FAQs
1. Is John Eldredge or any of the Ransomed Heart team going to be at the Weekend?
No, but the message and the flavor of the event are directly patterned after John’s Colorado-based Wild at Heart Boot Camps (with his permission). They just ask us not to use the name. Still, this is a unique event based on what God is doing in our hearts.
2. Is the Hearts Alive & Free Weekend the same as the “Wild at Heart Band of Brothers” video series?
No. Although there are some similarities in the material presented, this experience is very different. Even if you’ve been through the video series, the Weekend will have something fresh for you.
3. What if I haven’t read the book Wild at Heart?
Although not absolutely necessary, we strongly recommend you read (or re-read) the book during the 3 weeks prior to the Hearts Alive & Free Weekend to get the most out of the event.
4. Is there a minimum age requirement to attend?
Due to the nature and depth of the event, the Hearts Alive & Free Weekend is not designed for youth. You must have completed high school or be at least eighteen years of age to attend.
5. What if I can’t make the whole four days?
Since each part builds on the last, it doesn’t work well if you can’t be there from the start on Thursday night. Also, if you come late, it’s not fair to those who have been there the whole time and are working on the process of getting “unplugged”. On the other end, if you choose to leave early, this isn’t “jail”, but you’ll lose some of the impact of the event.
6. So, what is the latest I can come?
The latest you can come is Thursday evening.
7. Is this going to be a bunch of lectures?
No. There are teaching sessions followed by times of personal reflection. Also, there will be free time to use as you wish—take a nap, journal, hike, relax, fish, or participate in the optional adventure activities.
8. What are some of the optional adventure activities?
A 1000′ zip line into Timber Wolf Lake, high ropes course, go-cart track, fishing (catch and release), mountain bikes, and an indoor climbing wall, to name a few. There’s also indoor and outdoo
r basketball courts, frisbee golf, and a first-class game room (foosball, ping pong, billards, etc.). For some, just being away from the cell phone, iPod-touch, laptop, TV, newspaper, kids, wife, and job will be quite an adventure in itself.
9. What’s going to happen while I’m there?
We believe that you’re going to have one of the most revolutionary experiences of your life. It won’t be like any other “men’s retreat” you’ve ever attended. We promise – no fireside guitar, hand-holding, “kum-ba-ya” stuff. 
10. What if I’m not a really religious guy?
PERFECT! This isn’t about being more religious. “Religion” is about trying to “get it right” and doing more stuff to please God and earn His acceptance. This event is not about that.
11. But what if I am religious?
PERFECT AGAIN! We’re not here to knock anyone. So come and see if the religion in your life is really providing what you need for your heart to be alive and free.
12. Should I bring a friend or should I come alone?
Either is okay. Some may want to come as a group. Traveling with a band of men to and from the event can be a pretty amazing experience in and of itself. Others have had a great experience coming alone, finding new and lasting friendships along the way. God knows what you need much more than we do, so let Him lead.
13. What if I have attended the Hearts Alive & Free Weekend before?
Not a problem. Many have found that they are more prepared to take in and absorb all that the weekend stirs up if they’ve attended before. Not surprisingly, scores of men have told us that attending more than once helped them find and walk into a fuller understanding of themselves as men.
14. Is this a good father-son event?
Not really. Although fathers and adult sons occasionally come together, there should be a very clear understanding that this is not intended to be a father-son bonding experience. It would be wise if you asked to be housed separately and try, as practical, to limit your interaction with each other. While we don’t police this or want to put a restriction on what God would do, be forewarned that it typically doesn’t work out very well.
15. What should I bring?
Absolutely no ties allowed. Just bring comfortable clothing, a swim suit, personal hygiene items, and a few bucks for the camp store, if you like. All meals, bedding, and a bath towel are provided. Except for fishing, equipment for most of the optional activities are provided as well. Some will want their journal or a Bible, but that’s a personal preference.
16. Do you offer a similar event for women?
No, we don’t directly sponsor such an event, but we encourage women to check out Unveiled–an event held here in Michigan which is modeled after the Captivating retreat that Ransomed Heart does in Colorado (much the same as we do with Hearts Alive & Free).
