Bad food & burnt marshmallows, mosquito bites & sleepless nights, Bible study & prayer time, and life-long memories. I’m describing our annual “Me & My Dad Camp” where hundreds of 6 to 10-year-olds drag their terrified fathers from Manila’s concrete jungles to the real jungles ninety minutes away for a Bible-based jungle survival weekend. This weekend, over 200 dads will attempt to sleep in a blistering hot tent, cook edible meals over a fire, survive various father/child games, and brave the elements in order to make a memory with their sons and daughters.
What is life but the memories we make, and what memories are better than camping with Dad? My sons are a bit over the age limit for this camp, so why am I packing junk food for two, mosquito spray, and flashlights? Because Paolo, our Kid’s Church pastor and the mastermind behind Me & My Dad Camp, invited several teens—my 16-year-old included—to help with the games.
I am the designated driver and will take photos, hang out with the Dads, and enjoy fresh air. If I survive my own cooking and find my way out of the jungle and home to my Manila apartment, I will be back online to report the results in a few days. Pray for me.
