ACT LIKE MEN: Forging Generations
This is an intergenerational event for men of every age and stage of life… but especially fathers & sons, mentors & mentees, and men desiring to forge the next generation. Don’t come alone. Bring another man!
Date: October 2-4, 2026
Location: Cohutta Springs Conference Center, 1175 Cohutta Springs Rd, Crandall, GA 30711
Attendees: Men ages 13+
Registration: Ends September 22
BROTHERS,
This year’s theme calls men of all ages to come together, to stand firm in faith, to live with courage, to lead with strength, and to love with purpose.
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let everything you do be done in love.”
— 1 Corinthians 16:13–14
This year’s focus on Forging Generations is more than a theme—it’s a call to action. Men need men. Young men need godly examples. Fathers, grandfathers, mentors, and spiritual leaders are encouraged to bring a son, grandson, nephew, or younger man they are investing in. Together, we will explore what it means to build a legacy of faith that extends far beyond ourselves.
“Every generation of godly men is only one generation away from extinction unless fathers and mentors intentionally pass the torch.”
Our Most Engaging Weekend Ever. Prepare for Action!
This retreat is about more than listening to presentations. We won’t be just sitting around all weekend. Expect engaging activities, meaningful challenges, hands-on experiences, and opportunities to build lasting bonds with other men. You’ll leave encouraged, equipped, and energized to live out your faith with courage and purpose.
Whether you are a young man just beginning your journey, a father seeking to lead your family well, or a seasoned mentor ready to invest in the next generation, this retreat is for you.
Come be strengthened. Come be challenged. Come forge bonds that last.
REGISTRATION DETAILS:
SPECIAL OFFER: Bring your son or a younger man to the retreat and both of you will recieve a 10% discount on the weekend if you pay his way! To recieve a discount code text Tom Pyke at 423-313-1807.
ASSISTANCE: We offer financial assistance to those in need. Please request this option when registering. Thank you!
WEEKEND PACKAGES START AT $70
REGISTER HERE
What should you bring?
Staying in Motel Rooms:
- Bible + Journal + Pen
- Outdoor shoes for activities
- Casual clothes – no ties allowed!
- Camp chair
- Water
- Snacks
- Toiletries
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Pocket knife
- Cell phone/charger
Staying in Bunk Cabins:
- All the above plus you will need sleeping bag or linens and towel
Staying in RV Park/Campground:
- All the above plus camping gear such as tents, sleeping bags, lanterns, etc.
- Glampers bring your RV and invite a few other guys stay with you.
Everyone:
- Bring a great attitude and a willingness to engage!
- Bring a friend… especially our younger men!
- Pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit!
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Complete event details coming soon. Stay tuned!
FRIDAY
3:00 Check-In Begins
6:00 Supper – Dining Hall
7:00 Session 1: “Be Watchful”
8:30 Afterglow
SABBATH
6:30 Morning Watch
8:00 Session 2: “Stand Firm”
9:30 Brunch – Dining Hall
Team-Based Activity Rotations
Each session is 1 hour long with a 15 minute transition to the next station.
Please wear active clothes, bring camp chair, water, snacks, etc.
10:30 Station #1 – PREPARE | Walking with God: Manhood begins with relationship with God
11:45 Station #2 – BUILD | Building the Kingdom: God calls men to build
1:00 Station #3 – BATTLE | The Just Warrior: Men are called to fight the right battles
2:15 Station #4 – DON’T QUIT | Manhood Survival: Men must endure
3:30 End Activity Rotations
4:00 Supper – Dining Hall
6:00 Session 3: “Be Courageous”
8:30 Evening Activities
SUNDAY
6:30 Morning Watch
8:00 Session 4: “Be Strong”
9:30 Brunch – Dining Hall
10:30 Circle of Men Farewell
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
MEN’S RETREAT FLYER – Download, print, and post at your church where men can see it!
CHURCH BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT – Place this announcement in your church bulletin!
