Blueprint for Men

The Forge @ The Outpost
2026-01-16 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | The Outpost, 5050 Layton Lane, Apison, TN, United States
What is The Forge?

The Forge is our winter season Blueprint for Men gathering at the Men’s Outpost. The Outpost is an old warehouse, near a little airstrip, tucked into the oaks and pines. We meet around a big campfire out back or, if the weather is bad, we hangout inside the shop.
It’s a man code evening complete with good food, good music, good fellowship, and maybe even a little bit of forging! At every Forge event we watch and discuss a Christian movie so sometimes we stay a little late but…
if you’re looking for fellowship you’ll find it at The Forge!
If you’d like to join us, here are the details…

Time – From 6-9 pm
Location – 5050 Layton Lane, Apison, TN
Reservation – None needed, just show up!
Bring – Campfire food, camp chairs, music instruments, and friends.

Movie Line-Up

October 24 – War Room

November 21 – I Can Only Imagine

December 19 – The Ultimate Gift

January 16 – The Jesus Revolution

February 20 – The Heart of a Man

Questions?

Contact – Marty Miller at 423-322-8491

Pictures from a recent Forge event…

Men’s Prayer Breakfast
2026-02-01 08:30 - 10:00 | Collegedale Church, 4829 College Dr E, Collegedale, TN, 37315, United States
MEN’S PRAYER BREAKFAST
Collegedale Church Fellowship Hall
Sunday, February 1
8:30-10:00 am
Gentlemen,
You are invited to attend our annual Collegedale Church Men’s Prayer Breakfast on Sunday, February 1 at 8:30 am in the Fellowship Hall. Men and boys of all ages are encouraged to attend. Breakfast is free.
Our theme this year is “Men of Courage” and our focus verse is…

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

If there’s ever been a time when God needs men to lead with courage it is now. Are you ready to take action and lead? If so, join us for this outstanding event.
Our time together will feature a hearty man-style breakfast, inspirational music, and powerful message brought to us by Pastor Kris Eckenroth.
Our menu will feature breakfast burritos and more! Vegan and gluten-free options available upon registration.
Join us as we “gird up” for action in 2026!
Marty Miller, Tony Dahlberg, and Phillip Pfeifer
Collegedale Church Men’s Ministry Leaders
Questions?
Call or text Tony Dahlberg at 423-618-7362
REGISTER HERE

MAIN SPEAKER
Pastor Kris Eckenroth

ROCK CLIMBING @ SAND ROCK
2026-04-26 08:00 - 18:00
Intro to Rock Climbing
Sunday, April 26, 2026
8:00 am – 6:00 pm ET

Overview:
God created men to embrace life in the great outdoors. It’s a place where we often experience a closeness to God that can’t be found in our day-to-day world. That’s why we at Blueprint for Men are seeking to provide an increasing number of outdoor experiences for men like you!
If you’ve ever wanted to experience rock climbing with your family but needed someone to show you the ropes, this is the perfect opportunity. We will provide you with the equipment, training, and guidance to climb some easy sport routes at some sandstone crags.
The day will consist of a nice balance of instruction, involvement, and interaction. We will have a selection of climbing opportunities for varying levels of ability. The day will be targeted for first time climbers who want to see if this is something they might enjoy.
Registration:
Registration deadline is Sunday, April 19.
REGISTER HERE

Climbing Location:
Cherokee Rock Village (Sand Rock), Alabama

Overview:

Sand Rock is an excellent destination for climbers at any skill level. Its free-standing pinnacles offer an amazing variety of climbing, ranging from easy toprope jugfests, to crimpy face routes, to fine crack lines. Sport routes run side-by-side with tough trad climbs. Beginners can get easy access to set up topropes, and there’s a plethora of good bouldering problems. And the many different areas are spread out enough that you can almost always find a place that isn’t crowded. The approach is one of the shortest and easiest in the south — walk about 100 feet from your car and you’ll find yourself at the Pinnacle or Holiday Block.

Details:

Mountain Project webpage info HERE

Schedule:
Note – All times are in Eastern Time
8:00 am – Meet-Up

Meet at The Outpost (Blueprint for Men Headquarters)
Address is 5050 Layton Lane, Apison, TN
Orientation, introductions, and short devotional

8:30 am – Driving

Drive/Carpool to Cherokee Rock Village (Sand Rock), Alabama
Address is 2000 County Rd 70, Leesburg, AL
Location is in the Central Time Zone

10:30 am – Climbing

Short hike to the cliffs and climbing routes.
Climbing basics, gear use, safety, etc. Start climbing!
We will set-up several climbs from very easy to more challenging.
When not climbing you are free to explore and boulder… but be careful.
Close out the climbing day with a debrief and prayer of blessing.

