Directors Bio

Jim Cummings Biography

In 2004, at the age of 53, Jim sold his small business and began full time ministry, integrating his passion for nature and adventure. In partnership with UrbanPromise Ministries, he created an expeditionary learning program called UrbanTrekkers. Jim believes the best way for young people to discover purpose and meaning for their lives is through education. He seeks to teach urban teenagers basic life skills by widening their comfort zones while stretching them physically and emotionally.

UrbanTrekkers’ expeditions include outdoor activities like backpacking and kayaking, community service, and urban adventures. Trips have included the New Jersey Pine Barrens, Mt. Washington, NH, the Florida Everglades and the Pacific Northwest. Each trip includes themes of environmental awareness, community service, historical perspectives, outdoor adventure, and cross-cultural exchange.

In 2009, UrbanTrekkers began a wooden boat-building program called Urban BoatWorks. In this program, students learn swimming, sailing and paddling skills along with real applications for science, math and technology.

Jim is changing lives through this dynamic program. Young people in Camden who have never been out of the city are seeing the world differently. It is hard to find an individual with more love and passion for living. We know you will enjoy hearing stories of how Jim and UrbanTrekkers has touched the lives of children and youth, bringing them into a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it.