mapFranklin, IN

About

Trail Life USA is a church-based, Christ-centered, boy-focused program where boys take part in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, riflery, archery, and canoeing. Boys participate in a structured, hands-on program that is set in the context of outdoor adventure and includes a robust awards program with physical, mental, and spiritual challenges and victory. Local churches own and direct Troops, and boys are engaged in a Troop setting by male mentors using a Patrol Method where boys lead boys with increasing responsibility.

• Ages: 5–17 years old
• Price: For just $40 per year plus local Troop fees, boys enjoy weekly meetings and regular outdoor adventures in a Christ-Centered, Boy-Focused environment. Just $325 to start a troop.

Trail Life USA states its Mission is to guide generations of courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure. The program is established on timeless values derived from the Bible, is undergirded by biblical values, and reflects a Christian worldview. Its vision is to be a premier national character development organization for young men which produces godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens, and its motto is “Walk Worthy.” The program includes an Oath, emphasizes servant leadership and character-focused rather than awards-focused participation, and has an unwavering commitment to youth protection and safety in the outdoors.

Trail Life USA reports more than 70,000 Trailmen in over 1,500 Troops, with Troops in all 50 states. It is a volunteer-driven organization with program flexibility for local Troops and decentralized decision-making that requires support from local Charter Organizations. The organization describes itself as family-oriented with an emphasis on father-son engagement and family collaboration, and it uses a debt-averse, member-dependent financial model. Youth membership is open to all boys at least 5 years old and less than 18 years of age, young adult membership is open to men and women who are at least 18 years old and have not reached their 21st birthday, and adult membership is open to men and women 21 years of age or older. All members must honor their God-given identity revealed in their biological sex by presenting as and living consistent with that sex.

Trail Life USA highlights community involvement, including a Trail Life Troop in Oklahoma that serves the local community recovering from a devastating tornado. The organization describes its adult leadership as male-centered and its activities as outdoor-focused to build godly character.

Public testimonials describe Trail Life USA as a great outdoor adventure program for boys and young men and as a great Christian organization that helps develop character and leadership in boys and young men. Other testimonials state that Trail Life USA is a phenomenal scouting alternative, that it will be transformative for millions of young men over coming generations, and that it is the kind of program that is needed for boys and dads. Additional supporters say they believe in the vision of Trail Life USA, are excited about what the organization stands for, and are thrilled that it is helping to disciple the next generations.

Last updated May 12, 2026.

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