XXIV
Honor your word. Never give up on honoring your word.
WHAT IS THE FORGE XXIV?
ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT AND FOUNDATIONAL LESSONS THAT A MAN CAN LEARN IS HOW TO HONOR HIS WORD.
Because we believe this to be true at The Forge, we designed the XXIV weekend to help men learn how to commit to something and then do the work required to execute that commitment.
The XXIV Is simple but not easy.
Walk for 24 hours.
All of human achievement is hampered by excuses and comfort. The XXIV confronts and combats the real and perceived excuses that plague our performance as individuals.
The XXIV consists of walking for 24 hours and along the way being challenged to think about life, relationships, and work differently. It is also a rare opportunity to be surrounded by others who are working to become the best version of themselves.
You will have a lot of fun.
You will be challenged.
You will grow in our knowledge of what it means to be a man.
You will meet new people.
You will have lots of stories to tell.
You will have moments of being uncomfortable.
The goal of The Forge XXIV is to have fun, connect with other guys, be challenged, and learn about what it means to be a biblically-centered, Godly man, that Honors his word.
The Schedule
Thursday
4:00 PM - Check-in camp set up and Registration Open
7:00 PM - Dinner and Orientation
Friday
Sunrise - 24 Hr Walk Start
Saturday
Sunrise - 24 Hr Walk Ends
12:00 PM - Lunch
1:00 PM - FORGE Man Games
6:00 PM - Feast
8:00 PM - Closing Moments
Sunday
8:00 AM - Breakfast
Own Pace - Pack up and head out
“The simple act of just walking for 24 hours forces you to either honor your word and walk or honor every outside circumstance pressuring you and quit.” - Thom Shea
Commit
&
HONOR YOUR WORD
XXIV Participant GEAR LIST
A small backpack to carry 3L of water (the lighter the better)
Weather-appropriate clothing
Outer shell jacket and pants for weather protection
Insulated layer – fleece, synthetic insulation, or down
Next to skin layers – no cotton
Hat and gloves, if needed
At least 2 pairs of socks
Running or hiking shoes with a good grip for trails
An extra pair of shoes
Battery pack to charge a cell phone
Duct tape or blister care kit
Body Glide or Vaseline – anti-chafing
Baby wipes
Headlamp and/or Flashlight
Extra batteries
Pepto Bismol / Tums
Pain Reliever / Anti-inflammatory
Snacks: We recommend as much “real” food as possible, foods that you are familiar with eating and that you enjoy eating (i.e. sandwiches, meats / jerky, nuts, fruit, cheese, snacks...)
forge supplied:
One thing we love is eating good with good dudes! The Forge will provide:
Thursday dinner
All food for the 24-Hour Walk, including main meals and snacks
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday
Grab and go breakfast on Sunday
Water to fill water bottles and backpack bladders
Body Armor, Gatorade, Liquid IV, LMNT, and other options.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE FORGE XXIV
Start walking everyday.
Stretch a little bit everyday.
Do some push ups everyday.
Do some sit ups everyday.
Do some air squats everyday.
DRINK WATER EVERYDAY!
The 24 hr. Walk is simple but not easy. You do not need to be in he-man shape to accomplish this challenge.
Beginning to walk and stretch will help you in this challenge.
mijos:
“Mijos” is the plural of “mijo” a Spanish term of endearment derived from “mi hijo” (my son), used affectionately for boys or young men, similar to “buddy,” or “kid,” often by older people to younger ones.
Age requirement: Any young man between the ages of 13-16 may walk the “Mijo” walk. They must be 13 years old by the date of the walk.
Sponsor requirement: Each young man will need a “sponsor”, a Dad and/or other adult who will support and encourage the Mijo along the way. This is a very important role for the Sponsor. We want these young men to see what being a man of God really means and to have men they can reach out to when needed.
Son's Attendance and Participation Details
Sons must attend with their dad and participate in the MIJO program for one Forge XXIV before attempting their own complete XXIV.
Sons must be 16 yrs of age and have served one XXIV before attempting their first complete XXIV.
Limit (10) sons total per weekend.
12-Hour “Honor Your Word” Mijo Program
The Physical Challenge (Hours 5–12): The core of the program is a semi-continuous 12-hour walk. This is a deliberate “moderate-to vigorous” activity that exceeds daily recommendations to push past perceived limits.
The Mental Barrier (Hours 9–12 of the walk): As physical energy wanes, and the sky becomes dark, the focus shifts to “mental fitness.” This challenge can reduce long-term risks of anxiety and depression by releasing endorphins and lowering stress hormones like cortisol. Sponsors should lead “active discussions” during the walk, using the movement and time to encourage more open communication.
The Rest and Transition to Support (Hours 12–24): Upon completion of the walk challenge, the final twelve hours are dedicated to recovery, and support of those still walking. This stage is critical for cementing the sense of achievement, which has been shown to improve academic focus and self-esteem long after the physical exertion ends. They will also learn the value of serving others, even when it hurts.
Key Program Benefits
Resilience Building: Overcoming the “wall” during a long-distance trek teaches participants to handle future life stressors with greater confidence.
Digital Detox: The 24-hour format provides a necessary break from screens, replacing sedentary habits with fresh air and social bonding.
The “Silent Mile” Integration: The “Silent Mile” happens during the final lap of the walk. This encourages internal reflection and mental fortitude when physical exhaustion is at its peak, transforming the walk into a moving meditation. This lap will end at the cross with a fireside discussion.