Dudes & Dads

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Then the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone…
Genesis 2:18 ESV

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17 ESV

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2025 Dudes & Dads Camping Retreat: Fighting Shadows

Friday, August 22, 6:00 PM - Sunday, August 24, 12:30 PM
Hawks Nest Camp, Lykens, PA

Join us for a weekend-long camping trip where dudes can unplug from the fast-paced world to restore their hearts and souls with a weekend of shared experiences with good dudes.Open to any dudes who are looking to step into Biblical truth and live out God’s purpose for manhood. Dudes who are ready to “Fight Shadows” by being open, honest, and vulnerable.This trip will be most impactful if you're able to make the whole weekend, but we understand that schedules are crazy. There are other options to join for part of the event if your time is limited, but you still want to be part of the experience.

Registration is capped at 30 participants — register by August 17, 2025, at midnight to secure your spot.

Cost & Payment

Full Weekend: $35
(Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast)Partial Event Options
Friday-Saturday: $25
(Friday dinner through Saturday lunch)Saturday-Sunday: $25
(Saturday lunch through Sunday breakfast)All meals and activities are included in that price.

Please send your payment via Venmo to @dudes_dads with "Retreat" in the "What's this for?" reference box.Scan the QR code below or click here to access the Dudes & Dads Venmo account.

If you don't have access to Venmo, you can also write a check or bring cash — please address checks to "Dudes & Dads" with "Retreat" in the memo line.

Age Requirements

Open to all men ready to engage in Biblical discussions about manhood.Sons are welcome with a suggested minimum age of 13. They should be mature enough to discuss topics including despair, loneliness, shame, lust, ambition, futility, and apathy within a small group setting.We plan to do other father and son events in the future if this retreat doesn’t sound appropriate.

Preparation

Come as you are. Pray for God to soften your heart and reveal His truths.We will be basing our sessions around the book "Fighting Shadows" by Jefferson Bethke and Jon Tyson.Reading the book beforehand is helpful, but not required — come even if you haven't read it. The book is supplemental to our discussions, not essential for them.

Sleeping Arrangements

This is a rustic camp on state game lands. There is a cabin with a bunk house that will sleep approximately 20. The cabin has solar panels for lights and small electricity use, as well as propane for the range and refrigerator.There is NO running water. There is a hand-pump well for water access (needs to be boiled before drinking) and an outhouse for a restroom.Cell reception is spotty. Do not plan on having the ability to call or use mobile data — plan to disconnect!There is also plenty of space to set up tents to camp if you would prefer or if cabin registration is full. So feel free to bring along your own gear or coordinate and share tents with others who will be coming.If camping sounds appealing but you don't have the supplies, we can make it happen for you. Just text Jon Weaver at 856-298-9746.

What to Bring

Essential Items:
Clothing for the weekend. Proper attire is encouraged if you want to be involved in any of the hiking trips and activities between meals.Personal hygiene items.Sleeping bag or sheets, and a pillow.Journal and pen.A snack to share with the group.Optional Items:
A tent (if camping).Camp chair.The Fighting Shadows book.Personal reading material.activities for free time (board games, yard games, etc.).A shooting range is available for responsible firearm use.
Bring your own firearm.

We'll send additional instructions and details after you register.

• Retreat Registration Form

2025 Dudes & Dads Camping Retreat: Registration Form

Fill out the form below for the Fighting Shadows Retreat!

All personal and medical information will be kept confidential and used only for retreat safety and planning purposes.

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