Support
  • Home
  • Camps
  • About Us
    • Leaders
    • Statement of Beliefs
    • Our Values
    • Ministry Partners
  • Blog
  • Support
    • Give Online
    • Sponsors
  • Register Now
  • Volunteering with CITS
  • Contact
Christ in the Smokies - Navigating the Masculine Journey

Christ in the Smokies Navigating the Masculine Journey

  • Camps
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Leaders
    • Statement of Beliefs
    • Our Values
    • Ministry Partners
  • Blog
  • Support
    • Give Online
    • Wish List
    • Sponsors
  • Register Now
  • Camp Registration
  • Volunteering with CITS
  • Contact

Welcome to Christ in the Smokies! Our goal is to assist you as a dad to equip your son to live an authentic and noble life. We do this through providing Christian retreats for fathers and sons in the magnificent Smoky Mountains. Outdoor adventure and biblically based content abound in summer camps based in the eastern United States. Forge a strong bond and pave the way to Christ-centered manhood at Christ in the Smokies—the adventure of a lifetime!

The Enemy of Isolation

April 16, 2021

written by John Ellard, Christ in the Smokies committee member and alumnus

"Freedom does not come in isolation."

Last fall, I listened to my voicemail from a friend and heard, “I’m in trouble. I have really messed up and need your help.”

I received an email from a different friend on New Year’s Eve saying he was checking himself into rehab.  

One thing that was clear about both of these situations was both men were mostly alone. No one really knew the truth about what was happening in their lives. They, like many of us, were living with secret struggles. I know it is easy for me to withdraw into isolation because it feels safe, but that is just the bait to avoid a problem.  

These events were a sobering reminder because both men were seen as leaders having life under control, at least from the outside. It was a stark reminder that isolation is a man’s enemy, and addiction can come in many, many forms. I took to reading and listening to others about addiction and learned a lot.  

  1. Addiction isn’t so much about the vice (work, sex, alcohol, drugs, gambling, money).  
  2. Addiction is about dealing with pain. 
  3. Pain and addiction thrive in privacy and isolation.
  4. Facing the pain—staring right at it and moving through it—is the way to freedom.
  5. Freedom does not come in isolation. 

It’s hard for men to avoid admitting we need help, and it’s easy to avoid joining a group. 

What does this have to do with Christ in the Smokies? The Passage to Manhood experience can be:

  • An experience that helps you see you are not alone.
  • A safe place to ask for help.
  • A safe place to mend a relationship. 
  • A place to receive and give affirmation. 

The funny thing about freedom is that it never comes without taking the risk to move out of isolation and toward someone we love. If you are stuck or even just curious, take the risk and ask about Passage to Manhood Camp.

Learn more about Christ in the Smokies and our Passage to Manhood Camp here, and reach out with any questions to tim@christinthesmokies.org.

Recent Posts

  • Reflections from Passage to Manhood 2024
  • The Importance of Sharing Our Stories
  • Father/Son Spotlight: Wes and Jake Potter
  • Father/Son Spotlight: Barry and Stephen Peppers
  • Father/Son Spotlight: Paul and Thomas Metz

Categories

  • Adventure
  • Father/Son Spotlights
  • Passage to Manhood Camp
  • Reflections
  • Sponsorships
  • Uncategorized
  • Updates
  • Volunteer Spotlights

Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram

Throughout 18 years of compiled survey data, 99% of alumni indicate they would highly recommend our programs supporting men along the masculine journey.

Let the adventure begin!

Register

Sign up and stay connected
by receiving our newsletter.


  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Logo - Christ<span> in the </span>Smokies - Navigating the Masculine Journey
    © 2025 Christ in the Smokies. All rights reserved. Terms & conditions
    Kansas City Web Design by: Light Up the Dark