Brotherhood Challenge Renews Ideals, Faith

A group of ten brothers from the Delta Delta Classes of ’95, ’96, and ’98 gathered together in late September in the mountains of southeastern Kentucky to explore the local outdoors while also reflecting on the ideals of the White Cross.

Sigs enjoy the great outdoors (L-R) James Cole, Steve Boyce, Brian Schultz, Taylor Phillips, Dan Elmhurst, and Bryce Brumm

Early Lessons

We learn early in our Sigma Chi journey that we are indissolubly linked by the firm chains of brotherhood and that there are strong arms that surround us.  These brothers rekindle those principles each year by getting together to dive into their faith, spend intentional time to push and challenge one another, enjoy the great outdoors, and explore topics that will make them better men, brothers, husbands, fathers, and leaders.

Shared Victories and Challenges

In 2021 Brian Schultz ’96, Taylor Phillips ’96, and Bryce Brumm ’96 met for the first time to do some hiking and help each other work through some life transitions.  This gathering has grown into an annual Brotherhood Challenge with a mission to bring together men who help each other learn and live out God’s purpose for their lives. The mentoring and core framework for the weekend came from the brotherhood that Christ taught.

This year, the ten brothers hiked to Natural Bridge and Grey’s Arch (in the rain as Hurricane Helene weather hit the area) and explored an abandoned mine that has been washed out with an aquifer at The Gorge Underground.  During these adventures the brothers broke into groups to have intentional conversations about a trove of deep real-life topics.

(L-R) Brad Dewey ‘95, Taylor Phillips ‘96, James Cole ‘98, Gavin Philipps ‘95, Brian Schultz ‘96, Bryce Brumm ‘96, Nate Harris ‘96, Dan Elmhurst ‘96, Jason Bedsworth ‘95, and Steve Boyce ‘98

The rest of the time was filled with vulnerable conversations about faith stories, times of solitude, and digging into topics like rest, money, and other subjects that challenge men in their daily lives. And there was plenty of time for stories of the days of old at 202!  We laughed and cried, shared victories and challenges, but most importantly, the time spent together was filled with love and support from other men that want the best for you.

Continuing the Quest

This brotherhood retreat is a living example of the Sigma Chi values that are housed in Christian principles.  It is a true testament of brotherhood and of the lifelong commitment that we first learned as undergraduates at 202 Littleton. There is no better way to pursue your calling, renew your faith, and find accountability than through a commitment with your brothers that will allow you to fight the good fight and continue your quest to find the White Cross.

If you would like to learn more about what goes on at the Brotherhood Challenge, please feel free to contact Brian Schultz at vgabschultz@gmail.com or 980-248-3563. We’d love to include more brothers!

Enjoying the scenic view (L-R) Bryce Brumm, James Cole, Dan Elmhurst, Gavin Philipps, Nate Harris, Brian Schultz, Steve Boyce, Brad Dewey, Jason Bedsworth, and Taylor Phillips

Going underground (L-R) Bryce Brumm, Dan Elmhurst, Brad Dewey, Brian Schultz, Steve Boyce, James Cole, Taylor Phillips, Nate Harris, Jason Bedsworth, and Gavin Philipps

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