CULLMAN, Ala. – Truth in Nature held an educational day for the young men of the Cullman chapter Saturday, June 26. The first half the day began with the boys learning to build picnic tables with the instruction of Chapter Leader Brian Burchett. The picnic tables were built using lumber donated by Walker Brothers of Baileyton. Once they were complete, they enjoyed lunch on their new tables and spent the rest of the afternoon fishing and hiking.
The Cullman Chapter of Truth In Nature was established at the beginning of last year and originally had plans to start right away until COVID-19 brought their plans to a halt. Meeting regulations, the chapter was able to begin having meetings in July of last year and accumulated 12 members. Truth in Nature is for boys grades 6-12 to learn life skills. The Cullman chapter is the only one in Alabama, while there are 15 chapters nationwide.
Truth in Nature holds programs every month. These programs are currently either one-day stays or overnight campouts. Because they’re so new, they currently do not have a bunkhouse but, according to Burchett, that has been made a priority in fundraising this year. Each chapter has a unique way of fundraising, such as in Michigan where they make homemade maple syrup to sell. Once they have fundraising for a bunkhouse, all programs will be overnight from Friday evening into Saturday.
Burchett also shared that each chapter’s core platform is to teach boys about outdoors, such as fishing, hunting, camping and hiking while building relationships with the young men to lead them to Christ. The programs are held at Burchett’s personal farm, Hemlock Creek Farms, where the members can learn about cattle, horses and carpentry. Burchett has a history in construction with a passion to teach these boys the basics, such as how to use a tape measure, hammer, skill saw, or apply other basic repairs in their future homes.
On July 31, the Cullman chapter is planning on taking a kayaking trip depending on water levels, and Aug. 27-28, there will be a camping trip with hiking and fishing the following day. Their meetings are usually scheduled every 3-4 weeks, working around holidays.
When asked about leading Alabama’s first chapter, Burchett shared, “We truly believe the Lord brought us to Cullman, and to our farm, so we could bring Truth in Nature to be a part of this area. We are blessed to be a part of this organization, and to be able to grow relationships and make a difference in these young men’s lives.”
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