32nd Annual Chuck Wilson Memorial Backpack for BENCHMARK
October 1 – 4, 2026 – Thursday – Sunday
~ 45 miles, 3 hiking days
On October 5th, 2025, Barbara, Kathleen, Kinley, and James successfully completed this year’s rigorous 45 mile hike. There is still time to sponsor a hiker.
Click here and scroll down the page to choose a Hiker to Sponsor for the 2025 Chuck Wilson Memorial Backpack for BENCHMARK … so BENCHMARK can continue to partner with Military Chaplains to develop resilience-building adventure events for the Soldiers and Families they serve!
Just as a benchmark is a known point that can help us better understand where we are, the annual Backpack for BENCHMARK is a difficult trip to challenge emotional and physical stamina. This experience allows hikers to better understand the way they think, feel, and act in light of Biblical principles.
Why do we #hikethechuck? The annual Backpack for BENCHMARK became the Chuck Wilson Memorial in 1999, in memory of this Navy Sailor who had a minister’s heart and a mountaineer’s zeal, and experienced God through the beauty of creation. Check out the short video below to learn more about Chuck.
#ReFocusHisGlory #hikethechuck #backpackforbenchmark #mountainpeaksareworthit #hardcanbehelpful
Who was Chuck? Why do we #hikethechuck?
