Introducing: Be The Man

May 21, 2026

Every day, I am profoundly reminded of the incredible potential residing in the next generation. When I look across our nation at the thousands of boys and young men sitting in our outposts week after week, I don't see a generation to be feared or despaired over. I see a generation of future husbands, fathers, leaders, and world-changers who are genuinely searching for truth, purpose, and an authentic path to follow.

In our recent conversations about the heart of this ministry, we’ve zeroed in on a critical reality: our culture is sending deeply mixed messages about what it means to be a man. The current narrative suggests that masculinity is either inherently toxic or entirely unnecessary. Rather than viewing this cultural confusion as a crisis, I choose to see it as one of the greatest opportunities the Church has ever seen. Boys don't want the bar to be lowered for them; they want a vision worth running after. They are looking for a standard that is both challenging and true.

That is why I am so filled with hope as we embrace our national theme: Be the Man. This isn't a harsh demand or a rigid expectation. It is a gracious, open invitation to an incredible adventure. As we often say, a boy is a hero looking for a battlefield. If we don’t give him a righteous cause to fight for, the world will gladly hand him a destructive one. This theme is our way of giving them that righteous cause—a call to step out of passivity and walk in the abundant, purposeful life of Christlike manhood that God uniquely designed for every single boy.

The Gracious Pattern of Christ

When we encourage a young man to "Be The Man," we are pointing him toward a very specific blueprint. True masculinity isn't found in a checklist of worldly expectations, physical dominance, or material success. It is found in a person. We aren't trying to raise boys to be "tough guys" in the cultural sense; we are mentoring them to be Christlike men.

Our anchor Scripture for this season comes from 1 Peter 2:21, which reminds us: "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps."

Think about the sheer grace of that truth. Jesus doesn’t just call us to a high standard from afar; He walked the path first. He didn't just give us a set of rules; He left us a set of footprints. He showed us that true strength is found in a servant’s heart, that real courage is wrapped in humility, and that the greatest power on earth is sacrificial love. Through the "Be the Man" theme, we want to help our boys discover the joy of placing their feet into the steady, life-giving steps of the Savior. We want them to know that while the journey requires discipline and grit, it is fueled entirely by God's unconditional love and grace.

Gathering in Southwest Missouri: Camporama 2026

We are weaving this heart of encouragement into everything we do this year, culminating in what I believe will be a historic moment: National Camporama 2026. This July at Camp Eagle Rock, there will be something dynamic that happens when thousands of men and boys gather in the beauty of the Ozark Mountains. Camporama is about more than exciting competitions and the badges earned; it’s about the brotherhood. In our evening services and around the campsites, we will celebrate the progress our boys are making. We will challenge them to rise higher, but we will also surround them with the community and prayer they need to sustain that growth. Godly manhood is a journey, and no boy should ever have to walk it alone.

An Uplifting Challenge to Our Commanders

To our incredible commanders and mentors, thank you. I know the sacrifices you make. I know the late nights, the prayer, and the tireless energy you pour into your outposts. Please never forget that your investment is shifting the trajectory of families for generations to come. As we carry this theme forward, my challenge to you is a gentle but urgent one:

Let us be the men they are looking for.

We cannot lead a young man to a place we haven’t ventured ourselves. Let this season be a time of personal, spiritual refreshing for you. Allow the Holy Spirit to mold your heart, to deepen your character, and to fill you with a fresh measure of patience and love. When our boys look at us, let them see men who love their families well, serve their churches with joy, and walk out their faith with genuine integrity. Your life is the most powerful curriculum a boy will ever read.

Step Forward Together

The EveryBoy Initiative is thriving because men across this nation are choosing to look at the next generation with eyes of faith and optimism, remembering that every single boy matters to God. I want to encourage you to bring this "Be The Man" conversation into the very heart of your outpost meetings. Introduce the idea of biblical manhood to your Discovery Rangers. Talk about it with your Adventure and Expedition Rangers. Listen to their questions, validate their struggles, and constantly remind them of who God says they are.

Let’s step into this season with expectant hearts. God is doing something powerful in our midst, and the best is truly yet to come.

Ready for the adventure,