Category: 3rdF

3rd F Word of the Month for May: Integrity — Say It. Live It. Prove It.

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  • QIC: Cornerstone
  • When: 05/01/2026
  • Posted In: 3rd f, 3rdF

Spiritual View:
Integrity honors God. Scripture calls for a life that reflects truth in both private and public. That includes not just our words and actions, but how we steward the body we’ve been given. Integrity anchors faith, strengthens witness, and shows up in daily discipline—choosing obedience when no one is watching.

Non-Religious View:
Integrity builds credibility. When actions match values, trust follows. That standard doesn’t stop at decisions—it shows up in how you train, how you fuel your body, and how you handle pressure. This month challenges men to close the gaps—between what they say, how they live, and how they show up physically and mentally.

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3rd F Word of the Month For February: Brotherhood

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Spiritual View:
God designed men for community, not isolation. Scripture speaks repeatedly about bearing one another’s burdens, sharpening each other, and standing together in both struggle and victory. Brotherhood isn’t convenience—it’s commitment. It requires vulnerability, consistency, and showing up even when it’s uncomfortable. This month reminds us that faith is strengthened when it’s lived out alongside other men.

Non-Religious View:
Isolation weakens men. Brotherhood strengthens them. Strong relationships don’t happen accidentally—they’re built through shared effort, accountability, and trust. This month challenges men to move past surface-level connections and invest intentionally in the men beside them. Growth accelerates when you’re surrounded by men who push you forward and refuse to let you drift.

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“From Burpees to Bytes: An Intro to AI Workshop” Skynet Isn’t Coming, But You Should Be

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Men of The Fort,

Double down on leadership Friday, May 16th, with fitness for the body and fuel for the mind.

 

🕔 5:15 AM – Boot Camp Beatdown

Kick off your day with a pre-dawn workout, reinforcing that strength begins with discipline.

🕕 6:15 AM – 3rd F Session: Intro to AI Workshop (Beginner-Friendly)

Led by Old Bay (Tom Metz) and Cornerstone (Jeremy Holt)

📍 St. John’s United Methodist Church | 130 Tom Hall St, Fort Mill, SC 29715

 

Workshop Topic: Artificial Intelligence – Artificial Intelligence – Practical Uses for Everyday Use

This introductory, hands-on session covers:

  • Intro to AI: Understanding what AI is (and isn’t)
  • Practical, Everyday Uses: How AI can streamline your daily tasks
  • Security Considerations: Keeping your data safe (work and personal)
  • Getting Started: Setting up your ChatGPT account
  • Effective Prompting: Strategies for clear communication with AI
  • Real-life Applications: Enhancing productivity at home and work

 

Bring your laptop or tablet—we’ll be learning by doing.

This isn’t just tech talk. It’s about equipping men to lead effectively in an increasingly digital world.

#FaithInTheFuture #AIForImpact #F3TheFort #BuiltToLead

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🚨 Leaders on the Links Golf Tournament 10/28/2024 At 1:30PM 🚨

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Ready to hit the greens and support an incredible cause? The Leaders on the Links Golf Tournament is happening at Fort Mill Golf Club on October 28th, and we want YOU to be part of it! All proceeds will benefit the Children’s Attention Home and the F3 Fort Mill Community Scholarship—two amazing organizations making a real difference in our community.

⏰ Don’t wait—team registration is $500, but after 10/21, fees go up to $600. Get your team locked in now!

🏌️‍♂️ Sponsorships Available (deadline 10/14):

  • Hole Sponsor: $150 – Custom sign at one of the holes.
  • Silver Sponsor: $300 – Custom sign at one of the holes + banner recognition at the event.
  • Gold Sponsor: $600 – 1 golf team (4 players) + custom sign at one of the holes + banner recognition.
  • Platinum Sponsor: $1,000 – 2 golf teams (8 players) + custom sign at one of the holes + banner recognition + special recognition at the check presentation + social media shoutouts.

🎁 We need your help! We’re also looking for raffle prize donations—every contribution counts toward making this event a big success!

📅 Mark the date:
🗓 October 28th
📍 Fort Mill Golf Club

🔗 Register or sponsor today at https://givebutter.com/leadersonthelinks before spots fill up and prices increase!

