"The Forge"
Limited Enrollment
Apply NowBoys don't need more entertainment.
They need Competence. Discipline. Confidence.
And a peer group that expects the same.
Frontier Forge Institute (FFI), known simply as "The Forge," is a one-week, field-based leadership course designed for motivated young men ages 13–17.
This is not a recreational summer camp. It is a structured training experience that builds practical capability, crisis readiness, and character through challenge, instruction, and responsibility.
To help young men develop the habits and skills that produce leadership:
Students leave The Forge stronger, more focused, and more capable.
"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong."
— 1 Corinthians 16:13Frontier Forge Institute is built on a strong biblical foundation. While students will gain real-world skills and competence, the deeper aim of The Forge is to shape the heart.
Throughout the week, trainees will be challenged to grow in spiritual discernment, wisdom, and moral clarity. We will work through the book of Proverbs together to help young men build a foundation for the year ahead—learning how to recognize truth, reject foolishness, and pursue wisdom in a culture that often rewards the opposite.
Faith is not a side topic at The Forge. It is the foundation beneath everything we do.
The Forge combines high-adventure field training with real-world readiness skills:
Phones are secured for the duration to create a true reset from distraction and screen dependency.
The Forge is not a boot camp. Students are never hazed, abused, or humiliated. This is a professional training environment built on respect, safety, and high expectations.
Parents can be confident: the goal is to build young men up, not tear them down.
Students may leave the course at any time if they are unhappy. However, no refunds will be offered once the course begins.
The Forge is designed for young men who:
Are motivated to grow
Thrive with structure
Want a real challenge
Want to build confidence through achievement
This program is not intended for behavioral placement or rehabilitation. Enrollment is intentionally limited to protect the training environment and peer group.
Each day includes:
Start the day with purpose and physical readiness
Classroom and practical application combined
Real-world crisis response training
Put skills to the test in the field
Guided biblical wisdom for young men
Process the day and prepare for tomorrow
Throughout the week, students will receive hands-on instruction in:
Learn rope work, safety systems, and confidence at height
Responsible handling, range discipline, and basic shooting skills
Life-saving medical skills for emergency situations
Real-world projects that build camaraderie, teach practical skills, and provide leadership opportunities
Compass work, terrain association, and route planning
Shelter building, fire craft, water procurement, and wilderness competence
The course ends with a capstone challenge that integrates the week's training.
Beckley, West Virginia
A private mountain property with trails, training areas, cabins, and everything needed for a high-quality field course.
August 2–9
7 days / 6 nights
Paid in full before April 1
After April 1
$250 deposit holds your son's spot (non-refundable)
War Correspondent | Documentary Producer | Author
Chuck Holton is an international war correspondent, documentary producer, and author known for frontline reporting from conflict zones around the world. With decades of experience working in high-risk environments, Chuck has spent his career studying leadership, crisis response, and what it takes for ordinary people to remain calm and effective under pressure.
Chuck has produced dozens of documentaries and written multiple books focused on courage, preparedness, and Christian leadership. His work is grounded in a strong biblical worldview and a commitment to truth, discipline, and responsibility.
Frontier Forge Institute was created to pass those same values to the next generation—helping young men grow into confident, capable leaders who can serve their families and communities with wisdom and strength.
No. The Forge is a leadership development course, not a behavioral correction program. There is no hazing, no punishment-based discipline, and no use of intimidation or aggression. Our cadre are trained mentors, not drill instructors. The environment is built on mutual respect, high standards, and structured challenge. Students are here because they want to grow—not because they are being sent as a consequence. This is a place where young men are built up, not broken down.
Yes—we will do our best to coordinate transportation to and from Charleston Yeager Airport (CRW) in Charleston, West Virginia. Please note this is Charleston, WV—not Charleston, North Carolina. If your son can arrive on a morning or early-afternoon flight on August 3rd, we can work to arrange a pickup from the airport to Maple Fork Lodge. Likewise, if he departs on an afternoon or evening flight on August 9th, we can coordinate a return shuttle to the airport.
To arrange transportation, please email forge@holtonnews.com with your son’s flight details, and we will confirm logistics as the course date approaches.
No prior experience is required. The Forge is designed to meet students where they are and develop them through progressive, hands-on instruction. All skills—from land navigation to first aid to rope work—are taught from the ground up. What we do look for is a willingness to learn, a teachable attitude, and the motivation to be challenged.
A detailed packing list will be provided upon acceptance. In general, students should bring sturdy outdoor clothing, broken-in boots or hiking shoes, a water bottle, and any prescribed medications. All training equipment, materials, and meals are provided. Personal electronics, including phones, will be secured for the duration of the course.
To maintain the integrity of the training environment and allow students to fully engage without distraction, we do not accommodate mid-course visits. Parents will receive updates during the week, and families are welcome at the closing ceremony on the final day.
The $250 enrollment deposit is non-refundable once a student has been accepted. If an applicant is not accepted into the program, the deposit will be refunded in full. Tuition paid beyond the deposit is refundable up to 30 days before the course start date. No refunds are issued once the course begins. Students may voluntarily withdraw at any time during the course, but no tuition will be returned after Day 1.
To request full course details and enrollment information:
