Iron Ore: ADK Men's Retreat

What has the Blacksmith forged you for? As men, we need to take time out of our lives to go to the mountain top, be intentional with our Creator and ask, "where am I going?" Join as we reorient to what we were crafted to do and be in our lives. 

Come with a why and leave with a purpose as we climb Whiteface Mountain to escape the grind, gain clarity, and recharge for what lies after the descent, life back home. Whether you are a man needing space to dream your next steps, be a better husband or father, or refresh from slogging your way through life, this retreat will get you into the open air, ascend Whiteface Mountain, and share in fellowship with other men walking through life. Whatever your why, bring it as we bring it to God together.

The experience. We'll be tent camping a few miles away from the base of the mountain. The weather can be unpredictable as rain and wind can come calling any minute. It'll likely be gritty, so don't expect comfort. As we learned in our test run last year, this is a challenging experience and you should be well suited for a moderate to challenging hike to the summit of Whiteface. While it's our goal to hit the peak, as one of our esteemed climbers from the test said, "Sometimes you beat the mountain, sometimes it beats you." We may or may not actually make it to the top depending on the weather. Whatever the outcome, it's not about the destination but who you become along the way. We'll do this together and we're only as fast as our slowest member. We leave none behind or race ahead.

Our base camp will be at KOA Whiteface with limited spots and tents. We'll have a couple of excursions into Lake Placid for fellowship and meals. 

The faith experience. To address what would appear on the minds of those considering the retreat, what tradition does this retreat follow? This retreat will be seasoned from a Catholic tradition and flavor but is open to men of other faiths and denominations to join. We're not here to proselytize but live out the beauty and tradition we come from. This won't be a forum of debate but of common ground in Jesus. Conversations and fellowship bound in faith. We'll pray through scripture, brievery, contemplation, and journaling. There will be an invite and optional opportunity for closing Mass. 

Registration, refunds, and costs. You can register on this website to hold your spot, space is limited. If we're full, I can add you to a waitlist should any spots free up. You can pay safely online or I can accept cash, check, or Venmo. There will be a liability waiver and form sent to you soon. We'll need some of your info and emergency contacts. You won't be fully registered until the paperwork is returned and the payment is paid in full.

Early Bird Price! - $120.00 by 11:59pm May 28

Normal Price - The fixed payment to Righteous Co. is $150.00 and includes your site, two breakfasts and trail lunch, the retreat content, unbelievable mountain views, a round of drinks during "The Fellowship", hot morning coffee, and a parting gift. You can expect to safely spend another $100-$200 on two dinners, shops in Lake Placid, gas, and munchies along the way. This is variable depending on how frugal you are.

You can cancel up to three weeks before to get a 100% refund (by end of day 8/6/21). Two weeks out you can get a 50% refund (by the end of day 8/13/21).

What it does not include! 

• Travel: We may be able to arrange transportation if needed but if we can't work it out, you'll have to get yourself to and fro. We will try and have a caravan departing late morning but everyone should expect to arrive by 4pm. It is about a six-hour drive. 
• Friday and Saturday dinners: We will be venturing into Lake Placid for two of our meals and you will have to carry your weight of the bill. They will be sit-down dinners, and if you're adding a couple of pops to the bill can expect to pay $30-$50 (plus tax and tip). 

The Knucklehead Clause. We're going to keep things cool, safe, and friendly. If you abuse this mindset and start a fight, endanger someone, get wasted, or do something that would fall into the line of being a knucklehead, I reserve the right to make the call to remove you from the experience at any time with no refund. Be cool, don't be a knucklehead.