"I like to see the change in individuals," said Dave Eichler, describing the outdoor adventures he leads. "That's why I do what I do."

Eichler recently took a group of six people rappelling at Chickies Rock County Park, where they descended a 50-foot rock face.

To prepare for their adventure, the participants received instruction in mid-September from Eichler on how to use the climbing harness and helmet and how to tie specific knots, and then the group met the following week to try a 15-foot rappel before tackling the 50-foot rappel.

Eichler noted he was proud of each person, who faced his or her fears and successfully completed the experience.

Eichler retired in 2020 after teaching for 35 years. At Donegal High School, he created the Donegal Experiential Education Program (DEEP) in 1991, offering outdoor experiences such as rock climbing, backpacking, orienteering and paddling.

He first caught the adventure bug while studying health and physical education at West Chester University. "During spring break, when a lot of kids go to Florida, I went with West Chester on an Outward Bound backpacking course," he recalled. "I felt so alive doing it. I thought, 'How can I spread this possibility to high school students?'"

During his tenure as a physical education teacher at Donegal, Eichler took hundreds of students on outdoor adventures. He has also served as an instructor at Outward Bound in North Carolina for 31 years, and when he retired from Donegal, he didn't want to give up his love for helping others discover excitement in the outdoors.

He was able to bring some of his equipment from Donegal to Glossbrenner United Methodist Church in Mount Joy, where he approached the church about offering a rappelling experience to members.

"DEEP stopped when I retired, but this way, I can continue doing what I love," Eichler said, noting that his adventures are open to anyone, not just members of the church.

At the end of each program, Eichler incorporates time for reflection from participants. "I want them to draw meaning from the experience," he said.

The group who rappelled at Chickies Rock said it was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

"I am so glad I didn't allow my fears to overcome me, and I would have missed out on this priceless experience," said Penny Whitcraft. "I can relate this day with my Christian walk. Taking that first step off the edge of the rock was very difficult. I had to trust in our leader, Dr. Dave, that he had all the safety measures in place."

Eichler said safety is his No. 1 priority, and he emphasized that with proper supervision and preparation, all of his outdoor activities are as safe as possible.

He's working on organizing additional outdoor programs, including a backpacking trip next spring, rock climbing and canoeing.

"Everything I do is done in a very safe way, but also a very impactful way," Eichler said. "It's something everyone should have the chance to experience."

For more information on upcoming programs, visit http://www.gumcmj.net/gear-up-deep.