How it Began

In 2023, Justin Essian, the owner of Papa Bear Adventures, started the charitable ministry of Vision Alaska using the amazing resources of Papa Bear. By partnering with some Christian men that he loved and respected, Justin has annually sponsored an Alaska wilderness trip for young men. The inaugural trip was in 2023 with 3 young men and in 2024 the trip doubled to 6 young men.

Why Vision Alaska?

Our sociecty has increasingly vilified and attacked the role of men as outlined in God's Word. Our young men, especially, are under contant attack through the medium of technology and a broken educational system. The secular religion of this world only poisons their minds with confusion, lies, and empty promises. The epidemic of fatherless homes has also exacerbated this assault, leaving many young men with no male leadership to help them navigate these pitfalls and discover their God-given purpose.

What is Vision Alaska

Vision Alaska is a charitable ministry of Papa Bear Adventures that seeks to mentor young men for Christ.  This is accomplished by annually hosting an Alaska wilderness adventure trip for young men that are eager for spiritual mentorship and show a desire to grow in their faith.  A special focus is placed on young men that don't have a godly role model in their home to encourage them in their walk with the Lord.

What is Involved in a Vision Alaska Trip

The typical trip is a week in length and is hosted at a remote wilderness location as selected by Papa Bear Adventures. Each participant is provided with spiritual mentoring both through one on one discipleship and group Bible studies throughout the week. Other activities enjoyed during the week include hiking, fishing, camping, survival skills, wildlife viewing and many more. The whole structure of the trip is to show young men that they are loved and valued by God. The goal is to see these young men strengthened in their walk with the Lord and encourage them to pass along their faith to others.

How can I help

There are 2 main ways that you can help

1. Please pray for this ministry that it would make a difference in the life of young men for the glory of God. That each trip would be safe and the Lord would direct us to the right young men that would benefit from this type of experience.

2. Consider giving to help cover the costs associated with putting on a trip of this scale. Some of the financial costs associated with hosting a trip like this include: Airline flights, food, tents, cots, cooking supplies, waders, wading boots, rain jacket/pants, etc.