Dudes & Dads
Gather. Empower. Respond.
Then the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone…
Genesis 2:18 ESV
Our Mission
Leave no man left alone.

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

Our Vision
Foster generational Kingdom impact through the hearts of every man.
How We Do It?
Gather
We create spaces where guys can build genuine relationships through quarterly gatherings, weekly small groups, and open community.
Empower
We help guys step into Biblical truth and live out God’s purpose for manhood.
Respond
We challenge men to respond with courage, transforming hearts, homes, and communities.
Upcoming Events
Check out our upcoming activities, meetups, and events.
Get Connected
Welcome to Dudes & Dads WhatsApp Community!
This is our main hub for announcements and general conversation. We also have several smaller sub-groups focused on specific interests.Jump into whatever interests you and connect with other guys who share your passions. We look forward to getting to know you better!
Resources
Practical tools and trusted resources for men looking to level up their lives.
Partner With Us
Support our mission to gather, empower, and respond.
We bring men together to build genuine relationships, discover biblical manhood, and respond with courage to transform their hearts, homes, and communities.With your support, we create spaces where dudes and dads can grow together and make a real difference in the world around them.Coming Soon!
Contact Us
Get in touch with questions or feedback.
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.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.
Cost & Payment
Registration is capped at 30 participants — register by August 17, 2025, at midnight to secure your spot.
Full Weekend: $30
(Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast)Friday-Saturday: $15
(Friday dinner through Saturday lunch)Saturday-Sunday: $15
(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.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. Topics include despair, loneliness, shame, lust, ambition, futility, and apathy.
Preparation
- Based on 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.- Pray for God to soften your heart and reveal His truths.
Sleeping Arrangements
- This is a rustic camp with no running water — a hand-pump well is available (water must be boiled).- Outhouse restroom facilities.- Cell reception is spotty — plan to disconnect from your cell phone.- There will also be guys putting up tents, 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
- A sleeping bag or sheets, and a pillow.- Personal hygiene items.- A snack to share with the group.- Proper attire is encouraged if you want to be involved in any of the hiking trips and activities between meals.- Bring your Bible if you have one, a journal and pen, and a heart and mind ready to go deep and connect with brothers in the faith.- Optional: A camp chair, games for free time. A shooting range is available for responsible firearm use. Bring your own firearm.
We'll send additional instructions and details after you register.
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.
Affiliate Disclosure
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more ›Dudes & Dads is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that no man is left alone. When you purchase books or other items through our affiliate links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Every dollar earned goes directly toward funding our community events and programs that support men and their communities.