Venture 2024

Forging Biblical Leaders: The Impact of TeenPact Venture 2024

This September, 65 students, 8 chaperones/dads, and 18 TeenPact leaders gathered at Fort Bluff in Dayton, Tennessee, for TeenPact’s 2024 Venture program—a week designed to challenge and equip them to live as men of God in today’s world. With a focus on biblical manhood, leadership, and practical life skills, Venture provided these students with a unique opportunity to step away from the distractions of everyday life and grow deeper in their relationship with Christ.

“I will go back home a better man than I was the week before! This camp has forever changed me,” shared one participant. That sentiment was echoed by many others who described the week as a time of profound spiritual growth and life transformation.

Throughout the week, students engaged in sessions led by TeenPact leaders, including Chris May, CEO of TeenPact Leadership Schools. These talks covered everything from the biblical foundation of manhood to practical life skills such as time management, home maintenance, and leadership. “This week has provided great guidance on how to follow God as a Christian,” one student remarked. “I am extremely grateful for all those who have helped, and I will try to follow their guidance wherever the Lord leads me.”

Isaac Richardson, Assistant Program Director for Venture, reflected on the heart behind the week: “Our goal is to equip young men to not only grow in their faith, but to be ready to take action. Venture is about stepping into the calling God has for each one of these guys.”

The week wasn’t just filled with spiritual growth—students were also pushed physically through sports competitions and team-building exercises. The highlight for many was the championship flag football game, which took place under the lights on the final night. This blend of physical challenges and deep spiritual teaching helped students connect with each other and grow as leaders. “The fellowship and brotherhood have left me encouraged and uplifted,” another attendee shared.

For many, the friendships formed were just as impactful as the lessons learned. “I made some awesome friends and grew in the Lord,” said one young man. “I learned some good strategies to fight sin in my life and feel more convicted in how I spend time with the Lord.” Others reflected on how the mentoring from older staff members shaped their experience. “This week was a phenomenal week for me to be mentored by those who are older and wiser than me,” one student said. “The talks were well-timed and amazing.”

Johnny Leifheit, Director of Staff Development, emphasized the importance of intentional mentoring. “At Venture, we focus on investing in these young men, challenging them to grow in maturity and character. It’s incredible to see the transformation that happens in just one week,” Leifheit said.

“I’ve been blessed with such amazing teaching and stewardship,” said one attendee. “Every TeenPact event gives me hope and determination to further the kingdom.” Another echoed this, sharing, “This week set me on fire to go disciple others. I feel more responsibility now to have one-on-one conversations with people and spread the gospel.”

For the dads who attended as chaperones, Venture was also an eye-opening, encouraging experience. “I enjoyed Venture as much, if not more, than my son,” shared dad and chaperone Brad Moore. “It was an amazing week of solid teachings on biblical manhood, great fellowship, good food, and fun competitions. It was a week that I’m extremely thankful for and can’t recommend highly enough.” Another father reflected on the intentionality of the week, saying, “As a dad, it was a blessing to see the impact this program had—not just on my son, but on all the men. The mentorship and godly example these boys witnessed will stick with them–and me–for years to come.”

Brent Vastbinder, Assistant Program Director, captured the overall impact of the week: “Venture is about more than just teaching practical skills like car maintenance and budgeting—it’s about shaping hearts to embrace God’s call to walk in Biblical Manhood that honors Christ. We pray these young men are stepping back into their local churches, schools, and jobs more equipped to advance God’s Kingdom on earth.”

As the students return home, the lessons they learned at Venture will continue to impact their lives. Many left with a renewed sense of purpose, a stronger faith, and a clearer vision of what it means to be a man of God in today’s world. “This week has helped me realize the areas in my life where I was lacking,” one student reflected. “I’ve grown in my desire to improve my habits, spend time in the Word, and grow in my maturity as a man.”

Chris May summed up the purpose of the week perfectly: “At TeenPact, we believe that when young men understand who they are in Christ and are equipped with the right tools, they can be unshakable leaders in their homes, churches, and communities. Venture is a crucial part of that mission, and we’re excited to see the fruit of this week in the years to come.”

As these young men head back to their everyday lives, they do so as changed individuals—ready to lead, serve, and reflect Christ in all they do. “I will be forever changed by my experience at Venture,” one student shared. “It has empowered me to go home and make a lasting impact on those around me.”