Attention Men: You are invited to attend the Act Like Men: Forging Generations Retreat at Cohutta Springs on October 2-4, 2026. It has been said that “Every generation of godly men is only one generation away from extinction unless fathers and mentors intentionally pass the torch.” Bring your son or a younger man to the retreat and both of you will recieve a 10% discount! Other scholarships available. No man will be turned away. Be prepared to be inspired and perspire! Complete details can be found at BlueprintForMen.org. Registration ends September 22.
PRESENTATION SLIDE – Download this slide and share on your church screens leading up to the registration deadline.
ABOUT COHUTTA SPRINGS
ONE OF THE TOP RETREAT CENTERS IN AMERICA!
Tucked away in the North Georgia mountains and surrounded by a glistening 55-acre lake, Cohutta Springs Conference Center is the perfect setting for our annual men’s retreat. You will feel your stress melt away whether you stay in one a motel room overlooking the lake or are camping with other guys out under the stars. The main lodge houses a large auditorium, four breakout rooms, and the dining hall where delicious buffet style meals ensure you will never go hungry!
WEBSITE for Cohutta Springs
VIDEO for Cohutta Springs
CAMPUS MAP for Cohutta Springs
MAIN LODGE
LAKESIDE PATIO
DOUBLE ROOM
LOOKING BACK
Since 2017 Blueprint for Men has been providing engaging retreats for men in the Georgia-Cumberland Conference and beyond. Here is a quick review of the themes we have had during the past 10 years.
PICS FROM LAST YEAR’S RETREAT:
Check out some of the pics from last year’s retreat to see what to expect.
A RETREAT RECAP
Here’s an email recap sent out to all the guys that attended the Men Under Construction Retreat a few years ago which also gives you some insights to what to expect this fall.
Gentlemen,
Thank you so much for joining us at the Men Under Construction Retreat this past weekend. What a powerful experience that was! As I look back on the weekend, I thought I would share with you what I believe made this event so outstanding and also challenge each one of you to take several steps toward becoming the man God designed you to be.
The Making of a Powerful Retreat
- The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit Power
I have attended many outstanding men’s retreats over the years, but I truly believe that this year was the best ever because the Holy Spirit was poured out at another level. The Sabbath afternoon baptisms were the high point of the weekend. Grant Graves called men to take a stand, to be ALL IN, and 10 men took a stand for rebaptism. Dave Ketelsen shared a message that brought it all home with a good dose of humor and then we headed down to the lakeside where we cheered and sang praises to our good God. Powerful!
The men that were baptized included Gary Green, Rudy Escobar, Roberto Enfante, Andrew Gonzales, Josh Galbraith, Jake Mertz, David Adams, Xaver Pinero, Spencer Hoernes, and Greg Leavitt. Those performing the baptism included Dave Ketelsen, Doug Brown, Grant Graves, and Dean Reed.
- The Energy of Younger Men
Because we had an increase in the number of younger men at the event, we had a higher level of energy and enthusiasm. I know that life is especially hectic for those of you from 25-45 so I commend you for taking the time and pray that the experience challenges you to take action in your life in the areas that need it the most.
- The Spectacular Fall Weather
Cohutta Springs is always a beautiful place but this weekend the sky, trees, water, and land were really showing off God’s glory in a spectacular way. The cool weather and breezy conditions were invigorating to my soul!
- Inspirational Music and Testimonies
The music this year was the most inspiring ever. There is nothing like hearing deep masculine voices belting out praises to God and “Builder of Men”, by Tag Garmon, was perfect for bringing out the best in all of us. And the testimonies by Tag, Jim Moon, and many other men brought raw authenticity.
- Challenging Messages and the Blueprint System Launch
In past events I have not had a major speaking part but this weekend I felt compelled to share with you the beginning of what will be the Blueprint System. Even though we didn’t spend much time covering this content I think that there is enough for you to craft your own blueprint in the days ahead. Share your plan with another man and get building. I need your feedback too! More details will be coming soon!
