Who We Are
Core Values
We teach biblical truth, integrating a biblical Christian worldview in all our outdoor adventures and character-building programs.
Church-Owned & Operated
Local churches own and direct Troops, ensuring alignment with biblical Christian principles and allowing for dedicated stakeholders and church-endorsed mentors.
Outdoor-Focused
Adventure outdoors builds godly character. Our activities cultivate leadership, resilience, and awe for God's creation.
Safety
Trail Life USA is unwavering in our commitment to youth protection and safety in the outdoors. We implement the 1-2-3 Youth Protection Essentials and provide informed and common sense health and safety guidelines in an effort to ensure the safety of every Trailman.
Courage
We boldly stand firm in biblical truth, equipping boys and leaders with the courage to uphold Christ-centered values in a shifting culture.
Male-Centered Adult Leadership
Godly men mentor boys into godly men. Male leadership is essential, irreplaceable, and central to our mission.
Family-Oriented
We champion father-son engagement and family collaboration, partnering with like-minded ministries for holistic family growth.
Volunteer-Driven
Our organization thrives on passionate volunteers. This minimizes paid staff and maximizes member involvement.
Program Flexibility
Core principles are firm, but local Troops have flexibility to adapt the program to their unique culture and faith traditions.
Shared Leadership
We practice collaborative leadership, empowering individuals and multiplying influence by intentionally equipping others.
Patrol Method Leadership
We empower boys to lead boys, giving them increasing responsibility and decision-making authority as they mature.
Servant Leadership
Servant leadership is characterized by humility and a willingness to work alongside others and not just “boss” people around. Leading by example and sacrifice are also qualities of servant leadership.
Character-Focused, Not Awards-Focused
Although boys in Trail Life USA can experience a robust and challenging awards program, we are more concerned with building character. The focus should always be on building character over merely earning awards.
Decentralized Decision-Making
Key organizational decisions require overwhelming support from our local Charter Organizations, ensuring fidelity to our mission and beliefs.
Debt Averse and Member Dependent
We are committed to a debt-averse and member-supported organization. While we appreciate the generosity of our donors, our financial independence is primarily sustained through member dues and store sales, allowing a large percentage of our donations to directly support ministry growth and enhancement objectives, not operational expenses.
Christian Worldview
Trail Life USA maintains that integration of a Christian Worldview is essential in order to accomplish its vision and mission. Click here to view 'Trail Life USA’s Six Essential Concepts of a Christian Worldview'.
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