Since 2006, DADCAMP has helped build stronger fathers who build stronger families. What started with 24 dads and 26 sons has grown into a movement that has impacted more than 60,000 families.
Twenty years ago, DADCAMP didn't exist.
There was simply an idea. In early 2006, Mark Malin approached Jason Braun with a simple challenge:
“Figure out a way to do something at Oakbrook Valley for families. I heard about this camp that Willow Creek Community Church calls ‘Camp Paradise.’ Take Cole and see what you think.”
That summer, Jason attended Camp Paradise with his son, Cole. The experience sparked something in him.
Jason was already passionate about reaching men, but he began wondering if there was a different way to reach fathers, one that would connect with both the religious and irreligious.
What if dads and their kids could have an incredible weekend together while dads were also challenged and encouraged to become stronger fathers?
That question became DADCAMP.
In the fall of 2006, the first DADCAMP, then called the Oakbrook Valley Father/Son Campout, took place.
24 dads. 26 sons. A $60 registration fee. And a theme that still represents so much of what we believe: “You Have What It Takes.”
It was simple.
But it was the beginning of something much bigger.
“Figure out a way to do something at Oakbrook Valley for families. I heard about this camp that Willow Creek Community Church calls ‘Camp Paradise.’ Take Cole and see what you think.”
That summer, Jason attended Camp Paradise with his son, Cole. The experience sparked something in him.
Jason was already passionate about reaching men, but he began wondering if there was a different way to reach fathers, one that would connect with both the religious and irreligious.
What if dads and their kids could have an incredible weekend together while dads were also challenged and encouraged to become stronger fathers?
That question became DADCAMP.
In the fall of 2006, the first DADCAMP, then called the Oakbrook Valley Father/Son Campout, took place.
24 dads. 26 sons. A $60 registration fee. And a theme that still represents so much of what we believe: “You Have What It Takes.”
It was simple.
But it was the beginning of something much bigger.
More Than a Weekend Away
DADCAMP has always been about more than camping.
Today, we are an event-based ministry creating weekend and single-day experiences for dads and their kids from 1st through 12th grade.
Every experience is designed to give dads intentional time with their kids while strengthening them in their role as fathers.
There is plenty of fun and adventure, but there is also purpose behind the experience.
Each year, we create new content and a new book to give dads practical tools and encouragement they can take home. Dads have opportunities to learn, reflect, have meaningful conversations with their kids, and think about the kind of father they want to be.
Because the goal isn't simply to give a dad and his child a great weekend.
It's to help build a stronger father who builds a stronger family.
Today, we are an event-based ministry creating weekend and single-day experiences for dads and their kids from 1st through 12th grade.
Every experience is designed to give dads intentional time with their kids while strengthening them in their role as fathers.
There is plenty of fun and adventure, but there is also purpose behind the experience.
Each year, we create new content and a new book to give dads practical tools and encouragement they can take home. Dads have opportunities to learn, reflect, have meaningful conversations with their kids, and think about the kind of father they want to be.
Because the goal isn't simply to give a dad and his child a great weekend.
It's to help build a stronger father who builds a stronger family.
Twenty Years of “Only God”
When we look back at where DADCAMP started and where we are today, we are humbled, grateful, and overwhelmed.
Our cofounders, Jason Braun and Doug Mygrant, put it simply:
“Only God.”
What began with one small step of obedience has become a story involving thousands of dads, kids, volunteers, donors, and families around the world.
And that story doesn't belong to just one person.
It's our story.
To every dad who attended, every volunteer who served, every person who prayed, and every donor who gave: thank you.
You have helped make this story possible.
Our cofounders, Jason Braun and Doug Mygrant, put it simply:
“Only God.”
What began with one small step of obedience has become a story involving thousands of dads, kids, volunteers, donors, and families around the world.
And that story doesn't belong to just one person.
It's our story.
To every dad who attended, every volunteer who served, every person who prayed, and every donor who gave: thank you.
You have helped make this story possible.
The Best Is Still Ahead
Twenty years isn't the finish line.
It's a launching pad.
There are still dads who need to know they have what it takes.
There are still kids who need to hear their dad speak life over them.
There are still families waiting to be strengthened.
And there is still so much God can do.
Our vision remains the same:
A world where every family has a great dad.
So we will keep stepping.
Keep trusting.
Keep reaching fathers.
Keep creating experiences that bring dads and kids together.
And keep going after the vision God gave us 20 years ago.
More than 60,000 families later, we're just getting started.
Let's get more dads.
It's a launching pad.
There are still dads who need to know they have what it takes.
There are still kids who need to hear their dad speak life over them.
There are still families waiting to be strengthened.
And there is still so much God can do.
Our vision remains the same:
A world where every family has a great dad.
So we will keep stepping.
Keep trusting.
Keep reaching fathers.
Keep creating experiences that bring dads and kids together.
And keep going after the vision God gave us 20 years ago.
More than 60,000 families later, we're just getting started.
Let's get more dads.
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