“I cared not where or how I lived, or what hardships I went through; so that I could but gain souls to Christ.” ~David Brainerd
Not all of the challenges of bringing the Gospel to a developing country involve teaching theology or confronting sin. Just living without the modern conveniences like paved roads, two-day shipping, and clean water can make day-to-day survival a struggle. GFA’s 2025 bush camp will help equip you for those everyday survival skills.
WHO IS THE BUSH CAMP FOR?
Young men between 17 and 25 years old, who are rugged in body and adventurous in spirit. We are limiting this year’s camp to 12 men for logistical reasons. (Ladies, we apologize and hope to include you in a future camp.)
WHERE AND WHEN WILL IT BE HELD?
The bush camp will begin at 3 pm on Wednesday, May 21, and end at 10 am on Saturday, May 24. The venue will be held at 2228 Keeler Mill Road, Greenville, SC.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
You can expect the camp to teach you skills like:
- Making sure water is safe to drink
- Cooking over an open fire
- Staying healthy in difficult environment
- Navigating over rough terrain
- Field repairing a vehicle
You can expect the camp to help you think through questions like:
- How do I know whether God is calling me into missions?
- How do I witness to someone from such a radically different culture?
- How do I handle difficult ethical questions that arise on the field?
You should expect to be challenged and stretched by veteran missionaries and learn how God can use you to reach developing countries.
WHY SHOULD I COME?
You should come if you have any interest in possibly pursuing missions in a rugged, primitive environment. You do not need to know for sure God is calling you into this kind of missions, but you should be open to His leading.
WHAT WILL IT COST AND ARE THERE ANY OTHER REQUIREMENTS?
The cost is $99 and includes all food. Every participant will be asked to sign a waiver and provide insurance information. We will do all in our power to ensure safety but expect conditions to be rugged and some survival skills to be challenging.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING
Additional information will be provided after registration, but participants will be expected to provide their own outdoor sleeping arrangements (e.g. a tent or hammock with rain cover, sleeping bag, etc.). Feel free to dress comfortably but appropriately. Shorts should approach the knee, and t-shirts should not advertise or promote anything unbiblical or unacceptable. Bring an extra change or two of clothing beyond what you think you might need as there is a very good chance you will get dirty and wet.
REGISTRATION
Please register here.
We will select from the applicants who register those who we think will most profit from the bush camp. Due to space constraints, we may not be able to accommodate everyone who desires to participate.