Imagine you live far from Greene County. You’ve left the interstate behind, slipped through Waynesburg and are now driving Oak Forest Road on your way to Strath an De’ Farm. This might be your first visit and you’re easing around every bend, taking in the countryside with its old farms and shady forests along meandering Pursley Creek. Oh look! A covered bridge! Is that a hawk? Or maybe you’ve been coming here for years, with your son – or your daughter – for a spiritual camping adventure that you can’t wait to do again. And here you are at last. Remembered landmarks are shouted out. Windows get rolled down. Excitement is in the air.
When you pass the old Neddie Woods Bridge, one of the seven historic covered bridges to be found in Greene County, you’re almost there. Take a left on Stewarts Run Road and feel the forest – “God’s Great Outdoors” – surround you. Time begins to change to green and greener. A chipmunk darts and disappears. A red tail cries like a lost kitten. This is where Jim and Barb Butler have created a haven for families seeking spiritual connection. This is where the camping adventure of a lifetime is about to begin.
Little did the Butlers realize when they bought the 170 some acres stretching up both sides of Stewarts Run in 1997 that they were getting more than a quiet place to relax and raise Highland cattle.
Jim Butler admits he had his life-changing brush with Providence in 2012 when he “just happened” to meet a founding member of the Father Son Camp in Illinois.
The Illinois camp got its informal start in 1996 as a simple, overnight camping trip with three fathers and three sons. It grew into an annual mission of quality Christian time together for over 600 fathers and sons, from 22 states and several foreign countries.
These yearly camping experiences bring home the core values of family togetherness and shared faith, especially needed for busy modern fathers who want to bond with their sons as Proverbs 23:26 teaches: “My son, give me your heart and let your eye delight in my ways.”
Inspired by what he learned and by the help that was offered, Butler went home to build a camp in Pennsylvania for fathers and sons on the East Coast. By May work was in full swing. Picnic tables and shooting stands were cut from local timber and assembled by volunteers from Greene Community Church in Waynesburg. Paths and hillsides were mowed, shooting ranges and camp sites set up and the call went out online and through area churches for fathers and sons to come to Strath an De’ Farm October 1-4 for the first annual Father Son Camp East.
In a few years – by popular demand of the sisters of those sons – Father Daughter Camp was added in late July, featuring all the challenges offered to boys, but with a special treat – horseback riding, compliments of Save a Horse Stable.
Last year, blacksmithing with Gary Shriver proved to be a big hit and is now part of the program.
During camp, a team of cadets from the Texas-based International ALERT Academy, teach rappelling and man an obstacle course challenge. Other activities include use of the rifle and archery range, clay pigeon shooting, hiking, biking and Frisbee golf.
Those who attend bring their own camping gear and prepare their own breakfast and lunch. Every two campsites share a fire ring and picnic table as a nudge to the togetherness that is part of the camp mission.
Evening meals are on the house, prepared by Leighann Shaner, who lives with her family in the rustic cottage by the edge of the driveway.
“She makes the kitchen run,” husband Andy Shaner said. The couple also operates a commercial kitchen in Waynesburg where their business The Cookie Rookie produces delightfully decorated cookies for all occasions.
During Camp days, Leighann’s side dishes are tried and true family favorites, including those fabulous cookies and downhome deserts. They accompany the fire-seared meat du jour – hot dogs, hamburgers, Italian sausage and, some years, roast chickens or whole pigs on the spit. This year, pulled pork done in a big smoker will be spicing the Saturday evening air at Father Son Camp East 2022 September 29 – October 2.
After dinner, fires are lit and campers gather to pray, relax and share stories before turning in to get ready for another day of memories that will last a lifetime.
Like the original camp in Illinois, Camp East is funded through donations.
Those who God has given resources may send a donation with their application or contribute in the donation box at the camp, Butler said. “The Lord will provide what you feel led to give.”