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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270101
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CREATED:20260805T145243Z
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UID:15777-1798761600-1798847999@blueprintformen.org
SUMMARY:New Years Day Hike
DESCRIPTION:Greetings Winter Wanderer\,\nYou are not like most men. You see\, most men seek comfort when the thermometer dips toward zero and the snow starts flying. But that’s not you. The sophisticated man hunkers down at the local coffee shop on these blustery days\, but not you. No\, you are a bit of a primitive man\, a man who embraces the biting cold\, just to experience the most silent and exquisite of all seasons\, winter! \nIf this is indeed the man you are\, or that you want to be\, we invite you to join us for a challenging new years day hike of the most iconic peak within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park\, Mt. LeConte (6\,593′). \n\n“The mountains are calling and I must go.”  John Muir\n\nOur group will take the classic Alum Cave Bluff trail which ascends 2\,763′ in 5.5 miles to the summit.  This gives us around 500′ of elevation gain for every mile hiked so you’ll need some good legs and good lungs! \nWinter conditions will likely include ice\, snow\, wind\, rain\, clouds\, or sun. This is a hike that requires proper prior planning\, so get on it! \nIf this sounds like an adventure you would like to start the year out with then register below\, pack your gear\, and then head for the summit! \nHere’s to Living the Adventure! \nYour Wilderness Guides\, \nJeremiah Curda:  817-298-1520 \nMarty Miller:  423-322-8491 \n\nPLANNING GUIDE\n\nTRIP SCHEDULE\nTRIP DATE: \n\nFriday\, January 1\, 2027  \n\nTRIP ITENERARY:  \n\n7:30 am – Meet-Up @ Sugarlands Visitor Center\n8:15 am – Arrive @ Alum Cave Bluff Trailhead (3\,834′)\n8:30 am – Start Hiking\n10:00 am – Alum Cave Bluff (+2.3 miles\, 4\,950′)\n12:00 pm – Mt. LeConte Lodge (+2.8 miles\, 6\,360′)\n1:00 pm – Mt. LeConte Summit (+.4 miles\, 6\,593′)\n2:00 pm – Descend from Summit to Trailhead (+5.5 miles)\n5:00 pm – Arrive back at Trailhead\n6:00 pm – Supper in Gatlinburg\n7:00 pm – Head Home\n\nSIGN-UP DEADLINE: \n\nMonday\, December 28\, 2026\nSpace if very limited so early! \nREGISTRATION OPENS NOVEMBER 1\n\nPRETRIP ZOOM MEETING: \n\nWednesday\, December 30\, 2026\n7:00 – 8:00 pm ET\nThis meeting is required to ensure that all participants are prepared and all questions are answered. If there are any issues or any changes in plans we will discuss them during this meeting.\n\n\nWHAT TO EXPECT\nThis is a demanding winter hike that should not be taken lightly. Here’s what you should expect… \n\nDistance – 11 miles\nElevation Gain – 2\,763′\nDifficulty – moderately difficult\nDuration – this is a full day hike\nTrail Conditions – rocky steep and exposed trail with patches of ice and snow\nRisks – falls from icy exposed sections could be life-threatening\nRewards – you will experience a winter wonderland\, spectacular views\, and a sense of the awe of God!\n\nDisclaimer – If you have never gone winter hiking in the mountains before\, call Marty first. \n \n\nONLINE RESOURCES\nTrail Information on the AllTrails website \nHigh on LeConte Daily Updates website \nMt LeConte Lodge website \nMountain LeConte Weather website  \n\nHOW TO PREPARE\nClothing: \n\nWarm waterproof hiking boots\nGaiters (if snow is deep)\nWool socks\nWaterproof/breathable jacket and pants\nMedium-heavyweight insulating layer\nHeavy-weight fleece jacket\nInsulated parka\nQuick-dry underwear\nQuick-dry T-shirt\nHeavy mitts or gloves\nWarm cap\n\nEquipment: \n\nBackpack\nToilet paper/wipes\nSunglasses\nSunscreen (SPF 30+)\nLip balm\nHeadlamp\n\nFood & Hydration: \n\nTrail lunch & snacks\n2-3 liters of water\nElectrolyte drink mix\n\nSafety Gear: \n\nSmall first aid kit – just the basics\nTrekking poles – not essential but add stability\nMicrospikes – trail conditions will be icy\n\nFitness: \nBecause of the short lead-time on this trip you are either in shape for this hike or you’re not.  If you have any doubts about your ability to comfortably do this hike\, we recommend that you stay home.  