Big Life Adventures

A vibrant, well-worn hiking backpack leaning against a rough-hewn wooden trail sign that reads “Big Life Adventures,” carved deeply into the grain. The sign stands at the edge of a lush forest clearing, with distant blue mountains and a winding river in soft focus beyond. Golden hour sunlight filters through tall pines, casting long, playful shadows and warm highlights on the weathered wood and colorful nylon fabric. Shot at eye level in photographic realism with a shallow depth of field, the composition uses the rule of thirds, creating an inviting, adventurous atmosphere that feels joyful, hopeful, and grounded in God’s creation.

BLA

Big Life Adventures is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded on March 29, 2024, by Tracey Gilliard and Boyd Damme. Our heart is to bring the Body of Christ together through fun, meaningful adventures right here in the Creators back yard. We love hosting events that create lasting memories and bring our community together around a positive, faith-filled message.

History

Our journey began in 2015 as Big Igloo Adventures, a ministry alongside Grace Fellowship Church in Kearney. For over a decade, we’ve helped fund our activities through two firework stands. Along the way, we’ve organized date nights, four-wheeling trips, tubing, camping, shooting outings, horseback riding, and more. Each year, we also host a large, family-friendly, free community event at the Merryman Performing Arts Center.

Our Mission

Today, Big Life Adventures continues to grow, but our mission remains the same: bringing the Body of Christ together. We believe we are stronger as one family. Our goal is to create opportunities for people to gather, celebrate, and grow through fun, free events. We’re here to remind each other that faith is vibrant and joyful—meant to be shared. As Psalm 34:8A says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Our mission is to shine a light, build connections, serve others as Jesus served us, and help keep you on the trail to a higher place.

Our Team

Tracey Gilliard

President

Tracey brings over 40 years of hospitality experience, having graduated Cum Laude in Hospitality Management and built a career spanning General Manager to CEO, alongside entrepreneurial ventures in janitorial supply, children’s retail, and travel.

Today he serves as Children’s Pastor at Grace Fellowship Church, President of Big Life Adventures, and an independent AMSOIL representative — always committed to serving others with passion and integrity.

Boyd Damme

Treasurer

Boyd grew up farming in southeast Nebraska before spending 38 years in insurance sales and over 46 years as a follower of Jesus. He has faithfully served his community as a youth baseball coach, school board president, and church Elder.

A lifelong learner and jack of all trades, Boyd’s passion for hunting, shooting, and 4-wheeling fuels his deepest desire — creating family-oriented activities that build relationships and advance the cause of Jesus Christ.

CJ Miller

Secretary

CJ has built a career around hard work, service, and problem-solving — successfully managing restaurants, spending over a decade burying fiber optic cables across the state, and currently overseeing technology operations at the Big Apple Fun Center in Kearney.

Beyond his primary roles, CJ owns a business specializing in cleaning, setting up, and managing aquariums, blending his technical skills with a passion for creating beautiful aquatic environments.