Many people's idea of fun includes things such as hunting, fishing, playing sports, taking in a movie or just relaxing at home, not volunteering to do manual labor for people they have never met. Santee Electric Cooperative, Inc. Manager of Economic Development, Stan Williamson did just that recently.

Though he has taken mission trips with the youth at his church, and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief before, following the deadly tornados in East Benstadt, KY, Stan found himself volunteering with the Ironman Outdoors Chainsaw Team.

'I can't think of a better way to spend a weekend than helping someone else that is in need,' Stan said.

'Ironman Outdoors is all about connecting men to Christ in the outdoors. We provide the 'iron sharpening' atmosphere for men to focus on spiritual things,' the group's website says.

Not only does Ironman Outdoors send chainsaw teams to work where needed, they also take men on fishing and hunting retreats, according to the website.

'We're not talking about a weekend of just fishing.  We experienced REAL and AUTHENTIC fellowship among men.  Our conversations were more than just  football and fishing stories - we talked about our struggles and what it truly means to be the spiritual leader in your home,' the website says.

Stan's brothers Scott and Stephen and their father Aubrey along with four men from Columbia and four more from Aiken went on the four day adventure, which began at 4 a.m. Thursday, March 8.
Stan said he met some very nice people that were in very bad situations and he would go again next weekend if called.

Ironman Outdoors, formed in 2007 is a 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry that relies solely on charitable contributions and fees generated from Adventure Retreats.