An Invitation to Dads…

For centuries, fathers have intentionally guided their sons through experiences that marked the transition from boyhood toward manhood. While our culture often leaves young men to figure it out on their own, we believe God has a better plan. He designed fathers to encourage, teach, bless, and prepare the next generation to become men of courage, character, conviction, and faith.

Throughout this ‘Rite of Passage Expedition”, every challenge, every conversation, every lesson, and every quiet moment in the wilderness is an invitation to draw closer to God and to your son. As you learn a wide-variety of outdoor skills, we will also discover the timeless qualities that help a man thrive in every season of life.

The wilderness will become our classroom, God’s Word our guide, and your father-son relationship one of His greatest tools for shaping the man you are becoming.

Don’t rush through this week. Put away distractions. Ask honest questions. Listen carefully. Encourage one another. Laugh often. Pray together. Take in every sunrise, every mountain vista, and every campfire conversation. God often speaks most clearly when we slow down and make room to listen.

“Be still, and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10 

Our prayer is that when you leave these mountains, you will carry home much more than memories. We pray you leave with a deeper faith, a stronger relationship, greater confidence, a clearer sense of purpose, and a lifelong commitment to walk with Jesus. Years from now, we hope you will look back on this week as one of the defining moments of your life.

Thank you for saying “yes” to this adventure. Thank you, fathers, for investing your time, your love, and your wisdom in your sons. Thank you, sons, for embracing the challenge of becoming the men God is calling you to be.

May this week mark the beginning of a lifelong journey of following Jesus, leading with humility, loving sacrificially, and leaving a legacy of faith for generations to come.

Here’s to Living the Adventure,

Marty D. Miller

Expedition Leader

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OVERVIEW

• WHEN: July 18-26, 2027
• WHO:  Fathers and their sons (ages 14+)
• WHAT:  Backpacking, nature study, outdoor leadership, walking with God
• WHERE:  Big Sandy Trailhead, Wind River Range, WY
• PROVIDED:  Trip leadership, naturalist education, spiritual guidance, etc.
• BRING:  You are responsible for your own camping equipment
• COST:   $500 per dad. This helps cover our shared expenses.
• SIGN-UP DEADLINE: April 30, 2027 or until filled!

REGISTRATION OPENS FEBRUARY 1, 2027

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ITINERARY

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TIMELINE

• Now – Register
• Now – Acquire gear
• Now – Begin physical training
• Now – Read “Manhood Rites and Blessings” – download
• Now – Read “The Intentional Father” by Jon Tyson – order here
• Now – Begin the “Adulting Challenge Blueprint” – download
• May 11 – Zoom Meeting #1 @ 8:00 pm ET – link
• June 1 – Zoom Meeting #2 @ 8:00 pm ET – link
• July 5 – Zoom Meeting #3 @ 8:00 pm ET – link

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LEADERSHIP

Marty Miller, M.S. Ed.                        

Marty is a lover of God, a lover of nature, and a lover of people. These three loves have defined all that Marty has pursued in life.  Marty has a bachelor’s degree in biology and master’s degree in outdoor education and through the years has served as principal, multi-grade teacher, middle school science teacher, high school science teacher, nature center director, and university professor.

After nearly 30 years in education Marty transitioned into full-time ministry by creating Blueprint for Men.  Through retreats, small group support, leadership training, and curriculum development, Marty is helping men to step up and become the men God designed them to be!  Since its inception, the Blueprint for Men network has been instrumental in starting dozens of men’s discipleship groups throughout the country.  One of Marty’s favorite ways to engage men is using the outdoors where he leads father-son and father-daughter wilderness adventures.

Since 1983 Marty has been exploring the mountains, lakes, and glaciers of the Wind River Range having climbed Gannett Peak (13,804′) many times.  He is gifted at discovering and sharing spiritual lessons from nature, God’s second book, as modeled by Jesus Christ, the master educator.  His skills and certifications include WMI/NOLS Wilderness First Responder, ACA Swift Water Rescuer, and AIARE Avalanche Safety, and Leave No Trace Master Educator.

Marty and his wife Gale have two adult children and 6 grandchildren. Life is good!

• Email – marty@blueprintformen.org
• Phone – 423-322-8491

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TRIP PREPARATION