DAY AT CAMP

You found the ALTITUDE Project…So what happens here?  Scroll down and see what you can expect from your time spent with us.

TRAINING AND SPIRITUAL LIFE CAN ENHANCE EACH OTHER

Have you ever felt unfulfilled chasing times and places in running? Ever wondered what else there is beyond the miles and trials?  The ALTITUDE Project was created to help you discover how the talents you’ve been given can be used to not just bring you pleasure, but glorify God and connect you to others

Staff members have been chosen specifically to help you grow in your ability to bring together faith and running.  Our goal is that you will leave this project able to integrate your faith into everything God calls you to do.

DAILY SCHEDULE

Here’s what a day looks like at the ALTITUDE Project.

Primary Workout

Runs take place in amazing landscapes, on soft trails, with other motivated athletes.  Runs are flexible and have been selected by successful coaches.

7:30

Brunch

After the morning run, we relax and enjoy community and a healthy, homemade, all-you-can-eat breakfast.
10:30

BIBLE STUDY

In a small group setting led by an ALTITUDE staff member, we explore, discuss, apply, and are challenged as we study together.
11:30

Mentoring/FREE TIME

Want to see the town or catch a nap?  You’ve got time for those and much more.  In addition, once a week a staff member will meet up with you and spend time helping you grow and process.
1:00
l

training tidbits

Want to learn how to eat wisely, race smarter, rest better, and know those little things that will set you apart from the pack?  Take down some notes from our staff speakers who have taken down records and find your potential.
3:30

SECONDARY WORKOUT

One run just isn’t enough sometimes. Each day we have time for two runs or you can use the time to loosen up and get strong.
4:45

DINNER

Share stories and laughs around the dinner table as you enjoy more of our delicious al-you-can-eat homemade food.
6:00
l

altitude session

Coaches, elite runners, and staff capably and vulnerably teach on topics helping you learn how to be more than a runner, but a follower of Jesus through the ups and downs of all aspects of life.
7:30

Other Activities

Want to get away for a day?  We take a day trip each week to some of the most beautiful and amazing places nearby: Yosemite National Park, Mammoth Mountain, the Devil’s Postpile National Monument & Rainbow Falls. 
x:xx

Primary Workout

Runs take place in amazing landscapes, on soft trails, with other motivated athletes.  Runs are flexible and have been predetermined by successful coaches.

0730

Brunch

After the morning run, we relax and enjoy community and a healthy, homemade, all-you-can-eat breakfast.

1030

BIBLE STUDY

In a small group setting led by an ALTITUDE staff member, we explore, discuss, apply, and are challenged as we study together.

1130

Mentoring/ FREE TIME

Want to see the town or catch a nap?  You’ve got time for those and much more.  In addition, once a week a staff member will meet up with you and spend time helping you grow and process.
1300
l

training tidbits

Want to learn how to eat wisely, race smarter, rest better, and know those little things that will set you apart from the pack?  Take down some notes from our staff speakers who have taken down records and find your potential.

1530

SECONDARY WORKOUT

One run just isn’t enough sometimes. Each day we have time for two runs or you can use the time to loosen up and get stronger.

1645

DINNER

Share stories and laughs around the dinner table as you enjoy more of our delicious all-you-can-eat homemade food.

1800

l

altitude session

Coaches, elite runners, and staff capably and vulnerably teach on topics helping you learn how to be more than a runner, but a follower of Jesus through the ups and downs of all aspects of life.  

1930

Other Activities

Want to get away for a day?  We take a day trip each week to some of the most beautiful and amazing places nearby: Yosemite National Park, Mammoth Mountain, the Devil’s Postpile National Monument & Rainbow Falls.  On a night off we’ll go worship under the stars or relax in some natural hot springs.

2401

Who Will Be at Camp?

At The Altitude Project, there is a team of staff and counselors committed to your spiritual and athletic success.  Each Year we pray and plan the project extensively so you will get the most out of your time here.

