About Camp

Two Camps

Father and Son and Father and Daughter

Our purpose for each camp is to provide opportunities for dads to connect with their children. For sons and daughters to bond with their fathers, away from the distractions and busyness of life. From fishing to blacksmithing to late-night campfire discussions, all aspects of camp are designed to encourage and build relationships between fathers and children. We pray that families walk away from this weekend with a deepened relationship with one another.

History

Father and Son Camp East Ministries

It all started in 1995 when a 3-year old, named Max, asked his father if he could take a camping trip for his birthday, with “no girls allowed.” Four other men and boys went with Max and his father camping. Since that first camping adventure, the numbers for the original “Father and Son Camp” have grown to more than 600 fathers and sons gathering each year in central Illinois for a time of growth and instruction.

Inspired by the stories of the fathers and sons and the vision of the original “Father and Son Camp,” a new camp, “Father and Son Camp East,” was birthed in 2012 with the vision of bringing a similar experience to fathers and sons on the East coast.

Around 2016, sisters began insisting on a camp of their own, like their brothers; thus began Father and Daughter Camp East at the end of each July. With a couple of exceptions, the same as the Sons camp, it was soon started and has grown to almost equal FSCE in attendance and enthusiasm.

Though completely separate and autonomous, the new camps hold the same Biblical vision for authentic father and son/daughter relationships as the original and are based upon the same Scriptural principles.

Today, the “Father and Son Camp East” is thankful for the legacy of Godly leadership that was established by the faithful men who founded the original Illinois camp.

Non-Camp Ministries were added:
As the overall program matured and infrastructure in facilities and staffing became more robust, other Relationship-based events have been hosted: Church Picnics, Retreats, Specialty Conferences, The Camp Grounds, and the associated farm were provided and are kept going by the Lord and those he directs to participate – see Contribute 1-2-3.

Objectives

We earnestly and prayerfully commit to:

Do all for the glory of God.
Encourage all campers to receive God’s gift of His Son, and make him their Savior and Lord.
Provide a genuine retreat, limit outside distractions, and dedicate our time to focus on relationships, within the family and with our Lord.
Experience Christ-centered healing, renewal, and joy in the relationship between fathers and their sons and daughters.
Combine inspiring worship with exciting outdoor activities that create memories for a lifetime.
Equip fathers to understand and embrace their role as spiritual leader in the home.
Understand how God’s plan for the family may conflict with our secular culture.
Learn from each other how to live out an authentic, Christ-centered life. We are on this journey together.