Here’s a link to the presentation I gave about Men’s Discipleship that you can see in full detail. (This is Module 5 of the Men’s Ministry Leadership Course)
Next Steps… Moving Forward!
The main reason that I’m sending you this email is to encourage you to get plugged into resources and groups that will help you grow as a godly man in the days ahead. Here’s what I recommend…
Step #1 – Start Reading Our Weekly Email
Just by attending this retreat you will begin to receive our weekly email. Check your inbox every Thursday morning. Brandon Bell and I work to provide you with a regular source of inspiration and information about how to lead and succeed in every area of life. Many links in our email lead to our Blueprint for Men website where you will find upcoming events and an increasing number of resources.
Step #2 – Start Listening to Our Weekly Podcast
Every week Grant Graves creates our Blueprint for Men Podcast filled with stories, challenging messages, interviews, and more. They are only 14 minutes long so can be enjoyed during your commute. Most of the messages are appropriate and interesting for your children as well.
Step #3 – Get Access to RightNow Media
As a retreat attendee you have been given access to RightNow Media, a video streaming service that provides Christian content for men, women, youth, marriage, finances, etc. You can download the RNM app and listen/watch content anywhere on your mobile device. Not only is this a tremendous resource for you and your family, but it also provides you with much of the content for our men’s groups all for FREE. Look for an email from RightNow Media that will direct you on how to get your account set up.
Step #4 – Get Connected… Join or Start a Men’s Discipleship Group
Your journey ahead will be challenging but if you are walking with God, and have a godly band of brothers, you will succeed. Please consider joining an online group today… or start your own! Here are some options for you to consider.
- Visit our SmallGroups webpage to discover all of the groups we offer.
- Schedule a call with our small group coordinator, Tom Pyke, if you need guidance.
- Join our VIRDUX (Leading Men) virtual group every Sabbath from 7:30-9:00 am ET.
- Order a Morning Summit book. This 13-week habit building program is designed for groups.
- Order a Coaching Champions workbook and start coaching or mentoring a younger man.
Step #5 – Your Pornography Addiction… Deal with it NOW!
Most men receiving this email are struggling with sexual sin, especially in the area of pornography. If you are under conviction to address this cancer in your life now is the time to deal with it. Here’s a fact… You will either deal with your pornography addiction or it will deal with you, and it will be devastating. Please don’t put this off my friend. Here’s your lifeline… grab it now!
- Join our Men of Integrity (Sexual Purity) virtual group on Mondays from 7:00-8:30 pm ET.
- Schedule a call with our small group coordinator, Tom Pyke, to find out more.
Step #6 – If You’re a Dad, Become an Intentional Father
Last summer I created a webpage for Father’s Day that provides a variety of resources that will help you become an intentional father. Go to the webpage and get going or download the following resources that are also found on that page.
- Adulting Challenge Blueprint
- Manhood Rites and Blessings
- 10 Roles of an Intentional Father
- A Prayer of Blessing for Your Wife
My Closing Challenge to Every Man
Follow-through on Your Commitment
You made some commitments this past weekend and shared it with another man. Now you need to put together a plan, do the work, and become the man God called you to be. Stay humble, stay committed, and start building together with God.
We Will Follow-through Our Commitment
We at Blueprint for Men are here to support you, pray for you, and cheer you on as you become the man God designed you to be. In the days ahead, we would love to hear about the progress you are making so feel free to reach out at any time.
Here’s to Building Better Men,
Marty D. Miller
Blueprint for Men, Founder & President
Mobile 423.322.8491
Website www.blueprintformen.org
Address 5050 Layton Lane, Apison, TN 37302
ACT LIKE MEN: Forging Generations This is an intergenerational event for men of every age and stage of life… but especially fathers & sons, mentors & mentees, and men desiring […]
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