We are thankful for Gavin sharing his and Tristan’s experience at the Passage to Manhood camp, and we believe you will be blessed by their story as well.   

Gavin Philipps attended our Passage to Manhood Camp with his son Tristan, who was a high school senior. Gavin was searching for an experience that would allow for some meaningful discussion with his son on some of life’s most important topics, as well having some dedicated father-son time just having fun.

Both of the men were excited and open-handed about what the week would be. Gavin admits that Tristan was “maybe was less excited about the discussion time, but he participated and it led to good one-on-one talks between us.”

Most importantly, Gavin was hopeful that their time at Passage to Manhood Camp would open Tristan’s eyes to the importance of a Christ-centered life, and that it would be the beginning of a deeper relationship for them as father and son.

Indeed, their week at camp was fruitful—and not just for what they experienced that week, but for what they anticipated as they left. “I think we were both excited about what we learned about each other and our faith, and we had the ability to go deeper with conversations than we had before,” Gavin reflects. 

Sure enough. . . . the best things were yet to come for the father-son duo, as Tristan went on to deeper faith. “He’s fully accepted Christ, which was my hope for our time at camp, but God works on His time,” Gavin shares. “Camp brought him closer to that decision. He and I have had many more ‘deep’ discussions and not just superficial ones, like how was your day or how was practice.”

Gavin has encouragement for any fathers and sons considering attending Passage to Manhood Camp. “If anyone is on the fence, just jump right in. It’s an experience that will transform your relationship forever.”

“I wish I had invested more earlier in moments like this with him but I’m so grateful that we got this time together and have a long journey ahead,” he concludes.