Trail Life USA

Last updated

Trail Life USA
Trail Life USA.svg
Headquarters Belton, South Carolina
Country United States
FoundedJune 2013 (2013-06)
Chief Executive OfficerMark Hancock [1]
AffiliationChristian
Website
traillifeusa.com
WikiProject Scouting fleur-de-lis dark.svg  Scouting portal
Trail Life USA members at 4th of July parade in Fairfax, Virginia Fairfax July 4th QD3J0337 (28096780166).jpg
Trail Life USA members at 4th of July parade in Fairfax, Virginia

Trail Life USA (TLUSA or commonly Trail Life) is a faith-based Scout-like organization providing youth mentorship and character development to boys in the United States. [2] [3] [4] [5] The organization was founded in 2013 in reaction against the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) changing its membership policy to allow homosexual youth in boy scout packs. [6] [7] [8] As of early 2024, Trail Life has grown to over 60,000 members.[ citation needed ] All charters of Trail Life USA must pledge to follow its "Statement of Faith"; the organization is Trinitarian Christian. Youths of all or no religious beliefs are allowed to join, but individual Charter Organizations may limit Troop membership to boys of a certain faith or membership in a certain organization. [9]

Contents

Background

In May 2013, Boy Scouts of America (BSA) voted to change its membership policy to allow youth of any sexual orientation. [8] Following the vote, John Stemberger changed the mission of OnMyHonor.net to start a new alternative Scouting program to be the premier national character development organization for young men which "produces godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens". [10] OnMyHonor.net was a group formed by John Stemberger to oppose the proposed membership policy change in March 2013 and consisted of parents, Scoutmasters, Eagle Scouts and other Scouting leaders. [11] [12] [13]

Following the vote, the Faith-Based Boys (FBB) was founded. [14] In May 2013, American Heritage Girls (AHG) joined the FBB. [15] FBB official Thomas Dillingham indicated that the group would start accepting applications in August for youth memberships and group leaders. [16]

OnMyHonor.net, Faith Based Boys and other regional and national groups, TrailHead USA and Frontier Service Corps, joined to form the new group. A leadership meeting was held in Louisville, Kentucky on June 29, 2013, to discuss forming a new group. [17] The AHG cofounder Patti Garibay was invited to the Kentucky meeting as an advisor. [18] The organization would be based on the AHG program. [17]

In a July 2013 interview, Stemberger said, "If a young man has a same-sex attraction he would not be turned away in the program, but he’s not going to be allowed to kind of openly flaunt it and carry a rainbow flag", and stated, "we’re going to focus on sexual purity, not sexual orientation". They will have a policy that "the proper context for sexual relations is only between a man and a woman in the covenant of marriage." [14]

History

Trail Life motto/slogan

Walk Worthy (from Colossians 1:10) [19]

— NPR [3] [20]

Trail Life USA was formed in July 2013. [20] On September 6–7, 2013, a national convention was held for the new group where chartering rules, programs, rankings, and uniforms were adopted and its name revealed. [21] Over 300 names were considered for the new organization. [8] The group selected Trail Life USA as its name [8] and chose to start in January 2014 with an expected 1000 incubation troops formed by then. It was also revealed in September that Trail Life would be partnering with American Heritage Girls. During the national convention announcing Trail Life USA, Stemberger told the audience "Real men value truth over tradition," and "Real men value principle over program, and they value integrity over institutions." [3]

In October 2013, Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod leaders indicated that member churches may affiliate with any Scouting program including Trail Life. [22]

YearUnitsMembers
201552420,000 [2]
201772723,390 [23]
202084131,078 [23]
202187537,350 [23]
20231,00049,000 [24]
20241,25060,000 [25]


Richard Mathews, BSA's former general counsel, joined Trail Life USA as its acting general counsel. [26]

Trail Life USA reported that almost 500 troops were pre-chartered by the January 1, 2014, official launch date. [27] After its first full year of operation, Trail Life USA had 524 officially chartered troops in 48 states and just under 20,000 members. [2]

Trail Life USA's headquarters (known as the "Home Office") is located on a 127-acre dedicated camping facility known as Camp Aiken, south of Greenville, South Carolina. The property features a full gymnasium, chapel, trails, fishing ponds, bonfire areas, and numerous campsites. [28]

Program

The Trailman 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 Trailman's Handbook, page xiv

