Trail Life USA

Adventure is at the heart of the Trail Life USA program. Boys love hiking, camping, fishing, tree-climbing, story-telling, and s’mores around campfires. Weekly meetings are designed with that in mind. Held outside whenever possible, meetings are designed to delight the raucous, rowdy, unruly nature of a boy. Trailmen engage in hands-on experiences that develop character, deepen faith, and hone practical skills in the seven program branches (Outdoor Skills, Life Skills, Heritage, Hobbies, Values, Science & Technology, and Sports & Fitness).

Mentoring Boys

More than ever, boys need a uniquely masculine program where their assertive, audacious, and adventurous nature is celebrated, not sequestered.

Let Boys Be Boys

Too many boys are turning to virtual worlds of television, video games, digital media, and the internet to find realms they can conquer and areas where they can excel. The result of this virtual conquest is often apathy, apparent rebellion, or outright resistance to real-world challenge.

Trail Life USA is where boys thrive! Adults are equipped to lead a program in a structured outdoor environment where boys are engaged in real-world challenge and experience camping, hiking, and fishing; they develop skills in riflery, archery, and canoeing;  and learn character and leadership in a practical hands-on manner that is naturally engaging.

In the outdoors, the experience of adults is never obsolete; boys find mentors, fathers and sons connect, important relationships are fostered, and boys find opportunity to achieve significant accomplishment.

Seeing God in the World He Created

Trail Life USA is a Christ-centered, boy-focused, church-based mentoring and discipleship program, offering a scouting alternative that emphasizes outdoor adventure and character development for boys in grades K-12. 

We believe that Trail Life is not just an outdoor organization having a Christian experience. It is, at its core, a Christ-centered ministry that utilizes the outdoors in “ … building generations of courageous young men who honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure.”

This is our mission. And the nature of God is integrated throughout the program in everything from our design elements to Trail Badge requirements. This intentional objective serves to reinforce that HE is part of everything we do.

Indeed, as the scripture says, “ … his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made (Romans 1:20).” And, “ … all things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16).

He has revealed Himself through the person of Jesus, the written Scriptures, and His entire creation … including mountains, Trail Badges, fire, canoe paddles, and dutch ovens!

Program Overview

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 1,200 churches in all 50 states, fathers and sons are connecting, relationships are deepening, communities are being impacted, and legacies are beginning as a new generation of godly leaders rises up. 

Here’s a more detailed look at Trail Life USA:

Core Principles & Mission:

• Christ-Centered: Trail Life USA is rooted in biblical values and aims to foster a closer relationship with God through outdoor experiences. 
• Boy-Focused: The program is designed to appeal to the interests and needs of boys, encouraging them to grow in character, understand their purpose, and develop leadership skills. 
• Church-Based: Trail Life USA operates through local church-affiliated troops, providing a structured environment for mentoring and discipleship. 
• Outdoor Adventure: The program utilizes the outdoors as a context for learning and growth, offering opportunities for adventure, skill-building, and teamwork. 
• Character Development: Trail Life USA aims to instill timeless values and develop strong character traits in young men, preparing them to be godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens. 

Program Structure:

• Troops & Patrols: Boys participate in local troops, which are composed of multiple patrols, each led by a registered adult Trail Master. 
• Ranks: Trail Life USA has different ranks for boys of various ages, including Woodlands, Navigators, and Adventurers. 
• Advancement Program: Boys progress through the program by completing requirements in various areas, such as outdoor skills, leadership, and character development. 
• Branches & Frontiers: In the Navigators and Adventurers programs, the Branches from the Woodlands Trail program become Frontiers to be explored by Trailmen. 

Key Features:

• Mentorship: Male mentors play a crucial role in guiding and supporting boys as they grow in character and leadership. 
• Discipleship: The program emphasizes spiritual growth and encourages boys to develop a deeper relationship with God. 
• Service: Trail Life USA encourages boys to serve their community and make a positive impact on the world. 
• Leadership Development: The program provides opportunities for boys to develop practical leadership skills and take on leadership roles within their troops and patrols. 
• Uniforms & Gear: Trail Life USA has a uniform program and offers a variety of gear and apparel for its members. 
• Manhood Journey: A small group program for fathers and sons, featuring guided Biblical discussion with hands-on, interactive activities.