CARPENTER'S CALL

Carpenter’s Call began as a faith-driven challenge for men of all ages at St. Joseph Parish and has grown into a year-round brotherhood rooted in fraternity, service, and spiritual strength. At its core, Carpenter’s Call brings men together to pray, train, and walk alongside one another as disciples of Jesus Christ—always with an eye toward loving and serving our wider community.

Join us for Carpenter's Call this November in Support of
the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation!

DONATE!

Join us November 20–21 for the second annual Carpenter’s Call All-Night Ruck—a physical and spiritual challenge for men ages 18 and older seeking to grow in brotherhood, prayer, and service.

Beginning Friday evening, participants will ruck through the night together at Firelands Scouting Reservation in Wakeman, carrying weighted backpacks as they support and encourage one another. We will pause every two hours for a prayer vigil, grounding the challenge in prayer and remembering the veterans and families affected by suicide. You are welcome to hike as much or as little as you are able; breaks are encouraged, and no one needs to carry the whole night alone.

This year’s ruck benefits the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, raising awareness and support for suicide prevention among veterans. We walk in solidarity with those who have served, remembering the weight many veterans carry long after coming home.

Even if you are not participating in the ruck, everyone is invited to support this important cause through prayer and by making a contribution through our GoFundMe campaign. You are also welcome to join us for the sunrise Mass and breakfast on Saturday, November 21.

Participants will receive a Carpenter’s Call hoodie. Sign up for the Carpenter’s Call newsletter to receive event updates, fundraising information, and future opportunities for brotherhood.

Open to adult men of our parish & community!

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2026
Firelands Scout Reservation

52500 Bates Road Wakeman, OH 44889

DONATE!

F A Q

Who can participate?

The Carpenter’s Call All-Night Ruck is a men’s ministry event open to men ages 18 and older. You do not need to be an experienced hiker, athlete, or veteran to take part—just willing to challenge yourself, support your brothers, and participate prayerfully.

When and where is the ruck?

The ruck begins at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 20, and concludes with a sunrise Mass and breakfast on Saturday, November 21.

It will take place at Firelands Scouting Reservation in Wakeman, Ohio. Registered participants will receive detailed arrival, parking, and entrance information before the event.

What is a ruck?

A ruck is a hike while carrying gear in a backpack. For Carpenter’s Call, we will travel through the night in solidarity with veterans and families affected by suicide. You may carry a weighted backpack if you are able, but the focus is not on weight, speed, or competition—it is on shared effort, prayer, and brotherhood.

How far will we ruck?

The route is an approximately 2-mile loop. Participants may ruck at their own pace and complete as many laps as they would like. Men typically ruck in small groups, with those groups naturally forming and shifting throughout the night.

Last year, some participants completed just a handful of miles, while others rucked more than 20. Whether you come for one lap or stay moving through the night, you are welcome to participate at the level that is right for you.

Is this a race or competition?

No. There are no rankings, prizes, or expectations that everyone complete the same distance. Carpenter’s Call is about walking together, encouraging one another, and carrying a cause larger than ourselves.

What will the night look like?

We will gather Friday evening, begin the ruck together, and continue through the night with planned rest and hydration breaks. Every two hours, we will stop for a brief prayer vigil for veterans, their families, and all those affected by suicide. The event concludes with sunrise Mass and breakfast on Saturday morning.

Do I have to stay for the entire night?

No. We hope men will join us for the full experience, but you may participate according to your ability and availability. You are also welcome to join us for the sunrise Mass and breakfast, even if you cannot ruck overnight.

What should I bring?

Registered participants will receive a detailed packing list before the event. Plan to bring weather-appropriate layers, sturdy walking shoes or boots, water, snacks, a backpack, and any personal items you may need overnight. November weather can be cold and wet, so come prepared for changing conditions.

Will food and water be provided?

Breakfast will be provided after sunrise Mass. Participants should bring their own water, snacks, and any personal nutrition they will need throughout the night. We will share additional details with registered participants.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The ruck is intended to take place outdoors in typical November conditions, including cold or light rain. In the event of severe weather or unsafe trail conditions, organizers will communicate any necessary adjustments to registered participants.

Is there a cost to participate?

Yes. Registration is $35, which helps cover the cost of your Carpenter’s Call hoodie and breakfast after the sunrise Mass.

If cost would prevent you from participating, please contact Crew Spence at cspence@stjosephavonlake.org. We do not want cost to be an obstacle.

Are restrooms available?

Yes. Primitive latrines are located throughout the course, but they do not have plumbing. The camp’s water is turned off at this time of year because of cold weather, so there will be no running water.

The dining facility will have electricity, and we will bring water for hand washing. Participants are strongly encouraged to bring their own drinking water, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper.

Do I need to register in advance?

Yes. Advance registration is required for those participating in the ruck. Registering early helps us plan for food, safety, communication, and hoodie sizes.

Who does this support?

This year’s Carpenter’s Call Ruck benefits the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, with a particular focus on raising awareness and support for veteran suicide prevention. We walk in solidarity with those who have served and with the families and communities affected by suicide.

Can I support the cause without participating?

Absolutely. Everyone is invited to support this effort through prayer and by donating through our GoFundMe campaign. Your contribution helps advance the work of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation and strengthens the message that no veteran should carry these burdens alone.

Can friends or family come to Mass and breakfast?

Carpenter’s Call is a men’s ministry event for men ages 18 and older. Participants are welcome to invite adult male friends or family members to join them for the sunrise Mass and breakfast, even if they are not participating in the overnight ruck.

How will I receive updates?

Registered participants will receive event information by email, including the packing list, arrival directions, safety details, and any weather-related updates. You can also sign up for the Carpenter’s Call newsletter for future opportunities for prayer, service, and brotherhood.