FIND YOUR PURPOSE. FIND YOUR PEOPLE.
VISION:
Man Camp is designed to encourage men to get away from everyday life, hear Biblical teaching on what it means to be a man of God, to be challenged, to be vulnerable and to hear from the Lord. As a church, we know that men are called to be the spiritual leaders of their homes and our communities. As men are equipped and deployed as disciple-makers, families and communities for generations to come are changed forever.
At Man Camp, we want men to realize that they are not alone in their struggles, and that God brings healing, along with instruction on how to walk out his direction for their life. Man Camp is time where pastors and attendees get real and raw about struggles. It’s also where we are all encouraged and challenged to grow as men.
Each year, we play hard, laugh, make incredible memories and leave with great next steps to grow the Kingdom of God.
HISTORY
In 2009, a group of 40 men were invited to Cabin 9 at Riverbend Retreat Center for a 24-hour experience that would change their lives. These men knew they were gathering to learn from pastors and church leaders on how to be the spiritual leaders of their family and warriors for the Kingdom. What they didn’t know, is this first Man Camp would be the catalyst for 14 more years of Man Camp events impacting over 4,000 men and counting.
Man Camp has been held at Riverbend Retreat Center and Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center in Glen Rose, TX. Man Camp may have started with a small group at the first event, but today, over 700 men gather each year to be equipped and deployed to grow the Kingdom.
Through the years, numerous speakers, topics and crazy events have impacted the men of StoneWater Church and partner churches wanting to launch their own Man Camp event. You could expect anything from dodgeball, to skit characters, to launching eggs lit on fire and everything in between. Men laugh, develop lasting relationships, pull hamstrings and cover every topic you could imagine. Nothing is off limits when it comes to growing as men, and no one leaves without being challenged by both leaders, and Jesus. Man Camp is known for being a real and raw environment where men do business with the Lord and leave changed for the better.
TESTIMONIALS
Last year I came to Man Camp with a very heavy heart and shame from my life. After a short conversation with a brother, I realized that Jesus had paid for that sin and that I am truly forgiven.
Man Camp introduced me to Stonewater and the ReGeneration ministry. God used these to recreate me as the man He wanted me to be. I have overcome years of trauma and anger and learned to live in peace as the husband, father, and disciple I was meant to be.
My first Man Camp I was convicted to be a better follower of Christ and a better husband, father and grandfather. The next year I walked away knowing my next step was to be a better leader, disciple, and servant. Every year God opens new doors and I wouldn’t miss 2024 for anything!
At Man Camp, God lifted a darkness from me that I was blinded by for so long from so many horrors in my life. I learned to remember that God still loves me and I love Him and that he has a plan for me and my family.
This year at Man Camp, the Holy Spirit reiterated to me how important it is to surround ourselves with those chasing after God’s own heart. As a result, I have been able to forgive, restore, maintain, and start strong relationships meaningful to my own growth.
Man Camp has taught me to lead my family the way God has created me to do. God showed me to always have the courage to be who he created me to be, and not shy away from adventure. ABOE!
Last year at Man Camp I saw the power of God working in a group of men like I’ve never seen before. I saw men devote their lives to walking in faith and leading their family. Being moved like this is unmatched and something that every man should experience.
During the evening session of worship I scanned the room to watch hundreds of men worshiping authentically in that moment. No embarrassment, no reluctance, just being truly godly men. I told myself in that moment that I will never hesitate to let everyone know about my faith until the day I meet the Lord.
Last year at Man Camp I found out what God can do through 900+ men gathered together in His name. I saw the power of the Holy Spirit moving through worship. I saw leaders with servant hearts who encouraged us to push forth with Christ-like fervor.
Man Camp was a time for me where I was able to stop and silence all the noise of everyday life. God moved in me and I was able to gain clarity in the Word and truly understand what it means to lead my family in a Godly and authentic way.
My first Man Camp was a great experience! The food and fellowship was second to none, but most importantly, our spiritual exercises really helped me refocus on faith and my role as a husband and father.