Trailmen fall into various categories based on the grade they are in corresponding to their age:

The Trail Life salute is based on the Military salute while its sign is a five-finger sign similar to the three-finger Scout sign. [29]

Troops And Patrols

In Trail Life, you will have a local gathering place to host weekly meetings with your group called a Troop. This Troop will have all ranks from Woodlands, to Adventurers. The Troop will have multiple patrols with Navigators and adventures. With all the ranks there are Patrols, Patrols are usually a group of 6-8 Navigators or adventures, and Woodland's patrols are usually a bit bigger. For Navigators and Adventurers, there will be a registered adult in the Troop called the Trail Master who is in charge of the Navigators and Adventurers. In a patrol, the Trailmen will get to Make and vote on Patrol names (Age-appropriate), Patrol Yells, and a Patrol Flag (If they choose).

Freedom Award

Trail Life USA's highest award is the Freedom Award [20] for which the potential recipients must choose a "major" and two "minor" subjects [29] and lead the development and implementation of a community-oriented Servant Leadership Project. The award is characterized by Biblical symbolism from the Old and New Testaments of the Christian Bible, primarily John 8:36 referring to a Christian's Freedom. [30]

The award is achieved when the Trailman has completed all necessary levels of Trail Life. The Trailman, to show that he has received the Freedom Award, is given a Freedom Topper. This is a marker that screws onto the top of the Trailman's staff. [31]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Unitarian Universalist Association</span> Liberal religious Unitarian Universalist congregations, formed in 1961

Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is a liberal religious association of Unitarian Universalist congregations. It was formed in 1961 by the consolidation of the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America, respectively. However, modern Unitarian Universalists see themselves as a separate religion with its own beliefs and affinities. They define themselves as non-creedal, and draw wisdom from various religions and philosophies, including humanism, pantheism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Judaism, Islam, and Earth-centered spirituality. Thus, the UUA is a religious group with liberal leanings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boy Scouts of America</span> Scouting America organization in the United States

The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest scouting organizations and one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with over 1 million youth, including 176,000 female participants. The BSA was founded in 1910; about 130 million Americans have participated in its programs, which are served by 477,000 adult volunteers. BSA became a founding member organization of the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 1922.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Religious emblems programs (Boy Scouts of America)</span>

A variety of religious emblems programs are used by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to encourage youth to learn about their faith and to recognize adults who provide significant service to youth in a religious environment. These religious programs are created, administered and awarded by the various religious groups, not the BSA, but each program must be recognized by the BSA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Varsity Scouting</span> Former Boy Scouts of America program

Varsity Scouting was a program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). It was an alternative available to boys ages fourteen to eighteen until the end of 2017. It used the basic Boy Scouting program and added high adventure, sporting, and other elements that were more appealing to older youth to accomplish the aims of character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. Varsity Scouts were organized into teams; separate chartered units from a Boy Scout troop.

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA), one of the largest private youth organizations in the United States, has policies which prohibit those who are not willing to subscribe to the BSA's Declaration of Religious Principle, which has been interpreted by some as banning atheists, and, until January 2014, prohibited all "known or avowed homosexuals", from membership in its Scouting program. The ban on adults who are "open or avowed homosexuals" from leadership positions was lifted in July 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American Heritage Girls</span> Christian Scouting-like organization

The American Heritage Girls (AHG) is a Christian Scouting-like organization for Americans. The organization has more than 52,000 members (2020) with troops or individuals ("trailblazers") in all 50 states of the United States and for American expatriates in fifteen other countries.

Scouting and Guiding in mainland China was reported as banned with the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC) by the Communist Party since 1949. Instead, the Young Pioneers of China and the Communist Youth League, led by the Communist Party, have become the dominant youth organization in mainland China for younger and older youth, respectively. However, China now has multiple and originally separate Scouting activities within its borders. In 2004, the Scout Club of Hainan, borrowing heavily from Scouting in terms of emblems, uniforms and activities, was founded in Hainan Province; it is, however, not affiliated with worldwide Scouting. An attempt to organize a nationwide Scouting organization in Wuhan was ended by the government in 2004. The Scout Association of the People's Republic of China, founded in 2008 serves Venture Scouts in both genders as well as Rover Scouts. The Rover Explorer Service Association operate groups in China.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">William Hillcourt</span> American scouting leader (1900–1992)