4:00 pm – Driving
6:00 pm – Home

Waiver
All climbers must complete and submit the online waiver to be able to climb. Parents can fill out a waiver for minors.

Trip Leaders
Doug Brown, Ph.D.
Doug is a seasoned outdoorsman who has a long resume of climbing, whitewater, and backcountry adventures throughout the United States and beyond. He is a certified rock climbing instructor with the American Mountain Guide Association and a Wilderness First Responder.
Jeremiah Curda
Jeremiah is an avid outdoorsman whose resume includes everything from rock climbing to skydiving instructor. With a background of over 15 years of 911 EMS experience including, ground transport, critical care transport and flight paramedic he brings a high level of expertise and skills.
Contact: 817-298-1520
Alex Swafford
Alex has been climbing the sandstone crags of Tennessee and Alabama since his teenage years and is passionate about sharing his love of climbing with beginners.
Contact: 932-698-0278

Climbing Gear

Provided

Shared climbing gear such as ropes, anchors, belay devices, etc.
Individual harnesses, helmets, and rock shoes in limited sizes.
If you can borrow or buys rock climbing shoes that would be great!

Personal Items

Small Backpack
Clothing – weather appropriate clothing and trail shoes
Energy – sack lunch, snacks
Hydration – 2-3 L of water
Small first-aid kit, sunscreen, sunglasses, cap
Attitude – bring your positive adventurous attitude!

Pretrip Zoom Meeting

Monday, April 20 at 8:00 pm ET
We will have a required pre-trip meeting that will answer all your questions and make sure you are comfortable with being uncomfortable!
Zoom link HERE

Cost
Although there is no charge for this trip please consider making a donation to this ministry. Thank you!
DONATE HERE

ROCK CLIMBING @ FOSTER FALLS
2026-05-17 08:00 - 18:00
Rock Climbing @ Foster Falls
Sunday, May 17, 2026
8:00 am – 4:00 pm ET

Overview:
God created men to embrace life in the great outdoors. It’s a place where we often experience a closeness to God that can’t be found in our day-to-day world. That’s why we at Blueprint for Men are seeking to provide an increasing number of outdoor experiences for men like you!
If you’ve ever wanted to experience rock climbing with your family but needed someone to show you the ropes, this is the perfect opportunity. We will provide you with the equipment, training, and guidance to climb some easy sport routes at some sandstone crags.
The day will consist of a nice balance of instruction, involvement, and interaction. We will have a selection of climbing opportunities for varying levels of ability. The day will be targeted for first time climbers who want to see if this is something they might enjoy.

Climbing Location:
Foster Falls, Tennessee

Overview:

Foster Falls is a major destination for sport climbing in the south. Near the town of Jasper (just west of Chattanooga), it features high-quality sandstone and challenging climbing in a pleasant locale. Though you might want to stay away in the hottest or coldest seasons, Foster’s season is pretty much year-round.

Details:

Mountain Project webpage info HERE

Schedule:
Note – All times are in Eastern Time
8:00 am – Meet-Up

Meet at The Outpost (Blueprint for Men Headquarters)
Address is 5050 Layton Lane, Apison, TN
Orientation, introductions, and short devotional

8:30 am – Driving

Drive/Carpool to Foster Falls
Address is 498 Foster Falls Rd, Sequatchie, TN
Location is in the Central Time Zone

9:30 am – Climbing

Short hike to the cliffs and climbing routes.
Climbing basics, gear use, safety, etc. Start climbing!
We will set-up several climbs from very easy to more challenging.
When not climbing you are free to explore and boulder… but be careful.
Close out the climbing day with a debrief and prayer of blessing.

3:00 pm – Driving
4:00 pm – Home

Forms
All climbers must complete and submit the online waiver to be able to climb. Parents can fill out a waiver for minors.

Trip Leaders
Doug Brown, Ph.D.
Doug is a seasoned outdoorsman who has a long resume of climbing, whitewater, and backcountry adventures throughout the United States and beyond. He is a certified rock climbing instructor with the American Mountain Guide Association and a Wilderness First Responder.
Jeremiah Curda
Jeremiah is an avid outdoorsman whose resume includes everything from rock climbing to skydiving instructor. With a background of over 15 years of 911 EMS experience including, ground transport, critical care transport and flight paramedic he brings a high level of expertise and skills.
Alex Swafford
Alex has been climbing the sandstone crags of Tennessee and Alabama since his teenage years and is passionate about sharing his love of climbing with beginners.
Contact: 932-698-0278

Climbing Gear

Provided

Shared climbing gear such as ropes, anchors, belay devices, etc.
Individual harnesses, helmets, and rock shoes in limited sizes.

