Trail Life Programs

Midland, MI, (and surrounding areas) Troop MI-1919, A ministry of Midland Free Methodist Church, Trail Life is a Christ-centered outdoor adventure, character, and leadership program for boys and young men ages 5-18. Trail Life combines the methods of traditional scouting programs (outdoor adventure, leadership development, the patrol method, advancement, and uniforms) with Christian youth ministry. The program’s vision is to be the premier national character development organization for young men which produces godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens.

The program emphasizes camping, leadership development, rank advancement, awards, a trail badge program, community service, summer adventures, spiritual training, and other special offerings.

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

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.

Navigators Program:

Navigators gain understanding of their values and beliefs through being responsible in outdoor adventures and in their home and school life, guided by godly male role models.
They explore areas of interest and earn Trail Badges for advancement.
Navigators have the opportunity to earn the Ridgeline Award.

Troops and Patrols:

Trail Life USA has a local gathering place to host weekly meetings with your group called a Troop.
The Troop will have all ranks from Woodlands, to Adventurers.
The Troop will have multiple patrols with Navigators and adventures.
Patrols are usually a group of 6-8 Navigators or Adventurers.

The Seven Frontiers:

Trail Badges are categorized under one of the seven frontiers.
There are seven different medallion designs that correspond to the Frontiers.

Christian Worldview:

Trail Life USA is a specifically Christian Biblical worldview program.
The program’s Statement of Faith adheres to Trinitarian doctrine.

Awards:

The Worthy Life Award is Trail Life’s faith-building award.
A Trailman can complete the Worthy Life Award up to five separate times.

Guidon Program:

Trail Life USA also has a young adult program called Guidon, which is co-ed for both young adult men and women (ages 18-25).

Programs Details

In Trail Life USA, troops are organized according to biblical principles in Proverbs 24:3-4, reflecting developmentally appropriate groupings of boys (K-U-W-L): Woodlands Trail (Knowledge), Navigators (Understanding), Adventurers (Wisdom), and Guidon (Life).

On the Woodlands Trail, boys age 5-10 gain knowledge about outdoor skills, citizenship, character, friendship, and faith through fun activities, awards, and skill instruction.

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.

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.

Our programs are ultimately divided into two main sections:

Woodlands Trail (Ages 5-10)
The Navigators and Adventurers Programs (Ages 11-17)

Woodlands Trail (Ages 5-10)

The Woodlands Trail Program is designed for boys of elementary-school age, comprising two-year programs for three age groups:

Fox (Kindergarten-1st grade and 5 years old by October 31)
Hawk (2nd-3rd grade and 7 years old by October 31)
Mountain Lion (4th-5th grade and 9 years old by October 31)

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).

Boys also love stickers, patches, pins, and awards. Each week as boys meet in their patrols, they work on a Branch Step as part of a planned meeting or a “Hit the Trail!” adventure. As Branches are completed, pins are added to the Branch Patch. Each branch builds the structure of the Branch Patch boys wear on their uniform. In each patrol level, when all seven Branches are complete, boys earn The Forest Award.

Along the trail boys engage with older boys in the Troop and with mentors who are vetted by church leadership, background checked, and must complete extensive Child Safety and Youth Protection Training.

During the last year in Woodlands Trail, a Mountain Lion can earn the prestigious Timberline Award. Award_HawkForest_patch The Timberline Award is the highest award in the Woodlands Trail program and, once earned, becomes a permanent part of the Trail Life Uniform. It was developed to celebrate a boy’s entrance into the new world of the Trail Life USA Navigators program. In many Troops, the Timberline Award is presented as part of a meaningful bridging ceremony when Trailmen move from the Woodlands Trail program to the Navigators and Adventurers uniform.

To ensure that activities are age-appropriate and progressively challenging, for the Woodlands Trail Program, boys are grouped together with boys of their own age:

Fox
Hawk
Mountain Lion

Fox (ages 5-6)

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.

Hawk (ages 7-8)

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 Lion (ages 9-10)

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.

Program Branches

During each two-year program, the Trailmen (boys) participate in activities from among seven areas (known as branches), including:

Heritage Branch

An exploration of American Heritage, Christian Heritage, and a boy’s own family heritage. Emphasis is placed on upholding the finest traditions of the heritage we obtain from our forefathers.

Life Skills Branch

Teaching life lessons ranging from the practical and mundane to higher-level interpersonal skill sets.

Science and Technology Branch

An exploration of physical and natural science concerning our created world.

Hobbies Branch

An exploration of various indoor and outdoor hobbies that demand varying levels of knowledge, skill, or aptitude.

Values Branch

Instilling biblically based values in the boys. The central focus of this branch is teaching of the Christian faith.

Sports and Fitness Branch

Having fun in the outdoors with sports and other activities.

Outdoor Skills Branch

Gaining basic understanding of woodcraft, hiking, exploration, and camping skills.

Branch Pins And Forest Awards

To recognize the progress of Trailmen through the Woodlands Trail program, a Trailman can earn the Forest Award for his age group: Fox Forest Award, Hawk Forest Award, or Mountain Lion Forest Award. To earn the Forest Award, a Trailman must first earn a branch pin for each of the seven branches listed above. Each branch pin includes requirements for core steps and elective steps, which are typically completed at troop meetings or camping trips, and a “Hit the Trail” activity taking place at a community site away from the troop meeting. To allow a Trailman to make up missed requirements, a series of Family Home Activities have also been developed.

Timberline Award

The Timberline Award is the highest award that a Trailman, having earned the Mountain Lion Forest Award, can achieve in the Woodlands Trail Program. The Timberline Award is designed to celebrate a boy’s entrance into the Trail Life USA Navigators program, and its requirements are aligned to four Manhood Principles:

Manhood Principles

To live boldly and avoid being passive
To live responsibly
To live courageously
To live for the greater rewards of God

Worthy Life

The Worthy Life Award is an integral part of the overall Trail Life discipleship process in the Woodlands Trail, Navigators, and Adventurers programs. For a Trailman to earn the Timberline Award or the Freedom Award, he must complete the requirements for the Worthy Life Award. At each level, this distinction requires that a boy complete activities in four categories:

Devotional – Engaging with spiritual truth in a regular transformative manner.
Discipleship – Living out faith through service and learning about how others have done so.
Discipline – Practicing intentional activities that result in spiritual growth like regular prayer, fasting, journaling, memorizing Scripture, attending church services, giving, and serving.
Demonstration – Evaluating and sharing Worthy Life experiences with parents, Troop, and/or church.

At the Woodlands Trail level, Worthy Life involves intentional mentoring, hands-on activities, and practical applications that involve parents and Troop mentors to help a boy gain knowledge of fundamental truths.

For older boys in the Navigators and the Adventurers programs, focus moves from creating foundational knowledge to helping internalize his faith, integrate it as his worldview, live with integrity, share with intentionality, and use his spiritual gifts to impact others through service.

Choose the other tab (above) to view information about the The Navigators and Adventurers Programs (Ages 11-17).

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The Navigators and Adventurers Programs (Ages 11-17)

When a boy moves from the Woodlands Trail to the Navigators program, Troops are encouraged to hold a significant rite of passage ceremony. In many Troops, older boys create a bridge for Trailmen to cross over from the Woodlands Trail to the Navigators program. A significant part of the ceremony commonly involves a boy receiving his Standard from his father or a significant mentor.

In Trail Life USA, skills universally needed for godly manhood are developed through required Trail Badges as young men earn the ranks of Able Trailman, Ready Trailman, Journey, Ascent, Horizon, and Freedom. Elective Trail Badges help a Trailman explore unique areas of gifting and come to understand the way God has specially created him.

Trail Life has even created a unique Design-Your-Own-Badge program where Trailmen can work within a provided framework alongside a mentor to develop a Badge that is unique to their specific interests. The Periodic Table of Ranks gives an overview of the knowledge and skills Trailmen develop as part of the Navigators and Adventurers programs on the path to Freedom.

The Trail Life USA advancement program is distinct for many reasons. First and foremost, it is designed to honor biblical values in every aspect of the program. Trail Life USA is not just an outdoor program that incorporates a Christian experience. Trail Life is at its core a Christ-centered program that utilizes the outdoors to draw boys and their families into a closer relationship with their creator.

A Christian worldview is integrated into every part of the program because it is critical to both our mission and vision as well as to the spiritual growth of every Trailman who commits himself to the values we uphold. In the Navigators and Adventurers programs, the Branches from the Woodlands Trail program become Frontiers to be explored as Trailmen continue along the trail.

The Freedom Award

The Freedom Award is the highest award in Trail Life USA. It is an achievement accomplished by the few who reach the apex of the Trail Life Program. Earning the award requires a demonstrated mastery of a significant skill set including 15 required and 10 elective Trail Badges, performing 20 hours of servant service each year, and the distinction of having proven himself as a leader among his peers. He must also complete four “Freedom Experiences” in 3 separate chosen fields; complete a Faith Building Activity; budget, plan, and lead a volunteer team to complete a Servant Leadership Project; and complete an advancement conference and formal Freedom Board of Review.

