overview
Connection. Challenge. Conviction.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
For nearly eight decades, Northern Frontier has stood in the gap—guiding boys and young men toward Christlike manhood through wilderness adventure, Christian mentorship, and intentional discipleship. Now, The Forge extends that mission to men of all ages. It’s an opportunity to continue the journey—beyond your years as a camper or staff—and step further into the life God is forging in you.
This weekend is designed to help you:
Connect deeply with brothers in Christ through prayer, worship, and fellowship.
Be Challenged spiritually through the Word and purposeful activities.
Stand in Conviction, living boldly and bringing glory to God in every area of life.
SCHEDULE
Coming soon!
Plan to arrive between 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM on Friday and depart between 1:30 and 2:00 PM on Sunday.
This helps us make sure you’re settled in and not rushed on either end of your trip.
For more information, see Registration and Travel below.
JOIN US AT "THE FORGE"
A forge is not a place of ease—it’s a place of transformation. Under the blacksmith’s hands, raw material is heated, hammered, and refined until it becomes something of strength, beauty, and purpose. In the same way, God is shaping each of us. We are His workmanship—formed to reflect His character and fulfill His calling.
At The Forge, you’ll hear from NF alumni across generations, engage in sessions that strengthen your faith, and reflect on what it means to be a man marked by Christ. Together, we’ll lean into the Twelve Marks of Christlike manhood that have guided Northern Frontier’s legacy:
Faithfulness, Love, Integrity, Courage, Conviction, Communication, Confidence, Humility, Passion, Wisdom, Self-Control, Competence.
WHAT TO EXPECT
While the weekend will have times of spiritual intensity and physical challenge, it’s also designed to be fun and refreshing. Whether you’re hiking a trail, sitting in a canoe, or swapping stories around a campfire—you’ll find space to reflect, recharge, and reconnect.
Registration & TRAVEL
Cost: $200
When you register, you’ll have the option to add a donation toward the Men’s Retreat Scholarship Fund, helping make this experience possible for men facing financial hardship.
Plan to arrive between 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM on Friday and depart between 1:30 and 2:00 PM on Sunday. This helps us make sure you’re settled in and not rushed on either end of your trip.
Flying in? Contact Brian Conroy at alumni@northernfrontier.org to coordinate travel and housing logistics.
SAFETY & ACCOMDATIONS
The retreat may include physically demanding elements like hikes, swimming, and team challenges—but there will also be plenty of opportunities for rest and stillness. All staff are certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR/AED, and a nurse or EMT will be on-site throughout the weekend. Please consult your physician if you have any health concerns before attending.
Please note:
• Northern Frontier is off-grid—no pavement, no cell service, and no WiFi.
• Sleeping accommodations are in open-air cabins with screen windows, unfinished walls, and basic lighting.
• Washhouses are 20–50 yards from the cabins.
A participant waiver will be required.
MEN'S RETREAT gallery
photos
GOT QUESTIONS?
Contact us directly: For more information, you can contact our office directly at office@northernfrontier.org or call us at (215) 493-2995
Program
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Tree Climber FAQ
- Where will we stay?
You'll stay in either Cabin 1 or 2 on our Stockade side of camp. These cabins are central to other key buildings including our Infirmary, Dining Hall, and Office. There is a washroom only a short walk away.
- What about arrival and departure times?
There are two sessions, A and B, that run Saturday to Tuesday and Wednesday to Saturday.
Pairs should plan to arrive before Lunch, between 10:00 and 12:30 (Saturday or Wednesday), and depart after breakfast, between 9:00-10:00 (Tuesday or Saturday).
- Do we get to choose what we do each day?
Certain activities are scheduled ahead of time such as archery, air riflery, wood shop, rock climbing, and low ropes. This is done to ensure the availability of these activities. The schedule may change at any moment to accomodate for weather.
During the afternoon, you will have plenty of free time with your son. This is a great time to head to the waterfront and enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating.
- Who facilitates the Tree Climber pairs?
Each session is accompanied by a Tree Climber Coordinator, an alumni father with years of experience at Northern Frontier. Sometimes, these coordinators attend with their sons, other times they're returning fathers whose sons are now grown.
There will also be a Tree Climber assistant who works alongside the Coordinator to make sure the group has everything they need. He will also be reponsible for the boys when the ads are in Father's Forum or enjoying their evening snack.
- Will there be other camp programs happening at the same time?
Yes, but we run activities at specific times to avoid scheduling conflicts. The only times programs will overlap is during meals and swim times.
- What is Woody’s Checkup?
Woody's Checkup is a time where dads and sons will dive into God's Word together. We provide a small booklet of scripture, discussion questions, and activities that are designed to help dads engage the Bible with their sons.