GREENVILLE, S.C. — “We are deeply saddened that the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), a long-standing American institution, is in this unfortunate situation. “Trail Life USA (www.TrailLifeUSA.org), a Christian boys’ mentoring and discipleship movement, wants to reinforce its commitment to providing a safe experience for all boys, from kindergarten through 12th grade. Our philosophy is derived from the Bible and …
Jaydon Ballman enjoys the outdoors. Whenever he gets the chance, he likes to hike, camp or simply enjoy being outside. His recent completion of a walking bridge at Alcove Spring Historic Park was an effort to provide that enjoyment for others. Ballman said “it was a fun but challenging project.” The bridge allowed him to achieve the highest rank, the …
Holding a spoonful of green beans in one hand, 11-year-old Charlie Keeling looked over the counter at the veterans in line before him at Restoration House Family Worship Center. “Would you like some green beans?” Keeling asked. “Are you a veteran? Thank you for your service.” A Navigator in Trail Life USA, Keeling and 28 other Trailmen in Troop KY-5812 …
A RETURN TO SCOUTING’S ROOTS The Trail Life movement represents a return to the founding principles of youth scouting as articulated by Lord Robert Baden-Powell, a British army officer and founder of the modern youth scouting movement. His best-selling book, “Aids to Scouting,” was published in 1899 and boldly states, “Scouting is nothing less than applied Christianity.” When asked about …
What follows is a partial transcript of John Stemberger’s keynote address entitled “Protecting Boys From the Lies of This World.” The speech was delivered on Sunday, July 21st at the Trail Life USA Summer Adventure and Family Convention. To hear the message in its entirety, click the video link above. I want to talk to you this morning about protecting …
As the boat was lowered into the water, the boys held their breath. They had done research, planned, built and tested a series of small models with successive improvements, and prayed for a year. Still, they had never put the boat–this boat–in water. No one could really be sure that it would float long enough to carry them to the …
This week MinistryWatch, an independent donor advocate facilitating the information needs of donors and providing information on charitable organizations, highlighted Trail Life USA as a “Shining Light.” The following is an excerpt from a MinistryWatch email: “For 20 years, MinistryWatch.com has engaged in investigative work that warned donors and others about Christian ministries to avoid. However, an equally vital part of …
“Trail Life has been one of the most influential parts of my life. . . . As a young person, you can do many ‘activities,’ but there were no other opportunities available to me where you can learn leadership of peers in this Christ-centered environment.” Henry Thompson reflects on his time in Trail Life and reminisces fondly about the many …
What follows is a partial transcript of Mark Hancock’s keynote address entitled “Lies About You.” The speech was delivered on Sunday, July 21st at the Trail Life USA Summer Adventure and Family Convention. To hear the message in its entirety, click the video link above. The most powerful words that define and direct you may never have been spoken out …
We must make every effort to interdict those dangerous influences, and to build within our young men lasting qualities of character, self-discipline, respect for authority, commitment to the work ethic, and an unshakable love for Jesus Christ…Get your boys into a good program that offers Christian mentoring for them, such as Trail Life. -Dr. James Dobson Dr. James Dobson has …
As a young man in high school and college, I stopped going hunting with my dad because I was just too busy, I got married and had kids. Classic adult excuses, but I just didn’t think about hunting until one fall day in 2011. Visiting with my Dad one day, out of the blue he asked if I was interested …
Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center is a beautiful 317-acre haven nestled at the base of Lookout Mountain and just minutes from nearby Chattanooga, Tennessee. For generations, local residents have enjoyed visiting the historic structures, canoeing on Lookout Creek, and exploring the 15 miles of hiking trails through its forests and glades. On a trip through the park, Trailmen from …
Trail Life USA is pleased to announce our new ministry association with Renewanation of Roanoke, VA. Renewanation’s vision is “to see culture transformed by helping millions of children develop a Biblical worldview.” Biblical worldview is at the very heart of Trail Life – our Mission is “to guide generations of courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve …
The head of a faith-based scouting organization is offering a solution to prevent shootings and other attacks. “The fix for this stuff isn’t gun control and all the other things we’re debating,” Trail Life USA CEO Mark Hancock told The Todd Starnes Show. “It’s fathers and father-likes that step up and find ways to provide moral, strong, clear, leadership.” Hancock said …
In September 2013, more than 1,200 mostly male voices sang the rousing hymn “In Christ Alone” to kick off the first meeting on Sept. 7 of Trail Life USA (TLUSA). This new group wanted to be a Christian alternative to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). At that time, Trail Life USA was little more than a hope and a dream, …
With Mark Hancock | July 12, 2019 This is a two-part interview. Don’t miss day one, where Mark discusses Raising Strong, Godly, Courageous Men with the Family Life team. Bob: I am an Eagle Scout. I grew up going to Scouts…Girl scouting and boy scouting are both very different today than they were when I was growing up. They’re dealing with all …
Mark Hancock with Family Life Radio Hosts: Dave and Ann Wilson, and Bob Lepine July 11, 2019 Don’t Miss the second part of the interview: What a Boy Needs Bob: We’ve got a friend joining us, again, on FamilyLife Today, who is passionate about this subject. Mark Hancock is back with us. Mark, welcome to FamilyLife Today. Mark: Thank you. It’s great to …
This Independence Day, Trailmen and families from Troop IL-0412 woke early to gather at a local cemetery. Today’s event had received special attention and boys and families arrived at 9 AM to begin this Independence Day with a special commemoration and blessing. After a brief explanation and passing out of flags, boys and mentors paired off and together they walked …
Trail Life USA is a Christ-Centered, Boy-Focused Outdoor Adventure, Leadership, and Service Organization. In just over 5 years, Trail Life has grown to nearly 28,000 members in more than 800 churches in all 50 states. Eric: “I want to say bluntly to all who are listening to this program. We need Trail Life USA in every community in America. There …
A National Guard facility in Pennsylvania refused to allow a Trail Life USA scouting troop to tour their facility because of the group’s religious affiliation. The Fort Indiantown Gap National Guard facility regularly hosts tours for Boy Scout troops and other organizations, but Trail Life boys were told they could not participate because they belonged to a Christian scouting organization. The …
