Fathers and sons: building one another up in love
In our demanding world, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for parents to spend uninterrupted time with their children.
GENTS camp Fathers and Sons, aims to build the father-son connection, while also providing a space for fathers to share struggles and triumphs, speak scripture to one another, and build one another up in this very important role, as “iron sharpens iron …” (Proverbs 27:17)
The promise of dedicated time to get away in nature with his own two sons (presently aged 9 and 12) is what initially drew long-time SU volunteer, leader, and dentist-by-day, Tim, to the camp.
For the past three years, Tim has directed GENTS Fathers and Sons NSW, and is convinced of the value it brings not only to his family, but to so many families, as well as the wider community.
“I guess, from my perspective as a father, it’s [about] having some intentional time away with my boys. Life’s busy, and there’s really limited moments where it’s just me and them experiencing a whole day together without some sort of interruption,” reflects Tim.
“I think the studies will show that disengagement of boys at this age is leading to massive issues in terms of mental health and breakdowns of families. Boys who are looking for things other than where they should be, for advice around sex, relationships, drugs, what they want to do for work, what their goals in life are going to be …” says Tim.
GENTS Fathers and Sons provides a space for boys to be mentored in God’s way by older men, particularly their own fathers, and for fathers to get alongside and encourage one another along the way.
Camping by a river near Wiseman’s ferry, fathers and sons share in discussion times around the fire, Bible study, testimonies and good old-fashioned outdoor fun.
And don’t worry: While fathers cook meals for themselves and their sons, there is coffee provided on site.
This year’s camp theme was ‘wisdom’ and much was shared, both planned and unplanned. Campfire times were especially rich.
“There aren’t many moments, collectively in this world, even at church, where men sit around and share,” reflects Tim.
Fathers spent time workshopping how to lead their sons in Bible study, and then took half an hour together with their sons to put this into practice.
Another more practical activity was the building of billy carts, where boys were encouraged to learn valuable life skills like responsibility and perseverance, all part of wisdom.
One father and son came into camp struggling with pressures from home, but on Sunday morning, when it came time to try out the billy carts, they were clearly having fun.
Spaces like GENTS Fathers and SONS allow families to do life together, reinforcing that none of us are in this alone, and that we always have God walking beside us.
When you support camps like GENTS (Fathers and Sons), you are helping more than the families there; you are supporting communities.
“Not only are you equipping [fathers and sons] on the camp, but [elsewhere too] … because they go out like ripples into their own communities … Not everyone can go on a camp like this … but you’re also seeding into the communities,” says Tim.
To hear more about camps like GENTS Fathers and Sons please visit: su.org.au/camps