THE XcC IS NOT
JUST A WEEKEND
BUILD CHARACTER
WITH BIBLICAL TRUTH
The XCC is viewed as one endless day. During the XCC men turn over their watches, phones, wallets and car keys. Only the items on the packing list provided are allowed. No extra food. No cigarettes. No alcohol. Ten teams of eight to ten men journey together on one route. The teams walk considerable distances carrying their backpacks with their equipment. Along the route the spiritual leaders of 4M speak short messages, often followed by a practical assignment to build on the Biblical lesson. Throughout the XCC, the men receive some twenty 10-minute talks that center around a Biblical character, such as Moses, Joshua, David, and, of course – Jesus. The aim of the XCC is to lead men to the highest place on earth, the foot of cross, in a way they have never experienced before.
The model of the XCC is cutting edge. Character starts at the borders of the unknown. Men are pushed further, deeper, and harder than they may have ever experienced before. Fatigue, cold, hunger, thirst and physical exhaustion are emotions that men can expect, but behind every challenge lies a certain purpose for character-building and for an incarnation of Biblical truth.
TESTIMONIES FROM
AROUND THE WORLD
XCC PACKING LIST
You need the following equipment for the XCC. Don’t forget anything,
and don’t bring any more than what is listed below.
You need the following equipment for the XCC. Don’t forget anything, and don’t bring any more than what is listed below.
Equipment Guidelines.
Your backpack should weigh only 30 lbs., not including 2 litres of water (that you must also bring and carry with you). At the start of the weekend, you will be given an extra 5-7 lbs. which consists of food and extra equipment. So, in total your pack should weigh approximately 40-45 lbs.
Other (unnecessary) equipment and supplies like cameras, phones, snacks etc. will be held for you so that you’re not distracted during the weekend (so don’t even bring it!) Each team is allowed to carry one mobile phone for emergency purposes only. Make sure that these phones are charged correctly!
Equipment Tip: Try to borrow items you do not already have, unless you know you will use the equipment more than one time, there is no need to spend extra money in acquiring items for the XCC.
Since we will be un-packing and re-packing each night and morning to set up and tear down camp, it would be good to practice a few times. This will help you identify how the items on the packing list best fit in your pack.
No matter the size or shape of your pack, it is best to put the heavier gear closest to your spine and in the lower half of your pack. You should put the items that are least likely to be needed during the day at the bottom. Also, Be sure to leave room for your food which we will provide when you arrive. If you need to, your sleeping bag can be strapped to the bottom of your pack using bungees. Just be sure to put your sleeping bag in a trash bag if you need to put it on the outside of your pack.
Prepare physically.
Again, prepare physically. You will hike 40 – 50 km with elevation gains of 1000 + meters. “Tough, is an understatement.”
BUILD TEAM MOMENTUM 3 - 6 MONTHS OUT.
Get face to face with men. Men go into war not alone but in a company of men, a Platoon. Men gather together to form community to prepare, execute, and debrief. A Platoon will think of the XCC as Pre-XCC, XCC, Post-XCC. This is the thought process. Plan the work and work the plan. Get Ready Together!
Begin walking or running minimum 3 days a week.
Join an outdoor, fitness, or running club. You may even want to build up to carrying your pack fully loaded. Start by just carrying some of the lighter items in it to get used to the feeling, building up to a fully loaded pack. You could even do this while taking on normal chores around the house like mowing the lawn… Your wife and kids might be embarrassed, but the neighbors will enjoy the show!