On the Trail to Freedom, one of the most meaningful ways Trailmen come to understand their gifting is through serving. Service in the church and the community is a significant part of the Trail Life program. Outdoor adventure provides fertile ground for relationships to be fostered. As relationships grow, young men begin to learn skills and serve alongside their adult mentors. As Trailmen serve, they begin to find purpose and fulfillment. As Trailmen understand they were created by God for his glory, to be his hands and feet to others, they find fulfillment in service and begin to understand their gifting. As they use their gifts, they hone in on career and ministry paths that will set the tone for the rest of their life.

Navigators

(ages 11-17)

Trail Life troops are organized according to biblical principles in Proverbs 24:3-4, reflecting developmentally appropriate groupings of boys (K-U-W-L): Woodlands Trail (Knowledge), Navigators (Understanding), Adventurers (Wisdom), and Guidon (Life).

The Navigators and Adventurers program is designed for young men ages 11-17 (middle-school and high-school age).

Navigators and Adventurers work on rank advancement.

Their ranks represent a growing ability to operate comfortably, safely, and confidently in the outdoors. These skills form the foundation of later adventures and teach important life lessons in character development.

Boys in Navigator patrols range in age from 11 to 13 years old.

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

(9th-12th Grades)

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. And finally, another patrol might be more engaged with planned coed activities with the high school-age Patriot girls from the American Heritage Girls troop. 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.

Navigator And Adventurer Ranks And Awards

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:

Recruit
Able
Ready
Ridgeline
Journey
Ascent
Horizon
Freedom

Recruit Trailman Rank

This is the joining rank that must be earned by all Navigators and Adventurers on the trail to the Freedom Award. Among other requirements, a Recruit Trailman must memorize the Trailman oath and motto and the Pledge of Allegiance, demonstrate the Trailman sign, salute, and handshake, and demonstrate proper folding of the American flag.

Able Trailman Rank

To earn the Able Trailman Rank, a Trailman must have earned the Recruit Trailman Rank, meet troop participation requirements, and earn a total of six Trail Badges, including any four Core Skills Trail Badges and any two additional Trail Badges. A Navigator earning the Able Trailman Rank must complete fifteen hours of service each program year; an Adventurer must complete twenty hours of service each program year. A board of review is also required.

Ready Trailman Rank

To earn the Ready Trailman Rank, a Trailman must have earned the Able Trailman Rank, meet troop participation requirements, and earn a cumulative total of twelve Trail Badges, including all nine Core Skills Trail Badges and any three additional Trail Badges. A Navigator earning the Ready Trailman Rank must complete fifteen hours of service each program year; an Adventurer must complete twenty hours of service each program year. The Trailman must also demonstrate leadership to the troop. A board of review is required.

Ridgeline Award

The Ridgeline Awards is the highest honor that may be earned as a Navigator. To earn the Ridgeline Award, a Trailman must have earned the Ready Trailman Rank, meet troop participation requirements, earn the Navigator Worthy Life Award, and complete a community service project. A board of review is required.

Journey Rank

The Journey Rank may only be earned by an Adventurer. To earn the rank, a Trailman must have earned the Ready Trailman Rank, meet troop participation requirements, and earn a cumulative total of fifteen Trail Badges, including all nine Core Skills Trail Badges, any one True Freedom Trail Badge, and any five additional Trail Badges. He must complete twenty hours of service each program year, demonstrate leadership to the troop, and draft a plan for completing at least four Freedom Experiences as an Adventurer, including two minors and a major. A board of review is required.

Ascent Rank

To earn the Ascent Rank, a Trailman must have earned the Journey Rank, meet troop participation requirements, and earn a cumulative total of twenty Trail Badges, including all nine Core Skills Trail Badges, any three True Freedom Trail Badges, and any eight additional Trail Badges. He must complete twenty hours of service each program year, demonstrate leadership to the troop, and complete at least one Freedom Experience since becoming an Adventurer. A board of review is required.

Horizon Rank

To earn the Horizon Rank, a Trailman must have earned the Ascent Rank, meet troop participation requirements, and earn a cumulative total of twenty-five Trail Badges, including all nine Core Skills Trail Badges, all six True Freedom Trail Badges, and any ten additional Trail Badges. He must complete twenty hours of service each program year, demonstrate leadership to the troop, and complete at least two Freedom Experience since becoming an Adventurer. A board of review is required.

Freedom Award

The Freedom Award is Trail Life’s highest honor. To be considered for the award, the Trailman must have earned the Horizon Rank, meet troop participation requirements, and complete a total of four Trail Life-approved Freedom Experiences as an Adventurer, including two in one major field, one minor in a second field, and one additional minor in a third field. The Trailman must also complete the Adventurer Worthy Life Award, complete a Freedom Servant Leadership Project, and complete a Freedom Award Board of Review.

