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.
The Trail Life USA program is designed for boys from age 5 - 17. Program participants are referred to as "Trailmen". The "Troop" is the primary unit of organization and provides programming for boys of all ages. Each chartered troop is further segregated into "Units" as follows:
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)
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.
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA TRANSFER CREDIT
Trail Life USA has developed a program to allow previous participants in BSA to transfer their achievements into Trail Life USA. The BSA rank advancements do not correlate precisely to the Trail Life USA ranks, but there is a system to ensure transferring Trailmen receive credit for work done in the BSA program.
