DAY AT CAMP
TRAINING AND SPIRITUAL LIFE CAN ENHANCE EACH OTHER
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
Primary Workout
7:30
Brunch
BIBLE STUDY
Mentoring/FREE TIME
training tidbits
SECONDARY WORKOUT
DINNER
altitude session
Other Activities
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.
Brunch
After the morning run, we relax and enjoy community and a healthy, homemade, all-you-can-eat breakfast.
BIBLE STUDY
In a small group setting led by an ALTITUDE staff member, we explore, discuss, apply, and are challenged as we study together.
Mentoring/ FREE TIME
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.
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.
DINNER
Share stories and laughs around the dinner table as you enjoy more of our delicious all-you-can-eat homemade food.
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.
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.
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
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
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
Rachel Nelson
Counselor
Fun Facts About Rachel
Current Hometown: San Luis Obispo, CA.
Graduated from: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (undergrad) and Liberty University (graduate school)
Running experience: Ran for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo as an undergrad (3 years) and Liberty University as a graduate student (1 year).
PRs: 5K: 17:34 3k: 10:08.
What I do when I’m not at ALTITUDE: I works at a sports clinic as a deep tissue massage therapist, primarily on athletes and chronic pain patients. I am currently training for an Ironman triathlon and love riding my bike and playing ping pong.
Favorite ALTITUDE run: Deer Lake
Favorite ALTITUDE meal: Burritos
Why I’m excited about being on staff: I believe it is invaluable to be a part of, and help to facilitate, lives being changed for the better. It is so cool to watch college athletes connect their faith to their training in order to build a stronger foundation of understanding their unique value and purpose which will help give a confidence for the rest of their lives.
Thomas Madden
Counselor
Fun Facts About Thomas
Current Hometown: Davis, CA.
Graduated from: University of Virginia, 2017
Running Experience
XC/College: University of Virginia and UC Davis; 2017 Big West XC Conference Champion; 72nd at NCAA XC Champs 2017
Post Collegiate: SRA Elite
PRs: 13:57 5k, 29:52 10k XC , 23:58 8k XC.
What I do when I’m not at ALTITUDE: Grad student at UC Davis studying biomechanics. I enjoy kicking around a soccer ball, watching sports (especially EPL), reading, and hiking.
Favorite ALTITUDE Run: The Long Run to Hot Creek
Why I’m excited about being on staff: I’m excited to grow alongside other runners, share my experiences, and enjoy running in Mammoth Lakes! I love to help athletes integrate faith and sport and refine their passion. I am also stoked to train at an amazing place and grow in my own faith within a community of people who share that drive.
Nick Schuetze
Counselor
Fun Facts About Nick
AKA: “Shooter”
Resides in: Colorado Springs, CO
University: BS from University of Portland (UP) in 2004, grad studies @ UP, and I am taking classes at Denver Seminary towards a Masters in Counseling.
HS Track & XC: 8:46 3k, 4:03 1500m, 4th at Nike WA/OR Border Clash XC meet, 15:25 XC 5k
XC College: D1 Track & XC @ University of Portland: 9th at US Junior XC Nationals (2000), 2-time WCC XC Champion.
Post-collegiate: 1st place @ NACAC in mountain race (up and down) 12K ’07, 1st place @ St. George Marathon in 2:16:42, 48th in US Olympic Trials Marathon ’07 in 2:21:36.
PR’s: 4:12 mile (i), 8:18 3k (i), 14:12 5k (track), 24:23 8k XC, 29:52 10k (road), 66:30 half-marathon, 2:16:42 marathon.
What I do when I’m not at ALTITUDE: I work for CRU, a college ministry, at UCCS. I run w/, mentor, and am the unofficial chaplain for the XC/track team. I also engage with other post-collegiate runners in Colorado Springs, dabble in photography, and have been known to ballroom dance.
Favorite ALTITUDE run: Deer Lake Hilly Run
Favorite ALTITUDE meal: NOT teriyaki chicken (dangerous), so fruit-filled pancakes!
Why I’m excited to be an Altitude Project staff member: I love seeing athlete realize how to bring together their two great loves, running and faith, together in a way that brings God glory and demonstrates God’s love and truth to others. This is a huge part of how I was transformed at the Altitude Project way back in 2005. I hope every runner who comes will experience transformation that enables them to know God more clearly and walk with Him the rest of their life.
Emma Keesling
Counselor
Fun Facts About Emma
AKA/Nicknames: E Kees, Kees, EEEK (gifted to me by my teammates?)
Resides In: the sticks aka Modoc, Indiana (or West Lala/Lafayette, Indiana when school is in sesh ?)
(about to) Graduate From: Purdue University. BOILER UP HAMMER DOWN HAIL PURDUE BABY ? ?
Running Experience
XC College: Run Club fall 2018- spring 2020 (XC 2019: 2nd at regionals, 7th at Nats), Purdue XC/TF fall 2020-present (covid + stress rxns = tuff racing scene)
Post-Collegiate: Nothin yet ?
Current PR’s: 18:15 5k, 21:56 XC 6k (TBH I haven’t ran an 800 or mile or anything of that sort in such a long time I don’t really know my PRs lol)
What you do when you’re not at Altitude: chill w Jesus! travel! Make new friends! Explore! Kayak, eat bagels, watercolor, play frisbee w my dogs, sing in the car to One Direction, learn the worm
Favorite Altitude Run: Duck Lake! It’s a tuff one for sureeeee, but it makes space for good convo and mems and views ? . And a good reminder that it’s ok to take it easy and enjoy a run, especially one 5 miles straight up a mountain ?
Favorite Mammoth Hangout: Mammoth Rock! The view is stellar…(chefs kiss). Or the condos at night when we’re playing NERTZ ?
Why I am excited to be on staff with the Altitude Project: This camp is the perfect blend of runners, Jesus, and runners who love Jesus!!! Wowoowowowowow. To be surrounded by solid, driven, fun, kind, funny people that love two of the most important things in my life as much (or more!) as me is a true GIFT. And all of it in neature, too. 😉 Love these people with my whole heart. ?
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
Running Experience: 12 years, high school and college, D2
Current PR’s: 5k – 15:30, 1500 – 4:02, 8k – 26:28
What I do: Coaching at LeTourneau University
Favorite Altitude Run: Duck Lake
Why I am excited for ALTITUDE: meeting new followers of Jesus who love running! Also just having fun and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Chandler Maciel
Counselor
Fun Facts About Chandler
Resides In: Colorado Springs, 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 as an undergrad then ran 1.5 years at St. Mary’s College as a grad student
Post-Collegiate: Has moved to the roads and run two marathons so far: 2022 Twin Cities Marathon (2:29:59, 10th OA) and 2023 Houston Marathon (2:25:05).
Current PR’s: 1500m: 3:56.16, 5000m: 14:40.90, 10,000m: 30:32.05, 8k (XC): 24.34.4, marathon: 2:25:05
What you do when you’re not at ALTITUDE: I’m an assistant coach at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs for men’s XC and track. 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: As a camper, 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 2022
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?
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?
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?
What are the sleeping accommodations?
What if I have dietary restrictions? What is the food like?
What if my question isn't on this page?
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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