Testimonies
We believe there is SO much power in sharing our testimonies - sharing our stories. It encourages and equips others by lighting the way for them.
Below are testimonies from campers, a mentor, and from a camper's mama. They share their thoughts and feelings on camp - in their own words.
Enjoy!
camper
Chase H.
I used to be the most shy person at advanced camps because I wasn’t comfortable, but within one camp everyone had accepted me and acted like I’d been going since the start. Advanced Camp is one of the best things I have ever attended. The camps are more than a camp to me, I feel like the camps have created a family full of teenage boys and dads away from home. Every Advanced Camp feels like a big family reunion. I have learned so many things my mom wouldn’t of been able to teach me from our awesome mentors, and they’ve taught me how to grow into a better young man of God. Not only do they teach us how to do things and how to be a better guy but they bless us by providing the most fun camps. We do all kinds of things from wood work, automotive work, paintballing , camping, fishing, bike riding, boating, etc. my experience with the camps and the people on the camps have been incredible. I can’t wait for the camps every month that they put them on. If I would have know how awesome these camps were and if I weren’t so shy I would’ve came to these camps all along. I missed quite a few of the first ones that were put on and I regret not going, so if there’s anything to get out of this it is I guarantee that if you try the camp once you’ll want come back, so give it a try.
Chase H.
Camper
camper
Chase H.
Chase H.
Camper
I used to be the most shy person at advanced camps because I wasn’t comfortable, but within one camp everyone had accepted me and acted like I’d been going since the start. Advanced Camp is one of the best things I have ever attended. The camps are more than a camp to me, I feel like the camps have created a family full of teenage boys and dads away from home. Every Advanced Camp feels like a big family reunion. I have learned so many things my mom wouldn’t of been able to teach me from our awesome mentors, and they’ve taught me how to grow into a better young man of God. Not only do they teach us how to do things and how to be a better guy but they bless us by providing the most fun camps. We do all kinds of things from wood work, automotive work, paintballing , camping, fishing, bike riding, boating, etc. my experience with the camps and the people on the camps have been incredible. I can’t wait for the camps every month that they put them on. If I would have know how awesome these camps were and if I weren’t so shy I would’ve came to these camps all along. I missed quite a few of the first ones that were put on and I regret not going, so if there’s anything to get out of this it is I guarantee that if you try the camp once you’ll want come back, so give it a try.
Mentor
Josh P.
I’ve been a mentor since the the beginning of 2016 and its the greatest thing that I’ve ever done. The opportunity to speak into the lives of young mean has deeply impacted their lives and my own even more so. Being a mentor provides you with a unique platform to provide guidance for a generation of young people who are facing challenges today that were previously unfathomed. Being a mentor is a duty which almost immediately evolved into an honor that I am proud to carry today. To anyone who is trying to decide whether or not become one today, I urge you, do it!
Josh P.
Mentor
Mentor
Josh P.
Josh P.
Mentor
I’ve been a mentor since the the beginning of 2016 and it's the greatest thing that I’ve ever done. The opportunity to speak into the lives of young mean has deeply impacted their lives and my own even more so. Being a mentor provides you with a unique platform to provide guidance for a generation of young people who are facing challenges today that were previously unfathomed. Being a mentor is a duty which almost immediately evolved into an honor that I am proud to carry today. To anyone who is trying to decide whether or not become one today, I urge you, do it!
camper
MicahT.
The Advance Camps I have attended have helped me more than I could possibly describe. I don’t have the words to describe the changes that God, through the camps, has worked in me. Through them, God has changed me from an angry, violent, sullen and scared young man into the person I am today. I am very far from perfect, and I have far to go before I can begin to consider myself ready for the calling I know God has for me. When I look back, though, I thank God for the changes I now see.
If you haven’t decided whether or not to attend advance camp, do it. God can take you further than you can imagine, simply have faith, and take the first step. Sign up, and see God work the wonders only He can.
If you have already signed up for camp, congrats. Now trust God to do what he does best, and hold on for the ride.
I thank God that I’ve had the opportunities to attend the camps I have, and thank God that they have changed me as far as they have. I now pray that you, whomever you are, have the same opportunity to experience the awe-inspiring change that God can work through these camps.
