Before the sun is fully up on Saturday mornings, women gather behind Columbia Christian Fellowship to flip tires, drag ropes and push themselves through grueling outdoor workouts. Minutes later, sweaty and exhausted, they sit around a campfire sharing stories about faith, struggles and life.

For the women of Chromium Tribe, the challenge is the point. The group combines physical fitness with spiritual encouragement, creating a space where women can grow stronger together, both mentally and spiritually.

Chromium Tribe has been meeting in Columbia since late February as part of Women's Alliance, a national outdoor ministry. Every Saturday morning begins with what Laura Feliciano describes as a "rugged workout."

"We meet outdoors, so we try to do things you don't do in a gym," said Feliciano, who oversees multiple tribes in Pennsylvania and Maryland. "We strive to do our workouts so they're harder than the strongest person in the tribe."

A typical session might include flipping heavy tires, doing rounds of burpees or even pulling vehicles with ropes.

"No one grows in their comfort zone," Feliciano said. "It's you against yourself, and when you're doing this really hard workout, all kinds of amazing things happen. You sweat. You push yourself, and then you come out of that thinking, 'Wow. I did that.' But I did not struggle alone, because I did that with my tribe."

After the workout - guided by the unofficial motto "Don't die. Modify." - the women gather around a fire for devotionals and personal testimony.

"There's a sense of vulnerability when you're cooling down after a good workout, sharing with each other," Feliciano said.

Chromium Tribe grew out of interest from local women who had participated in other area tribes. Leaders Erin Hinkle and Shannon Rote were members of Neon Tribe in Eastern York before helping launch the Columbia group. Another local chapter, YH_WH Tribe, meets at LCBC Manheim.

While each chapter operates independently, Feliciano said the groups support one another whenever needed.

"We think of ourselves as one tribe, all together," she said. "If one tribe needs help in our area, another tribe will go and support."

The name "Chromium" was selected from the periodic table of elements, following the tradition of Women's Alliance tribes. The women chose it because chromium is a hard, corrosion-resistant metal, qualities they felt reflected their faith journeys and strength in Christ.

Women age 13 and older are welcome to participate. After attending three meetings, members receive a personalized call sign during a ceremony that includes reciting Esther 4:14 while standing on a tire.

"Then you give your testimony about yourself, what led you here, and the other women around you shout out different options for your call sign before the tribe votes," said Hinkle, whose call sign is "Pathway."

The nicknames are intentionally lighthearted and memorable.

"It has to be something you can call out in Walmart," Hinkle said with a laugh.

For Rote, whose call sign is "Spur," the tribe has become a source of confidence and accountability.

"One of the biggest things for me is what's said around the fire stays around the fire," she said. "Our devotionals are raw and real. Seeing women who just want nothing more than to see you succeed and thrive and be the best leader, daughter and friend that Christ created you to be - there's nothing better."

Alison Hanson, known in the tribe as "Gem," admitted joining pushed her far outside her comfort zone. Encouraged by her husband, a member of Men's Alliance, she decided to attend one meeting with no intention of returning.

"I told myself, 'I'm coming out one time, and when I don't like it, I'll tell my husband I didn't like it and I won't go back,'" Hanson said.

Instead, she quickly found connection among women of different ages, backgrounds and levels of faith.

"There are so many different people from so many different walks of life," Hanson said. "That was a big thing for me."

The tribes emphasize growth and service. After receiving a call sign, women can earn a coin similar to a challenge coin and later a patch signifying they are ambassadors for Christ. Members are also encouraged to volunteer by leading workouts, tending the fire or presenting devotionals.

"This is all volunteer ministry work," Feliciano said. "We do it for the love of God. Every little piece of everything we do is to meet something that was missing inside us."

The women gather outdoors year-round, regardless of the weather, and encourage newcomers to simply show up.

"This ministry is not just for believers," Feliciano said. "We encourage anyone who does not have a community, anyone looking for friends, to join us. Whatever part of life you're in, you need a community and a tribe. You need a safe space around the fire."

For more information, visit http://www.womensalliancetribe.com/tribes/Chromium.