STRANDED is currently being revamped and will be back in 2026 at our new location in the Black Hills

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STRANDED is currently being revamped and will be back in 2026 at our new location in the Black Hills 〰️

STRANDED

If you have a heart for Jesus, a desire to impact the world, and some “Indiana Jones” blood then you have come to the right place.

Stranded is… a unique simulated training event where missions and survival training collide. The simulation takes participants to a “dark, dangerous, and difficult” region of the world. The scenarios include attempting to engage a remote tribe all while evading wild animals and a rebel group.  The team will go through multiple scenarios and training sessions throughout the week. On this expedition, You will learn valuable insights on what it takes to be an Unusual Soldier in a remote hostile environment. During this quest you will be given a training journal, a survival tool, a book on missions, and a unique lasting memory. Make no mistake, Stranded will not be easy, but we hope by the end, you will better understand your calling and go home empowered.

The ultimate goal of Stranded is… to launch ordinary followers of Christ into areas of the world that are in desperate need of hope. Many students have discovered their personal callings at Stranded and have left with a new found confidence that God can use them. Don't be surprised if you are one of the many students that takes it to the next level and embarks on a journey to bring light to a dark, dangerous, or a difficult place within a year following Stranded.

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STRANDED 2026 DETAILS

Dates: TBA
Application Deadline: TBA
Location: The Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota
(a.k.a. The Middle of Nowhere)
Group size: We keep groups small. (Space is Limited)
Who can apply: Followers of Christ 18 years of age or older.
Price: TBA
Price includes: 

  • Unusual Soldiers Training Manual

  • Unusual Soldiers Training Team

  • Survival Tool

  • Missions book

  • Stranded T-shirt

  • An experience that could turn your life upside down

Six Goals of Stranded

  • SURVIVAL

    Become knowledgeable on how to navigate in a remote and resistant region.

  • TEAMNESS

    Gain insight on how to collaborate with a team of aspiring unusual soldiers.

  • RISK

    Learn the difference between taking a wise risk and a foolish risk on the field.

  • AWAKEN

    Awaken the core traits of every unusual soldier in your life.

  • NAME OF ASPIRATION

    Dive deeper into who you are and who God is calling you to be.

  • DISCOVER

    Discover some best practices of mission work.

  • Explore

    Explore different regions in the world in need of help/hope.

  • Destiny

    Catch a glimpse of where God may be launching you after Stranded.

One life to to live. Live it.

One life to to live. Live it.

"First Generation" of Stranded

Apply while you still can.

Apply while you still can.

Are you one of the rare few who think STRANDED is for you? If so apply today and just see what happens!

 —— FAQs ——

  • 1401 L Street
    Franklin, Nebraska 68939

  • If you are accepted then you will be required to make your deposit of $100 within two weeks of receiving your acceptance letter, otherwise, you will be put on a waiting list. The remaining amount is due on arrival of the event.

  • A backpack containing anything of your choice (no firearms!), just remember anything can happen at Stranded so don't spend a fortune on gear.

    However, here are some "Must Haves":

    • Backpack

    • Sleeping bag

    • Jacket

    • Water bottle

    • Clothes - that can get trashed

    • Hiking shoes

    • Mosquito/tick repellent

    • Headlamp with a red light mode

    • Good Attitude

  • The leadership team of Stranded varies from missionaries, adventure guides, survival instructors, EMTs, former military, weirdos, nurses, and former Stranded graduates who have endeavored to dark, dangerous, and despised places across the globe.

  • Don't fret. Click here.

  • Stranded is not for people who just want to learn survival skills. Stranded is a launching pad centered on Jesus and his mission.

    Keep in mind: Stranded is not a summer camp, a camping trip, a macho-man test, or a "been-there-done-that" event.

  • Students should be able to jog at least one mile and should not have mental or physical health conditions that may become an issue under stress.

  • Any follower of Christ 18+ years old with a desire to make an impact in the world. If you are one of the many restless Christians trying to find a cause in life to live for this could be for you.

    Stranded is for… the student that has a heart to impact the world, but doesn’t know where to turn. However, Stranded is also for the Christ follower that has missions experience and a growing desire to impact a dark, dangerous, or difficult (remote) place in the world.

  • Planes: If you want to get a flight then Kearney, Grand Island, and Lincoln are the closest airports.

    Trains: If you want to take the train then Holdrege, Nebraska is the closest station.

    Automobiles: Franklin, is located a few miles from the exact center of the USA. So the classic road trip is the most common way people choose to travel. Some have even driven from New York, Florida, and Saskatchewan to participate (1,400miles!).

    * Please keep in mind, that the Unusual Soldiers team, will not be picking you up so you may have to brainstorm travel plans and make arrangements with your teammates.

  • Yes! We have had people of numerous ethnicities attend Stranded. People from the inner city, countryside, and even from other countries participated in Stranded.

  • If you do not hear from Unusual Soldiers within a month of your application then please contact Rhyno at ryan@unusualsoldiers.com to make sure there was not a glitch on the website or a problem with the internet. Unusual Soldiers starts the review process at the end of October and continues to meet monthly until May 1st.

  • After Stranded you will become part of the Unusual Soldiers tribe and made eligible for our strategic training conference called Slingshot.