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Inspiring Conversations with Michael Batenburg of Back2Basics Adventures

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chaplain Michael Batenburg.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have been many struggles along the way. Developing a property at this time and in this economy has been nothing short of a challenge. We have walked through a long process, over 6 years, to find and acquire this beautiful forest in the Appalachian Mountains. It was mostly a blank canvas to work from, which is great to build it out to meet the ministry’s needs yet a much longer process of being ready to host guests at the level our clientele expects. Of course, like most construction projects, it has crept over budget with the ever-increasing inflation rate. We’ve also run into issues with material availability and lack of available labor. The struggles Back2Basics Adventures has faced, have been helping future guests understand our unique offering and engaging consistent funding supporters. From a personal perspective, who doesn’t face some of those, I have been battling health issues, being in the middle of the tiring two’s with my son, and finding balance in work and downtime.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Back2Basics Adventures started about 8 years ago as a vision to use God’s creations to inspire others. Over almost a decade and becoming a recognized 501c3 non-profit organization, we have leveraged the outdoors in about every way possible to help others experience a life transformation to prioritize serving others over self. Our adventure retreats cater to adults primarily who are seeking something greater than just another outdoor adventure. They are fully customizable and private to the group. Previous guests often speak of how these trips have renewed them, provided lifelong memories, and how the planning was easy. Some group types served by Back2Basics Adventures are military & veterans, first responders, and pastors, as well as corporate, men’s, and women’s groups.

While Back2Basics hosts retreat all over the United States and internationally, we are most excited to announce that our new headquarters in Jonesborough, Tennessee is open for retreats. These outdoor adventures, whether hiking, biking, rafting, hunting, or other outdoor focus, become a great relationship-building platform when set in our encouraging and safe environment. They promote fellowship, growth, and opportunities for all present to serve one another.

The new location, Feather Ridge, boasts endless hiking trails on the property and stepping into the Cherokee National Forest. There are plenty of outdoor activities on the property and countless activities within 30 minutes, including world-renowned trout fishing next door at Clarks Creek or white water rafting the Nolichucky River across the street. Currently, the main lodge sleeps 10-12 with an attached covered event pavilion for wedding celebrations meetings praise and worship just to name a few. Three treehouses are coming in 2023! We are strategically located 60 minutes from Asheville and 20 minutes from Johnson City, which makes things very convenient.

What’s next?
While we just officially opened Feather Ridge, our headquarters here in Tennessee, in October of 2022, we cannot wait to see what 2023 retreats bring! Outdoor retreats are our focus; however, we plan to identify a few events throughout the year that the local community will be invited to participate in. This year we plan to add three hike-in tree houses to our lodging offering. These dry cabins will feature single or king-sized beds for up to 4 people. (They do have the option of catching a side-by-side ride to them.) one of our favorite upcoming projects is adding an observation deck at approximately 2,400′ elevation with a stunning long-range view. Secondly, our facility will be available for event rentals for small weddings or corporate events when retreats are not going on.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Back2Basics Adventures & Tim Salmonson (redfish, kayak, hunting)

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