June 16th - June 19th 2026
Location
BEAR DEN CAMPGROUND IN PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST
This year, our adventure takes us to Bear Den Mountain Resort, nestled along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. While we will enjoy the comfort of Bear Den’s modern amenities and cool mountain nights, the real highlight of this year’s location is our proximity to President Craze’s property.
Being situated right next to this expansive private land gives our Young Men a rare opportunity to explore and engage in high-energy activities and spiritual experiences that wouldn't be possible at a standard campground. With room to roam and space for large-scale team challenges, it’s the perfect "wilderness classroom" for growth and discovery.
While the location offers these unique physical adventures, it also provides a vital opportunity to unplug. With limited digital distractions, we can trade our screens for the stillness of the mountains. This intentional "digital detox" allows us to tune out the world and tune in to the Spirit, strengthening our connections with one another and with Christ. Come ready to trade social media for social memories and digital noise for spiritual direction.
Address: 600 Bear Den Mountain Dr, Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Important things to know:​​
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We have rented out the whole corner of the campground next to President Craze's property, but we will be camping at RV sites without a lot of grass or soft areas. The boys should bring a pad or some foam to lay on at night so they aren't sleeping directly on rocks.
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Like previous years the weather can change quickly. The boys should come prepared for rain and cooler evenings.
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Theme:
Charting My Course to Christ
In a world where many paths fight for our attention, our theme "Charting My Course to Christ" serves as our spiritual compass. Much like a navigator plotting a journey through unknown waters, we recognize that reaching our true destination requires a constant and intentional focus on the Savior. Throughout this week—whether we are exploring the mountain trails or gathered around a campfire—we will learn how to align our personal "maps" with His eternal gospel. By identifying the landmarks of faith and the steadying influence of the Spirit. We will discover how keeping Jesus Christ at the center of our courses through life will bring clarity to our choices and strength to our character.
Main Activity
Paintball!
Prepare for an action-packed experience as we head to the paintball course! This high-energy activity is about more than just competition; it’s a lesson in teamwork, strategy, and staying focused under pressure. As you navigate the field and work with your squad to overcome obstacles, you'll see a powerful parallel to our theme: just as a soldier must keep their eyes on the objective, we must stay vigilant in "Charting Our Course to Christ." This challenge will push you out of your comfort zone, building the grit and unity needed to defend your values and stand firm in your faith.
Cardboard
Boat Regatta
One exciting thing this year will be the cardboard boat regatta! Each group will get to build their own coardboard boat and then we will have a race to see who's boat is the best! Here is a video from when we tested the event with the YCLs.
Cobbler Gobbler
Back by popular demand, for the last night of camp, you're in for a treat! Bishop Farmer will be making his famous cobbler again at camp!
Camp Rules
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Participants at FSY are expected to follow all standards outlined in the For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices.
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Youth are to remain in groups of three or more whenever walking around the campground, or on excursions, whether for scheduled activities or otherwise.
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Be quiet and respectful of all other campers.
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Act as disciples of Jesus Christ at all times.
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Be Present.
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Take part in provided activities with a good attitude.
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Support your youth and adult leaders.
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NO phones, laptops, mobile gaming devices or other digital distractions.
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NO axes, hatchets, guns, slingshots, potato guns, pressurized shooters, blades longer than 3 inches.
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NO pranks.
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The following prohibited activities will result in your being sent home immediately at your own expense and with no refund:
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Participating in or encouraging immoral behavior of any kind, which includes breaking the law of chastity and viewing pornography in any form.
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Shoplifting, theft, or vandalism of any kind. Breaking the Word of Wisdom, including the possession of illegal substances and vaping.
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Possession of weapons, firearms or fireworks of any kind. Doing anything harmful to yourself or others physically, spiritually, or emotionally, including any form of bullying.
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Please be advised that all crimes and incidents or pranks of a harmful or destructive nature will be reported to local authorities.
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Consequences resulting from actions taken by local authorities are out of our control.
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Roles & Responsibilities
Young Men
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Follow camp rules
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Be engaged
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Have fun!
Adult Participants
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Having a good attitude and getting youth engaged in active positive participation
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Ensuring Safety
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Attend classes and activities with the group assigned
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Assist youth in activities and sign-offs
Youth Camp Leaders (YCLs)
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Plan and run a YCL Activity
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Be a leader for your group
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Be a Christ like example and friend to all young men
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Hold the young men accountable for completing the booklet.
