In November 2006, U.S. Air Force Major Steve Harrold, then stationed in Colorado Springs, lost a good friend who was killed in an F-16 crash in Iraq. He left behind a wife and five children, two of which were sons the same ages as Harrold’s boys: seven and nine years old. Harrold felt called to do something for these boys and others like them who had lost their fathers to the war.
Partnering with Journey Chapel Pastor Eric Eaton in Monument, Colorado, a one-week camp was born in June 2007 called Modern Day Knights later named Knights of Heroes. Sixteen boys from five states came to spend time together. He paired them with a mentor so they could spend their days kayaking, rock climbing, camping, and doing other outdoor adventures. The camp pays for all expenses, including airfare for those who come and hotel stays for the moms and siblings.
The camp teaches the boys principles from the book Raising a Modern Day Knight by Robert Lewis: 1) reject passivity, 2) accept responsibility, 3) lead courageously and 4) expect the greater reward. In the final camp session, Pastor Eaton rides in on a white horse dressed in knightly armor and challenges the boys to rise up to the challenge of authentic manhood. Each boy is “knighted” by Eaton’s sword and receives a special gift to take home.
First-year campers receive a family crest to emphasize the importance of carrying on their father’s legacy. Second-year campers are given a King Arthur replica dagger to hang on their wall, symbolizing that the camp is arming them for battles they’ll face as they grow. In June 2009, third-year campers were given a shield with their family crest hand-painted on it to signify that they can defend themselves against whatever life throws at them.
“We give the boys tools they can use for the rest of their life,” said Harrold. “I’ve seen their confidence increase. We challenge them in every single way physically and watch them face their fears. I’ve noticed a big change in the manner in which they accept demanding tasks. We challenge them to take responsibility for all of their decisions. And to see their faces after they accomplish something they’ didn’t think they’d be able to it’s amazing.”
Lord, guide these young men without fathers and help them find godly role models.
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example…” (1 Timothy 4:12)