William Hillcourt, known within the Scouting movement as "Green Bar Bill", was an influential leader in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) organization from 1927 to 1992. Hillcourt was a prolific writer and teacher in the areas of woodcraft, troop and patrol structure, and training; his written works include three editions of the BSA's official Boy Scout Handbook, with over 12.6 million copies printed, other Scouting-related books and numerous magazine articles. Hillcourt developed and promoted the American adaptation of the Wood Badge adult Scout leader training program.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scouts BSA</span> Main coed program of the Boy Scouts of America for youth ages 11 to 17

Scouts BSA is the flagship program and membership level of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) for coeducational young people between the ages of typically 11 and 17. It provides youth training in character, citizenship, personal fitness, and leadership, and aims to develop the skills necessary to become successful adults.

Religious emblems programs also called religious recognition programs are awards set up by some religious organizations for members of various youth organizations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scouting in the United States</span> Overview of scouting in the United States

Scouting in the United States is dominated by the 1.2 million-member Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the USA and other associations that are recognized by one of the international Scouting organizations. There are also a few smaller, independent groups that are considered to be "Scout-like" or otherwise Scouting related.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of the Boy Scouts of America</span>

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was inspired by and modeled on The Boy Scouts Association, established by Robert Baden-Powell in Britain in 1908. In the early 1900s, several youth organizations were active, and many became part of the BSA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Religion in Scouting</span>

Religion in Scouting and Guiding is an aspect of the Scout method that has been practiced differently and given different interpretations in different parts of the world over the years.

Non-aligned Scouting organizations is a term used by the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and their member national organizations to refer to Scouting organizations that are not affiliated with them. See List of non-aligned Scouting organizations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scouting controversy and conflict</span> Controversy within the youth movement

There are various controversies and conflicts that involve the Scouting movement. Scouting has sometimes become entangled in social controversies such as in nationalist resistance movements in India. Scouting was introduced to Africa by British officials as an instrument of colonial authority but became a subversive challenge to the legitimacy of British imperialism as Scouting fostered solidarity amongst African Scouts. There are also controversies and challenges within the Scout Movement itself such as current efforts to turn Scouts Canada into a democratic organization.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Learning for Life</span> American youth program

Learning for Life (LFL) is a United States school and work-site based youth program that is an affiliate of the Boy Scouts of America. It utilizes programs designed for schools and community-based organizations that are designed to prepare youth for the complexities of contemporary society and to enhance their self-confidence, motivation, and self-esteem, and for careers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scout troop</span> Basic organizational unit of Scouting

A Scout troop is a term adopted into use with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and the Scout Movement to describe their basic units. The term troop echoes a group of mounted scouts in the military or an expedition and follows the terms cavalry, mounted infantry and mounted police use for organizational units.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Navigators USA</span>

Navigators USA is an American non-aligned Scouting organization that was founded in 2003 in New York City.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James Dale (activist)</span>

James Dale is an American gay rights activist. He is best known for his role in Boy Scouts of America v. Dale, the landmark US Supreme Court case that challenged the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) policy of excluding gay scouts from being scout leaders.

Youth organizations in the United States are of many different types. The largest is the government run 4-H program, followed by the federally chartered but private Scouting movement groups: the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA). Another somewhat smaller but co-ed Scouting derived group is Camp Fire. Other youth groups are religious youth ministries such as the evangelical Christian Awana, Seventh-day Adventist Pathfinders, and Assemblies of God Royal Rangers.