Ward Camp Directors (WCD)
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Attend meetings for Ward Camp Directors from Stake Camp Committee
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If applicable - help youth plan a YM/YW Camp fundraiser under the direction of your Bishop or Branch President.
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Communicate with the YM and parents so they are all aware how to register and pay for camp, and all deadlines.
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Communicate the details of the camp meetings with all parents and YM.
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Respond to status requests, follow up with parents on registration, answer parents questions.
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Make arrangements for rides to and from camp for all YM in the ward, coordinating with the Stake Travel Director.
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Carry out camp duties as assigned by the Stake Camp Committee. These include but are not limited to:
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Accompanying campers in your assigned camping location and to various activities
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Supporting YCL's as they lead activities
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Maintain a positive influence and attitude and help the YM do the same
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Ensuring safety of YM during activities
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YCL Director
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Will take lead with getting list of YCLs participating
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Coordinate activities pre-camp to get YCLs assigned activities
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Follow-up with the activity details and ensure the boys are preparing them appropriately
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Facilitating a meeting for the Stake Camp Committee to preview the YCL activities
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Ensuring the spirit of being a YCL is shared and fostered before and during camp
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While at camp, coordinating, communicating and directing the YCLs in all their responsibilities/activities
Travel Director
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Communicating with Stake Camp Committee on progress of wards preparing for travel
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Collaborating with Ward Camp Directors to plan travel
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Ensuring there are backups in case of emergency or cancellations
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Coordinating with the Stake Camp Committee on equipment needed to get to camp for the Stake
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Tracking who/what/when for getting YCLs and All youth to and from camp
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Coordinating travel while at camp: who is coming and going from camp (early arrivals & early departures included)
Parent Information and Tasks
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Fill in the medical release and permission form below. This is required for anyone planning on attending, including parents.
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If you are planning to attend at any point during the camp you are required to have passed the following training: Youth Protection Training Course Link.
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Each ward has been assigned a Ward Camp Director (WCD). Please reach out to your WCD and inform them of who plans on attending. They will be coordinating travel to and from the camp, assisting in activities at camp and assisting in general camp needs.
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On June 15th please assist your youth in packing. We have a packing list in a tab to the right. We would not want a youth to come to camp unprepared and you are their best chance at not forgetting anything.
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Costs for the trip is $135 for youth and adults. Money should not be the reason your son cannot go. Please talk with your bishops if money is a concern. Also, please discuss how your ward will raise the funds for camp with your ward leadership. This will reduce the amount needed by each participant. No costs for adults that are asked to attend to assist with leader responsibilities. (*Parents that have youth with special needs or other considerations should discuss with their Bishop about attending the camp or making other arrangements as needed to help their youth.)
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The Ward Camp Directors from each ward should be coordinating transportation to and from camp for all non-YCL youth.
Q&A
What is the cost of camp?
Costs for the trip is $135 for youth. There is no cost for adults who come and volunteer their time. Money should not be the reason your son cannot go. Please talk with your bishops if money is a concern. Also, please discuss how your ward will raise the funds for camp with your ward leadership. This will reduce the amount needed by each participant. No costs for adults that are asked to attend to assist with leader responsibilities. (*Parents that have youth with special needs or other considerations should discuss with their Bishop about attending the camp or making other arrangements as needed to help their youth.)
Can adults have laptops & cell phones?
They can, but please request the time off of work and come fully prepared to spend the entire time actively engaging with the young men. While you are at camp please use your cell phone to take photos and document this experience for the boys, but other than that try and limit your usage of your phone so you can be fully present.
How will the camp share photos?
A Google Photos Album will be shared so the adults can upload the photos that they take there. The boys should not have their cell phone and should just rely on the adults to capture any photos that they might want.
Are pocket knives okay to bring?
Yes, pocket knives are okay as long as the blade is shorter than 3 inches.
Is fishing available?
There is a pond for fishing at the campground. If you plan to fish and are 16 years or older you will need a fishing license.
Are adults allowed to bring campers?
You must reserve your own location at the campground for your RV. If you bring one, it should be for adults only. Young Men should not be staying in RVs.
Do adults need to register if they are just attending for a night or two?
Yes we would like all adult volunteers to register even if they can only attend for a couple of nights.
How many adults should attend?
At least 1 adult per 5 boys is ideal. If any young man with special needs is attending we expect their parent to attend. Please work with your Ward Camp Director (WCD) to ensure your ward is covered.