The men from the boys

It’s that time of the year when the family sits down and starts taking a hard look at summer plans.

“What will the kids do this summer?” the wife asks.

In Newport-Mesa, the choices are many.

Surf camps, sports camps, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Indian Guides, computer camps, science camps ? you name it, you can probably find it here.

Which brings me to Big Boys Men’s Camp.

Gentlemen, this is your chance to slip one in and get the dates blocked out early.

But let’s be clear, this is not for little Johnny or little Suzy for that matter, as you can probably see by the name.

It’s Big Boys Men’s Camp. It’s for guys like you and me.

Now, before the wives get the wrong ideas, it’s not what you might think.

The idea was conceived by Newport Beach resident and real estate developer Paul Fruchbom several years back.

Get a group of world-class experts in their respective fields together and put on a three-day camp for a bunch of men, with the goal being to raise lots of money for local charities.

What’s so good about this particular camp?

Try the backhoe and bulldozer time trials, for starters.

You’ll be instructed on operating this big machinery and then compete in an obstacle course, digging holes and moving dirt against the clock.

How about shooting a gun?

Try pistol shooting under the guidance of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. The guys instruct you, and you then compete for the Top Gun award.

Or, maybe trap shooting is your thing. Learn under the watchful eye of long-time Olympic- and American-style trap shooter Jim Leeg.

There’s fly fishing with master fly casting instructor Joe Libeu.

This year they’ve also added a quick draw contest.

Learn magic or horseshoe pitching.

There’s kayaking, hiking, bicycling and horseback riding.

Maybe your job at home is in the kitchen. Bring your skirt, er, apron and enjoy the gourmet barbecue lessons or the detailed preparation of a gourmet meal by one of Newport Beach’s most noted chefs.

There’s beer, wine, cigar and even Scotch tastings.

I like to do these just before getting on that big backhoe. Just kidding.

At night there’s the traditional campfire.

Paul always seems to find a notable speaker or entertainer to add to the show.

Then it’s back to the lodge for a night of billiards and poker, also led by world renowned champions.

It’s camp like you did as a kid, only with better food, better drinks and better toys.

Camp this year starts at noon on Friday, Sept. 29, and runs through Sunday morning, October 1 in YMCA Camp Whittle just above Big Bear Lake.

As mentioned earlier, funds raised go to local youth mentoring programs including Orangewood’s Guardian Scholars, Boy Scout’s Learning for Life, the YMCA, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Project Access.

For more information, check out www.bigboyscamp.org, or call Julie David, the camp coordinator at (949) 361-6563.