Camp Kintail – A Weekend That Refuels the Soul

Over the last couple of years, I’ve had the privilege of heading up to Camp Kintail three or four times with a group of men from Central Church. Sometimes we go to help close the camp for the winter. Other times, we’re there in the spring, getting things ready for a brand-new season of impact.

And every single time, it’s a gift.

There’s something that happens when you step onto that property. The pace slows down. The noise fades. The air feels different. Walking the trails. Standing by the lake. Sitting quietly before the day begins. It resets you.

And yes… we’ve even done a polar bear plunge or two. Cold water. Big laughs. Completely awake afterward. Exhilarating in every sense of the word.

But the real impact isn’t just the scenery.

It’s the people.

We come alongside the camp directors and young leaders who have poured themselves out all summer long serving kids, teens, and families. By the end of a season, they’re tired. They’ve given everything they have.

So we show up with work gloves and willing hearts.

We take on projects.
We carry loads.
We fix, clean, build, and repair.
We give them a boost. 

And in doing so, we’re reminded what it means to serve shoulder to shoulder.

There’s something powerful about men working together toward a shared purpose. Something honest about gathering around a table after a long day. Or sitting around a fire, talking about work, life, faith, family, and what really matters.

Conversations go deeper.
Friendships form.
Faith becomes lived, not just spoken.

And here’s what I’ve seen over and over again: when we serve together, we grow together.

It’s also a rare gift to step away from our businesses, responsibilities, and constant demands. To peel back from the grind. To reconnect with God, with other men, and with ourselves.

And let me tell you, the food alone is worth the drive. They will take very good care of you. You might even come home a pound or two heavier.

But you’ll also come home stronger.

Encouraged.
Refreshed.
Connected.
Inspired.

We are blessed to be a blessing.

So here’s my challenge to you:

Give up a couple of days.
Clear your calendar.
Drive up for the next men’s weekend at Camp Kintail.

Come serve.
Come laugh.
Come build.
Come sit by the fire.
Come plunge into the lake if you’re brave enough.

You won’t regret it.

Join the Rugged Hands, men’s ministry team, for the next Camp Kintail weekend. Step into something bigger than yourself—and experience what happens when men gather with purpose.

Let’s go.

Blessings
Jim