Father - Son Overnight

The Grade provides young men with the tools to become leaders in their families, schools and communities. We help them acquire wisdom, a sense of responsibility, toughness and self-mastery. In this way we prepare them for the bigger tasks in life: fatherhood, friendship (with God and others), professional work, and responsible citizenship. Our mentors guide and accompany them on this journey to manhood.  

A Community of Fathers and Sons

Young men thrive with strong support and high expectations. This happens when there is close collaboration between the father and the mentors in his son's life.  By sharing insights and perspectives they can address what the young man needs most in his formation. The Grade is built on these insights, conversations, and experiences. 

But more than just promoting collaboration, The Grade brings fathers and sons together each year for a highly impactful vision-setting moment. 

The first session of The Grade is for fathers and sons. It takes place at Johnsonburg Camp & Retreat Center from Saturday, Sep. 13-14, 2025 from 4pm - 2pm. This is in place of the regular sessions at Murray Hill Place.

Surrounded by a community of fathers, mentors, and other young men on this journey, your son will gain confidence in himself and in the guidance from those around him. He'll acquire a greater sense for the challenges before him and the steps to prepare for the big tasks in life. He will realize that the path to responsibility is uphill - along a grade; that reaching it requires strength and vision but that he won't be travelling alone. 

Our schedule will include talks from mentors and fathers, father-son competitive and team-building activities, sports, time to blow off steam while fathers have their own discussion, campfire and music, scenarios for discussion, time for prayer, and Holy Mass (a vigil Mass on Saturday). Meals and lodging are provided at no additional cost. The lodging is dormitory-style.

Schedule

Saturday, September 13, 2025

  • 4:00 PM Arrival and Check-in

  • 4:30 PM Intro

  • 4:45 PM Workshop Session 1

  • 5:30 PM Dinner

  • 6:15 PM Rosary

  • 7:30 PM Holy Mass (anticipated for Sunday)

  • 8:30 PM Workshop Session 2

  • 9:30 PM Bonfire

Sunday, September 14, 2025

  • 8:00 AM Time for prayer (optional)

  • 8:30 AM Breakfast

  • 9:15 AM Workshop Session 3

  • 10:45 AM Basketball, volleyball, dodge ball

  • 12:30 PM Lunch

  • 1:00 PM Conclusion

  • 2:00 PM Departure