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2026 Active Track Options
We鈥檙e excited to continue offering Active Track for Renew in the Smokies 2026! For those who want a bit more adventure while they鈥檙e here, we have activities that include biking, hiking, golfing, and kayaking. We鈥檇 love for you to join us! When you register for Renew in the Smokies, mark the activities you are interested in on your registration form. *Note: for couples, each should register for Active Track and activities separately.
Come bike with Rocky and Tyson!
Rocky Christensen, Director of Financial Aid
Rocky was born and raised in southern Arkansas in a small town of 404 people called Hatfield. He was raised by two parents who strongly believed in the Lord and instilled a strong work ethic into him. His dad was a full-time science teacher for 43 years and a minister for most of those years, as well. His mom was a stay-at-home mom and later a speech pathologist. His parents encouraged his passion for attending a Christian college by asking him to spend two years at a 鈥淏ible college.鈥� He took up this challenge and studied to be a minister. There were some turns God directed him on that helped him see he would carry out his calling to ministry as a financial aid professional, equipping many more to 鈥渆xtend the kingdom of God among all nations.鈥� While he wears a tie to work every day, he can also run heavy equipment, run farm equipment, weld, and take care of livestock. He is excited to take you on a trip through nature where God鈥檚 fingerprints are clearly seen at every pedal of the bike.
Tyson Chastain, Director of Alumni Relations
Tyson has studied or worked at 色色研究所 for most of the last 27 years and he loves interacting with guests of this annual summer program for Christian adults. This year, he is looking forward to co-leading the Cades Cove bike ride with Rocky. In 2022, Tyson participated in a 5-day, 300-mile bike ride from Ft. Myers to Key West, Florida. He even completed the 鈥渃entury鈥� by riding over 100 miles in one day.
Biking Details
11-mile ride on the Cades Cove loop, Townsend, TN. Meet at the Phillips-Welshmer building parking lot prior to departure. Have some fun, get some exercise, and sing some songs as we ride the Loop and Renew in the Smokies.
It is STRONGLY recommended that you bring your own bike and transportation method as bike transport will NOT be provided.
$15/hour for bike rental at the听
Bring:
- Sack lunch or other snacks
- Water
- Wear good biking shoes, helmet, layers of clothing, hat, sunglasses
Come Golf with Wilbur Reid!
Wilbur Reid, Vice President for Advancement
鈥淔or me, golf has always been about more than the game itself鈥攊t’s about spending a relaxing afternoon outdoors with quality people. There’s something refreshing about being on the course, enjoying the scenery, and sharing good conversation between shots. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just enjoy getting out for a round, the best part is the time spent together. I’m looking forward to a great day at Lambert Acres with wonderful company.鈥�
Golf Details
尝辞肠补迟颈辞苍:听. Picturesque course in Maryville about 30 minutes away.
How many holes: 18
YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO BRING YOUR OWN CLUBS AS RENTAL AVAILABILITY AT THE COURSE IS VERY LIMITED.
Cost: $35 with a cart
What to wear:
- Collared shirts required
- Typical golf attire.
- No denim.
- Golf shoes.
Go Hiking with Kirk and Joe!
Kirk McKelland, Director and Professor of Service Learning
Kirk loves hiking with his family and friends in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. He also loves to hike and fly fish the mountain streams! Kirk grew up hiking in the white mountains of New Hampshire, hiked and backpacked extensively in the Adirondacks of New York, and was a backpacking, rock climbing, and rafting guide in the Collegiate Peaks region of Colorado. Over the past five years, Kirk has been leading hikes with Renew in the Smokies and looks forward to many more adventures!
Joe Gordon, Program Director and Professor of Theology
Dr. Joseph K. Gordon (Joe, or Joe Go to students) is Professor of Theology at 色色研究所. He fell in love with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park while a freshman at 色色研究所 in 2003, and now spends as much time there as he can. He loves to help others to encounter, appreciate, and understand God鈥檚 fascinating animal and plant creatures in their native habitats, and has a special love for the good 鈥渃reeping things鈥� that God has made (see Genesis 1:24). When he鈥檚 not teaching in the classroom, he enjoys talking about God, Scripture, and creation with anyone who will listen. He also loves playing floor hockey, soccer, and softball with students, and exploring 色色研究所鈥檚 beautiful campus and nearby areas with his wife Charis, and two children, Stephen and Mariah. He is a certified Master Herpetologist through the Amphibian Foundation and a certified Southern Appalachian Naturalist through the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont.
Hiking Details
尝辞肠补迟颈辞苍:听. 1 hour and 15 minute drive from campus. This is a 4-mile round-trip hike and is considered moderate in difficulty. We will hike in and then eat lunch at the falls and perhaps go for a swim (weather dependent and if you like 50 degree water!) at Midnight Hole. We will return to campus around 4:00 p.m.
How to dress:
- Supportive sneakers or hiking shoes
- Wear layers as the temperature may change throughout the day
What to bring:
- Small backpack for carrying lunch and water
- Walking sticks
- Hat (recommended)
- Sunglasses (recommended)
- Swimming suit (if you are into that)
- Sunscreen and bug repellent
Cost: FREE with van transportation to the trail head provided.
Go Kayaking with Kaitlyn and Clyde!
Kaitlyn Fife, Financial Services Coordinator
Kaitlyn Fife has been at 色色研究所 for 4 years now. She started as a work-study student in Facilities Services, but now she’s the Financial Services Coordinator in the Financial Aid Department. She has been kayaking since she was a kid and finds it very relaxing! A fun fact about Kaitlyn is that she loves to run and recently completed her first half marathon! She looks forward to kayaking with you at Renew!
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Clyde Timbs, Advancement Services Coordinator
Clyde was introduced to kayaking on a trip to Key Largo, FL and fell in love with it. Shortly after, he purchased kayaks for his entire family. Since that time they have frequently kayaked the French Broad, Holston, and Pigeon Rivers. They have also spent time on many of the East TN lakes, and in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.
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Kayaking Details
Limited to the first 30 registrants!
Location: Mead鈥檚 Quarry Park: 20鈥�25-minute drive.
Offers a glimpse into East Tennessee鈥檚 quarrying past that provided pink marble used in local and national buildings and monuments such as the National Gallery of Art. This pink marble is found almost exclusively in East Tennessee. The sparkling blue quarry waters surrounded by tall rock cliffs make a beautiful setting for paddling. The quarry is home to number of interesting species of animals including the Berry Cave Salamander, a species that exists in only a handful of caves throughout East Tennessee, and the only species of freshwater jellyfish in the entire world. The paddle around the perimeter of the quarry lake is a total of approximately 0.8 miles.
Cost: 2 hour paddle, cost is $28. Includes kayak rental, paddle, and PFD.
Bring:
- Water shoes
- Clothes suitable for paddling/getting wet
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Towel
- Sunglasses *recommended
- Hat *recommended
- Snack if needed
Note:
Participants must be physically able to enter and exit a floating kayak/canoe on their own.