FAQ's - First tracks, First Bloom and Trailhead Base Camps
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THESE BASE CAMPS?
The purpose of all the fathering adventures hosted by Being Sons is to strengthen the family, prepare fathers for their children’s transitions into adulthood, and help fathers shape their sons and daughters into Kingdom of God minded men and women. We do this by creating an adventure weekend with activities, sacred teaching and directed one-on-one time between fathers and and their kids that will mark a sacred space in their journeys together.
CAN I BRING MORE THAN 1 CHILD AT A TIME?
Great question! While it would certainly be convenient and less costly to bring more than one child, it would dilute the power to focus on and speak into each child as an individual. What will bless you and your child most is your ability to offer the child you choose to bring your undivided attention. Each of your children is unique, and each are interested in how you see and feel about them as an individual. This weekend is constructed to give you the gift of focusing all of your attention on that one child to show them they are the apple of your eye and worthy of your time, money and undivided attention. This 1-on-1 investment will remain an undeniable statement of your commitment to them, far after the adventure is over. This “statement” of your devotion will make your child's heart softer and more receptive to whatever you have to say to him. If there is tension in the relationship, this 1-on-1 investment will help cut through it.Our plans are to host these regularly so each child can have an amazing 1-on-1 fathering adventure to look back on and treasure forever.
CAN I ARRIVE LATE OR LEAVE THE EVENT EARLY?
Sorry, but NO. This weekend adventure is a journey and must be treated as such. To miss any portion would compromise the journey for both you and your child. Please enjoy the drive but ARRIVE ON TIME and STAY UNTIL the HAPPY ENDING.
WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES?
None. Just be a father that fits the age and gender description of the event.
WHAT CAN I DO TO PREPARE MYSELF AND MY child?
Be kind. Both to your child and to yourself. In our desire to give our best to our kids it is easy to become frustrated and feel ill-equipped. Together as a group of men we will be inviting God in to our situation to help us give our son/daughter what they most need to walk in strength, well equipped for the journey. God is willing to give in much greater measure than we’re often willing to ask, so ask for big things. One suggestion is to read “Fathered by God” by author John Eldredge and "Raising a Modern Day Knight" by Robert Lewis. These are the best reads I know of on intentional fatherhood.
ON THE USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES:
Cell phones have become an appendage that often keeps us from being fully present in heart and mind. If you or your child attend but are on your cell phones, you will find your experience severely compromised. One of the most frequently received bits of feedback we receive from kids is that they love seeing their fathers NOT on their devices. We strenuously encourage all participants to be cell-phone free this weekend. Thank you.
WILL THIS EVENT BE PHYSICALLY DEMANDING?
As much as you want it to be. Adventure by definition is risk. All activities are optional but are designed for great fun and are adaptable to skill level. Fear is a real enemy that keeps us from daring greatly, so your courageous example will be an encouragement to all. Our activities are selected to provide the opportunity to lead your child into adventure by your example. We encourage you to participate, but more than anything else just have fun!
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
Tuition Costs include all meals (catered), snacks, accommodations, professionally outfitted/ guided/supervised activities, presentations with sacred teaching, encouragement and an experience that will change your relationship with your son. Transportation will not be provided to or from the hosted location.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Full preparation and packing lists will be sent to you prior to the event. If you need to ask some specific questions contact Being Sons at admin@beingsons.com.
WILL I NEED EXTRA MONEY?
Nope. But you might want to have some. We will have some cool Being Sons swag for purchase and so might the camps we host at. In addition to their souvenir shops they also have a snack and coffee shop.
IS THERE ANY FREE TIME? WHAT IS THERE TO DO?
First Tracks and First Bloom - Yes, in addition to fantastic group activities you will have a large block of time to spend with your child any way you choose. Bring a hammock or a frisbee maybe. A ball and gloves. If you are inclined to bring your fishing rods or mountain bikes you won't be disappointed because this is a great place for both of these activities. If you are a rock climber with your own gear you are certainly encouraged to bring it, but Camp Eagle will have everything we need to outfit us for a great weekend of adventure. There is no need to bring anything to keep yourself entertained.
WHAT IS THE EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER TO CAMP EAGLE?
Cell coverage is really spotty in the wilderness of Camp Eagle so if someone at home needs to get in touch with you they can call the number to Camp Eagle - 830-683-3219.
