HOSTED AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY & THEIR PREMIER CAMPUS

At Forge, we believe environment shapes growth. That’s why we’ve partnered with George Mason University to host our program in their state-of-the-art facilities—the same spaces where athletes train, leaders learn, and innovators collaborate. Each day begins in GMU’s fitness center, where campers “lock in” by handing over their phones and diving into coach-led workouts designed to build strength, discipline, and teamwork. After sweating it out, we transition to GMU’s classrooms for hands-on workshops in communication, leadership, personal management, health and wellness, and goal setting —lessons that mirror the rigor of the next stage in these young mens’ lives.

When it’s time to refuel, campers recharge with lunch at GMU’s campus eateries. Then, the adventure kicks into high gear: afternoons are spent tackling real-world challenges, like navigating DC landmarks via Metro during a scavenger hunt, competing in fast-paced pickleball or basketball tournaments, or collaborating to grill and plan games for our end-of-camp cookout.

A Week at Forge: Build Life Skills, Strength & Brotherhood

Below is a sample of what one of our weeks at Forge will look like. Every day blends fitness, workshops, and real-world challenges to prepare campers for the next step in their lives.

Monday: Foundations of Strength & Purpose

Morning:

  • 9:00–11:00 AM: Lifting Fundamentals
    Master proper form and safety in the gym with coaches.

  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM: Goal-Setting Workshop
    Craft goals for academics, fitness, and personal growth.

Afternoon:

  • 1:30–3:30 PM: Pickleball Tournament
    Team competition on GMU’s courts—strategy meets camaraderie.

Pickup: 4:00 PM at GMU

Tuesday: Lead Like a Champion

Morning:

  • 9:00–11:00 AM: Push Day Workout
    Build upper-body strength with presses and other compound movements.

  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM: Leadership Workshop
    Role-play decision-making, resolve conflicts, and inspire peers.

Afternoon:

  • 1:30–3:30 PM: Movie Outing @ University Mall Cinema
    Analyze leadership lessons from the film and debate takeaways.

Pickup: 4:00 PM at GMU

Wednesday: Urban Adventure Challenge

Full Day:

  • 9:00 AM–3:30 PM: DC Scavenger Hunt
    Navigate the Metro, decode clues at landmarks, and problem-solve as a team.

    • Skills tested: Communication, public transit mastery, critical thinking.

    • Lunch on the National Mall.

Pickup: 4:00 PM at GMU (Note: Return time may vary slightly based on Metro delays).

Thursday: Own Your Time

Morning:

  • 9:00–11:00 AM: Pull Day Workout
    Strengthen back and core muscles with rows, pull-ups, pull-downs, and more.

  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM: Personal Management Workshop
    Build systems for time management, organization, and stress relief.

Afternoon:

  • 1:30–3:30 PM: 3v3 Basketball Tournament
    Apply strategy and sportsmanship in fast-paced games.

Pickup: 4:00 PM at GMU

Friday: Fueling Greatness

Morning:

  • 9:00–11:00 AM: Leg Day Workout
    Squats, lunges, and agility drills to build explosive power.

  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM: Health & Wellness Workshop
    Nutrition demos, sleep science, and mindfulness practices.

Afternoon:

  • 1:30–3:30 PM: Cookout & Reflection @ Providence Park
    Grill healthy meals together, play flag football, and share camp highlights.

Pickup: 4:00 PM at Providence Park

Still looking for more information? Click Here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General Program

  • Forge is built for rising 8th and 9th grade boys (typically ages 12–14).

  • Not at all. We meet each camper where they are—physically, emotionally, and mentally—and focus on building strength, discipline, and confidence.

  • Each session is capped at 15 campers to ensure personalized attention and strong group camaraderie.

DAILY STRUCTURE & ACTIVITIES

  • Each day includes a morning strength training session, midday life skills workshop, and an afternoon activity or outing. (See sample schedule on Program Details page.)

  • Strength and conditioning exercises focused on form, control, and safety. All training is beginner-friendly and age-appropriate. Our goal at Forge is to create a lifelong appreciation for fitness.

  • Activities include team challenges, city navigation, group movie outings, sports tournaments, cookouts, and more—designed to build independence and teamwork.

  • All Forge staff are experienced in working with middle schoolers and are thoroughly trained and background-checked. In addition, a George Mason University facilities manager will be on-site while using the university spaces.

  • Campers are always supervised in small groups by Forge staff. While we encourage independence through pre-mapped routes and structured check-ins, a counselor is present at all times and will actively step in if guidance or support is needed.

  • We have a protocol in place and will contact you immediately. Minor injuries are treated on-site; in more serious cases, we’ll follow emergency procedures.

SAFETY & SUPERVISION

Logistics & Planning

  • At George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.

  • Drop-off is between 8:30 - 8:45 AM. Pick-up is at 4:00 PM.

  • Yes—each camper receives a lunch and snacks every day.

  • Athletic clothing, water bottle, a small backpack, and a great attitude! We provide all other materials.

Registration & Payment

  • $600 per week. Discounts apply for multi-week enrollment:
    2 weeks = 5% off | 3 weeks = 10% off | 4 weeks = 15% off
    A $200 deposit is required to reserve your spot. The remaining balance can be paid in full at the time of registration or no later than June 30th.

  • Click here to register your child for Forge.

  • Yes! Payment plans are available and can be arranged directly through Klarna or Afterpay when the invoice is sent.

  • We understand that plans can change. Cancellations made 30+ days before the camp start date are eligible for a full refund, minus the $200 deposit. Cancellations made 15–29 days before camp will receive a 50% refund. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer refunds for cancellations made within 14 days of the start date or for no-shows. In the case of medical or family emergencies, we offer full refunds. If Forge cancels a session, you’ll receive a full refund or credit towards a future session.