A brotherhood for dads
Become a better dad. Bring your buddies.
Camp Dads is a brotherhood of dads who help each other become better fathers, partners, and leaders, and raise kids who can handle hard things.
A Campfire every month. Get-togethers with the kids. At least one big dads-only adventure a year.
Three legs of the stool
Support that holds weight.
Knowledge
Skills, lessons, and hard-won advice from dads a few miles ahead of you on the trail.
Network
Brothers in your corner, plus connections to coaches, leaders, and people who open doors.
Resources
Gear, time, know-how, and duct tape, shared so nobody carries it alone.
How it works
Low commitment. High return.
Show up
A monthly Campfire in a backyard, a park, a church hall, or a bar. Adults only. Light structure, real conversation.
Learn the skills
A Skills Day every quarter for dads new to the outdoors: pitch a tent, tie knots, fish, build a fire, and cook on it. Then teach your kids.
Bring the kids
Boating, waterskiing, campouts, and whatever a member hosts. Family get-togethers, on our own terms.
Get away
At least one big dads-only adventure a year: a river run, a hunt, or a hard hike.
Pay it forward
Help a dad, a kid, or a cause. Always welcome, never required.
Artificial adversity. A safe place to fail.
It's what we want for our kids. We swap notes on how to push them, and how to catch them.
How it started
“This is a great group of guys. We should get together without the kids, so we can talk about adult things.”
Dominic Wade said, “This is fun, but we can do more.” Allen McGhan said, “Let’s start a movement that changes the world!” Ted and Dominic rolled their eyes, but by the next morning, everyone had agreed to the mission statement.
The mission statement
Camp Dads is a brotherhood of men who refuse to coast through fatherhood. Forged through real adventure and real fellowship, we're committed to becoming better fathers, better partners, and better leaders.
Straight answers
Before you ask.
- Is this religious?
- No. Every faith or none is welcome at the fire.
- Do I have to drink?
- No. Club soda gets the same toast.
- Who is it for?
- Mainly current, past, and future dads in Scouting, plus any dad or father figure they invite who fits the group.
- Can I bring my kids?
- Yes, to family get-togethers. Campfires are adults only, and the big adventures are dads only.
- Where do you meet?
- In a member's home, a back room, or a park. We share the address only with dads who are invited, so find the nearest chapter and ask for an invite.
- What does it cost?
- Nothing to join. You split the cost of what you attend.
- Is it another commitment?
- No. Come when you can. Everything beyond showing up is optional.
Join us
Come to a Campfire, or start one.
Tell us where you are and we'll connect you with the nearest chapter. No chapter near you yet? Three dads, one fire, and our free starter kit. That's all it takes.