🔗Looking to volunteer?  Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0449A4A72CA1FF2-51495425-f3golf#/

Don’t miss out—get involved, have some fun, and make a difference for Children’s Attention Home and the F3 Fort Mill Community Scholarship! 💥

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Camp Changing Life’s Together

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Preblast: Camp CLT Sept. 13-15.
Camp CLT for kids with physical disabilities needs volunteers to make it happen. Noah will be attending and I will be volunteering in the background. Please consider taking a shift.

The 4th Annual Camp CLT is Sept 13-15 at Camp Thunderbird on Lake Wylie. This is a Camp for kids in 4th – 12th grade who have some physical disability. This is a free camp for the participants and we expect 35-38 campers this year.

We are still looking for volunteers and need the most volunteers still for the Friday shift and the Sunday shift.

LINK to Camp CLT Volunteer Sign-Up

High Level Activity Plan
Fri 4-10pm Session – Team games, pizza party, dance/glow party, yard games, camp fire & smores
Sat 215-930pm Session – pool, lake slides/inflatables, cookout, dunk tank, movie/games
Sun 9-3pm Session – tree climbing, tie dye shirts, giant slip n slide, other games, lunch

A video of last year’s camp can be found here — http://www.cltfoundation.org/camp

Important Reminders:
Volunteers need to stay for their ENTIRE session, otherwise it impacts the kids.
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old

Mike Dascal
Co-Founder & Executive Director – Changing Lives Together (CLT) Foundation
mailto:mike@cltfoundation.org
tel:(704)620-9203

http://www.cltfoundation.org
Click HERE to see the change YOU can help make
Click HERE to donate
Find us on: Facebook | InstagramCamp Thunderbird in immediate need for volunteers:

The 4th Annual Camp CLT is Sept 13-15 at Camp Thunderbird on Lake Wylie. This is a Camp for kids in 4th – 12th grade who have some physical disability. This is a free camp for the participants and we expect 35-38 campers this year.

We are still looking for volunteers and need the most volunteers still for the Friday shift and the Sunday shift.

LINK to Camp CLT Volunteer Sign-Up

High Level Activity Plan
Fri 4-10pm Session – Team games, pizza party, dance/glow party, yard games, camp fire & smores
Sat 215-930pm Session – pool, lake slides/inflatables, cookout, dunk tank, movie/games
Sun 9-3pm Session – tree climbing, tie dye shirts, giant slip n slide, other games, lunch

A video of last year’s camp can be found here — http://www.cltfoundation.org/camp

Important Reminders:
– Volunteers need to stay for their ENTIRE session, otherwise it impacts the kids.
– Volunteers must be at least 16 years old

Mike Dascal
Co-Founder & Executive Director – Changing Lives Together (CLT) Foundation
mailto:mike@cltfoundation.org
tel:(704)620-9203

http://www.cltfoundation.org
Click HERE to see the change YOU can help make
Click HERE to donate
Find us on: Facebook | Instagram

 

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F3 AMRAP 4 AUTISM – ROUND THREE!

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F3 AMRAP 4 AUTISM – 3rd EDITION

B.L.U.F.

Saturday April 20th there will be a #BEATDOWN of epic proportions (AMRAP style) at Alcatraz.  This #SNOTWOGGLER is being delivered to support families with autism (like mine) get the resources they need.  The average cost for ABA therapy is $60,000 per year and can be much higher depending on the severity and need.  Autism Strong Foundation is a local non-profit that is “Founded on faith and led by inclusion, our mission is to provide the strongest support, community, and hope for those touched by autism. All funds raised by Autism Strong are mindfully donated to our community in the way that will make the greatest impact; connecting families and children to the resources they desperately need.” Give HERE if you feel so lead.  Also shirts are live on Mudgear HERE (First order ends March 27 for delivery by event day – second order will launch soon after this one closes)

THE WHY:

This fundraiser supports the Autism Strong Foundation, aiding families grappling with the financial strain of raising autistic children.  You may have heard me advocate for this fundraiser in years past, as this is the 3rd year my M and I have done this fundraiser.  However, this year feels different.  It feels different for two reasons.  First, the diagnosis rate has increased to 1 in 36 children diagnosed in the U.S. with ASD.  This is up from 1 in 54 just 10 years ago!  Secondly, this year feels more personal.  You see, last year we lost our insurance coverage for Noah’s ABA therapy.  After fighting with insurance for months to no avail we were left feeling discouraged and unsure of how we would continue to provide Noah with the therapy that he needed and that has been SO SIGNIFICANT.  Then, the Autism Strong Foundation stepped in, and I am very happy to say that Noah is a recipient of the Landon’s Hope Scholarship for 2023 which will cover the FULL YEAR of ABA therapy cost in 2024 for our family!  So, yea…this year feels a bit different.

