Program Overview

For a COMPLETE description and breakdown of the program, visit www.traillifeusa.com

TLUSA Vision:  Our vision is to become the premier national character development organization for young men, which produces godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens.

TLUSA Mission:  Our mission is to guide generations of courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure.

TLUSA Motto:  "WALK WORTHY"  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;..."

TLUSA 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.

TLUSA Statement of Faith: We believe there is One Triune God – God the Father; Jesus Christ, His one and only Son; and the Holy Spirit – Creator of the universe and eternally existent. We believe the Holy Scriptures (Old and New Testaments) to be the inspired and authoritative Word of God. We believe salvation is by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ alone, and that our eternal hope is rooted in His sacrificial death and resurrection. We believe each person is created in God’s image for the purpose of communing with and worshiping Him. We believe in the ministry of the Holy Spirit, Who enables us to live godly lives. We believe each of us is called to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We believe God calls us to lives of purity, service, stewardship, and integrity.

WOODLANDS TRAIL (Grades K-5)

The Woodlands Trail Unit provides programming for boys ages 5 - 10 (K - 5th grade).  Within the Woodlands Trail Unit, boys are further segregated into patrols according to age as outlined below:

Fox Patrol: Ages 5-6 (K - 1st grade) - A parent or guardian must stay with their Fox Trailmen at all meetings and/or events.

Hawk Patrol: Ages 7-8 (2nd - 3rd grades)

Mountain Lion Patrol: Ages 9 -10 (4th - 5th grades)

The Woodlands Trail programming is delivered by Registered Adult Leaders, referred to as Trail Guides. These leaders are overseen by the Unit Leader, referred to as the Ranger.

WOODLANDS TRAIL ADVANCEMENT

Within the Woodlands Trail Program, achievements are participation based.  Trailmen earn "Steps" for participation in troop meetings, events, and outdoor activities (campouts, service projects, etc.).  There are seven core areas of focus within the program, which are represented by branches of a tree.  As leaves are earned, they are credited toward an applicable branch.  

NAVIGATORS (Grades 6-8)

The Navigators Unit provides programming to middle school aged boys (ages 11 - 13; 6th - 8th grades).  Within the Navigators program, the boys are segregated into smaller patrol units which are youth led.  Activities are directed by a adult leaders referred to as Trail Guides, who are overseen by the Unit Leader, referred to as the Trailmaster.

ADVENTURERS (Grades 9-12)

The Adventurers Unit provides programming to highschool aged boys (ages 14 - 17; 9th-12th grades).  Within the Adventurers program, the boys are segregated into smaller patrol units which are youth led.  Activities of the Adventurers unit are overseen by an adult leader referred to as the Advisor.

NAVIGATORS/ADVENTURERS ADVANCEMENT

Within the Navigators and Adventurers program, achievements are merit based.  Trailmen work toward the development of life skills in various areas (outdoor skills, first aid, emergency preparedness, citizenship, family values, etc.).  As they complete their training, they earn Trail Badges.  Successful completion of required and elective Trail Badges, along with completion of certain other requirements, allows a Trailman to earn ranks in progressing fashion.  The ultimate goal is to earn all rank advancements and achieve the highest rank, known as the Freedom Award.

Program Materials

• Woodlands Trail Overview (Grades Ages 5-10)

• Woodlands Trail Steps Overview

• Family Home Activities Guide - Use this to make up Woodlands Trail Branch Steps from missed meetings.

• Family At Home Activities Record - Once you've completed a Family At Home Activity, please print this record, fill it out, and turn it in at a future meeting.