CHALLENGE: Forge Your Path to Manhood

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this camp for "at risk" or "troubled" youth?

No, CHALLENGE is for young men who want to be here.

My son is 11, is he too young?

No, we have an intro program for students age 10-12 to enable younger men to participate in training with a little less intensity.

Is joining the military encouraged at this camp?

While we borrow some of the best methodologies and skills training from the military, we are not a military prep school, nor do we advocate for our graduates to pursue any particular career. Historically, some graduates have gone on to military service, emergency medical, or both.

My son is interested in joining the military. Will this help him?

The character and perseverence taught at CHALLENGE will be an asset regardless of career path. We have had reports from students who went on to the military that they found the "intense" basic training they received in service was no great stress to them after enduring CHALLENGE.

Do you have payment plans? Or scholarships?

We do, on a case-by-case basis. In order to steward our resources wisely this will typically be based on available sponsorships funded by donors. If you desire to attend CHALLENGE and your only blocker is funding, please contact us at team@timothygroup.org and we can discuss loaner equipment, payment plans, or sponsorship (if available).

What are the qualifications of your staff?

The volunteer staff are graduates of CHALLENGE or comparable military service. Candidates for staff must also pass an intense 3-day evaluation course and be qualified by senior staff. We conduct ongoing mentorship and accountability with junior staffers and also require them to complete industry-standard youth safety training. Generally there are one or more trained medical professionals on site for every event.

Are there medical restrictions? What about prescription medications?

Upon registering, you will receive a medical history form so that the staff can be aware of food/plant allergies or special medications a student requires. Generally we can accomodate cases like allergies, epipen, pills, etc. If you have questions or concerns you can reach us at team@timothygroup.org

Will I be able to contact my son during the camp?

Recruits may call home from registration to notify the family of their safe arrival. Once training begins, recruits will not have access to communication aside from staff or family on-site. In case of emergency (whether at home or camp) the staff can facilitate communication.

Is transportation available from the airport?

Yes, from the Birmingham airport (BHM). Be sure to send your flight info to us at team@timothygroup.org.

What does graduation look like?

On the final day of CHALLENGE, while not required, we invite recruits' families to join us for a brief graduation ceremony. Recruits will be issued their certificates, t-shirts, and CHALLENGE patch, and receive their final exhortations from the staff. At the end of graduation, the recruits are dismissed and the event is concluded (but family should feel free to see pictures and gear from the week and get to know the staff).

What do the Dads do?

Dads who participate have complete freedom of movement, can set their own schedule, and may participate in the skills training and sessions at their own discretion. Often fathers will work remotely (though cell service can be spotty) and/or lodge nearby. Dads are welcome to camp on-site and will be provided with a copy of the schedule, transportation around the venue, and regular updates.

Our desire is to augment, not usurp the father's role in training young men. It's a great blessing to have a father's encouragement and the safety of having family close by when going through intense experiences like CHALLENGE.

Are you forming a militia?

The Timothy Group is not a militia, but a Christian ministry discipling young men through short events. We use specific armed-forces training to teach spiritual truths.

I've heard scary stories about the experience. How do I know my son will be safe and will benefit from this training?

Safety is paramount at CHALLENGE. A few points from an exchange with a CHALLENGE parent:

• Recruits are issued meals 3x/day and eat the same as the staff (though the staff have latitude to supplement appropriately).
• Recruits are scheduled to sleep a minimum of 5-6 hours each night throughout the week (which is often more than the staff gets).
• There is yelling, but not to the degree or cutting tenor of what the military does. It would not be a military style bootcamp without rigorous discipline, but it is not personal, it is not profane, and it is always for the education and edification of the recruits.
• There are planned low-intensity periods cycled in each day to give a mental break and allow staff and dads to check on recruits and ensure they aren't dangerously overwhelmed.

Even with all appropriate precautions taken, an adventure camp like this will always have some risk. To some degree, that danger speaks to young men if used appropriately. All that said, our goal is for the recruits' experience to be intense but safe.

Gear List

The packing requirements can vary slightly between events and seasons, so pay close attention to orders sent out after registration.

To help facilitate gear selection there is an amazon list with some of our suggestions.

The items on the packing list are not optional and include:

• 1 pair multicam trousers (army surplus stores/sites are helpful)
• 2 additional pair long pants (camo/muted colors, be prepared for mud-crawling and briars)
• 1 multicam jacket/blouse or other muted lightweight jacket
• 4 plain t-shirts (muted colors, no bright shirts, emblems, or graphics)
• 1 pair hiking boots (ideally waterproof)
• 1 pair running/tennis shoes
• 7 pair socks (wool or non-cotton highly recommended)
• 1 whistle
• Eye protection (clear or shaded)
• Ear protection (electronic is good, but not required)
• 1 pair quality leather work gloves
• 1 coyote tan "operator" style ballcap (2x3 velcro on front, velcro for name on rear)
• 1 sleeping bag (mosquito net optional)
• 1 poncho or raincoat (muted colors)
• Tarp or rain fly - must be large enough to house you and your gear (recruits may NOT bring a tent, however dads may)
• 50 feet of rope or cord for lashing
• Flashlight / head lamp (with extra batteries)
• Matches / lighter
• Knife (large pocket knife or medium sheath knife would be best)
• Water bottles / canteens / hydration bladder (must be attachable to your person and total at least 2 quarts)
• PT gear (t-shirt & shorts to exercise in, sweatpants and sweatshirt are optional, does not need to be muted)
• Bug spray and sunscreen
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and toilet paper in zip lock bag
• 1 Toboggan or sock hat (muted colors)
• 1 Compass
• Simple first aid supplies (moleskin, foot powder, band-aids, etc.)
• Trash and/or ziplock bags to store clothes and other gear in wet conditions
• 1 Bible (preferably not a huge study edition, both testaments)
• 3 pencils and/or pens
• 2 small notebooks
• 1 backpack large enough to carry a day’s supplies (muted colors, not necessary to purchase an expensive one, just bring the best you have or can borrow)

Fitness Standards (updated 2021)

A fitness test (a modified US Navy PRT) will be administered at the start of CHALLENGE events to assess readiness. Recruits/specialists should achieve at least a "Satisfactory" total. To make a total, score each exercise individually and divide the sum by 3.

For example: completing 51 pushups in 2 minutes scores 60 (for that exercise), combine that with a 8:00 run (55 points) and 1:45 plank (50 points) for a sum of 165. Divide by 3 to get a total PT score of 55 (Satisfactory-High).