When Paul and Thomas Metz joined us at Christ in the Smokies Passage to Manhood camp, Thomas had just graduated high school and would be heading off to college in the fall, and Paul had been in search of a unique one-on-one adventure with Thomas. 

Back at home, “he and I didn’t get much time to ourselves,” Paul explains. “He has an older and younger sister. The camp being faith-based was even more captivating. The small group setting enabled us to have quality time together but also with other men of faith.”

Paul shares that Thomas wasn’t initially all that enthusiastic about the trip. “He felt it was going to be like going to church for five days,” Paul says. “And he would be away from his girlfriend, which contributed to his disdain.”

But Thomas knew that his father felt it was important for the two to have this time together, so he obliged without too much pushback. Paul reminisces about the night they slept in the back of his truck in a Walmart parking lot on the way up to the Highlands, “We got up the next morning and found a cool place for breakfast and finished our journey. It set the tone for the remainder of the trip.”

“I wanted to be intentional, focused, and in the moment with Thomas, no matter which activity we were engaged in,” Paul shares about his goals for the trip. “I wanted him to know that he was important. I wanted him to see me and my behavior while interacting with other men, especially new people in a new environment.”

Paul is thrilled to report that the camp exceeded his expectations. “The guidance we received and the opportunities that were provided to say and do things with Thomas were exceptional,” he enthuses. “I would not have done these things without this camp. Thomas jumped in and participated as well, which was encouraging. The influence from the staff and other fathers and their sons was gratifying and evident. Thomas and I have a great relationship, but our bond was definitely improved as a result of the camp.”

Paul describes the camp as well-organized and executed, helping father and son to feel comfortable right away. “The outdoor activities were perfect. The potato launcher build and competition were super cool. Both Thomas and I love to build things, and we are both competitive, so it made for a great activity.”

Since returning home from camp, Thomas has gone off to college, where he has embraced the new experience. His father has continued to dive deeper in his own faith journey, attending a men’s group on Fridays and a small group Bible study. “I continue to encourage Thomas to leave his childish ways behind and become a Godly man,” Paul shares. “He is doing extremely well in school. We’ve visited him a few times in Tallahassee.”

Paul speaks with gratitude about the opportunity that camp offered him to be authentic. “Speaking words of affirmation to Thomas in a public setting in front of other men was unexpected and enriching for us both. We are both more open with our emotions and able to speak things to each other that we may not have otherwise.”

Paul also speaks highly of the staff running the camp. “They all were authentic and genuine. All great examples of Godly men. The teachings were applicable and relevant,” he reflects. “The camp was a defining moment for Thomas and me, and I am thankful that you all provided the opportunity for us.”