trip costs. Sample support letters and an information packet are available outside the Youth Room for anyone who would like to begin raising support.

Space is limited. We currently have spots available for:
•5 young women
•6 young men
•2 sets of parents — We have one cabin available on each boat for a set of parents who would like to participate in the trip alongside the students and young adults.
This trip is open to high school students and young adults, with limited space available.