By Joseph Dunlap
Today, young men encounter moral questions very early in life. This forces them to pick a side before they are properly formed. That’s why youth formation programs are very important for young men and the society they must help build.
This vital training for the future lies at the core of the youth programs of Tradition, Family, Property—Texas. Responsibility, courage, perseverance, and many other leadership skills at the service of the Faith were the focus of the TFP’s 2026 Spring Camp held at the Big Bend National Park in Texas from March 22-26. Young men from as far as Kansas came to participate.
Four Challenging Days
Over the course of four days, the young Catholic men would have to complete arduous hikes, rough camping, challenging discussions, and face jeers in a public street campaign against a Drag Queen Story Time for all ages.
The first day consisted of an early rise and a long 10-hour drive to the campsite. Located deep in the heart of the Big Bend National Park, the campsite had the basics and was a far cry from a hotel room. Along the way, participants sang TFP songs about saints and heroes of the past, played games, and implored God’s grace through the recitation of the Holy Rosary. The first day may have been a lesson in patience more than anything, but the next one tested their capability to suffer without complaint.
15 Unforgiving Miles
After another early rising and a quick, hearty breakfast, the hikers found themselves at the starting point of an undulating 15-mile trail. Warning signs of mountain lions and bears, along with the need for plenty of water, convinced the participants that this would not be a walk in the park.
As a matter of fact, on a previous excursion, TFP members encountered one of the stealthiest dangers on the trail: a mountain lion. It had moved some 30 yards from them before the hikers remembered to make a lot of noise when confronted by this danger. Thankfully, the big cat retreated, melding into the woods.
Although the 2026 adventure did not include another mountain lion encounter, it still had its own difficulties, as the heat and sore muscles took their toll. Each unforgiving ascent was a challenge to give up, but no one did. After passing over several summits and scrambling up Emory Peak, the group closed the loop to finish.
Chains are Only as Strong as the Weakest Link
The next day proved to be a shorter hike, but more geared to understanding the principle that the chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Each participant had to force himself to think of the others, as the hikers fought the urge to leave the less capable behind.
Both in the world and in the spiritual life, selfishness brings down many relationships, including the most important one: with God. Everyone is called to help others and make up for shortcomings. In this way, all can reach sanctity and heaven for eternity. That hike was very good practice for this interdependence.
All stayed together, even singing songs along the way. It was hotter than the previous day, but the views from the top were reward enough.
Uninvited Guests at Camp
A hearty meal of steak and potato salad would have brought the day to a close if it weren’t for some uninvited guests. Twice during the night, the campers heard rustling in the bushes and around the campsite. To their amazement, large groups of javelinas, or medium-sized wild pigs, surrounded the tents and grazed as if ignorant of their presence. Thankfully, there were no altercations between the two groups, and the javelinas passed by without incident.
TFP Campaign Against Drag Queen Story Hour
Arguably, the most exciting and most challenging event took place off the hiking trail.
On the final day, the young men were invited to make a stand in the public square. It is often said that men will go to war rather than face ridicule. Being jeered and heckled is never a pleasant experience, but TFP members confront this abuse every time they hold a prayerful protest. Our Lord Himself was mocked and even spat upon by His own people. Those who fight for Him on earth should expect nothing different. So, the final test for the participants was to face their fears of ridicule by praying a public rosary of reparation.
After racing back to Houston, they set up on the public sidewalk outside of Gerry’s Grill. With signs, banners, and the grace of God, they protested a Drag Queen Story Time for all ages being held there. There were jeers and ridicule from passing cars, but also many honks in response to the signs, which read, “Honk! Against Drag Queen Story Time.”
The young men really shone as they stood up for a return to order in America, a return to God. They prayed several rosaries and other prayers during the rally. One of the young men commented, “Wow! I almost forgot how much I love campaigns like this!” It was a great way to end the short Spring Camp, fighting against the immoral corruption of America’s most innocent.
Facing fears and instilling leadership skills in the service of Holy Mother Church are exactly what this country needs to truly be one nation under God. If the younger generations do not face the evils of the day, then they will be swept away by the current. That is why TFP holds these camps and will continue to do so in the future.
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