1. What Is The Trail Life Program?
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. We are, at our core, a ministry that recognizes opportunities that exist in the outdoors that will help turn boys into godly men. Experiencing challenges through Trail Life USA means boys step outside their comfort zones, test their limits, and develop skills like resilience, problem-solving, and teamwork. These are all traits that help boys grow into strong, independent, and dependable men. Outdoor adventures are a breeding ground for character development.
Whether it’s learning to respect nature, showing kindness to others in the Troop, or practicing gratitude for the beauty around them, boys learn important virtues that are essential for living a godly life. When boys are given the opportunity to lead and take responsibility, they grow in confidence, communication, and compassion—all qualities that are crucial for a godly man.
Trail Life’s Vision:
Our vision is to be the premier national character development organization for young men which produces Godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens.
Trail Life’s Mission:
Our Mission is to guide generations of courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure.
Trail Life’s Motto:
“Walk Worthy”. This comes from Colossians 1:10 “... that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God...”
2. What Are The Age Ranges For The Various Programs?
Trail Life USA has 3 main programs for boys,: Woodlands Trail, Navigators, Adventurers, Members of any age are known as “Trailmen”. Woodlands Trail is broken down into 3 groups: Foxes (ages 5-6), Hawks (7-8), and Mountain lions (9-10). Navigators are 11 to 13 year olds, and Adventurers are 14 to 17 years old.
Boys on the Woodlands Trail gain knowledge about outdoor skills, citizenship, character, friendship, and faith through fun activities, awards, and skill instruction.
As Navigators, boys 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 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 the younger Trailmen.
3. What Activities Can We Expect During The Program Year?
Each Troop creates an annual schedule that best fits the needs of their charter organization and Trailmen. Troops will schedule a program year that contains regular Troop meetings, “Hit the Trail” outings, campouts, Area-wide events, service projects, and a week-long Summer Adventure. Some Troop’s regular meetings run from the Fall through the Spring while others run all year long. These Troop meetings are where Trailmen are introduced to, and practice, new skills and activities. Throughout the year, Trailmen will perfect these skills at their various campouts and outings. During the Summer months, Trailmen can participate in a Summer Adventurer, which may be hosted by their Troop, or a Trail Life Area/Regional Team. Ask your Troop for a copy of their Annual Calendar
How Does Advancement and Awards Work In Trail Life USA? Trail Life activities and program advancement take place within seven particular categories. In the Woodlands Trail program, these categories are called Branches. In the Navigators and Adventurers programs, they are referred to as Frontiers. These categories include Heritage, Life Skills, Science and Technology, Hobbies, Values, Sports and Fitness, and Outdoor Skills.
4. What Are The Membership Joining Fees Charged By Trail Life USA?
Trail Life USA charges an annual membership fee. This fee is paid directly to Trail Life USA by each individual youth and adult member when they submit their initial membership application to Trail Life USA, and annually thereafter on the anniversary of their membership.
The Youth fee is $37.97 annually and the Adult fee is $43.19 annually. (varies slightly year-to-year). Annual membership fees provide for operations of the Home Office, Trail Life Connect, insurance, and background checks and youth protection training for adult members.
5. What Are The Fees Charged By My Local Troop?
We ask for an annual $20 fee per boy. These fees cover activities, equipment, and program supplies for campouts, awards, and other operational costs as decided by your local Troop.
6. What Is The Required Uniform?
For boys ages 5-10, they will need a Woodlands Handbook, A green Trail Life polo ( https://shop.traillifeusa.com/product/woodlands-trail-wicking-travel-uniform-polo/ ), and a name tag with lanyard. We can provide a free lanyard or you can order the official one on https://shop.traillifeusa.com
7. Will We Take Part In Fundraising?
Annual Troop planning is an essential part of fulfilling the mission of Trail Life USA, and funding it is a vital part of the process. Some Troops are blessed with a Charter Organization that helps them fund their year, but most will need to do some level of fundraising. Fundraising keeps the Troop’s promise to families who expect fun, adventure, and character-building experiences. Trailmen learn responsibility by participating in the planning of their program and then assisting in paying for it through fundraising. Setting a goal and reaching it builds perseverance, teamwork, and a sense of accomplishment. Fundraising promotes your Troop and Charter Organization’s activities in the community. It teaches Trailmen communication and customer service skills as well as self-confidence. Check with your local Troop to learn about their fundraising plan.
8. What Is The Expected Level Of Parent Involvement?
Trail Life encourages parents to take an active role in their son’s program, by attending meetings, completing in-home activities, and providing encouragement. You may be asked to do more in the Troop at some point, even taking on a leadership role. Your presence, assistance, and words of encouragement will benefit your son and also other Trailmen who may or may not have a parent present. For families where fathers or other male role models are not present, male Troop leaders, following all Child Safety and Youth Protection protocols, can serve as program role models and mentors for Trailmen as they grow into young men.
Foxes (youngest members of the Woodlands Trail Unit) are required to have at least one parent in attendance at all meetings and outings.
9. How Does Trail Life USA Handle Child Safety?The safety of the young Trailmen in our care is of utmost importance. To help protect boys, Trail Life has put into place extensive policies and guidelines that our members must follow. The most prominent of these policies is that every registered adult in Trail Life must successfully complete a Child Safety and Youth Protection training and Criminal Background Check. Additionally, each Troop’s Troop Ministry Liaison must personally approve every Registered Adult who joins the Troop. Registered Adults are required to wear a Member ID.Trail Life has also developed the 1-2-3 Youth Protection Essentials that are easy to learn, teach, and practice by all Trailmen, both youth and adult:● No 1-on-One: The “no one-on-one” rule is in place for youth protection so no boy is ever alone with an adult. This is for both the protection of the boy and the adult. This extends to electronic communications such as email, texting, and online communications, as well as transportation to and from Trail Life activities.● 2-Deep Leadership: The “two-deep” rule is in place for safety so there is always a minimum of two Registered Adults in proximity to provide backup and oversight. Although parents’ participation is welcome, a parent who is not a Registered Adult member (thereby trained and screened) is not considered part of this two-deep leadership requirement.● Buddy System of 3: The “buddy system of three” is suggested to keep youth safe when out of sight of adult leadership. Buddies must be of the same program level. The buddy system also applies to tenting. Three or more boys of the same program level should share a tent, rather than only two (unless they are siblings, with parental knowledge).