The mountain will be there in the summer! \n \n\nSAFETY PLAN\nCommunication: \n\nRocky Talkie Mountain Radios (4) for trail communication\nInReach Mini 2  satellite communicator for emergency\n\nFirst Aid: \n\nEveryone should carry their own basic first aid kit\nWe will carry a more extensive kit for the group\nTrip leaders are Wilderness First Responder trained\n\n\nQUESTIONS\nIf you have any questions or gear needs please text either Jeremiah or Marty. \n\nJeremiah Curda:  817-298-1520\nMarty Miller:  423-322-8491\n\n\nJOIN US\nTo join us on this hike complete the participant release and registration forms below. \nPARTICIPANT MEDICAL RELEASE FORM
URL:https://blueprintformen.org/event/15777/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270620
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270621
DTSTAMP:20260805T144445Z
CREATED:20260603T105306Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260805T144445Z
UID:15676-1813449600-1813535999@blueprintformen.org
SUMMARY:Father's Day
DESCRIPTION:JUNE 20\, 2027\nFather’s Day is an important date on the calendar for families\, churches\, communities\, and our nation. It’s a day to celebrate dads\, to affirm them for the strength they bring to their families\, and to encourage them to be the fathers that their kids need them to be. \nBut it takes more than words of encouragement for men to become better dads.  Even the best men need a plan\,  a blueprint\, for becoming intentional fathers.  So\, in an effort to help our dads step up\, we at Blueprint for Men\, are providing you a wide variety of resources that can be put into action immediately. \n\nRESOURCES FOR CHURCHES\nFather’s Day Tribute Video\nPlay this 1 minute video in your church on Father’s Day weekend to inspire your congregation. Super simple! \n \n\nFather’s Day PowerPoint Slide \nShow this slide in your church on Father’s Day weekend to inspire and equip dads using the QR code. \n \nDOWNLOAD HERE \n\nRESOURCES FOR DADS\n\nBlueprint Documents\n\n \nThe Adulting Blueprint \nThis is a practical checklist of what every father should teach his child before launching into adulthood. Take action!  \nDOWNLOAD HERE \n\n \nManhood Rites and Blessings\nA fresh approach to the ancient practice of preparing your son for manhood. Make a plan and take action today! \nDOWNLOAD HERE \n\n \n10 Roles of an Intentional Father\nThis short list describes the major roles an intentional father plays in his home. Take action today! \nDOWNLOAD HERE\n\n \nA Prayer of Blessing for Your Wife\nThis simple prayer is one of the most powerful ways to say “I Love You” to the mother of your children. Take action! \nDOWNLOAD HERE \n\n \nFollowing Jesus \nThis is a practical ebook developed by the Collegedale University Church. This booklet provides a clear pathway for raising children in today’s confusing world. \nDOWNLOAD EBOOK HERE \n\n  \n\nThe Dad Plan\nRead the “Dad Plan” blog complete with video teachings and downloadable documents. Take action today! \nREAD BLOG HERE \n\nBlueprint Videos\n\nFatherhood in Focus Video Series\n\n\nPart 1: The Father’s Hand \n\n\nPart 2: Fathers Living a Blessing \n\n\nPart 3: Fathers Giving a Blessing \n\n\nPart 4: Fathers Using the Outdoors to Teach \n\n\n\n \nRestore: A Father-Son Story\nThis is a short film about a story of a father and a son who restore an old Porsche and the bond it forms between them. \nWATCH HERE \n\n \nThe Intentional Father\nThis short video describes the 5 different types of dads and simple steps you can take to be an intentional father. \nWATCH HERE \n\n \nPurposeful Outdoor Experiences for Dads \nThis short video features ways Blueprint for Men provides outdoor experiences for dads and their kids including the perennial favorite\, “The Father’s Blessing”.  \nWATCH HERE \n\nRECOMMENDED VIDEOS\n\nFather’s Love Letter (4:40)\nThe Boy Crisis: A Sobering look at the State of our Boys (12:50)\nDeveloping a Rite of Passage for Your Sons (57:33)\nEvery Child Deserves a Loving Dad (3:01)\nLittle Light Studios\, Blueprint for Dads (56:19)\n\n\nRECOMMENDED BOOKS \nFor Raising Children\n\nThe Blessing: Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance\, by John Trent and Gary Smalley\nRite of Passage: A Father’s Blessing\, by Jim McBride\n\nFor Raising Sons\n\nThe Intentional Father: A Practical Guide to Raise Sons of Courage and Character\, by Jon Tyson\nRaising a Modern Day Knight: A Father’s Role in Guiding His Son to Authentic Manhood\, by Robert Lewis\n\nFor Raising Daughters\n\nStrong Fathers\, Strong Fathers: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know\, by Meg Meeker\, MD\n52 Things Daughters Need from Their Dads: What Father’s Can Do to Build a Lasting Relationship\, by Jay Payleitner\n\n\nORGANIZATIONS\n\nNational Fatherhood Initiative \nManhood Journey\nFocus on the Family\nAll Pro Dad\nDad Tired
URL:https://blueprintformen.org/event/fathers-day/
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270718
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270719
DTSTAMP:20260816T144607Z
CREATED:20260805T171515Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260816T144607Z
UID:15786-1815868800-1815955199@blueprintformen.org
SUMMARY:Father-Son Rite of Passage
DESCRIPTION:An Invitation to Dads…\nFor 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. \nThroughout 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. \n\nThe 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. \n\nDon’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. \n\n“Be still\, and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10  \n\nOur 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. \nThank 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. \nMay 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. \nHere’s to Living the Adventure\, \nMarty D. Miller \nExpedition Leader \n\nOVERVIEW\n\nWHEN: July 18-26\, 2027\nWHO:  Fathers and their sons (ages 14+)\nWHAT:  Backpacking\, nature study\, outdoor leadership\, walking with God\nWHERE:  Big Sandy Trailhead\, Wind River Range\, WY\nPROVIDED:  Trip leadership\, naturalist education\, spiritual guidance\, etc.\nBRING:  You are responsible for your own camping equipment\nCOST:   $500 per dad. This helps cover our shared expenses.\nSIGN-UP DEADLINE: April 30\, 2027 or until filled!\n\nREGISTRATION OPENS FEBRUARY 1\, 2027\n\nITINERARY\n\n\nSun\, July 18 – Travel Day\nMon\, July 19 – Hike from trailhead to Big Sandy Lake\nTue\, July 20 – Day hike to Cirque of the Towers\nWed\, July 21 – Hike to Clear Lake\nThu\, July 22 – Climb Haystack Mountain\nFri\, July 23 – Climb East Temple Peak\nSat\, July 24 – Rest and Renewal\nSun\, July 25 – Exit Wilderness & Ceremony\n\n\n\nTIMELINE\n\nNow – Register\nNow – Acquire gear\nNow – Begin physical training\nNow – Read “Manhood Rites and Blessings” – download\nNow – Read “The Intentional Father” by Jon Tyson – order here\nNow – Begin the “Adulting Challenge Blueprint” – download\nMay 11 – Zoom Meeting #1 @ 8:00 pm ET – link\nJune 1 – Zoom Meeting #2 @ 8:00 pm ET – link\nJuly 5 – Zoom Meeting #3 @ 8:00 pm ET – link\n\n\nLEADERSHIP\n \nMarty Miller\, M.S. Ed.                         \nMarty 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. \nAfter 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. \nSince 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. \nMarty and his wife Gale have two adult children and 6 grandchildren. Life is good! \n\nEmail – marty@blueprintformen.org\nPhone – 423-322-8491\n\n\nTRIP PREPARATION\n\n\n\nUPDATE COMING SOON:  2026 Rite of Passage – Info Packet\n\n\nSUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES\n\n\nManhood Rites and Blessings\n\n\nThe Adulting Challenge Blueprint\n \n\n2026 FATHER-SON RITE OF PASSAGE REFLECTIONS\nA Father’s Testimony:\nThe Rite of Passage week in the Wind River Range was so very impactful for me and my son that I wish every father and teenage son could experience it!   \nDavid\, Rite of Passage 2026 \n\nExpedition Photos:\n\nIf you’d like to get an idea of what to expect on the Rite of Passage click the link below to see the hundreds of pictures we took from this trip in 2026. \n\n\n\n2026 Rite of Passage Team Photo\nVIEW PICTURES HERE\n\n 
URL:https://blueprintformen.org/event/2027-father-son-rite-of-passage/
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