Christ-Centered. Boy-Focused.
Trail Life USA is a Church-Based, Christ-Centered, Boy-Focused mentoring and discipleship journey that speaks to the heart of a boy. Established on timeless values derived from the Bible and set in the context of outdoor adventure, boys from Kindergarten through 12th grade are engaged in a Troop setting by male mentors where they are challenged to grow in character, understand their purpose, serve their community, and develop practical leadership skills to carry out the mission for which they were created.
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The Trail Life Motto
Walk Worthy
‘that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;’ Colossians 1:10 (NKJV)
The Trailmen Oath
On my honor, I will do my best To serve God and my country; To respect authority; To be a good steward of creation; And to treat others as I want to be treated.
Advancement Trail
Trail Life USA partners with churches and parents across America as the premier national character development organization for young men which produces generations of godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens. In over 1,100 churches in all 50 states, fathers and sons are connecting, relationships are deepening, and legacies are beginning as a new generation of godly leaders rises up.
Woodlands Trail
Boys on the Woodlands Trail (age 5-10) gain knowledge about outdoor skills, citizenship, character, friendship, and faith through fun activities, awards, and skill instruction.
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Navigators
As Navigators, boys age 11-13 gain understanding of their values and beliefs under the guidance of godly male role models through being responsible in outdoor adventures and in their home and school life. They explore areas of interest and earn Trail Badges for advancement.
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Adventurers
As Adventurers, young men ages 14-17 mature in wisdom and faith through more difficult challenges and leadership activities with Christian men walking alongside. They plan and lead outdoor events and large projects while exercising leadership positions in the Troop, even mentoring some of the younger Trailmen.
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Foxes
Boys in kindergarten (must be 5 years old by October 31) and first grade are grouped together in the Fox Patrol. During this two-year program, Foxes are introduced to Trail Life USA, learn new skills, and have fun. Due to age, Foxes may only camp overnight with a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult.
Hawks
Boys in second grade (must be 7 years old by October 31) and third grade are grouped together in the Hawk Patrol. Hawks learn quickly and demonstrate increased alertness and eagerness to contribute. Hawks typically camp with a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult.
Mountain Lions
The Mountain Lion Patrol includes boys in fourth grade (must be 9 years old by October 31) and fifth grade. Mountain Lions show signs of greater independence, physical strength, and confidence, but still require strong adult guidance. Mountain Lions may camp with members of their patrol or with a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult.
Navigators (ages 11-13)
Navigators participate in a true outdoor program with hiking, camping, and other activities. They are in more of a learning mode, developing their core skills with adequate supervision and easing gracefully into camping by patrols.
Navigators have a simple patrol structure. The youth leader is a Junior Patrol Leader, and members are called upon as needed to step up and handle certain jobs during meetings or activities according to the duty roster. They should camp, cook, and eat by patrol during outings whenever practical. Preferably, the Trail Guide or Trailmaster only gets involved when youth leaders are not making satisfactory progress and then, if possible, only to the extent of backing up the Junior Patrol Leader’s authority.
Adventurers (ages 14-17)
Adventurers are high school-age teens who are ready and willing to make big decisions. Where Navigators focus on ranks as they become capable outdoorsmen, Adventurers focus on awards that represent increased independence and leadership skills.
While the younger age-level programs are much more structured and defined by specific program materials, the Adventurers program is purposely less structured and more flexible for older boys to customize according to their interests and goals. A unique aspect of the Adventurers program is that different patrols can actually choose to engage in different program emphases. There is the potential to operate multiple Adventurers patrols as if they were separate units. One patrol could be engaged as a backpacking crew. Another may enjoy a variety of high adventure activities. Yet another may choose to focus their program efforts around watercraft. The point is that the boys at this age can work together socially in a group setting to determine their own interests as a group, and then to pursue those interests in a very rewarding way.
The First Officer and Second Officer, as high profile youth leaders, oversee the Adventurers program. Patrol Leaders are selected to head each patrol.
Both Navigators and Adventurers begin their trail to the Freedom Award with the Recruit Trailman Rank, moving upward through all six ranks. To ensure each Trailman approaching the Freedom Award is of sufficient maturity, the upper ranks (Journey, Ascent, and Horizon) may only be earned as an Adventurer. In addition to these ranks, the Ridgeline Award is the highest honor that may only be earned as a Navigator.
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Contact us to learn more about this exciting adventure!
