Local farm to host annual father and son camp
WAYNESBURG – Building upon last year’s successful “Father and Son Camp East” event, the 2013 four-day camp is slated again and will be held Oct. 3-6, at the Strath an De Farm, 145 Stewart Run Road, Waynesburg. While the camp is in October, the encouraged registration deadline is Sept. 15.
The 2013 camp will feature former NFL safety/cornerback Ray McElroy, who played for the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions. McElroy currently serves as the team chaplain for the Chicago Bears.
“One of the greatest things a father can do is that of capturing and keeping the heart of his son,” says Jim Butler, event organizer. “Our hope is that this weekend in the rustic outdoors, giving fathers and sons a unique opportunity to talk, play, laugh and learn from the Word of God will be an investment in the future, building a lasting bond in Christ Jesus.”
With individual campsites and fire-rings (firewood provided), complete with the basic camping amenities, activities planned include rappelling, knife-throwing, hiking, paintball, a rifle and archery range, clay pigeon shooting, hiking and frisbee golf.
A team of cadets from the International ALERT Academy headquartered in Texas will be traveling to Pennsylvania to assist in the weekend activities, teaching rappelling and providing a challenging obstacle course for campers.
Additionally, three evening meals will be provided to all father and son campers.
Norm Wakefield, a national speaker and the founder of Elijah Ministries, will be the 2013 Father and Son Camp East featured speaker. Wakefield will be joined by McElroy, who will offer an encouraging message to sons during Friday evening’s activities.
The Father and Son Camp East is a Christian, not-for-profit event that is run by donations. There is no cost for camping and attending. (However, paintball equipment rental does come at an additional cost. For campers who do not own paintball equipment, full equipment may be rented on-site for $20 per afternoon. Campers may also purchase balls and CO2 for an additional charge. )
“Many are surprised that attendance is not based on a payment,” explains Butler. “Yes, expenses are great. And, those who God has given the resources may send a donation with their application or contribute in the donation box at the camp. However, a donation is not a prerequisite to attend. It is just that, a donation.”
The Father and Son Camp East is an outgrowth of the original “Father Son Camp” which began in Illinois 17 years ago. Starting with just three fathers and three sons, the original camp has, today, grown to a four-day event accommodating nearly 600 fathers and sons, from 22 states and several foreign countries. The new Father and Son Camp East began in 2012, providing additional fathers the opportunity to enjoy a weekend in the great outdoors, enjoying time with their sons and creating a lifetime of memories.
For more information or register online, visit www.fathersoncampeast.org. You may also email bvbutler@gmail.com or call 724-627-8656.