Witness Ministry’s first Boys2Men Camp encouraged young boys to grow in courage, responsibility, fellowship and trust in God.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
True courage is not the absence of fear, but the confidence that God walks with us as we grow, learn and take our place in His purpose. As these boys gathered to explore brotherhood, respect, accountability, vulnerability and empathy, they were reminded that becoming brave young men begins with trusting the Lord, listening to His Word, and allowing faithful mentors to walk alongside them.
Twenty-nine boys from ten Afrikaans- and Xhosa-speaking congregations in the Presbytery of George gathered at the Hartenbos Youth Centre from 10 to 12 July for the first Boys2Men Camp. The Witness Ministry initiative was created to nurture courage, responsibility and faith. Rev. Stephen Pedro, together with five student facilitators, travelled from Cape Town and Qonce, formerly King William’s Town, to Mossel Bay with the prayerful hope that the weekend would plant something meaningful in the lives of the boys.
The weekend theme was BRAVE: Brotherhood, Respect, Accountability, Vulnerability and Empathy. Through teaching, practical activities and honest conversations, the boys were encouraged to discover what it means to become young men who live with character, compassion and trust in God. The student facilitators, with skill, enthusiasm and passion, facilitated an impactful programme. Theological student Aphelele Kibito facilitated the Bible studies, grounding the programme in Scripture and reflection. As Sibabalwe Hamza puts it: the weekend was wonderful, enjoyable and comforted him in his spirit and helped guided him in his life’s purpose.
For 14-year-old Avethandwa Mcoyana from URC Khayalethu, the camp was a place of learning and encouragement. “I didn’t know how to make a fire or how to cut wedges, but this camp taught me how to do so. I hope that there will be more camps like this in the future,” he said. The presence of fathers from various congregations added a special warmth to the weekend. They walked alongside the boys, shared in the activities and helped create a space where learning, mentorship and fellowship could grow. Br. Mandla Ngcobo, a father from URC KwaNonqaba, described the weekend as a blessing. “I will cherish every moment that we had at our Boys2Men Camp,” he said.
Rev. Victor Ntshabalala, a member of the Congregational Witness Task Team, also attended to support the initiative and witness its impact. His presence strengthened the hope that the Boys2Men Camp could grow beyond George presbytery and inspire other presbyteries to explore a similar ministry in their own contexts.
The boys responded with joy and enthusiasm. Thirteen-year-old Shirwin Booysen of URC Die Hoogtes said he enjoyed the camp and learned a great deal about respect. Xavier Engelbrecht, also 13 and from URC Die Hoogtes, added: “The camp was not only a lot of fun, but we also learned a lot, and I would love to go on another camp like this again.”
With its focus on brotherhood, respect and spiritual growth, the first Boys2Men Camp became more than a weekend away. It was a hopeful beginning for a ministry that seeks to guide boys toward becoming brave, faithful and compassionate young men.
The ministry looks forward to a follow-up Boys2Men activity with this group. As 14-year-old Hlobanisa Lukasi of URC KwaNokuthula said, he hopes to “learn more at another camp in the future”.
