Passage to Manhood
Each summer, Christ in the Smokies hosts our main event for fathers to welcome their sons into manhood. This four-day event is specifically designed to engage men in daily high-adventure activities—such as white-water rafting, hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing—that bring out manly qualities of courage, determination and humility.
During the evenings, leaders share engaging lessons in what it means to be a man, inspiring sons and fathers to live out authentic Christian manhood. Many of the topics covered in the teaching are illustrated with clips from popular, contemporary movies. Throughout the week, each father is given the opportunity to publicly bless his son. There is also time set aside to share deeply with his son what his own manhood journey has been.
The week culminates with a sacred and moving rite-of-passage ceremony, where each father calls his son up into manhood in the presence of other like-minded men and welcomes him into the community of men.
Christ in the Smokies is uniquely designed for and open to all fathers and sons, and is specifically helpful for young men who are transitioning significant life events such as graduating high school, entering college, entering or changing careers, or getting married.
Gavin P.
June 16-20, 2024 - Beginning on Father’s Day
This camp is for fathers and sons 17 years and older and is located in the North Georgia Mountains. This five-day event is specifically designed to engage men in daily high-adventure activities—such as white-water rafting, rock climbing and hiking—thus reinforcing such qualities as courage, determination and humility. The week culminates in a powerful rite-of-passage ceremony where each father calls his son up into manhood in the presence of other like-minded men.
Learn more »Dates to Come
This camp is for men ages 35 and older who would like to learn or improve upon their existing fly fishing skills. But even more than that, it is for those who would like to learn how to better navigate their masculine journey. As life pushes back, sometimes harshly, we find ourselves asking probing questions: “What is this all supposed to be about? How did I wind up here?” During this five day experience, you will be offered skills and tools to better navigate a trout stream. But most importantly, you will be offered skills and tools to better navigate the complex currents of your journey as a man.
To ensure that these experiences are open to all, scholarships are available through the Taylor Strickland Legacy Foundation.
If you’d like a Rocky Mountain experience, check out these camps in the mountains of Colorado:
July 12-16, 2023
For Fathers and Sons ages 16 and older. This camp is hosted in the upper Poudre Canyon which carries the "Wild and Scenic" federal designation, the only such canyon in Colorado. This five day event is specifically designed to engage men in daily high adventure activities such as rock climbing and mountain biking thus reinforcing such qualities as courage, determination and humility. The week culminates in a powerful rite-of-passage ceremony where each father calls his son up into manhood in the presence of other like-minded men.
Learn more »July 26-30, 2023
This camp is hosted in the upper Poudre Canyon which carries the "Wild and Scenic" federal designation, the only such canyon in Colorado. This five day event is specifically designed for men 25 and older. Along with adventure activities, older men will be present for the duration to hear your questions and concerns regarding the next years of life. In addition, evening content and discussions will center around what matters most at this stage of life.
Learn more »Aug. 9-13, 2023
This camp is for men ages 35 and older who would like to learn or improve upon their existing fly fishing skills. But even more than that, it is for those who would like to learn how to better navigate their masculine journey.
Learn more »Sept. 13-17, 2023
This camp is for men ages 50 and older who would like to learn or improve upon their existing fly fishing skills. But even more than that, it is for those who would like to learn how to better navigate your seasoned time in life.
Learn more »If you’d like a Ozark Mountain experience, check out this Passage to Manhood camp in Missouri:
June 4-8, 2023
This camp is located in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. This 5-day event is specifically designed to engage men in daily high-adventure activities - such as hiking, rock climbing, and more - thus reinforcing such qualities such as courage, determination and humility. The week culminates in a powerful rite-of-passage ceremony where each father calls his son up into manhood in the presence of other like-minded men.
Learn more »Sebastian M.