Twenty-four Mt. Ellis Academy seniors piled into various vehicles and headed up to Montana's Crazy Mountains in August. Leaving behind all civilization and unnecessary possessions, we were all aware that the next week would be what even Montana people call "roughing it." Under the instruction of Ed Starkebaum, MEA Bible teacher, bivouacs were constructed for sleeping. Each bivouac was made simply out of black painter's plastic, excluding the few that were held together by rolls of duct tape.

Every morning we woke up to the crisp autumn air and "family" groups made their own breakfast. After breakfast we read and discussed a chapter of The Great Controversy in small groups. Then we all joined together as one big group to discuss it further.

“Our daily studies of The Great Controversy really inspired me to learn more about God," said Beth Jutzy, MEA senior.

Each morning after worship, Larry Unterseher, Montana conference youth director, described a goal that we had to accomplish together. The goal included an obstacle that challenged us and required everyone's teamwork and participation.

"I love how close our class became, and I felt like I had been in the class for four years instead of one week,” said Anjii Pineda, MEA senior.

In the afternoon we learned about wild edibles and took a water and shelter class. After a long day of survival training, all the senior class and counselors gathered around the campfire to praise God and review the day.

"Senior Survival impacted me in a way that I will remember for the rest of my life. It amazes me how dedicated the staff are to spiritually equip the seniors," said Paul Curtis, MEA senior.