References

  1. ↑ Penley, Taylor (October 11, 2023). "Faith-based Boy Scouts alternative tackles bullying epidemic at its roots: 'Making a difference'". Fox News.
  2. 1 2 3 Stemberger, John (January 7, 2015). "10 Positive Trends Christians Should Thank God For". Charisma News. Retrieved January 8, 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 Lohr, Kathy (September 9, 2013). "Trail Life USA, The 'Other' Boy Scouts Of America". NPR . Retrieved December 16, 2013.
  4. ↑ Salmons, Stephanie (May 19, 2016). "Trail Life teaches leadership, character". McLean County News. Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer. Archived from the original on May 22, 2016. Retrieved June 12, 2016.
  5. ↑ Kumar, Anugrah (September 8, 2013). "Christian Values-Based Alternative to Boy Scouts Launched". Christian Post. Retrieved June 12, 2016.
  6. ↑ Colbert, Chuck (November 19, 2013). "Former Defense Secretary Gates to lead Boy Scouts". Windy City Times . Retrieved December 16, 2013. In all, more than 1.9 million people have joined Change.org petition campaigns seeking a complete end to BSA discrimination based on sexual orientation.
  7. ↑ Kennedy, Dan (May 24, 2013). "The Boy Scouts' Half-Measure May Hasten the End of Discrimination". Huffington Post . Retrieved December 16, 2013. More than 60 percent of the organization's national leadership voted to approve a policy ending discrimination against openly gay scouts while keeping in place the ban against gay adult leaders.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Wetzstein, Cheryl (September 7, 2013). "Boy Scout alternative, Trail Life USA, launches 'premier' Christian group for boys". The Washington Times . Retrieved January 1, 2015.
  9. ↑ "Frequently Asked Questions". Trail Life USA. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
  10. ↑ "Distinctives | Trail Life USA".
  11. ↑ Payne, Ed (September 9, 2013). "Trail Life USA launches a Boy Scout alternative". CNN. Retrieved January 1, 2015.
  12. ↑ Davis, John W. (March 23, 2013). "Boy Scouts launching coalition to keep gays, lesbians out". Cfnews13.com. Archived from the original on May 24, 2013. Retrieved April 29, 2013.
  13. ↑ Respaut, Robin (July 10, 2013). "Faith-based group to start Boy Scouts rival". MSN. Reuters. Archived from the original on July 15, 2013. Retrieved January 1, 2015.
  14. 1 2 Leitsinger, Miranda (July 9, 2013). "Faith-based group starting alternative to Boy Scouts – will allow gay youth, adults". NBC News. Retrieved December 16, 2013.
  15. ↑ Token, Jody (May 2013). "American Heritage Girls join Faith-Based Boys Coalition" (PDF). American Heritage Girls. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 4, 2013. Retrieved October 14, 2013.
  16. ↑ Gast, Phil; Botelho, Greg; Sayers, Devon M. (May 24, 2013). "Boy Scouts to allow gay youths to join". CNN. Retrieved December 16, 2013.
  17. 1 2 Wiggins, Kimberly (July 16, 2013). "Orlando group creates faith-based alternative to Boy Scouts". MyFoxOrlando.com. WOFL-FOX35. Archived from the original on January 1, 2015. Retrieved January 1, 2015.
  18. ↑ Butts, Charlie (June 14, 2013). "Christian girls' group founder advises new boys' scouting group". OneNewsNow.com. American Family News Network. Archived from the original on June 18, 2013.
  19. ↑ Trailman's Handbook, page 27
  20. 1 2 3 4 Gross, Natalie (September 22, 2013). "Faith-based alternative to Boy Scouts emerging". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. A-J Media. Retrieved January 1, 2015.
  21. ↑ Wetzstein, Cheryl (September 8, 2014). "Boy Scouts alternative created after gay flap picks up 14,000 members in first year". The Washington Times . Retrieved September 10, 2014.
  22. ↑ Wetzstein, Cheryl (October 7, 2013). "Lutherans OK congregations affiliating with either Boy Scouts or Trail Life". The Washington Times . Retrieved January 1, 2015.
  23. 1 2 3 "Trail Life USA, Inc. - GuideStar Profile". www.guidestar.org. Retrieved April 6, 2024. Members includes both youth and adults
  24. ↑ ""Trail Life USA"". traillifeusa.com. Trail Life USA. July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  25. ↑ ""Trail Life USA"". traillifeusa.com. Trail Life USA. January 23, 2025. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
  26. ↑ Parks, Scott (December 15, 2013). "After Boy Scouts' vote to admit gay youths, rival group takes root". Dallas Morning News . Retrieved December 16, 2013.
  27. ↑ Banks, Adelle M. (December 31, 2013). "Boy Scouts Christian alternative launches with 500 troops". Religion News. Retrieved January 9, 2014.
  28. ↑ "Camp Aiken" . Retrieved December 30, 2020.
  29. 1 2 Merchant, Nomaan (March 1, 2014). "Trail Life courts those who oppose Boy Scouts' acceptance of gays". Mercury News. Associated Press. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  30. ↑ "Trail Life USA Freedom Award Reveal Video" . Retrieved September 23, 2020.
  31. ↑ "The Trailman's Handbook Set". Trail Life USA. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.