Micah T.
Camper
camper
MicahT.
Micah T.
Camper
The Advance Camps I have attended have helped me more than I could possibly describe. I don’t have the words to describe the changes that God, through the camps, has worked in me. Through them, God has changed me from an angry, violent, sullen and scared young man into the person I am today. I am very far from perfect, and I have far to go before I can begin to consider myself ready for the calling I know God has for me. When I look back, though, I thank God for the changes I now see.
If you haven’t decided whether or not to attend advance camp, do it. God can take you further than you can imagine, simply have faith, and take the first step. Sign up, and see God work the wonders only He can.
If you have already signed up for camp, congrats. Now trust God to do what he does best, and hold on for the ride.
I thank God that I’ve had the opportunities to attend the camps I have, and thank God that they have changed me as far as they have. I now pray that you, whomever you are, have the same opportunity to experience the awe-inspiring change that God can work through these camps.
campers mama
Brigid C.
In November of 2017, my son J attended his first Advance Camp in which they learned about appliances.Just this experience was a miracle for my son. Prior to this opportunity with Advance Camp, my son wanted nothing to do with men nor was he comfortable with other boys. He has had a challenging life, one that left him in deep grief and loss. I have been praying for 6 years for men to come alongside my son, so he may know that not all men are liars or will abandon you.
When I first shared with J about Advance Camp, his exact words were "I'm not going and don’t want to be around men". I gave the strong mothers push and knew he needed relationship with other men and boys that are in similar life situations as him, so he could begin a healing process and learn from strong men of God!
Pleasant words came over my ears when I picked up J after his first camp… "Mom, please can I come back, and can I do it again?".
The following camp was titled "Iron sharpens Iron", and the boys were going to get to forge iron!! This camp was when I met Chad. He shared about how my son's creative side actually encouraged the other boys, and he got to carve, sand and forge his batman coat hook. This was a great self-esteem boost! Each camp J has come home sharing exciting experiences. Some of these was a service project in which J was excited to use a pressure washer for the first time. Another one was learning to shoot a gun, which my son wasn't going to, but he decided to do it!
Brigid C.
Campers Mama
campers mama
Brigid C.
Brigid C.
Campers Mama
In November of 2017, my son J attended his first Advance Camp in which they learned about appliances.Just this experience was a miracle for my son. Prior to this opportunity with Advance Camp, my son wanted nothing to do with men nor was he comfortable with other boys. He has had a challenging life, one that left him in deep grief and loss. I have been praying for 6 years for men to come alongside my son, so he may know that not all men are liars or will abandon you.
When I first shared with J about Advance Camp, his exact words were "I'm not going and don’t want to be around men". I gave the strong mothers push and knew he needed relationship with other men and boys that are in similar life situations as him, so he could begin a healing process and learn from strong men of God!
Pleasant words came over my ears when I picked up J after his first camp… "Mom, please can I come back, and can I do it again?".
The following camp was titled "Iron sharpens Iron", and the boys were going to get to forge iron!! This camp was when I met Chad. He shared about how my son's creative side actually encouraged the other boys, and he got to carve, sand and forge his batman coat hook. This was a great self-esteem boost! Each camp J has come home sharing exciting experiences. Some of these was a service project in which J was excited to use a pressure washer for the first time. Another one was learning to shoot a gun, which my son wasn't going to, but he decided to do it!
camper
Gabe H.
Advanced Camp is awesome! At first, I was nervous and didn’t really want to go but once I got there everybody was inclusive and it was super fun. I learned lots of things that a dad would’ve taught me. I got to do many activities. Also, we got to learn about God and the Bible. Advanced Camp is overall just awesome. I look forward to it every time. I hope you can enjoy the same experience as I did.
Gabe H.
Camper
camper
Gabe H.
Gabe H.
Camper
Advanced Camp is awesome! At first, I was nervous and didn’t really want to go but once I got there everybody was inclusive and it was super fun. I learned lots of things that a dad would’ve taught me. I got to do many activities. Also, we got to learn about God and the Bible. Advanced Camp is overall just awesome. I look forward to it every time. I hope you can enjoy the same experience as I did.