Cali Werner

Cali Werner

Director

Fun Facts About Cali

AKA: Cali – Cal – Califlower :p

Resides in: Houston, TX

Graduated from: Rice University (May, 2017)

Running experience

XC College: Division 1 Track

Post-collegiate: Houston Marathon: 2018 – 1 st Houstonian; 1 st in the 20-24 age group

Current PR’s: Houston Marathon: 2:48:55, 10k: 34.01, 5k: 16.14

What she does when she’s not at ALTITUDE: Loves the outdoors and exploring with her pup, calligraphy, beach volleyball

Favorite ALTITUDE run: Yosemite exploring and the mountain run

Favorite Mammoth hangout: Stellar Brew Coffee Shop

Why I am excited to be on staff with the Altitude Project: I get the opportunity to be a part of other runners walk/run with Christ while doing something we all love and growing even more in my own faith.

Tyler Werner

Tyler Werner

Director

Fun Facts About Tyler

AKA: Tyler

Resides in: Houston, Texas

Graduated from: Sam Houston State

Running experience: Started running after meeting Cali to impress her but still can’t keep up

Current PRs: 3:26 Marathon; 0-40 miles per week

What I do when I’m not at ALTITUDE: I work for the Houston Fire Department doing fire fighting and EMT. Also, playing any competitive sport or exercises that can push my body and mind.

Favorite ALTITUDE run:  Long run

Favorite Mammoth hangout:  Sotcher Lake

 

Kevin Gideon

Kevin Gideon

Counselor

Fun Facts About Kevin

Fun Fact: I ran an entire indoor track season with a broken arm. 

Resides in: Longview, TX

Graduated from: Cedarville University & University of Central Missouri

Running Experience: High School and college, D2

Current PR’s: 1500-4:02, 5k-15:30, 8k-26:28, 1/2-75:25

What I do: Coach XC & Track at LeTourneau University. Coaching since 2020

Favorite Altitude Run: Duck Lake

Why I am excited for ALTITUDE: Because it’s the best week of the year! I am excited to meet new people and enjoy God’s beautiful creation!

David Craig

Counselor

Fun Facts About David
Fun Fact: I am convinced that the goose is the Apex predator of the animal kingdom. Also I’ve run more half marathons in costume than not.
 
AKA/Nicknames: Dave, Davey, Wavey Davey (couldn’t explain that one but it happens).
 
Resides In: West Lafayette, IN but back in Winston Salem, NC for the holidays
 
Graduated From: Purdue University! (Or Purdon’t – depending on how much you enjoy school)
 
Running Experience: 6 years middle/high school runner. 12 years of loving running.
 
Current PR’s: 800 – 2:13.6 / 1600 – 5:04.95 / 5K – 18:58.1 / Spartan Beast – 3:05:11
 
What you do when you’re not at Altitude: BIG Lego guy, love any game (board/card/outdoor) not on a screen and super smash bros, lots of reading, too many coffee shops with friends, and hanging with my cat Obi
 
Favorite Altitude Run: “Guess Your Time” Run
 
Favorite Mammoth Hangout: The Looney Bean! Or like…..any nature spot
 
Why I am excited to be on Staff: Jesus loves to be a part of every single aspect of our lives – even our running! I’m so excited to connect with new campers and help everyone to explore what it means to follow Jesus faithfully in every aspect of life.
 
Emma Keesling

Emma Keesling

Counselor

Fun Facts About Emma

Fun Fact: Has climbed Half Dome in Yosemite!

AKA/Nicknames: E Kees, Kees, Eeek (gifted to me by my teammates?)

Resides In: Modoc, Indiana (the sticks)

Graduated From: Purdue University. Boiler up. Hammer Down. Hail Purdue.

Running Experience: 2.5 years DI collegiate, 2 years club, 4 years high school

Current PR’s: 18:15 5k, 21:56 XC 6k

What you do when you’re not at Altitude: Play frisbee with my dogs, farming, traveling, bouldering, cycling, hiking, make sick Spotify playlists

Favorite Altitude Run: Duck Lake

Favorite Mammoth Hangout: Looney Bean (matcha smoothie slaps)

Why I am excited to be on staff with the Altitude Project: This camp is the perfect blend of runners, Jesus, nature, and fun times. Being at this place with these people feels like home. It’s always real. It’s always fun. It’s always real fun.