The Seven Frontiers

As a maturing Trailman (Woodlands Trail program), you see the Branches from your experience on the Woodlands Trail become Frontiers (below) as you continue along the trail. There are both Required and Elective Trail Badges on these Frontiers, and your Freedom Experiences will require that you put into practice the knowledge and skills learned through these Badges. All of these elements help you become the well-rounded man you desire to be.

The Seven Frontiers provide both structure for advancement and personal growth objectives that will make you a better man – more like Jesus, Who is our example.

Heritage Frontier

A Trailman’s Heritage can refer to practices or characteristics that are passed down from generation to generation. It’s the head start you were given by the explorers, inventors, builders, reformers, and defenders who came before you. It’s what a trail man is as an American, with your heritage forged from great dreams, hard work, and heroes’ blood. As a Christian, it is the great faith of patriarchs and prophets who caught glimpses of Gods’ glory. In short, it is the combined influence of everything that came before you.

A study of your heritage should give you an appreciation of the opportunities. Your forefathers have given you an awareness of how your heritage has shaped you, a commitment to remember its significance, and a resolve to avoid the mistakes others made.

Hobbies Frontier

Hobbies allow you to expand your horizons and put your main interest into perspective. Some hobbies have led people into careers that changed the world. Your hobbies may not become a career, but they can still play a significant role in who you are.

Hobbies can sharpen your mind, improve relationships, fitness, and relieve stress. They can send you on adventures, expand your knowledge of science and art, and teach you valuable skills

As your experience grows, you may contribute part time in a field that requires specialized knowledge, equipment, or preparation. These jobs may be as tame as helping with landscape maintenance at your church, as challenging as volunteer firefighting, or as technical as cinematography. Volunteerism is a great way to combine a hobby with service.

Life Skills Frontier

You will master at least four vital Life Skills on this frontier.

First Aid training Fosters a regard for the value of life and the reduction of suffering.

Emergency Preparedness equips you with rescue skills now because you won’t have time to learn in the hour of greatest need.

Family Man emphasizes growth that prepares you to be a worthy husband and father, who knows how to find fulfillment, maintain healthy relationships, and strengthen the image of your creator. God within you.

Personal Resources prepare you to be a good steward of your time, talents, presence, and finances.

Outdoor Skills Frontier

To place your feet on the cracks and know their character of stone, to Wade through the sea of prairie grass, or to find yourself lost in the murmur of a cold mountain stream, or some of life’s most memorable experiences. You can enjoy these adventures and share them with your friends you make in your troop.

During your frontier ventures, you may realize how the challenges and opportunities you face outdoors, parallel your future life. A camp duty roster and an employee job description have much in common; so do feeding your patrol and providing for your family. As you master your outdoor skills and use them with the right attitude, you are preparing for a success in your future roles as husband, father, and citizen.

Science And Technology Frontier

We travel, read, listen, and watch to learn.

We also gather knowledge through scientific research. Some of what we learn allows us to do new things or to do old things better.

We treat disease better, communicate better, calculate faster, and explore farther because of the dedicated work of scientists, inventors, and engineers.

Your Trail Life troop leaders understand that these changes shaped the world you live in. They want you to understand these fields of study so you can be part of that shaping process.

Science adds to mankind’s knowledge through a carefully controlled process, called the scientific method. Its strength is to build up a source of proven knowledge that can be relied upon. Its weakness is that it can only investigate what can be observed and tested by humanity. It cannot prove something does not exist; it can only prove something does exist if it can be directly or indirectly observed. The scientific method cannot make moral judgments or separate beauty from ugliness. It cannot tell you why things happen or how they happen. In that sense, many of the greatest truths of our existence lie beyond its scope. We need both faith and science to gain, even a rudimentary grasp of the wonders that exist around us, and those that lie deep within us.

Technology is the use of knowledge to solve practical problems. Since it is built upon knowledge, great advances in technology usually follow great advances, and science. Applied scientific knowledge is a powerful force, but it comes with great responsibility.

Sports And Fitness Frontier

The Sports And Fitness Frontier will expose you to opportunities to improve physical skills possessed as well as develop new ones.

Great confidence comes when we discover we can improve our personal fitness. We are spirit, soul, and Bonnie. Just as we can feed and strengthen our spirit through prayer and study of Gods’ word, and we can strengthen our mind through study, we can also strengthen our bodies through sports and fitness.

You’ll be challenged to complete goals and function as a team, to push yourself to do better, and to own skills.

Values Frontier

Someone would argue that the progress he’ll make on the values frontier is the most important of all. And they may be right.

Your values shape you and give you the structural integrity both to stand strong in difficult times and to love people you may disagree with.

Choose the other tab (above) to view information about Woodlands Trail (Ages 5-10).