Learn More About Us
Meet some of our leaders and learn more about what drives us as an organization
THE WHO, THE WHAT AND THE WHY BEHIND COMMITTED CHRISTIAN OUTDOORS
WHO CAN BE A PART OF CCO?
At Committed Christian Outdoors (CCO), we’re passionate about helping kids and teens experience the outdoors while growing in their relationship with God. Many young people don’t realize how much they’ll love being outside—hunting, fishing, exploring—until they get the chance to try it. That’s what we’re here for: to open that door and let them discover something new.
It doesn’t matter whether a student already has access to land or needs a place to hunt—the important thing is that they want to be part of the program. Our goal is to create a space where kids who love the outdoors can make friends, share experiences, and deepen their faith together.
CCO is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, not affiliated with any single church. That means kids and teens from any church background—or no church background at all—are welcome.
We welcome students from all types of home environments—single-parent families, blended homes, foster care, grandparents raising grandkids, and more. None of that disqualifies anyone from being part of CCO. If a young person wants to be involved,
we want them here.
Our program is open to kids ages 9–18. Age only matters for certain hunts, where participation depends more on maturity—things like safety, ethical shooting, and the ability to sit
for extended periods.
We also encourage parents to participate! We love providing opportunities for quality family time in God’s creation. We simply ask that parents join in our Bible studies and activities and give their children space to form friendships and grow independently. The best way for your child to benefit from CCO is to let them experience it fully.
Adults who love God and the outdoors are also invited to get involved through volunteering.
Our one simple rule:
Everyone who participates must embrace the ministry side of what we do—not just the hunting and fishing.
At CCO, outdoor adventures are the setting—but Christ is the center of everything we do.
WHAT IS CCO?
Our vision is for Committed Christian Outdoors to be more than just an activity—it’s a community kids can grow up in and carry with them for life. Imagine the camaraderie of a hunting club, the excitement of a fishing club, and the faith-centered focus of the church—all woven together. That’s CCO.
We create a safe, fun environment where kids can discover the thrill and freedom of the outdoors—whether it’s learning gun safety and shooting rifles, hunting deer, casting a fishing line, or building a campfire. But more importantly, while they’re enjoying these hands-on experiences, they’re also learning life-changing truths: strong morals, servant leadership, and what it means to have a committed, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
At CCO, we believe the outdoors is the perfect classroom—not just for hunting and fishing, but for shaping character, building friendships, and deepening faith.
Committed Christian Outdoors will hold events year round that the kids can be a part of. There will be two types of events: Open – where anyone is welcome to come, and Scheduled – where the CCO leader will communicate with parents to schedule the child’s hunting or fishing date.
Committed Christian Outdoors will always promote an environment that is: loving, safe, clean, supportive, friendly, motivational, committed, educational, helpful, and uplifting.
We hope that kids will come be a part of CCO and continue to stay involved long term. Our hope is that once they graduate and move into the adult world that they will continue
to be a part of the ministry
THE WHY BEHIND CCO!
Why We Do What We Do
We believe that when kids grow up with a love for God’s Word and understand its authority, they begin to recognize their need for church, community, and fellowship with other believers. Our mission is to help them develop a faith that’s deep, lasting, and rooted in truth.
Sadly, the numbers show how real this need is:
64% of U.S. adults ages 18–29 who grew up in the church say they have withdrawn from church involvement as adults.¹
66% of people who attended a Protestant church regularly as teenagers later dropped out for at least one year between ages 18–22.²
Among Christians ages 18–35, only 33% attend church weekly.³
While 67% of adults say they attended church weekly as children, only 31% say they do so now.⁴
Among U.S. teens (ages 13–17), 65% identify as Christian—but by early adulthood (ages 18–22), that number drops to 48%.⁵
These numbers break our hearts—and they’re what drive this ministry forward.
We believe one of the biggest reasons for this decline is the watering down of the gospel. Too often, churches focus more on entertainment and motivation than on faithfully teaching God’s Word. The church in America has become, in many ways, “a mile wide and an inch deep.” Worship can become performance; messages can turn into self-help. The result is that many young people are growing up without a clear understanding of who Jesus really is and what it means to follow Him.
That’s why our “why” is simple:
We want to teach kids to love and value Scripture, to understand the importance of loving God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength—and to love their neighbors as themselves (Mark 12:30–31).
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…”
— Deuteronomy 6:6–9
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
— Proverbs 22:6
A Love for the Outdoors and God’s Creation
Another reason we do what we do is conservation—both of faith and of the outdoors.
There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing kids find success in hunting, fishing, and outdoor skills. As they learn the patience, discipline, and effort it takes to succeed, they also develop a deeper appreciation for God’s creation. We believe that when kids experience the beauty and challenge of the outdoors, they’ll carry that passion for stewardship into adulthood.
In a world full of distractions and digital noise, the outdoors offers something powerful—a quiet place where God’s voice can be heard and His handiwork seen.
Sources:
Barna Group, Resilient Disciples (2023)
Lifeway Research, Most Teenagers Drop Out of Church as Young Adults (2019)
Barna Group, Missing Church (2023)
Gallup, Childhood Churchgoing Habits Fade in Adulthood (2024)
Barna Group, Teens and Jesus (2023)
MEET THE CCO LEADERS
Robert Harvill President & Founder
Committed Christian Outdoors
The Story and The Vision
In August 2014, Robert Harvill made a decision that would change the course of his life—he chose to put God first in everything. At the time, he didn’t know exactly what that would mean, but he was committed to seeking God’s will in every step. Not long after, he heard a message about commitment that stirred something deep in his heart. It wasn’t just a challenge to live more faithfully—it felt like a calling to share that same message with others.
For months, Robert continued working his regular job while praying and wrestling with what this ministry might look like. Then, in the summer of 2015, he took a bold leap of faith—he quit his job to pursue the vision God had placed on his heart. Just a few days later, God provided a new opportunity through a dear friend, giving Robert the flexibility to earn a living while dedicating himself to building the ministry.
That fall, Robert organized what would become a defining moment: the first deer hunt, held on November 14, 2015. Six kids came that day, and two of them harvested their very first deer. The laughter, excitement, and genuine connection they shared were unforgettable. More than just a hunt, it became a moment of community, encouragement, and love. That day confirmed what Robert had been sensing—God was going to use his passion for the outdoors as a platform to teach kids what it means to live fully committed to Christ.
The Monday after that hunt, Committed Christian Outdoors was officially born.
📖 Proverbs 16:3 "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." (NIV)
Les Hoy
Meet Les Hoy, to say that Les is one of our most popular guides would be an understatement. The CCO kids and teens love him to pieces and always request to hunt with Mr.Les. Les has been with CCO since we started and we are thankful to have his help. We are certain that if you come and join us at an event you will find Les to be one of your favorites too!
Dwayne Mercer
Dwayne Mercer came on board in 2020 and has made a huge impact. Dwayne's passion and knowledge of the outdoors has helped so much in planning and preparing hunting and fishing trips. His passion for the Lord and his committed prayer life have made a big difference in our planning and fundraising. Plus the kids love him and his cool truck and we couldn't be happier to have him on our team!
Rodney Middlebrooks
Rodney Middlebrooks has been here since the beginning. When Robert came to Rodney in the summer of 2015 to tell him the idea he had about taking the kids hunting and fishing and sharing the commitment message with them, Rodney was the one who said, "You won't believe me, but I just told my pastor last night that there is a need for an organization just like this". This was confirmation that we were on the right track. Rodney is another one of those behind the scenes guys that helps encourage and push this vision to its fullest potential.