For the past several years we have seen tremendous interest in the development of camps for both men and women. The desire to be together, encourage one another in their faith, and reconnect is strong. A weekend camp is not new to YL staff but before you start working on your own camp mode, here are some keys to designing a Man Camp.
Know Your “Why.”
As we come out of the Covid-19 pandemic, we are still in the midst of an epidemic. The epidemic I am talking about is that of isolation and loneliness, and male friendships are at the epicenter of this epidemic. Most sociologists speak to the existence and importance of “third spaces,” spaces beyond work and family. These spaces could be clubs, small groups, or other ways that people might gather; Man Camp is a potential life-changing “Third Space” for many men. It is a space that provides connection, laughter, play, worship, vulnerability, forgiveness, and growth.
As our vision statement for Colorado Man Camp states, “The purpose of Man Camp is for men to grow in relationship with God, each other, and the mission of Young Life.” Man Camp is not a space unto itself or only a moment in time; rather, it is a springboard to local covenant groups, personal growth, and mission growth. Whether volunteer leaders and committee, alumni, Young Life College guys, donors, local church connections, or friends, Man Camp can truly transform lives, marriages, families, ministries, local communities, and the world!
2. Enlist Strategic Partners.
Most local Young Life areas cannot establish and sustain a Man Camp on their own, nor can a Young Life property. Our experience has been that a camp such as this must be owned on the divisional or regional level, open to an audience beyond regional boundaries, and supported by local areas and a Young Life property. To this end, a steering group must be established early in the process that not only represents the assignment team roles but also represents the regions and the various constituencies of men that may attend. This group will not only serve to create the camp, but they will also be critical in the marketing process and the execution of the camp itself.
3. You already know what to do.
Here is the great thing about a Young Life Man Camp… It is pretty much exactly like every other Young Life camp that you have ever done! (Minus the opposite gender, head leaders, and a square dance.) Seriously, men love Young Life Club and seize the opportunity to worship and hear a Christ-centered message. Men look forward to Young Life program and need to laugh. Men appreciate the grandeur and excellence of a Young Life property, and men love to play in all the ways that our camps provide.
In Colorado, we have learned to not “over-program” Man Camp, but to plan enough to give structure, while also protecting room for solitude, relationships, and the movement of the Holy Spirit. We prepare excellent meals, messages (devotionals and Clubs), seminars, and free-time opportunities, but we have learned that men want to process in “cabin time;” whether in a cabin, around a fire, while playing a round of frisbee golf, or going for a hike. Bottom-line, what we often take for granted and is a part of our DNA, men are blown away by and are desperately needing. You got this!
4. Start Today!
Like almost anything we do, preparation often affects a positive and excellent outcome. We are not suggesting that you run a Man Camp in the next few months; rather, we are asking that you consider how something might develop in the next year. Perhaps there are a few people in your region, or a few regions in your division that would understand the impact and influence of a Man Camp? Have a conversation, brainstorm a possible steering group, look at the calendar, connect with a Young Life property and begin to pray. Often an experience like this starts small and take years to mature, but you have to begin somewhere.
If you would like to learn more about how to establish a Young Life Man Camp, simply email jschultz@sc.younglife.org. Or, check out the attached resources below.
Written by: Jonathan Schultz (jschultz@sc.younglife.org)