A place for men–specifically dads (or soon-to-be-dads) of young kids–to build relationships, grow in wisdom, and share the ups and downs of real life.

Any man who fits and is drawn to the description above and is willing to uphold the following guidelines:

• I will show up humble. I will leave my religious and professional credentials in the car.

• I will not try to “teach” anyone anything around the fire. I will just share my story when it’s relevant. 

• I will not BS or pose. I will be as honest and real as I know how to be.

• I will be trustworthy. What is shared around the fire stays at the fire.

The second Thursday of every month from February through May, 2024. So…

• 2/8, 3/14, 4/11, 5/9

• 7-9 pm sharp.

We'll gather at 7591 Campground Road in Cumming, GA. 

• Park by the garage and follow the lanterns into the woods, where the fire will be blazing.

• We'll be outside. If it gets cold, we'll build the fire bigger. 

• Start with 15-20 minutes of unstructured time to hang out.

• Check in with one another–how are you really?

• Explore through conversation one particular topic that is (hopefully) helpful to you.

• Pray for one another.

• End with another 15-20 minutes of unstructured time to hang out and clean up.

• Headed home by 9 pm.

Andy Culp and John Ott–two dads whose kids aren’t so young anymore, who have learned some things the hard way, and who want to hand off anything that might be helpful to you.

• Men–especially dads of young kids–don’t need one more thing to do.

• Men do need authentic friendship. Men need God.

• Men do need stories of the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

• Men do need laughter.

• Men do need permission to be and become men.

• We have some uncomfortable folding chairs if you need them, but feel free to bring whatever you prefer to sit on.

• We'll have some simple snacks on hand, but feel free to bring whatever you prefer to eat, drink, or puff on while we gather.

• Remember: this is an experiment. We’re going to give it a go through May and then evaluate:

  • What’s working/not working?

  • Is this worth your time? What would make it more valuable?

  • Is this working for John and Andy?

  • If we all kept going, what would that look like?