Junior Challenge 2026: Pushed, Stretched, and Stronger for It

Every year, PAA's juniors head out for one of the most meaningful experiences of their high school journey. Junior Challenge is not a field trip. It is not a vacation. It is a carefully designed leadership experience built to stretch students in ways that matter, and this year's trip delivered in every way.

The purpose is simple and profound. Give juniors opportunities to lead, to struggle, to support each other, and to discover something new about themselves in the process. Every challenge, every worship, every moment of discomfort is intentional. All of it is designed to build confidence, community, courage, and character.

Students are divided into teams, each with a mentor guiding them through the experience. One of the most powerful elements is the Leader of the Day. Each day, a different team member steps into the LOD role, responsible for guiding their group through challenges, listening to their peers, and making the final call when decisions need to be made. At the end of their shift, they receive honest, constructive feedback from their team. It is leadership practice in real time, and it is not always comfortable. That is exactly the point.

And the leadership did not stop there. Teams planned their own meals, cooked them together, and built their own shelters. Every practical task was a team task, and every team task was a leadership opportunity.

The challenge course pushed students outside their comfort zones both physically and socially, with six challenges requiring problem solving, teamwork, and a whole lot of encouragement. Rock climbing at the nationally known Smith Rock State Park, guided by professionally trained instructors, had students attempting routes they never thought they could handle. Many surprised themselves completely.

And then came rappelling. Standing at the top of the rock, looking down, trusting the rope and the harness and the people below holding on for you, and stepping off anyway. For many students it was the most difficult thing they did all trip. It was also the most rewarding. The pride on their faces when they reached the bottom said everything.

This year's trip was wonderful. Students were pushed and challenged and stepped up in ways that surprised even themselves. They learned what they are capable of when things get hard. They learned what it means to have people in your corner. They learned how to do hard things together, considering each other, supporting each other, encouraging each other, watching out for each other. They learned that community is not just something that happens to you. It is something you choose to build together.

That is Junior Challenge. That is the PAA junior core value of leadership lived out in the mountains, on the rock face, and around the camp.

We are so proud of these juniors. They showed up, they leaned in, and they came home stronger.