On Friday at Big Canyon Ranch in Wanship, Mountain Life Church began hosting the inaugural Mountain Men Man Camp, part of a newly formed men’s ministry for men to “connect with others in a safe environment, while having fun,” as co-founder Bob Fine put it.The long weekend comes “during what I consider the most beautiful time of year,” Fine said. “The hillside is yellow, red and green and the weather is amazing.” Located on the east slope of Lewis Peak, the ranch includes a full basketball court along with an acre-wide lake with a beach lounge, kayaks and paddleboards. The ranch is also home to an eight-room lodge and yurts equipped with showers and bunk beds.For the Mountain Men Man Camp, modifications include a “Mancathalon” track, along with a shooting station and ax-throwing site. During the three-day event, almost 100 participants spend time “hanging out, doing hard things and laughing together.” The event began Friday with a welcoming afternoon barbecue, room assignments, a meet and greet, followed by a tri-tip meal. Saturday includes games, competitions and Army Ranger tactical training. Plus, a western “brodeo” filled with “country music and snacks.” A “delicious and hearty full rib dinner” cooked by Fine’s daughter and head chef, Sarah, will finish out the day. Then it’s an an evening under the stars around a campfire, and having conversations with inspirational speakers. After a Sunday morning breakfast, campers plan to conclude their mancation at Mountain Life Church with spiritual services. (As a bonus for the Mountain Men group. the camp was supported by local donors and sponsorships allowing members to participate for $150.)The first Man Camp is part of the larger Mountain Men Ministry of Mountain Life Church, which began in January. Fine and fellow church member Matt Maddock decided to start the group because they recognized social changes that had occurred due to the pandemic, Fine said.“We found that after COVID-19, a lot of men were finding it easy to take a back seat in their lives. They became detached from general day-to-day activities, within their jobs, families and amongst the community,”  he said.“By giving men the space to talk to one another, they experience personal growth and healing. It’s comforting to learn that we all struggle with the same things and have similar dreams, goals and challenges.” At their gatherings, members “find that being around other guys helps them to feel stable, and that everything is going to be OK.” For those struggling with addiction, PTSD or depression, access to local counseling services and programs is provided, along with group support and activities. At the bi-monthly Mountain Men Breakfast, Saturday morning starts at 8 a.m. with fellowship and greetings. After that, games and a raffle accompany a made-from-scratch breakfast burrito along with coffee and juice. Each breakfast features a guest speaker, with past lecturers including an Army ranger who specializes in veteran issues and PTSD and comedian/local resident Bill Engval. The breakfast has become a favorite of the Mountain Men and has grown from 80 participants to over 200.To some extent, the success of the organization may be that although religion is part of the undertones, it’s not the main focus. “We provide the opportunity for men to get help with their problems in a productive way.” Fine said. “We are not overly institutionalized. We’re not about overt rules and regulations. We are more about having a personal relationship with God, building relationships, and supporting each other.”Mountain Life doesn’t just have a men’s ministry. The church provides resources for women, children and young adults. The most recent of these services is called Rooted and it gives participants the opportunity to tell their life story in a confidential group environment.  Each of the groups offered by the church benefit and support each other, with the Mountain Men complementing each of them. “When a man has someone he can bounce things off of besides his significant other or family,” it allows everyone the space to grow and thrive, Fine said.Participants do not have to be members of the church. Mountain Men events are open to everyone in the community. Upcoming events include a barbecue on Oct. 12 and a chili cook-off on Nov. 7.  For more, visit mountainlife.org.The post Mountain Men come together for Man Camp and bonding appeared first on Park Record.