Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Freedom Noble, a Granbury resident with a career in technology, has become a pivotal figure in shaping the lives of fatherless young men through his work with Advance Camp.
Since the program's inception in 2019, Noble has poured his heart into mentoring these boys; dedicated to providing the guidance and support they need.
As the volunteer director of biblical curriculum, his commitment is more than professional — it's personal. Noble, a father of three, brings his technical, pastoral and life experience to this role, helping to nurture the next generation of young men.
"I learned about Advance Camp through a friend who mentioned that Chad Wallen, the director of Advance Camp Texas, was looking for mentors for fatherless young men," Noble says. "Given my background as a former pastor and my work with teens, I thought it would be a great fit."
Noble’s connection to the cause runs deep. "My mom and I had to leave my biological father because he was abusive," Noble reveals. "Fortunately, my stepfather stepped in and became the father I needed, keeping me from becoming just another statistic. I was one of the lucky ones."
Now, as a mentor, Noble is driven by the opportunity to offer that same guidance and support to young men who lack a father figure in their lives. For him, it’s a chance to give back in a profoundly meaningful way.
Advance Camp has enabled Noble to witness remarkable transformations in the lives of the young men involved. "I've seen huge growth over the years," he said, noting how the program has evolved and the profound impact it's had on its participants. His commitment is fueled by a deeply personal connection. "I constantly find myself doing the things my father taught me or just did around me," he shares. "It’s powerful to now be able to do that in some way for young men who don’t have that."
Since the start of his involvement in 2019, Noble has witnessed the growth and impact of Advance Camp. "I ran into two of our students recently. Chad was meeting them at Baked, and they're both moving on to great things. One of them, thanks to Advance Camp, was able to connect with a blacksmith and start an apprenticeship," Noble explains.
Advance Camp offers various camps and activities for young men, often without revealing the activities in advance. This approach helps the young men to engage in new experiences without preconceived notions.
"I remember Scott (a pseudonym) at his first camp. He was quiet and timid. But by lunch, he was comfortable in his own skin, thanks to the welcoming environment," Noble recalls. "By the end of the day, he was enjoying himself, building friendships, and finding a safe place."
One of Scott's first experiences was at a cooking camp, where a chef taught the boys how to prepare meals. Initially nervous, Scott hesitated to engage. But by the end of the lunch break, his confidence had blossomed. "Scott, who was so nervous at first, was just bombing it on the slip-and-slide," Noble recounts with a smile. The camp had helped him build confidence and form friendships, illustrating the transformative power of the program.
Noble also shared a story of another student who returned home from camp and cooked dinner for his mother. "His mom told us, 'I was so blessed to come home from work and see spaghetti made for us.' These are the moments where we see the young men not only learning skills but also serving their families," he says.
Another young man, Justin (also a pseudonym) had discovered a passion for blacksmithing through Advance Camp, which led to an apprenticeship — an opportunity he never imagined before joining the program. This story, among many others, underscores the life-changing potential of Advance Camp, a program that continues to grow and thrive under the guidance of mentors like Noble.
Advance Camp's approach of keeping each camp's activities a surprise for the participants adds an element of excitement and ensures the young men are constantly challenged. "We keep the details of each camp a surprise, so they can't opt out of something that might push them out of their comfort zones," explains Noble.
This method has led to remarkable experiences, like the student who discovered a passion for blacksmithing — a career path he might never have considered otherwise.
But the program is about much more than just fun and surprises. Noble emphasizes that Advance Camp is designed to teach valuable life skills and provide meaningful mentorship. "We see these boys serving their moms, getting plugged into careers they wouldn’t have had exposure to, and navigating hard issues with their families," he says.
The mentorship provided by Noble and others has had a lasting impact on the participants. "These young men are navigating incredibly tough issues, sometimes more difficult than what I faced at their age," Noble shares. "But they have a solid understanding of their faith and a good head on their shoulders. They know they can reach out to us for guidance and wisdom, which is just awesome to see."
Advance Camp has a strong network of volunteers and mentors who are dedicated to guiding the young men. "We rely on word of mouth to spread the message about our camp. I used to put up flyers at the Starbucks in Granbury, and one lady, who was an hour away, wanted to bring her grandsons to camp. It's a testament to the need for programs like ours," Noble explains.
The program has expanded from Granbury to four other states, providing a safe and supportive environment for young men to learn and grow. "One of the challenges we face is finding mentors who are committed and can consistently be there for the young men.
We ask for a one-year commitment to ensure stability and continuity in the young men's lives," Noble says. "The most impactful mentors are often those who are a bit older, maybe empty nesters, who have the energy and desire to make a difference."
Advance Camp is always looking for new mentors who are men of faith and good character. "We have a thorough application process that includes background checks and character references. We want to ensure that our mentors can provide the guidance and support these young men need," Noble states.
The camp aims to address the identity and family-based problems many young men face. "Our approach has remained the same since the beginning. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the young men, learning and growing together," Noble explains. "For example, during bike camp, we might talk about how the spokes of a bike tire all come up to true, symbolizing how our lives should center on Jesus."
Noble believes Advance Camp is making a significant impact on the lives of young men and their communities. "Every time I see the problems in our world, I realize it's often an attack on the father of the family. By mentoring these young men, we're combating those issues and providing them with a sense of identity and purpose," he says.
For those considering becoming a mentor, Noble asks, "Can you commit to one Saturday a month for a year? Can you visualize the impact that can make in someone's life? If you can, and you're a man of good repute who loves the Lord, we would love to have you join us."
Mothers are asked to drop off their young men at a central meeting point in the morning for each Advance Camp. From there, the boys are transported to the camp’s location for the day. To ensure everyone’s safety, the specific camp locations are communicated only between the camp organizers and the mothers.
Donations are also a crucial part of supporting Advance Camp's mission. "It takes roughly $40 to $50 per student per camp. Anything the Lord puts on people's hearts to give can bless a young man and potentially change his life," Noble says.
Advance Camp started in Granbury, but its roots go back to Oregon, where a similar program existed. "Chad, our director, began volunteering at a single mom's program in Oregon. When he moved to Texas, he felt called to replicate that program here. Even after the original program in Oregon ended, Chad continued the mission," Noble explains.
By focusing on the young men of today, Advance Camp aims to create the leaders of tomorrow. "Being a mentor with Advance Camp gives me a sense of assurance and hope for a brighter future," Noble concludes. "We're stopping what the devil would use for evil and helping these young men find their true identity and purpose."
