Sursum Corda
Elevate Your Soul. Strengthen Your Resolve.
Forge physical, mental, and spiritual strength with Sursum Corda — an eleven day backcountry backpacking trip crafted for boys aged 15-17. Young men will “lift up their hearts” to God for strength, test their mettle, work in teams, and forge bonds with peers who are also in pursuit of knowing God. Sursum Corda bolsters their identities as sons of God, equips them to conquer adversity with faith, and deepens their relationship with God amidst His majestic creation.
Ready to Lift up your Heart?
Sursum Corda: June 30 - July 12, 2026
Located at WY
Cost: $1875.00
Application Deadline: May 1st
Sursum Corda Backcountry Expedition
On this challenging expedition in the Rocky Mountains, participants hike 6-8 miles a day carrying 40-50 lbs of gear and food on their backs. They develop essential backcountry skills like cooking, camp setup, backcountry hygiene, river-crossing, and orienteering. Each day centers around Mass and spiritual discussions to shape faith and develop resilience.
All of Bosco Ministries' adventures are led by priests and seminarians of the FSSP, and enact the principles of St. John Bosco's Preventative Method of forming boys and men. In addition to having experienced spiritual leaders to accompany the young men as they grow spiritually on this trek, expert outdoor guides from COR Expeditions ensure that the group is prepared to navigate and conquer the challenges of the backcountry.
At Sursum Corda, Boys Will:
- Worship
- God daily through Traditional Latin Mass (Extraordinary Form), as well as finding Him in the beauty of creation
- Overcome
- intense physical challenges and develop leadership skills while backpacking through the Wind River Mountain Range
- Master
- outdoor skills like camp setup and backcountry cooking under the expert guidance of COR Expeditions
- Strengthen
- understanding of Catholic Teaching through prayer, Scripture, and spiritual formation from the FSSP clergy
- Explore
- majestic landscapes, be formed through the beauty of creation, and develop physical endurance
- Grow
- in faith and character under the mentorship of seminarians from Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary.
What do they think?
““I am probably one of the biggest advocates of these camps – having sent all of my boys that have thus far been of age (4 of them), for multiple camps each, and plan to continue to send them and the younger ones for as long as you will have them. It is hugely helpful for the boys to receive proper example and instruction from others whom they look up to other than their parents.”
“My son has a better sense of how to be a man in this world today. He seems grounded, grounded in Christ. He has shared many stories and experiences from camp and they are all described with immense joy. He looks forward to attending again next year.”
“I don't know how to thank you for the gift of Sursum Corda this past week! My son had the experience I could only dream of! He was challenged beyond his expectations physically, spiritually, and emotionally. ”
Registration Information
Overcome challenges, forge faith through adventure, and build bonds with Catholic peers at the Sursum Corda Backcountry Backpacking Trip. Here’s how to start your camper (boys aged 15-17) on this journey of faith and formation:
- Complete the Application
Begin the journey by filling out our online application form. This gives us information about your camper and starts the process. Once we receive your application, we will review it and send our response, usually within two weeks. Space is limited to 32 participants.
Mark Your Calendar for June 30th-July 12th
Sursum Corda Backcountry Backpacking Trip, Wind River Mountain Range, Wyoming
*All applications must be received by May 1st.
- Secure your spot with a deposit.
We will start notifying applicants of their application status in March. If we accept your son’s application you will receive an email with two payment options. You may either pay in full or pay a deposit, but you must at least secure your backpacker’s place on the trip with a 20% deposit, which must be completed within 72 hours of acceptance.
The total fee amount covers all meals and gear (except for participants’ basic clothing and footwear).
The initial 20% deposit is not refundable. You will only receive complete onboarding information after paying.- Confirmation and Preparation
Once we receive your application and registration fee, you’ll get a confirmation email with a link to register your son with COR Expeditions, packing information and a free gear rental form as well as a travel form for you to fill out and other important details to prepare for the backpacking trip. Participants can be dropped off by car or picked up from the airport by camp staff (see FAQs).
