Benedict attended a Catholic summer camp this year, a transformative experience that I still see reflected in his life more than 90 days since it ended. Although it only happened once during his five days at camp, there was a group event called Guy Club, where the boys huddled separately from the girls. This was the opportunity to deliver specific, relevant ministry to the boys using methods that would resound with them. Perhaps my favorite outcome from this session was their tagline/chant, “Red meat, monster trucks, and power tools. You need an F-150!”

Every parent knows the genius of boys and girls, and how adapting parenting based on their particular needs can compound the results. Children need, most of all, attention and affection, but delivering life’s lessons in a boy-specific or girl-specific setting can make a big different.

Benedict is entering the critical stages of his human development, and these coming years will set the stage for his transition into a happy, stable, and productive adult. I want him to be prepared for the challenges ahead, but also to continue to be an interesting and delightful person. So I did what any good parent would do, and I stole the Guy Club idea.

With our LEGO room finally organized, I asked Benedict if he wanted to do Guy Club with me in the evenings after the girls go to bed: Bros, Bibles, & Bricks. We started last night, first listening to the Bible in a Year podcast, then building LEGO and talking about what we heard, and whatever else came into his mind. It was a productive time together, and he seemed eager to read along as Fr. Mike went through Genesis and Psalms.

Yesterday was only day one, and I know that there will be many challenges even over just the coming year to stay on track. I’ll be tired, he’ll be sick, there will be other more pressing things on my to-do list, but what better way to spend my time than investing in my son’s growth, and my relationship with him?