As we move into June, Father’s Day is everywhere. Store displays, commercials, church announcements, and social media posts all celebrate dads and the special bond between fathers and sons. For many families, it’s a joyful season filled with appreciation and memories. For many of the boys we serve, however, Father’s Day feels very different.
In this week’s KOZ Raw, TJ Greaney challenges leaders to look beyond the activities they plan and focus on something even more important: knowing the boys they serve and understanding their father story.
The Activity Isn’t the Mission
One of the strengths of Kids Outdoor Zone is adventure. Fishing trips, campfires, hunting outings, shooting sports, hiking trails, and outdoor challenges are what draw boys in. Adventure creates excitement, gives boys a reason to show up and the real mission happens in the conversations.
Those moments sitting beside a pond, riding in a truck, walking a trail, or gathering around a campfire create opportunities to connect with boys on a deeper level. That’s where trust is built, where stories are shared and where life change begins. As Father’s Day approaches, those conversations become even more important.
Do You Know Your Boys?
Do you know your boys? Do you know where their father is? Do you know what kind of relationship they have with him? Do you know if he is present, absent, involved, or unavailable?
Many leaders know the names of the boys in their group, but do you know the details of what those boys carry in their hearts? Almost half of the boys in America are growing up without a healthy father actively involved in their lives. Many of the boys who come to KOZ know firsthand what it feels like to be disappointed, ignored, abandoned, or forgotten. Others may technically have a father in the home, yet still feel unfathered because that relationship is distant or disconnected.
If we want to effectively mentor boys, we have to know their story.
Every Boy Wants His Father’s Approval
One of the most personal moments in this week’s KOZ Raw comes when TJ reflects on his own childhood. His father was present at times but largely unavailable. Looking back, he remembers only two specific moments when his dad showed up for him. One was when his father came to school to defend him during a misunderstanding. The other was after a baseball game when his father spoke with a coach on his behalf.
Those moments may seem small, but they left a lasting impression. Why? Because every boy longs for the attention, approval, and presence of his father. That longing doesn’t disappear simply because a father is absent. In many cases, it becomes even stronger. Whether a boy is eight years old or eighty years old, there is often a desire to hear, “I’m proud of you.” There is a desire to be seen and a desire to matter.
Understanding that reality helps us better understand the boys God places in our path.
The Power of a Mentor
While nothing fully replaces a father, God often uses mentors to step into the gap.
TJ shares memories of being a young man working construction and simply standing around listening to older men talk after work. They weren’t giving formal lessons or delivering speeches, they were simply living life together. Yet those moments mattered. Boys are constantly watching. They watch how men treat others, how they handle problems. They listen to what men say and how they say it.Over time, they begin to imitate the men they trust.
That’s why KOZ leaders have such incredible influence. Every conversation matters, every encouraging word matters and every KOZ Saturday matters. You may never fully realize how much a boy is learning from simply being around you.
Father’s Day Is an Opportunity
As Father’s Day approaches, KOZ leaders have a unique opportunity to be intentional. Take time to learn more about the boys in your group. Ask questions and listen carefully. Pay attention to what may be happening beneath the surface.
If you’re a father participating in KOZ with your own son, don’t stop there. Invite other boys to join you. Ask your son which friends don’t have a dad actively involved in their lives. Open the door for those boys to experience healthy relationships with godly men.
Some boys need adventure, some boys need encouragement, but every boy needs someone who sees him.
Final Thoughts
Father’s Day can be a celebration for some boys and a painful reminder for others. As KOZ leaders, we have the privilege of stepping into that space with compassion, wisdom, and intentionality. Make your KOZ group fun, make it exciting and make it an adventure boys can’t wait to attend.
Then go deeper..know your boys, know their stories and know their father story. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give a boy is simply showing up and reminding him that he matters.
Watch this week’s KOZ Raw and share it with another leader who needs the reminder.
RESOURCES
Learn more about Kids Outdoor Zone: https://www.kidsoutdoorzone.com/
Start a KOZ group in your church: https://www.kidsoutdoorzone.com/start
Find a KOZ group near you: https://www.kidsoutdoorzone.com/visit-a-group/
