CARPENTER'S CALL
Carpenter’s Call began as a high-energy, faith-driven fitness challenge for the men of St. Joseph Parish, but it’s quickly becoming something more. Rooted in fraternity, service, and spiritual strength, this annual summer event brings teams of men together to test their physical limits while raising support for those in need. The heart of Carpenter’s Call isn’t just the race - it’s the relationships built along the way. As the event continues to grow, so does our vision: to foster an ongoing brotherhood of men committed to supporting one another and serving our wider community through regular acts of service and fellowship throughout the year.
Join us for Carpenter's Call II this November -
an Overnight Ruck in Support of Valor Home!
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Join us for an overnight ruck (hiking with weight) in support of Valor Home of Lorain County, a transitional housing program for homeless veterans (learn more about Valor Home).
In the spirit of solidarity, we’ll spend the night walking together outdoors the weekend before Veterans Day — reminding ourselves of the daily realities many veterans face. Participants are welcome to hike as much or as little as they’re able. The night will include optional prayer gatherings, a sunrise Mass, and a simple breakfast together.
A $35 registration fee covers a Carpenter’s Call flannel and breakfast. Donations to Valor Home are strongly encouraged, and we invite participants to share the donation link with friends and family who want to support this important cause.
Open to adult men of our parish & community!
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7 - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2025
Firelands Scout Reservation - Wakeman, Ohio
THE RUCK - F A Q
What time should I arrive?
Doors open at 8:00 p.m. on Friday. Plan to arrive then so you can get settled before we begin.
If you have questions, email Crew Spence at cspence@stjosephavonlake.org.
When does the event officially begin and end?
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Ruck begins: 10:00 p.m. Friday, November 7
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Ruck ends: Around 6:30 a.m. Saturday, November 8 (time to clean up before Mass)
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Mass at sunrise: ~7:10 a.m.
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Breakfast: 7:45–9:00 a.m. (event concludes by 9:00)
Do I have to hike all night?
No. Participation is flexible:
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You may hike as much or as little as you like
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Take breaks whenever you need
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You are not required to join the group prayers (though all are welcome)
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You may come only for Mass and breakfast on Saturday morning
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You may arrive early in the morning if you want to do a short hike before Mass
This event is about solidarity, prayer, and fraternity — not endurance.
What is the schedule like?
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8:00 p.m. – Doors open, check-in
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10:00 p.m. – Ruck begins
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Midnight, 2:00 a.m., 4:00 a.m., 6:00 a.m. – Group prayers (optional)
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7:10 a.m. – Sunrise Mass
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7:45–9:00 a.m. – Breakfast
What should I bring?
This is an overnight ruck in November. You’ll be outdoors for hours, often in the dark. Pack wisely.
Clothing & Footwear
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Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots or trail shoes
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2–3 pairs of wool or moisture-wicking socks (cotton = blisters)
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Backup shoes and a full change of clothes
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Warm base layers, fleece or sweatshirt, waterproof jacket
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Hat, gloves, and extra layers for the cold
Gear & Comfort
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Comfortable backpack
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Headlamp or flashlight (mandatory — it will be very dark; bring extra batteries)
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First aid basics (especially blister care)
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Water bottles or hydration bladder (1–2 liters)
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Snacks with protein (nuts, jerky, granola, fruit)
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Optional: small camp chair or blanket for breaks
Spiritual & Personal
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Rosary or prayer book
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Bible/journal if you’d like to reflect
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Personal medications
Helpful Extras
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Hand warmers
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Rain poncho
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Phone charging battery
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Towel and toiletries if you want to rinse off in the morning
Can I sleep or rest during the night?
There are no sleeping facilities, but you may rest in your car or at outdoor pavilions whenever needed.
Is there a cost?
Yes. A $35 registration fee includes:
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An embroidered Carpenter’s Call flannel
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Saturday breakfast
You’ll register and pay through Realm. Donations to Valor Home are encouraged (suggested minimum $30). Donations can be made to our designated GoFundMe here: DONATE NOW
Do I need to register ahead of time?
Yes. Please register in advance so we can guarantee your flannel and breakfast. Walk-ins are welcome but not guaranteed these items.
Where is the event held?
Firelands Scout Reservation
13782 Gore Orphanage Rd.
Wakeman, OH 44889
Download Reservation Map!
Entrance gate coordinates: 41.276133, -82.33386
Is parking available?
Yes. Free overnight parking near the entrance gate.
Will food and water be provided?
We’ll have limited water and snacks. Please bring your own supply.
What should I wear?
Prepare for cold November nights in Northeast Ohio. Wear warm, layered clothing that you can adjust throughout the night. Dress for movement, not fashion: base layer, mid-layer, waterproof outer shell, gloves, hat, and sturdy shoes. Keep spare layers in your bag or vehicle.
Are bathrooms or changing rooms available?
Yes. Firelands has:
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Primitive latrines throughout the property
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A modern restroom/shower facility
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A large dining building and pavilions
Is there cell service or Wi-Fi?
Cell service is usually available but varies by carrier. Wi-Fi is not available.
Can I leave and come back?
Yes. Registrants will receive a coordinator’s contact number if you need to step out and return.
Who can participate?
This event is for adult men only.
What if the weather is bad?
We’ll continue in cold or rain. Only lightning or sustained severe storms would cancel the event.
What’s the format?
The ruck is intentionally loosely structured:
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Hike as much or as little as you like
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Take breaks anytime
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Join group prayers if you’d like, or pray on your own
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Attend just the sunrise Mass and breakfast if that’s what works for you
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No minimum mileage or loop requirement
Who do I contact with questions or emergencies?
Crew Spence – cspence@stjosephavonlake.org.
Carpenter's Call Course Video
Check out this brief run-through of the event course!
F A Q
What if I can't afford the registration fee?
We don’t want cost to prevent anyone from participating! If you are unable to afford the registration fee, please reach out to Crew Spence at cspence@stjosephavonlake.org. We will ensure that financial concerns do not stand in the way of your participation.
What if I’m not in great shape?
No problem! You can register as an individual, and we will place you on a team. You can also sign up with one friend, and we’ll match you with a third teammate.
What if I don’t have a team?
This challenge is designed for all fitness levels. Each event has regressions (modifications) to help participants complete the challenge. The focus is on brotherhood and perseverance, not perfection.
Do I need a gym membership to participate?
Carpenter's Call is about bringing men together for a good cause. Ideally, you will train with your team at T3, a beautiful facility where the competition also takes place. However, training at T3 is not required to participate. If you do not have a membership, you will need to pay a $10 fee to compete at T3 on the day of the event.
Can I volunteer instead of competing?
Yes! We need referees, setup crew, and directional guides to help run the event smoothly. Volunteers also receive a free Carpenter’s Call T-shirt. [Volunteer Link Coming Soon!]
What happens if the weather is bad?
The event will continue in light rain. If there is lightning, the outdoor run will be modified or canceled, but the rest of the competition will still take place indoors.
Can I fundraise for the cause?
Absolutely! We encourage participants to share our donation page with family and friends. All proceeds go to St. Elizabeth Center’s Emergency Men’s Shelter. [Donation Link Coming Soon!]
What if I can’t make it to the Fellowship & Training Workshops?
While these workshops are encouraged, they are not required. They are a great way to prepare, but if you can’t attend, you are still welcome to compete.
Carpenter's Call 2025
June 28, 2025