Did you know that ABA therapy, a crucial intervention for autism, costs families on average $60,000 per year per the CDC?  The long-term commitment and limited availability exacerbate this burden. Families face additional expenses for education, medical care, and support services, leaving some faced with the unthinkable decision of paying the light bill or paying for their child’s therapy.  No parent should have to make this decision.

Through AMRAP 4 Autism, we aim to alleviate some of these challenges. Your support, whether through donations or spreading awareness, can make a real difference in the lives of these families.

I know that you have ample opportunity to “give to charity” throughout the year.  I’m asking you to seriously consider this opportunity this year.  My personal goal is to raise $25,000 during the month of April (Autism Awareness Month).

 THE WHAT

  • F3 AMRAP 4 AUTISM is taking over Alcatraz on Saturday April 20.
  • 0630 launch with brief warmup and explanation of the day’s event
  • 0640 Event Start. AMRAP below workout for 45 minutes with coupon.  Partners recommended!
    • 54 Burpee Coupon Jump Overs
    • 54 Yard Murder Bunnies (down and back)
    • 54 Curls For The Girls
    • 54 Squat Thrusters
    • Run 1 lap around field – each partner
  • 0725 Clock Stops
  • 0730 COT & Winners Announced
  • 0745 Coffeteria

 Other Details

  • Workout is open to ALL MEN – regardless of if you donate. #CorePrinciple and all…
  • We will be gathering as many coupons as we can. If you have a sandbag, kettlebell or cinderblock please bring it. Recommend no more than 50 lbs.
  • AMRAP 4 AUTISM is an annual event started by Autism Strong Foundation in 2013. This year’s event will be in August and held in Charlotte.  YHC will share registration details as they come available.

 How you can help

  • You can donate with your credit card by visiting the website linked below:
  • WEBSITE(https://secure.givelively.org/donate/autism-strong-foundation/f3-x-amrap-4-autism-2024)
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2024 Shield Lock Service Month

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All of January 2024 The Fort is be holding a Shield Lock Service Challenge Competition!

It’s time to take a long hard look in the mirror and ask yourself, is my Shield Lock strong enough to prevail as champions of the 2024 prestigious F3 shield!!!

We will be holding the following 3rd F Service Events:

  1. Bethel Men’s Shelter 1/4
  2. Trash Pickup TBD
  3. Blood Drive 1/18
  4. Fort Mill Care Center – TBD

The point based competition will be as follows:

  • 10 points rewarded for the above service events per shield lock.
  • 5 point for any other volunteer opportunity. This is where you can get creative. Could be anything from helping an old lady across the street to getting your neighbor’s cat out of a tree
  • 3 points for every $10 donated to the Dam to Dam fund raising.
  • 2 points for attending a Bible Study (The Testament, McGospel) / Hanging With Stang

In order to get credit for the event, you have to take a picture together with your shield lock at the event or the receipt of the transaction and post it to the #2024-shield-lock-service-challenge slack channel.

The Shield Lock with the most points at the close of 1/31/2024 will win the prize of the 2024 Shield Lock Service Champion Shield.Good Luck and God Speed!!

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2024 Acceleration Project

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  • QIC: Change Order, Cyclops, Shady and Pusher
  • When: 01/05/2024
  • Posted In: 3rdF, qsource

Pax

The mission of F3 is to plant, grow and serve small workout groups for men for the invigoration of male community leadership. With over a decade of history in The Fort, no one can question the ability to plant, grow and serve small workout groups or our ability to lead within the community. Yet, just as in life, we must resist the status quo and continue to grow and develop whether in our role as husband and father, our fitness and as a leader. 

Leadership is defined by Q Source, the F3 Manual of Virtuous Leadership, as the ability to influence others to movement to advantage. This skill must continually be sharpened otherwise it becomes dull and weak. However our ability to influence remains consistent, whether it is sharp or dull, thus we need to develop this skill on behalf of those that we serve including our families, our friends and our community. 

