Last summer I had the opportunity to go to the first “annual” camp for sons of fallen soldiers, as a mentor to a boy at our church who lost his father in Iraq (April 1, 2006) when his apache was shot down. The idea of the camp is to help these boys begin the healing process and build a relationship with a mentor figure. We had 15 boys attend last year, some with a grandfather, uncle, step-father, or church leader. Others didn’t have mentors come with them, but counselors were there to fill in during the week. Throughout our time there, we did guy things such as canoeing, rock climbing, swimming, fishing, and throwing tomahawks to name a few, but we also spent time allowing the boys to share their emotions, thoughts, and concerns about losing their father’s so suddenly and tragically. On the last night of the camp, we held an awards ceremony where the boys were “knighted” by a local pastor (in knight’s armor) and given a family crest to signify the completion of the camp and the progress they had made during that week. For some of the boys, this week was the first time in years they had talked about their fathers, how tough it was for them, and how much they missed them. Others had adjusted better, but still appreciated the opportunity to share what was on their hearts and ask some really tough questions. Overall it was a huge success and the boys who attended couldn’t wait to come back again in 2008.
Since then the camp’s founder, Maj. Steven Harrold, has turned it into a non-profit organization and is looking to get the word out to other military installations and military ministries for participation and financial support. Last year, each boy, mentor, and family was flown to Denver, Colorado and sustained throughout the week. The boys and mentors spent the week at Peaceful Valley Boy Scout Camp outside of Colorado Springs, and the mothers and daughters stayed with family members from the sponsoring church, Journey Chapel (www.journeychapel.org). Meals, shelter, registration, and travel are all provided by donors, including Focus on the Family. In fact, the mothers stopped by the Focus headquarters for a tour and ended up doing a radio interview with Dr. Bill Maier. This year, the camp will be held June 16-21 and is open to sons of fallen soldiers between the ages of 8 and 16. There is no cost, and the entire staff/counselors are Christian men committed to these boys and their future. If you know of someone who would be interested in attending this camp, would like to fund a full or partial scholarship, or would like to learn more, please go to their website at www.knightsofheroes.org and see the attached brochure. I would also be happy to share more about my experience, thoughts, and memories from last year’s camp. Thanks, and I hope each of you had a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
