Happy Thanksgiving! Is Gratitude a Leadership Skill?
Gratitude is more than an attitude.
It’s a leadership skill that takes practice to hone. It inspires & strengthens those around us. Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant, helping us lead with hope & resilience even in challenging times. At Summit Outdoor Leadership, we are committed to cultivating this powerful skill through our training & outdoor ministry efforts.
So… Happy Thanksgiving! As I say every year, Thanksgiving is arguably the best holiday (feel free to reply with disagreement!), and I pray that—in the hustle & bustle of the season—you get a chance to slow down and reflect on the things worth being thankful for.
In this Thanksgiving update, you’ll read about:
The brand new Local Hike Series! Get outside & join us on a trail.
Recap of the amazing time together at the 2nd Annual SUMMIT Friendsgiving
Giving Tuesday is December 2 — Help us spread the word!
Bryan Turner, Executive Director & Lead Guide
Our Local Hikes series kicked off in early November!
Upcoming Dates:
Saturday, November 30 @ 10AM — McKinney Roughs Community Hike (4.4 miles, moderate challenge)
Saturday, December 14 @ 4:30PM — Sunset Hike at Bastrop State Park (2 miles, easy)
Wednesday, January 1 @ 10AM — First Day Hike in Buescher State Park (1.5 miles, easy)
Join in for a community hike for all ages and experience. We have such amazing trails in our area, and this is a great way to explore them. Meet one or more our Summit guides for a fun day hike. These are free informal meet-up events, but may require a park entry fee, depending on location. Bring your own water & snacks!
Interested in hiking, but not sure how to start?
Want to explore Bastrop area trails, but don’t know where to go?
Are you a seasoned hiker who’d love a hiking buddy?
Summit’s Local Hike Series is for you!
Please find info & RVSP on summitlead.org or on the Summit Outdoor Leadership Facebook page. RSVPs are helpful, but not required.
FIRESIDE FRIENDSGIVING
Summit’s 2nd Annual Fireside Friendsgiving was a ton of fun! Incredible weather in the backyard of our HQ at Community Gardens Bastrop led to a gorgeous sunset. With about 40 people in attendance, Summit alumni, donors, & prayer partners got to meet & mingle while children played.
Everyone took home a gratitude conversation starter. Feel free to use it with those you gather with during the holidays!
Download the “4 Ways to Practice Gratitude” table talk tool >
After dinner, we read Psalm 9:1 which says:
“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will recount all of Your wonderful deeds.”
Everyone recounted at least one way God has been good in the past year, and I shared some recaps from the last year at Summit, including:
The many volunteers who served throughout the Spring semester at outdoor events and Spring Fling.
Provision of scholarships that made it possible for the persons with disabilities who attended the Wilderness Accessibility Weekend to come at no cost!
Training educators in the Early Childhood Christian Network, as well as equipping volunteers and staff at churches and schools across Central TX.
A woman who recently let us know that the CPR training she received made her feel fully prepared and in control when an emergency struck a month later.
3 people who started their relationship with Jesus this Fall!
Gratitude & Stewardship: Two Closely-Tied Leadership Skills
Looking back over this year, we’ve seen lives transformed, faith deepened, & communities strengthened—all through the power of Christ-centered experiential education. Donations from people like you have been an integral part of this journey, & I’m incredibly grateful for the investment in what God is doing at Summit.
Looking ahead—We’re excited to again join the global movement that is Giving Tuesday on December 3. The Tuesday after Thanksgiving has become known as a day dedicated to supporting nonprofits like Summit Outdoor Leadership, & it’s a powerful opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Would you please partner with Summit this Giving Tuesday?
Every gift, no matter the size, helps us continue the mission of connecting people with God through the outdoors and equipping them to serve. Donate now through Tuesday by clicking below.
Would you please share the news with others?
This is also a great opportunity for new people to find out about the impact of Summit.
Last year we had over 100 first-time donors, because people who are excited about what God is doing shared the link with their family & friends and asked them to consider a gift of $10 or more.
summitlead.org/givingtuesday
If it’s not too much to ask, would you please share with your friends, family, & network too? Keep an eye out on our social channels for posts that you can share:
Together, we can keep making a difference—one step, one adventure, and one transformed life at a time.
With gratitude,
Bryan Turner
Summit Outdoor Leadership
Summit Outdoor Leadership is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all gifts are tax-deductible.
