Picture This...
You go to a fundraising event for a new and exciting initiative that supports youth mental health. The auction item you want to bid on is a golf trip with access to popular and revered courses, and it includes amazing food and drink, speakers, great company, swag, prizes and competition, and fun activities.
But everyone else is also bidding on the same item, and only one person will win at a high price.
Here's the exciting offer:
You have already won - and are invited on a great golf excursion, where you can include a couple friends who would also want to participate. You will play a great course every day - usually twice. You will have everything taken care of once you arrive. You will stay in anew, hip hotel. You will get to do this with lots of great, like-minded guys, with abundant food, drinks, and laughs. You will get to hear some interesting talks.
And as a bonus, you will help get an important new initiative off the ground.
I HOPE BY THE TIME YOU GET TO THE REGISTRATION SECTION, YOU'LL BE INTRIGUED...
How were we able to get an exclusive day at Sweetens Cove?
I am lucky to call Rob Collins (and his brother Lewis) a friend. Not only a really good dude, he is an amazing and creative golf course architect (Check out the press and accolades at KingCollinsgolf.com - or the latest Golf Digest feature "What does the future of golf look like?").
He also enjoys friendship, the camaraderie of golf, good food and drink, conversation, and doing what you can to make the world a little better. His help, along with the Sweetens Cove team, got this all rolling...
ManCamp is Kind of a Dumb Name, Don't You Think?
Yes. And No.
It's a tongue in cheek, snarky way of claiming that thoughtful, like-minded, progressive guys can get together to have fun, play, eat and drink - and move the dial on making change in themselves (and hence, the world around them) by listening to, and learning from, others.
Note: This is NOT an uber-religious, "guys rule" event. In fact, if you don't think it's kind of cool that the U.S. finally has a Vice President who is a woman, this might not be the event for you.
About 1/4 of your fee will be donated to Be Well Partners (the other payment goes directly to greens fees, hotel costs, food, transportation, activities, etc.), to create access for all people to the VenZ offerings. Portions of winnings throughout the week will also be directed to Be Well Partners.
**And for the name ManCamp: I probably would have changed it, but I'd already bought the website and made custom logo golf balls...
Help Create Something!
We know that the world is becoming more and more complicated for adolescents. And we know that the world really needs more empathetic, open-minded, and emotionally equipped young men.
I've committed to using my background in education, youth development, and community building - along with the good fortune of knowing many passionate and like-minded adults - to create something that helps youth through their adolescent years.
The first initiative is venz.xyz, focused on the education and empowerment of teenage boys.
We are currently interviewing and surveying over 200 12-18 year-olds and their parent/s, to determine what is most helpful and needed. We have a great team of advisors and creators on board, and are ready to create something that looks like Khan Academy, SAT prep classes, TED Talks, and TikTok videos got together to have a baby :) In addition, we will be creating week-long summer camps and service trips in the years ahead.
ManCamp (MC) MakeChange
Who's invited?
We have stories to share...
Who would enjoy this?
To guarantee the days are a blast, these events are invitation only. If you received an email pointing you to this website, it's either because you were invited directly, or a participant has invited you.
Space is limited to 36 golfers in Chattanooga.
If you've been talking to a couple friends about getting together for a golf junket, here's your opportunity to invite them!
**We trust that your friends won't be jerks
And know that the people who have been invited to this are the kinds of people who would be fun to be around.
So whether you come on your own, or with others, you'll have a blast!
Who would enjoy this?
We have stories to share...
Who would enjoy this?
You enjoy laughing, learning, big ideas, music, conversation, and friendly competition.
You appreciate cool hotels, great food and drink - and lots of golf at celebrated courses.
You don’t mind being spoiled, but you can carry your own damn golf bag to the bus.
Whatever your political leanings, you have found the rhetoric of the last few years disgusting - and can avoid arguing about politics for a few days.
You believe in the power of empathy.
You are open minded, like talking everything from sports to philosophy, and are even willing to change your way of thinking.
We have stories to share...
We have stories to share...
We have stories to share...
When you talk to other men who are willing to be transparent, there are consistent themes:
New jobs (or getting bored of old jobs),
Aging parents,
Death of family and friends,
Highs and lows of marriage and family,
A changing world, watching kids grow up,
Aches and pains,
Mental health struggles,
Race and justice divides,
Financial concerns,
Environmental nervousness,
If our lives will make a difference,
Etc. etc.
As I’ve explored these themes, and engaged in conversations with other men, I often hear:
“I wish there were more chances to be with other guys and talk like this.”
What's included?
Please curb your dogma...
We have stories to share...
From the time you arrive at the Hotel Indigo (until the time you leave), we've got you covered...
72-90 holes of golf
Activities and transportation
Materials and prizes
4 nights lodging
9-11 meals (+ snacks)
Many of your drinks
Leading up the event, each participant will also receive a gift box with books, gifts, & swag.
Please curb your dogma...
Please curb your dogma...
Please curb your dogma...
Here are some guiding principles...
*No blowhards and/or braggarts
*Laughter should be abundant
*All competition is friendly
*We work to listen and learn
*It's okay that your life isn't perfect
*The only pitches should be the kind that occur around the greens
Anything else?
Please curb your dogma...
Please curb your dogma...
There will be a few challenges, contests, wagers, and competitions during the days,
Make Your Deposit
$500.00
A minimum deposit of $500 is needed to hold your spot. (The full amount is required by August 15, 2021.)
You will be able to register above, but payment is made here through PayPal. Ven LLC will make a donation of $500/person to Be Well Partners at the conclusion of the event.
If you prefer, you can mail a check to Ven LLC, 133 E. De La Guerra #252, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
Can't Attend, Yet Want to Support the Cause?
Check out our partner page...
Be Well Partners has joined with Ven Z to do the following:
- Support leadership development through college internship scholarships for those in serving professions
- Allow access to the material for those unable to afford the fees
- Support in-person events for youth, young adults, and parents
- Provide scholarships for summer camps and service trips
You can make a donation on our partner page. Gifts are tax-deductible, and those making donations of $250 or more will receive various ManCamp gifts in the fall.
Help! I'm a coach stuck in a stock photo...
Our Evening Speakers and Presentations
One thing I've learned from years of facilitating groups is that wisdom and profundity (and profanity) can come from anyone in the group. I'm doubling down on that belief for these events, because the men who have been invited to ManCamp 2021 each have amazing wisdom, gifts, and life stories.
We have a couple great speakers confirmed, and are working on a couple other possibilities. But our official speaker/presentation line-up is not as important as learning from one another throughout the week.