WHAT WILL THE ROOMING SITUATION BE?
First Tracks: You and your son will be staying with other father-son pairs in very clean bunkhouses near our meeting room and centrally located to all the camp’s accommodations. If you are attending with another father-son pair you would prefer to be roomed with, please let us know this and we will do the best we can to accommodate you. (while under Covid restrictions we will follow tighter restrictions as outlined below)
First Bloom: You and your daughter have 2 options.
Private Bunk House Option: The basic price includes a clean air-conditioned bunkhouse with 7 bunk-style beds, 4 sinks, 2 toilets and 3 showers all to yourself. It’s very near our meeting room and centrally located to all the camp’s accommodations.
Private Hotel Room: This is available for an upgrade. Prices may vary. This clean hotel room option includes 2 beds and linens (towels and bedding). It is a short walk from the meeting house and centrally located to everything.
REGARDING COVID-19 (Updated 9-8-2020)
Being Sons and Camp Eagle are working hard in partnership to bring you the best adventure experience possible while taking appropriate precautions to protect us all against the spread of Covid and all infectious disease. However, there is no way to guarantee participants will not be exposed. We STRONGLY SUGGEST you consider carefully registering for this event if you will be going back and exposing someone who is considered a higher risk for death due to Covid-19. Here is the latest info on high risk people from the CDC.
What We Will Do to Prevent the Spread of Covid-19
First, we will pray together, trusting God to keep us safe while He gives us an amazing adventure.
By this time the practice of wearing face coverings and social distancing are widely known. Camp Eagle is required by law to require its guests to follow the existing mandated guidelines for a hosting facility of its type. These current guidelines could change between now and the time of the event but if this happens we will make you aware. Their facilities are thoroughly sanitized between groups and sanitation stations are present everywhere.
We will here describe the measures we will take to adhere to these guidelines and provide reasonable protection from Covid-19 exposure. In the event restrictions tighten to the point where the quality of the event is compromised, I will notify you, cancel the event, and give you a full refund. My heart and mission are to provide a life-changing experience for you and your child, free from fear, but this cannot happen if we choose to live in fear. We are all taking a risk in many ways every time we step out the door. And we believe by observing the precautions and guidelines listed below we will be kept reasonably safe without compromising the quality of our adventure.
Cancellation Policies:
Cancellation by Registrant
Full payment is required at the time your reservation is made for this event. You may cancel your registration and receive a refund of your registration fee up to 30 days prior to the date of the event; provided, however, you will be charged a $100 handling fee upon the cancellation of your registration. In the event that you cancel your registration less than 30 days prior to the date of the event, you will forfeit the entire registration fee. Regardless of when you cancel your registration, your registration is not transferable to another event, date, or person.
Cancellation by Being Sons
If the event is made impossible by any act of God, war, earthquake, flood, fire, strike, sickness, accident, epidemic, pandemic, act of government, its agencies or officers, or any other legitimate cause beyond our control, we will cancel the event and refund your full Being Sons event registration fee to you. This includes Covid-related shutdowns or restrictions that would make the event possible, but compromised.
GENERAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Registration is open to the public to a limited number of participants on a first come-first served basis. Individuals may register online by clicking the link on the registration page. This will take you to a separate and secure registration website. Shortly after your credit card information has been processed you will receive a confirmation email. Before the retreat you will receive information that will be essential to prepare yourself for our mission together.
CANCELLATION BY REGISTRANT
Full payment is required at the time your reservation is made for this event. You may cancel your registration and receive a refund of your registration fee up to 3 weeks prior to the date of the event; provided, however, you will be charged a $100 handling fee upon the cancellation of your registration. In the event that you cancel your registration less than 3 weeks prior to the date of the event, you will forfeit the entire registration fee. Regardless of when you cancel your registration, your registration is not transferable to another event, date, or person.
CANCELLATION BY ACTS OF GOD OR BEING SONS
If the event is made impossible by any act of God, war, earthquake, flood, fire, strike, sickness, accident, epidemic, act of government, its agencies or officers, or any other legitimate cause beyond our control, we will cancel the event and refund your full Being Sons event registration fee to you.
CAN I TRANSFER MY ACCEPTANCE OR REGISTRATION TO ANOTHER PERSON?
Sorry, but no. If you decide not to attend the event, your slot will be given to the first person on the waiting list.