Clinton818web

“
So
many of these kids
have only been beaten
down, and they need
to know how to fight for
themselves–like they’re
the third monkey on
the ramp of Noah’s Ark.
We are training the
next generation.
”
devastating experience into an opportunity to serve and empower
others whom life has inevitably beaten down at one point or another.
CJ was a United States army medic. He was assigned to Bravo Company
1-502nd Infantry Regiment with the 101st Airborne Division. During his
2010 deployment to southern Afghanistan, CJ’s outpost was attacked
by rocket-propelled grenades and machine gun fire. Shrapnel from
one of the blasts was sent through CJ’s right arm and leg, causing
immediate life-threatening injury.
He was sent to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
where he would undergo a series of surgeries, and intensive physical
and occupational therapy. While CJ was recuperating, people asked
him about his story and why he still had a smile on his face.
CJ recognized that he could use his story for the good of others,
and responded to people’s bewilderment by establishing the CJ
Stewart Foundation—a nonprofit with a core mission to influence
young people. CJ shared the idea of starting an outdoor military
camp with Danielle, his occupational therapist at Walter Reed, who
would later become his wife. The two moved to Mississippi to start
Camp Down Range, and ultimately carry out the mission of the
CJ Stewart Foundation.
Using personal stories of struggle, failure, and success, the staff at
Camp Down Range teach participants that they can overcome
anything in life by responding with the right attitude, character, and
faith. Most camp obstacles are created out of the army manual. With
the help of a professional team, CJ customizes courses for whatever
physical or mental objective they want participants to accomplish.
Occasionally, the camp has been misconstrued as a program for
troubled youth. Danielle said, “Really, there are benefits for everybody
here—straight ‘A’ students, and failing students. Kids who obey their
parents, and kids who don’t. Regardless of where you are in life, there
is still growth that can happen.”
The camp features two main programs: Basic Training and Manhood
Academy. Basic training is for group team-building. Manhood Academy
is a summer program that teaches boys (ages 11 -18) to become men,
based on biblical principles. Manhood Academy participants learn
resilience and other qualities that will help them “down range” for
the rest of their lives.
Since Camp Down Range was founded four years ago, CJ and his
wife have begun to see the depth of impact that the camp has had on
peoples’ lives. “We see impact, not immediate, but down the line. In
many cases, we see eternal impact and that’s why we’re here. That’s
why we wake up in the morning and do it again. There might be one
kid out here who has never been exposed to the gospel, or love, and
doesn’t know what love feels like. You can still work hard and be loved.
It empowers these young guys. They are so much more capable than they
think they are, not because of who they are but because of who He is.”
CJ and Danielle are affirmed by support from the community, and
families who have been personally impacted by the mission of Camp
Down Range. “I’m needed now in Clinton, Mississippi, as much as I
was needed in Afghanistan,” CJ said. “So many of these kids have been
beaten down, and they need to know how to fight for themselves—
like they’re the third monkey on the ramp of Noah’s Ark. We are
training the next generation.”
The staff, the participants, and even those bearded trees at Camp
Down Range have lived through all kinds of experiences, good and
bad. They have come out on the other side, and they are stronger
because of what they have been through. “Grow through what you go
through,” CJ said. “Then, when the day comes that life hits you with
the worst of bad experiences, you won’t break. You’ll choose to let
that experience strengthen you.” l
12 • September 2018