Fathers in the Field is a Christian adventure ministry that unites fatherless boys with mature Christian men in the great outdoors, to help boys learn about the liberating love of God and the healing that comes through the forgiveness of their earthly fathers.

Fathers in the Field was founded by outdoor industry entrepreneur, John Smithbaker, who was deserted by his own father before birth and struggled with the wound of abandonment for decades before discovering the healing of forgiveness.

Fathers in the Field is a year-round journey that includes rugged outdoor excursions like camping, fishing, hiking, and hunting.

Fatherless boys ages 7-17 (“field buddies”) can participate in Fathers in the Field which offers year-round fun and outdoor adventure with mentor fathers.

“Mentor fathers” - Christian men who love God and the great outdoors and are willing to commit to an ongoing mentor relationship with a fatherless boy - undergo thorough background checks and are fully equipped by the ministry.

Fathers in the Field reaches fatherless boys through single mothers who want their sons to have a mature Christian male role model. The program is funded by charitable sponsors and participating churches, so there is no cost to moms.

Fathers in the Field is about faith, fatherhood, forgiveness, and fun!

Offering a kid the kind of thrill he can’t get from video games, Fathers in the Field is an adventure that engages a boy’s mind, body, and soul with the kind of blood-pumping fun that only the great outdoors can fuel.

Each year of Fathers in the Field includes an Adventure Passage - a multi-day outing involving hunting, fishing, camping, backpacking, canoeing, or a myriad of other outdoor pursuits.

Fathers in the Field begins with a local Christian church, specifically men in the congregation who understand the power of a father’s role in shaping a boy’s life.

A revitalization ministry that engages outdoor enthusiasts in the pews, Fathers in the Field not only impacts the life of an abandoned boy, but also his family and his community at large.

Through Fathers in the Field, an abandoned boy learns about the forgiveness offered by his Father in Heaven, which can empower him to forgive his father on earth and heal the wound of abandonment.

“Everyone told me to just forget about my dad and get on with my life. My mentor dad was the first one who really wanted to talk to me about my dad and help me deal with it.” ~Mason

When an abandoned boy realizes he has a Father in Heaven who loves and forgives him, he is empowered to forgive his earthly father and break free from the torment of abandonment.

Through outdoor adventure and the Fathers in the Field “Field Guide” mentor fathers and their field buddies explore the life-changing healing that comes through forgiveness.

Mentor fathers are equipped by Fathers in the Field with the tools and resources they need to mentor their field buddies and explore the counter-cultural concept of forgiveness.

Field buddies and mentor fathers build meaningful friendships through blood-pumping outdoor adventures like hunting, camping, and fishing.

Most boys who participate in Fathers in the Field have never been on a traditional “father/son” outing.

"We are giving abandoned boys the Father/Son outdoor experience they’ve never had, and in doing so we introduce them to the true hope that comes only through the love of Christ and an adventure that can only be found in God's great outdoors." ~John Smithbaker, Founder of Fathers in the Field

Community service is an integral part of Fathers in the Field , which identifies widows in need and gives boys an opportunity to serve them.

Serving the community alongside their Fathers in the Field mentor fathers, boys gain a sense of accomplishment, helpfulness, and self-worth.

Through Fathers in the Field, Christian men have an opportunity to help steer hurting boys away from self-destructive behavior like substance abuse and criminal activity, and point them toward a productive life filled with hope and promise.

Fathers in the Field is currently looking for Christian men who are avid outdoorsmen and would like to serve as mentor fathers, and fatherless boys between the ages of 7 and 17 who need godly male mentor in their lives.

For more information about Fathers in the Field, visit www.FathersintheField.com.