We’ve talked about all sorts of big things that might stand between you and MAN CAMP, but I know there are all sorts of little “buts” that are probably bouncing around in your head as well…
My first instinct is to tell you to “Get your head out of your butt, man up and register!” But, this is a church camp – and Jesus, while being a real man, is about grace as well as truth. (Thankfully!)
So, if you’re sittin’ on the fence, or you’re mostly in but you still have a hand on the fence, consider these things…
I think I wanna go to MAN CAMP but…
I’M NOT A FAN OF ALL THAT MACHO STUFF.
The macho stuff is just hype. We’re not neanderthals. This isn’t a book club but trust us, you’ll love it. Really, it’s a bunch of dudes hanging out together for a weekend. Pretty simple.
I DON’T KNOW ANYONE.
No problem. Some guys like it that way and simply want to hear from the Lord and gain some great wisdom. And that’s ok, for now. Other men are looking for more men in their life. If that’s you, get ready to meet a lot of growing men focused on being better. Men need the company of other men. You’ll find that at MAN CAMP.
I’M WORRIED ABOUT SLEEPING IN THE BUNKHOUSE.
No problem, drive home. If home is too far, bring your RV because we have spots. Not good enough, then we have a limited number of motel rooms on-site. If that still doesn’t work, then just relax, you’ll be fine. It won’t be your best sleep but no one is going to mess with you or give you a hard time. It’s not a frat house, it’s a room full of mature men realizing their world just got rocked by the Lord and they can’t sleep because they anticipate another day of great things.
I HAVE A DISABILITY.
We’ll figure it out with you. We’ve done it before and we have a team of men who’d love to help in any way they can. Just let us know when you register when it asks about special assistance.
I’M A WOMAN.
You’ll want to check out Real Woman Camp. MAN CAMP is for men only.
I CANNOT STAND CHURCH DUDES.
RIGHT?! Us either. You won’t find Ned Flanders at MAN CAMP.
I THINK I’M TOO OLD OR OUT OF SHAPE.
It’s called Man Camp, but we’re not camping. There’s a short walk up and down a hill to watch baptisms if you want to, but other than that, it’s like spending a day or two at Lowe’s. You move at whatever pace you want and participate, or don’t, in anything you want.
I DON’T KNOW WHERE I’M GONNA GET $85 TO PAY FOR THIS.
Well, figure it out. We do have limited financial aid and no complete freebies. If you can buy smokes or beers or cable or $150 for a cell phone, you can find the money to go. If you can’t, begin praying and asking who God wants you to ask for help. It may be another man in StoneWater. It may be your boss. It may be your dad. Just ask.
I DON’T HAVE ANYONE TO WATCH MY KIDS.
How much trouble can they get into in one weekend? Seriously though, spending a weekend becoming a better dad is worth the effort.
I HAVE ALLERGIES.
If your allergies are bad enough that Man Camp is an issue, you shouldn’t be outside at all. Ever.
I NEED A CPAP MACHINE TO SLEEP.
Bring it. You won’t be the only one.
I NEED A REFRIGERATOR FOR MY MEDS.
Mobile refrigerators are called “coolers”.
I HAVE A RARE DISORDER THAT MAKES ME SUPER GASSY.
You’ll fit right in!
I’VE NEVER PRAYED OUT LOUD.
So what? You won’t be forced to. (And maybe you’ll find out you love that.)
MY WIFE WON’T LET ME.
She’s hurt, resentful, confused or been neglected by you for too long. This experience will make you the best version of you. Likely, the man she wants and needs. Have her read this.
I CAN’T GET TIME OFF WORK.
Yes you can. Figure it out.
CHURCH MUSIC MAKES MY BUTT HURT.
Ours too, at least when it’s all breathy and weak. There’s nothing weak about the all man version of the StoneWater Worship Band.
Come on! You can totally do this. You need this!
See you out there!