Dads in Debt
You might not expect a boring, old, middle-aged “Dad” like me to be hanging out at GENTS camp, which is a high-powered adventure camp for boys from years 7, 8, 9 and 10, and I wasn’t the only Dad there. There were four of us, who were there as volunteers (as cooks or as the “Camp Dad”).
While the other Dads weren’t nearly as boring (or as middle-aged) as me, the surprising thing was that when I asked each of them why they were there, their reason was the same as mine. Each of us told a story that went something like: “Well, in his early teenage years, I began to see my son growing in his independence. He wanted to connect with others outside of our circles. He wanted to hear from those more his age group. He wanted to see how others lived their lives, what they believed, and he wasn’t really that interested in what I had to say.”
For each of us, we felt very blessed and thankful when our son went on a GENTS camp. We saw that our sons were exposed to lots of high-spirited adventure, to some very silly games and lots of teenage carry-on, but most importantly, to a clear explanation of who Jesus is and what He means for our lives. The vital part was that at GENTS camp, the explanation and example came from some amazing young men. Some of those young men were in the final years of high school, some were at Uni, some were working, and some were establishing their careers in trades or professions. All had given up at least a week of their precious free time. All gave their energy and enthusiasm in bucketloads. All even paid the same fees as the campers to be there.
For each of us Dads, we were humbled to realise that we owe a great debt to GENTS camp and SU, and to the many volunteers who have gone before. Mostly, the debt we owe is to the young men who were, and are, GENTS camp leaders. They faithfully connect with and relate to the campers, including our sons, at a vital stage in their lives. They explain and share truths about Jesus, and they do it in a way that is lots of fun… and a bit edgy!
For more information on our next GENTS camp, visit su.org.au/events/gents-camp-fnq-2024
Pim Kuipers