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October 10, 2023

Trek Update (Fall 2023)

By Barry Rudesill

All right! It’s been a while since we last posted a blog and a LOT has happened since then! So, as we get back into our Fall routine of writing again, let me share with you about what’s happening, where we’re at, and where we’re going.

First of all, as some of you found out the hard way, we did our annual “security updates” from our web hosting company. These invariably break our website in some way, and this year was no different. On the bright side, there’s only one more update left and that’s pretty minor. We are sincerely sorry for the inconvenience this causes. (And why do they always have to do it at the end of August?)

Now some of you may be asking, “Why do we do this?” Well, it comes down to two main reasons:

These ARE security updates that make our website more difficult to hack, steal data from, scam, etc. And, while we don’t store any of your payment information on our servers – that’s all kept at PayPal – we do want to make sure that we protect your information.

The next reason, though is much more important: we don’t actually get a choice. So, since we don’t get a choice, it seems like a good idea to the updates and fix what breaks afterwards. (They do the upgrades on their end, we respond to the changes.) This year, our web designer is working on helping us to become more proactive by ensuring that all of the behind-the-scenes software is updated ahead of time!

Second, like I mentioned we’re working with Aavitech to make some significant changes to the website. Much of it will be security on the back end, but there also will (finally!) be coming some new updates and features. Just so you know, any delays and/or glitches with the site are squarely on me or our hosting company; Aavitech has been wonderful to work with!

Third, we’ve already begun the process of tweaking the Student Edition. That program is getting some updates to the workbooks, minor changes to the videos, the new Bridge series, and Facilitator Guides for both The Trek and The Bridge series. We’re even creating a Facilitator account for people who want to specifically lead Student Edition programs.

Fourth, we have a question to throw out to all y’all. Maria and I have had people ask about us serving as “life coaches” for either individuals and/or small groups of people who want to do a refresher. We’re not ready to launch this yet, but my question is: “Would any of you be interested in having either Maria or I serve as a life coach for you?” If so, can you email us and let me know? (Right now, we’re just trying to figure out if it’s wanted / viable/ etc.)

Finally, we didn’t do a Trek Facilitator training this year, but have now had a couple of people express interest. If we set up a Saturday Facilitator training event, would that be something or interest for you? Again, if you’re interested, please email me (Barry) directly.

I think that’s about it for now. We’re hoping to restart blogging now that Summer is over. For those of you who don't know, Maria runs a Summer Camp and I had 60 speaking engagements in three months this Summer! Now that the running is “slowing down” (relatively speaking) and we have most of our outdoor prep for winter done, we’ll both have more time to sit down and write. As always, if there’s any topics you want us to specifically address, just send me an email!

Just in case you need our email address, you can always reach us at info@thetrek.org.

Anyhow, we hope y’all have a great day and we sincerely hope you enjoy your journey!

- The Rudesill

October 10, 2023

Trek Update (Fall 2023)

By Barry Rudesill

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