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NATURE'S MISSION - LEADING PEOPLE TO GOD THROUGH NATURE
Since 2006, experienced outdoors people with a passion for Christ and nature have led over 300 people on many exciting outdoor adventures. Our goal is two-fold; demonstrate God’s majesty in His creation and, teach anyone that they can learn to enjoy the outdoors.
Nature is God’s gift to everyone, in the last two years, 30% of our participants have used Nature’s Mission as a gateway to become more familiar with First Methodist Houston. We are thrilled by the participation of segments of our community that do not traditionally participate in outdoor activities including 59% of young people under 18, 43% women and 36% minorities.
Ministries of Nature's Mission includes:
Outdoor Programs • Outdoor Education • McKaskle Retreat Center • Outdoor Program Support •Houston As A Nature Venue
For questions or information please contact us:
Staff Contact: Jack Long -
jlong@fmhouston.com or 713-458-4712
Administrative Assistant: Beverly Okosun
bokosum@fmhouston.com or 713-458-4713
Below you can link to UPCOMING EVENTS as well as view more information about each of NATURE'S MISSION MINISTRIES.
OUTDOOR PROGRAMS
OUTDOOR PROGRAMS - Nature's Mission is blessed with six dedicated outdoors people, with over 100 years experience in the wild. These individuals take great joy in teaching their favorite outdoor activity. Each of these individuals is also a dedicated Christian; through the years they have gained tremendous insight into God's natural world and delight in sharing these lessons.
The 300 plus individuals that have participated in our programs to date have had many unique experiences:
• We have spent many hours catching perch and bass at First
Methodist Houstons's McKaskle Retreat Center. Other
individuals have hiked the well groomed trails on the retreat
and observed countless birds and wildlife.
• We have visited Sea Center Texas that has a great aquarium,
marine hatchery and marshland exhibit. Lucky anglers were
able to try their luck on hatchery-raised redfish on special
group outings ( we have two of these scheduled in 2008).
• High Island boasts one of the largest bird sanctuaries in
America and our guides did an excellent job of helping
you identify these wonderful creatures.
• A group of guys enjoyed a wade-fishing trip to Port O'Connor
earlier this spring and were able to cook a fresh-caught dinner.
• Everyone enjoyed the widflowers of spring as we went
to some of the prime areas.
Please keep visiting our webpage as we typically arrange about eight outings each year. We work hard to hit the best outdoor spots in Texas at the right time.
We would love to have you join us for fun, fellowship and the opportunity to learn from some real experts in fishing, camping, photography, hiking, and kayaking!
For more information, contact Jack Long at: jlong@fmhouston.com or 713-458-4712.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
There is no substitute to becoming a better outdoorsman than spending time in nature. In God's creation, you will begin to get "in tune" with the woods, water, fish, birds and game. However, anyone that wants to learn more about nature can get a tremendous head start by spending time with people that have already learned from the mistakes!
The Nature's Mission is committed to making your wildlife experience the best it can possibly be. We have helped many people catch their first fish; and after that they're hooked. We are blessed with several team members who have extensive hiking and camping skills. Sharing these skills with a newcomer will greatly enhance the enjoyment of your experience in the wild.
Texas Parks and Wildlife has established an aggressive program to help teach newcomers various outdoor activities; by teaching them with the skills learned by more experienced outdoorsman. Be sure and click on the link below to see their website.
Nature's Mission has offered a fishing education class the last two years and we plan to continue to offer this opportunity again in the future. Last Summer we even had the pleasure of teaching about 50 special needs individuals and their siblings how to cast at targets - and everyone had a great time!
The internet offers some great resources on all outdoor sports. Click on the links below to get you started.
For more information, contact Jack Long at; jlong@fmhouston.com or 713-458-4712.
McKASKLE RETREAT CENTER
First Methodist Houston has been blessed with over 60 acres of beautiful property; located just 45 minutes from downtown Houston, near Hockley, Texas. This center is divided by Spring Creek, and has old oaks, pine trees, and pasture land. Improvements on the property include a large covered pavilion with picnic tables and restroom facilities.
McKaskle is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic, wet a line, take a hike, or let the dog run. The pond has a nice shaded pavilion/pier with perch, bass and catfish (please practice “catch and release”). There is also a covered pavilion area with restroom and shower facilities. Groups are welcomed at the center and it has become a popular spot for local scout troops.
You can enjoy the Photo Gallery by clicking on that link below. Then click on the small icon at the top to enjoy it in a slide show format.
For access and/or to reserve a date, please contact Tom Gaden at: tgaden@fmhouston.com or 713-458-4705. To print the Facility Rental Agreement and Fee Schedule, click on the link below
DIRECTIONS:
Take 290 West towards Hockley, Texas (approximately 15 minutes past Beltway 8). Exit Kickapoo Road, turn right on Kickapoo. The McKaskle Retreat Center will be on your left just past Spring Creek (approximately 5 miles). You can also view a Map by clicking on the link below.
OUTDOOR PROGRAM SUPPORT
Is your Group or Sunday School class planning an outdoor activity?
Nature's Mission may be able to help improve the quality of your outdoor adventure (even if it is only a couple of hours of free time). We have equipment for use and skilled outdoors people.
Since our inception in 2006 we have assisted the following groups: Single Parent Family Group. JOY Special Needs Group, Quillian Summer Camps, Youth Retreat and the Young Adults.
Please contact Jack Long at: jlong@fmhouston.com or 713-458-4712 for further discussions.
We are here to serve God's kingdom!
HOUSTON AS A NATURE VENUE
The City of Houston is not well known for nature. Houston has plenty of nature opportunities, if you just take some effort to search out the best of what this area has to offer. The city has plenty to offer with its many parks, but the best natural destinations are within an hour or two drive. Visit God's wonderful creation, it's mysteries surround us.
Check out the websites below to become familar with the various sources of information that are always available to you.
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