In 2024, we are launching the Acceleration Project as a leadership development program to develop the leadership skills of those within our community. This program, over the course of the year, will seek to sharpen the participants, to resist the status quo and to engage our families, our friends and our community with the same vigor that we attack a workout. Over the course of the year, there will be (5) live workshops, action items between workshops and suggested reading. Behind the backdrop, the content will be based on Q Source and there will be multiple options for weekly discussion across The Fort. It will be introspective, you will be challenged as a leader and you will be uncomfortable as you develop new leadership muscles. 

Below are the details:

  • (5) Live workshops held at St. John UMC from 6:30 – 7:20 AM
    • Friday, January 5th
    • Friday, March 29th
    • Friday, June 28th
    • Friday, September 27th
    • Friday, December 20th
  • Weekly Q Source meetings
    • Mondays at Sweep the Leg – Olaf
    • Tuesdays at Q Source at Panera – Change Order
    • Thursdays at Coaches Box – Cyclops
    • Friday via Zoom – Olaf

This program would be applicable for anyone looking to get better as a leader including all Pax, Shieldlocks, Whetstones and neighbors. 

If you would like to participate, please complete the Google Form below:

https://forms.gle/jaiV6rpN9SunRpwL6

No matter your participation, do not accept the status quo as a leader. Your wife, your family and your community need you. Please let me know if you have any questions. SYITG

Pusher

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March 4 Autism – March Madness Pool to Benefit Autism Strong Foundation

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MARCH 4 AUTISM is back!! This is a March Madness bracket challenge that will work like a 50/50 raffle where 1st place gets 50% of the pool and Autism Strong Foundation gets the other half. $25 per bracket – limit 10. For greater transparency and ease of use we will use a third party to collect and pay out all funds.DIRECTIONS:
  • Follow link below to submit payment for 1-10 brackets
  • Follow tiny URL below to sign up for the right number of brackets per the money submitted
  • Join #march_4_autism channel for the greatest trash talk of the tournament!
  • DM me with any questions
https://braid.co/p/march4autism – $$
https://tinyurl.com/march4autism – bracket
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Locking Shields_3rdF Thursday on the 3rd Thursday

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PAX of The Fort,

10 years we have been at this thing called F3 and we have covered a lot of ground and accomplished great things. Most importantly we have helped each other accelerate and be better than we were yesterday.

Locking Shields is a new way of taking our shieldlocks and all of The Fort PAX deeper and wider. We need to keep challenging ourselves and move into deeper waters in order to tap into our true selves. Maturing not only physically but mentally and spiritually is critical for moving to a place of advantage in this thing we call life.

How will Locking Shields help mature us and take us deeper?? By being willing to have the hard conversations and reach deep into the things that every single one of us struggles with and needs to deal with. This is not to embarrass or shame anyone, but to move toward advantage and overcome the things that hold us back from the BEST US!

Locking Shields

    1. We will put out a monthly topic for Shieldlocks to discuss and all PAX to consider and discuss in smaller groups and circles the first two weeks of the month.
    2. Locking Shields 3rdF Thursday every 3rd Thursday of each month will be held at Hanging with Stang. A shieldlock group will lead through discussion on the topic of the month. From the smaller discussion groups to this corporate group, the discussion will be impactful in short time Thursday mornings.
    3. Sign your Shieldlock up to lead a discussion of choice. Something you know men deal with and could benefit from have the hard conversation. Let Cake Boss know you want to lead and get on the calendar.

So what are we really talking about here. As men we have certain tendancies and bend. Here are some of the things that lead to our Jesters manifesting somewhere in our lives:

    • Identity
      • Worthiness
      • Performance
      • Control
    • Anxiety/Stress
      • Loneliness
      • Hopelessness
    • Virtuous Leadership
      • In Marriage
      • Raising 2.0s
      • At work
    • Faith
      • Grace
      • Love
      • Wisdom
      • Empathy
      • Humility
      • Worship
    • Finances
      • Debt
      • Budgeting
      • Communication
      • 2.0 lessons

The list goes on and on, but this is not a cliffnotes version. We want Shieldlocks to go deep and Locking Shields will take all the PAX into the deep waters.

See you in Da Gloom!

Cake Boss

Join in on the conversations!!

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