The Trek Epic Journey: Rooted in Purpose, Evolving with the Next Generation

Trek Epic was founded in 2010 with a bold vision: to create trekking-based experiences abroad that would serve as powerful catalysts for reflection, growth, and the discovery of one’s Core Gift. Co-founders Leslie Johnson and Andrew Bryan imagined something beyond traditional travel—an intentional space where emerging adults could disconnect from daily pressures, walk through stunning landscapes, and reconnect with themselves in deeply meaningful ways.

The breathtaking trails of the British Isles provided the perfect backdrop for this unfolding vision. In the early years, Dr. Donald Chance, a seasoned college professor and veteran trekking guide, helped shape the adventure-based elements of the program. In 2012, facilitator Kim Mlinarik (now of Alchemy Adventures) contributed to the program’s evolution by introducing new thematic frameworks aligned with the unique needs of emerging young adults.

A major turning point came in 2013, when Bruce Anderson joined the Trek Epic team and introduced the Core Gift Discovery™ process, embedding a deeper layer of purpose-driven facilitation into the trekking model. This process quickly became a foundational element of every Trek Epic journey—helping participants define who they are and what they have to offer the world.

Now, Trek Epic is stepping into an exciting new chapter.

In 2025, guide and educator Josie Bryan joined co-founder Andrew Bryan to launch the next evolution of Trek Epic’s vision: the Gap Year Semester. This expanded program builds on the success of the 10-day international treks and weaves them into a three-month immersive experience of global exploration, mentorship, and Core Gift development.

With a Launch Trek and Capstone Trek anchoring the semester, participants are guided through a powerful arc of reflection, community, and purpose. The future of Trek Epic is rooted in this new offering—one that not only honors our origins, but also expands our capacity to walk alongside young adults at a deeper, more transformational level.

As Trek Epic continues to grow, our commitment remains the same: to walk with emerging adults as they uncover their Core Gift, connect with others, and begin to live lives of intention and fulfillment.