Chandler Maciel

Chandler Maciel

Counselor

Fun Facts About Chandler

Resides In: Hanford, CA

Graduated From: Fresno Pacific University (undergrad), St. Mary’s College of California (Masters) 

Running Experience:

College: Ran 2.5 years for Fresno Pacific University then ran 1.5 years at St. Mary’s College as a grad student

Post-Collegiate: Mostly road racing including the 2022 Twin Cities Marathon (2:29:59, 10th OA), 2023 Houston Marathon (2:25:05), and 2023 Two Cities Half Marathon (67:36, 1st OA)

Current PR’s: 1500m: 3:54.28, 5000m: 14:37.82, 10,000m: 30:18.82, 8k (XC): 24:25.0, half: 67:36, marathon: 2:25:05

What you do when you’re not at ALTITUDE: I’m a middle school teacher and high school cross country and track coach at Central Valley Christian. I love spending free time reading, listening to podcasts, and being out in nature.

Favorite Altitude Run: The long run to Hot Creek

Favorite Mammoth Hangout: The Looney Bean.

Why I am excited to be on staff with the Altitude Project: Altitude Project has been a place where I’ve gained a much better understanding of how my faith and running intersect and developed meaningful relationships with like-minded people. I’m excited to be a part of fostering that experience for everyone who comes to Altitude this year!

JOIN US SUMMER 2024

What if there were a place where you could train with other motivated college runners, receive expert advice from elite athletes, learn how God wants to use you and your abilities for greater things, and get an altitude training benefit all at the same time?  That sounds like running heaven!. We call it the ALTITUDE Project.  Take the leap and sign-up now before we run out of space.

FAQ

Who comes to camp?

The ALTITUDE Project is for collegiate distance xc runners who desire to train at altitude and grow in the Christian faith with other college runners.  If you have just graduated from college, you are also welcome to attend.

I'm graduating from high school this spring. Am I eligible to come?
Yes! If you are under 18, you will need to have the written permission of a parent/guardian.
What if I'll still be in high school next year?

Unfortunately, you must at least be entering your freshman year of college to attend the ALTITUDE Project.  In the meantime, check out Athletes in Action’s TUFF Camp at https://goaia.org/track/event/tuff    When the summer you are headed into college come along we would love to have you come join us in amazing Mammoth Lakes! 

What's the best way to travel to camp?

Fly or Drive!   Our travel days are the Sundays at the start and end of each week (July 21, 28th, and Aug 4th).

Driving: If you’re in driving distance please arrive !

Flying:  You have the 2 options below.

1) Fly into Mammoth Lakes, CA (MMH):  We can pick you at whatever time you fly in/out on Sunday. (This is probably the most convenient (although more expensive) way to get to camp)

2) Fly into Reno, NV (RNO): We will pick you up and shuttle you to Mammoth Lakes.  Your arrival flight needs to land at or before 2PM on Sunday.  You departure flight needs to leave at 1PM or later on Sunday.

How much do we run each day?
We are not your coach and do our best to accommodate your training plans. Most athletes run between 6-10 miles each morning, with the option of a second run or cross-training in the afternoon. However, the runs are flexible and can be tailored to your individual training needs.
Do you offer scholarships?

Oh yeah!  Thanks to our generous donors, we have some scholarship funds available.  Please complete our scholarship application and we’ll get back to you.

Are there any group discounts?

You betcha!   Five or more athletes from the same school receive a $30 discount off of each athlete’s fees.

Do I have to be a Christian to come?
No. Anyone who is open to learning about the Christian faith is welcome to come. We devote an equal amount of time to physical and spiritual development.
What are the sleeping accommodations?
We stay at Sherwin Creek Villas (condominium resort-style accommodations). Athletes share a room with 1 to 5 other runners of the same gender. The condo complex has a pool and two hot-tubs, so make sure to bring your bathing suit.
What if I have dietary restrictions? What is the food like?
Vons (grocery store) is right across the street. Our food is fantastic! We provide two healthy, home cooked meals each day (brunch and dinner). For lunch, athletes can eat leftovers or make a sandwich, etc. We provide plenty of snacks as well. You will never be hungry at ALTITUDE. (Each athlete is assigned to help prepare a few meals, so you might pick up some cooking skills as well!)
What if my question isn't on this page?
Email Rachel or Nick at altitudeproject@gmail.com if you have any other questions.

What are you waiting for?

THE ALTITUDE PROJECT

The ALTITUDE Project is committed to developing collegiate distance runners to excel in competitive running and Christian living. Your donation will be used to elevate the camp experience for those who come and scholarship athletes who wouldn't be able to come otherwise.

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