Personal Items

Small Backpack
Clothing – weather appropriate clothing and trail shoes
Energy – sack lunch, snacks
Hydration – 2-3 L of water
Small first-aid kit, sunscreen, sunglasses, cap
Attitude – bring your positive adventurous attitude!

Cost
Although there is no charge for this trip please consider making a donation to this ministry. Thank you!
DONATE HERE

Scenic South Chickamauga Creek Paddling
2026-06-27 | 5050 Layton, 5050 Layton Lane, Apison, TN, 37302-9513, United States
Paddle Expedition | Brotherhood on the Water
Step away from the noise and get out into God’s creation with a group of men committed to growth, challenge, and brotherhood.
We’ll kick things off with a short devotional, followed by a mandatory safety and logistics briefing. Then we gear up, load out, and roll at 2:15 PM sharp to the put-in location.
No briefing = no paddle.We operate as a team, and every man needs to be prepared and aligned before we hit the water. Put-in and take-out locations will be shared during the briefing.
Once we launch, expect a ~4-hour paddle through scenic waterways surrounded by local wildlife and raw natural beauty. This isn’t just a float—it’s time to reset, sharpen your mindset, and build real connections with other men.
There will be space to unplug, and have solid conversations along the way.
Space is limited to 10 people
You can bring your own boat, or we have you covered with a kayak and life vest. kayaks are limited so….
Please RSVP with a text message to
Jeremiah Curda (817) 298 1520 Jacob Carvalho (707) 490 5313
HERE IS THE 411 ON OUR LOCATION
Paddle South Chickamauga Creek – Chattanooga Audubon Society

Father-Son Rite of Passage
2026-07-19 - 2026-07-26 | Wind River Range, WY, Boulder, WY, 82923, United States
The Father-Son Rite of Passage is a 7-day backpacking trip in one of the most stunning sections of the Rocky Mountains, the Wind River Range of Wyoming. The purpose of this trek is not to see how fast we can go but how deep we can go, so most days are fairly short in distance but long in meaningful experiences. During our time together you will not only strengthen your outdoor skills and nature knowledge but you will also be challenged to go deeper with God, yourself, and others. Plus you will have a special bonding experience with your son(s) that will last a life-time. Be prepared to be stretched in every way… but we’ll have fun doing it!

OVERVIEW

WHEN: July 19-26, 2026
WHO: Fathers and their sons (ages 13+)
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: $300 per dad. This helps cover our shared expenses.
SIGN-UP DEADLINE: April 30, 2026

ITINERARY

Sun, Jul 19 – Travel Day – Arrival in Pinedale. Hotel lodging.
Mon, Jul 20 – Basecamp Trek – Big Sandy Trailhead, hike 7 miles to Clear Lake basecamp
Tue, Jul 21 – Outdoor Skills – climbing, fishing, survival, etc.
Wed, Jul 22 – Summit Day – climb East Temple Peak (12,605′)
Thu, Jul 23 – Solo Day
Fri, Jul 24 – Cirque of the Towers day hike
Sat, Jul 25 – Hike out to Trailhead, Drive to Hotel, Celebration Dinner
Sun, Jul 26 – Breakfast, Head home

TIMELINE

Now – Register
Now – Acquire gear
Now – Begin physical training
Now – Read “Manhood Rites and Blessings”
Now – Begin the “Adulting Challenge Blueprint”
May 11 – Zoom Meeting #1
June 2 – Zoom Meeting #2
July 6 – Zoom Meeting #3

LEADERSHIP

Marty Miller, M.S. Ed.
Marty is gifted at discovering and sharing spiritual lessons from nature, God’s second book, as modeled by Jesus Christ, the master educator. He is an experienced outdoorsman with skills and certifications that include WMI/NOLS Wilderness First Responder, ACA Swift Water Rescue, and AIARE Avalanche Safety. Marty and his wife Gale have two adult children and 6 grandchildren. Life is good!
Email – marty@blueprintformen.org
Phone – 423-322-8491
“Leader of the Day”
During the trek each “father-son team” will have an opportunity to provide leadership for the entire group in what we call “Leader of the Day”. During your leadership day you will guide and manage the group as pertaining to safety, schedule, teaching, devotionals, etc. Oversight will be provided by the trip leader, Marty Miller, but just enough to ensure that our objectives are met.
We all need to become better leaders. And, as fathers, when we grow, our children grow! By intentionally engaging our children in the decision making and leadership opportunities on this trip they grow with us!

TRIP PREPARATION

Manhood Rites and Blessings
The Adulting Challenge Blueprint
Rite of Passage Expedition Planner – COMING SOON!
