By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
EUNICE, La. (LBM) – Survivor Camp taught survival skills to 93 boys and 80 fathers, and more importantly, connected through the Gospel with 14 boys and three dads in the group who found Christ.
Held Sept. 5-6 at Acadian Baptist Center, the 17th annual camp focused on survival skills, spiritual growth, and deepened relationships. Activities include water purification, go-kart racing, medical training and rifle shooting.
“We’re teaching boys how to be men,” Camp Director Steven Ancelet told the Baptist Message. “The weekend is based around physical and spiritual survival that’s filled with many life and Gospel lessons.” Survivor Camp also included a time for the dads to have a “man talk.”
“As a man, you need to be a leader in your marriage, in your home, in your workplace and in your community,” continued Ancelet, a member with First Baptist Church, Lafayette. “You can’t be passive and must be willing to accept change. We walked the men through that and were pleased at the change we saw in them in just a short time.”
The weekend also featured a tribute to Hartie Spence Jr., long-time director of Survivor Camp who lost his life in a glider crash near Salt Lake City Utah, on Aug. 1. Spence was a member with FBC Lafayette.
“Five guys spoke for a few minutes a piece and shared how Hartie was a great example of a godly man,” Ancelet recalled. “That really got to the boys and men who knew Hartie. I believe Hartie would be so happy that we had so many boys and their dads make decisions for Christ.”
While the weekend ended in early September, the road to spiritual growth will continue, Ancelet offered. Those who made decisions were linked with a pastor or lay leader from their respective church affiliation.
The next Survivor Man is scheduled for Sept. 18– 19, 2026 (contact: steven. ancelet@survivorcamp.org or 337.280.5472).
