Pre-Arrival info for the 2026 Father-Son Retreat

We are so excited to welcome you to this year’s Father-Son Retreat! This weekend is an opportunity for fathers, sons, grandfathers, grandsons, uncles, nephews, mentors, and friends to make room for what matters most: time to play, laugh, and try something new; time for conversations that don’t need to be rushed; and time to grow in faith together.
Our hope is to create a safe, spiritual space for belonging and learning through play, connection, community, and wonder.
This year’s theme is “Our Father” — As we spend time together, we’ll have opportunities to reflect on our relationship with our Heavenly Father while strengthening the relationships between fathers, grandsons, sons, nephews, mentors and friends here on earth. We’ll also be having various activities for you and your family to enjoy including fishing, laser tag, bubble balls, inflatables and lots of free time too.
Good to Know Before You Arrive
Health & Safety
- -Please do not come if you or your child has had a fever or vomiting within 72 hours of check-in.
- -Medical personnel will be available on-site Saturday and Sunday. All medications should remain with and be administered by dads.
Arrival & Departure
- Check-in: Friday, November 6, beginning at 7 PM in the Dining Hall.
- Once you arrive, follow the signs to the large gravel parking lot.
- You do not need to bring all your belongings into the Dining Hall for check-in.
- If you arrive after 10:00 PM, please call Steve at 706-351-3092 so we can keep the gate open for you.
- Check-out: Sunday, November 8, at 11:00 AM.
- Breakfast will be our final meal together that morning. We will be doing a communion/breakfast together.
Friday Evening
Dinner is not provided Friday night, so please plan accordingly before arriving.
If you’d like to grab a bite nearby, you’ll find plenty of options off I-20 Exit 130 (Lake Oconee Parkway) — Chick-fil-A, Zaxby’s, Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Waffle House, Dairy Queen, Subway, Jersey Mike’s, Taco Bell, LongHorn Steakhouse, and Holcomb’s BBQ.
📍 Directions
Use this address for GPS:
1400 Maxeys Road, Union Point, Georgia
When you arrive, come directly to the Dining Hall for check-in. Friday evening is designed to be a soft landing — a chance to settle in, unwind, and prepare your heart for the weekend ahead.
A Weekend to Unplug and Be Present
Camp Swamp is intentional about creating an environment where everyone can unplug from the distractions of everyday life and be present with one another. We believe some of the best memories happen when we put our screens away and make room for real conversations, connection, and time together.
We ask that boys leave their cell phones at home or with Dad for the entire retreat. Dads are welcome to bring their phones and capture a few special moments, but we encourage you to keep them tucked away as much as possible and enjoy being fully present with your son.
We’ll also have a photographer joining us throughout the weekend to capture the fun, connections, and memories being made!
Note: Camp Swamp has very limited cell coverage — and we think that’s part of its magic.
Packing for the Weekend
The cabins are air-conditioned and/or heated, but you may want to bring a small fan for white noise or comfort.
Each person should bring:
- Twin sheet set and blanket/quilt or sleeping bag
- Pillow
- Toiletries and towel
- Comfortable clothes for cool evenings. Layering clothes always work well especially in cooler/colder seasons.
- Flashlight or headlamp (bathhouses are a short walk from the cabins)
Here’s a more detailed packing list to help you with what to bring. Packing List: What to Bring(Click here)
(Note: This list is based on our weeklong summer camp — please use it as a general guide.)
Meals & Snacks
Our kitchen team, led by Scott, has planned a delicious menu for the weekend!
The Snack Shack will also be open Friday night and Saturday for drinks and treats — bring a little cash if you’d like to enjoy some snacks.
Preparing Your Heart
This retreat is more than time away — it’s a space to listen, to connect, and to be renewed.
As we prepare to gather, join us in praying for open hearts and a spirit of stillness that allows each of us — father/grandfather and son/grandson, mentor and friend — to hear God’s voice together.
If yo
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We can’t wait to see you soon!
— Steve & Rachele Gibson & the Camp Swamp Staff

