The Blast and Cast Weekend - Sept 12-14
Where men of God are called, not to comfort - but to courage.
Please also consider attending the River Valley Church Men’s Retreat on Sept 5 - 7, 2025. This Blast and Cast weekend does not replace it, but it’s additional option. You can register for the RVC Men’s Retreat here.
2025 Schedule
Day 1: Friday, September 12
Schedule: after 12 noon
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner: on your own
Meet up: 7:00 pm
Session 1: 7:30 pm “Awaken the Warrior”
As the weekend begins, this short and engaging session will stir the soul. Through stories, Scripture, and thought-provoking questions, we’ll begin exploring what it means to be a man who does hard things—emotionally, spiritually, relationally. This night is about awakening the desire for courage, purpose, and deeper brotherhood.
Day 2: Saturday, September 13
Schedule: open gym all day
Breakfast, Lunch: on your own
Dinner: Brats, Chips and Potato Salad will be provided!
Meet up: 7:00 pm
Session 2: 7:30 pm “Strength in the Struggle”
This deeper session will draw from Scripture, real-life testimonies, and shared conversations to reveal how discomfort, difficulty, and obedience to Christ shape strong, godly men. We’ll unpack what it really means to live like Jesus in a world that worships comfort, and we’ll challenge one another to step into the hard things God is calling us to do.
Day 3: Sunday, September 14
Schedule: depart by 8 am (due to the River Valley Maple Grove joint service at 10 am and parking lot party, we will be departing earlier than planned, so we can get back for church)
Breakfast: Granola bars, grab and go
Clean up & Departure: by 8 am
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Life is full of battles — some seen, some invisible. As men of God, we’re not called to comfort… we’re called to courage.
Whether it’s aiming downrange, climbing a bluff, or confronting what’s been holding you back — this weekend is about stepping into challenge with faith and brotherhood.
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Prayer and worship
Trap shooting
Ax Throwing
Target practice
Fly fishing
Hiking to the top of Belle Creek Bluff
Bicycle ride to Red Wing on Cannon Falls Trail
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The location of the retreat is at Belle Creek Bluff in Welch, MN. 28 acres of God’s creation nestled in the bluffs with Belle Creek trout stream running through the middle of it. There are three camp sites (1) Cabin (2) Mellow Yellow and (3) Island Blue. Check out the sites and info here.
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The 2025 weekend will be limited to 15 men. However, if there is interest going forward - will expand!
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JT and Jon will connect with you on specific requests - but for sure bring your Bible (and these things):
(1) Water or whatever you’d like to drink (no alcohol, please) - for the whole weekend
(2). Food for Friday night, Saturday breakfast, and lunch. We will have food for the group on Saturday night - likely brats, chips, etc. There are cooking grates on all the fire pits, but feel free to bring your own camp grill or stove, etc
(3). Camping supplies - camp chair, sleeping bag, pillow, coffee tumbler/mug, etc. We will have space for everyone to sleep in either the cabin or tents that will be provided, but feel free to bring your own tent if you’d like!
(4). Clothing - water shoes for crossing, hiking the river, warm clothes, layers, etc. Good shoes for hiking the bluff, etc.
(5). Journal and Pen - Our prayer is that God will move in mighty ways through this time together.
(6). Firearms - we will have a a range station set up for pistol and rifle, as well as a trap shooting station set up. Feel free to bring whatever you have but keep it cased until you connect with JT about the plan for target shooting.
(7). Fishing gear - Belle Creek is a decent brown trout stream. Feel free to bring your gear! We have two kayaks available for the weekend too.
Check out the FAQ page for additional ideas about what to bring!
Sign up below.
The first 15 men to sign up will be IN. If you’d like to stay connected or hear about future blast and cast events - please leave us a note.