Anyone have any experience with them? I have a 6 year old son who loves to explore and camp. Think this would be a good alternative to the Scouts which are a long way from what I remember them to be.
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Trail Life USA
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Last: 4 yr ago by DevilD77
same here - 6yo son. We went to one of their meetings as a sort of trial and seems like a great alternative to what Boy Scouts has become.
Not a ton of spiritual emphasis as there was just a short Bible lesson, but better than nothing. My son wanted to still do Awanas for one more year (which involves scripture memory & games) so we may try Trail life next year.
Not a ton of spiritual emphasis as there was just a short Bible lesson, but better than nothing. My son wanted to still do Awanas for one more year (which involves scripture memory & games) so we may try Trail life next year.
We did one of their events and there were a lot of awkward nerds there. Not sure if it was our cup of tea. Seems like a good group of people too and really nice.
I have not looked into Awanas, will do that. Is Indian Guides still a thing? I never was involved with that group and do not know much about them.neutics said:
same here - 6yo son. We went to one of their meetings as a sort of trial and seems like a great alternative to what Boy Scouts has become.
Not a ton of spiritual emphasis as there was just a short Bible lesson, but better than nothing. My son wanted to still do Awanas for one more year (which involves scripture memory & games) so we may try Trail life next year.
Edited to say that I just looked up Indian Guides which I guess is affiliated with the YMCA. They are no longer called Indian Guides and are now Adventure Guides. Anyway, seems like another good option for dad's to spend time with their kids doing fun activities like camping, etc.
yeah this was somewhat my impression too. One of the dad leaders was definitely a nerd but you can't complain about those who are volunteering their time if you are not willing to!Salute The Marines said:
We did one of their events and there were a lot of awkward nerds there. Not sure if it was our cup of tea. Seems like a good group of people too and really nice.
I have a military background but if anything that made me kind of despise camping and ruck marching etc
Not sure what they are, but big time supporter of the old Boy Scouts. Is the BSA up for sell? Gotta be at the lowest value and with a salvageable reputation under new ownership, it is time to buy. If I win the lottery, I will purchase BSA and make it old school. I will need a partnering law firm as this will be the largest anti-woke association in the world. There will be the pledge of allegiance before meetings and a prayer to close it. No woman allowed. Woke merit badges are hasta luegoed. Masculinity will be valued. We will be giving boys a chance to become men.
I wish but pretty sure this ship has sailed which is why Trail Life was born (started by some of the former leadership of BSA). You can thank Robert Gates too in part.IndividualFreedom said:
Not sure what they are, but big time supporter of the old Boy Scouts. Is the BSA up for sell? Gotta be at the lowest value and with a salvageable reputation under new ownership, it is time to buy. If I win the lottery, I will purchase BSA and make it old school. I will need a partnering law firm as this will be the largest anti-woke association in the world. There will be the pledge of allegiance before meetings and a prayer to close it. No woman allowed. Woke merit badges are hasta luegoed. Masculinity will be valued. We will be giving boys a chance to become men.
Swanson scouts basically
My 7 yo loves it. It does seem to over represent the homeschool/might-be-mildly-autistic crowd, but IMHO, you just have to press in and go for it. As mentioned above, it does appear to be the replacement for BSA, as we knew it.
Salute The Marines said:
We did one of their events and there were a lot of awkward nerds there. Not sure if it was our cup of tea. Seems like a good group of people too and really nice.
You just described Scouts in general.
My son and I are active members of Trail Life and proponents of this organization. We are having an open house for anyone interested on Tuesday August 17th at Central.
We are part of the Central Church Troop TX-1525, here in College Station.
As well, I am an Eagle Scout and not in any way a fan of what BSA has become. I don't need to harp on BSA as they are doing a great job closing up shop. However, I can't wait for Trail Life to purchase Philmont...
Trail Life is 95% similar to BSA; it is growing organization, exponentially. Our troop is 2-3 years old and has doubled in size every year. I believe we will be hitting 60-75 boys this year from 30-40 last year.
The biggest difference from BSA is the parental involvement and being a Church based organization. Both intended to be mandatory. BSA, literally, lost their moral compass. Trail Life's foundation is based on biblical values passed down through the father (both fathers).
I know in Boy Scouts, my father would just drop me off and take me to camps, etc. This organization is built upon the Father/Son (biblically and parentally), Mentor/Mentee relationship. It is an organization for Spiritual development using the outdoors and life skills in cohesion.
Lots of great dads and sons there. One of the growing pains is that all of the logistics to "fun" activities have not been ironed out at "corporate" level. They do focus on safety, heavily, being a church organization. For instance, there is a rule that no scouts are allowed to be alone with adults unless it is their parent or guardian. There must be 2 adults present if scouts are involved with any activity. It makes sense that, for the safety of the child, the parents should be part of these activities.
On a contrary note, we have discussed having a rifle or bow shooting events, but have not yet, because all of these details have not been fully regulated on the national level with the organization (insurance, safety, training, etc.). Obviously, BSA has been shooting guns for years and have their own protocol.
Essentially, Trail Life has learned from BSA's mistakes and is implementing strategies to mitigate their problems.
We are having a blast and encourage you to join.
We are part of the Central Church Troop TX-1525, here in College Station.
As well, I am an Eagle Scout and not in any way a fan of what BSA has become. I don't need to harp on BSA as they are doing a great job closing up shop. However, I can't wait for Trail Life to purchase Philmont...
Trail Life is 95% similar to BSA; it is growing organization, exponentially. Our troop is 2-3 years old and has doubled in size every year. I believe we will be hitting 60-75 boys this year from 30-40 last year.
The biggest difference from BSA is the parental involvement and being a Church based organization. Both intended to be mandatory. BSA, literally, lost their moral compass. Trail Life's foundation is based on biblical values passed down through the father (both fathers).
I know in Boy Scouts, my father would just drop me off and take me to camps, etc. This organization is built upon the Father/Son (biblically and parentally), Mentor/Mentee relationship. It is an organization for Spiritual development using the outdoors and life skills in cohesion.
Lots of great dads and sons there. One of the growing pains is that all of the logistics to "fun" activities have not been ironed out at "corporate" level. They do focus on safety, heavily, being a church organization. For instance, there is a rule that no scouts are allowed to be alone with adults unless it is their parent or guardian. There must be 2 adults present if scouts are involved with any activity. It makes sense that, for the safety of the child, the parents should be part of these activities.
On a contrary note, we have discussed having a rifle or bow shooting events, but have not yet, because all of these details have not been fully regulated on the national level with the organization (insurance, safety, training, etc.). Obviously, BSA has been shooting guns for years and have their own protocol.
Essentially, Trail Life has learned from BSA's mistakes and is implementing strategies to mitigate their problems.
We are having a blast and encourage you to join.
I was VERY involved with Boy Scouts until recently when my boys aged out. I ran a Cub Scout Pack for about 6 years and was a very active Scouter (adult leader) when my boys moved into Boy Scouts.
I think the real question is how well you fit in with the local group you are joining. Try out a couple meetings at several different organizations. Even within BSA or Trail Life, each unit has it's own distinct feel. For example, some BSA units are full of more academically minded people, while others are very athletic, while others focus on outdoor activities and nothing else, etc. The Troop my boys were a part of went camping at least once a month, 12 months a year, and won every single athletic competition at Summer Camp. Other Troops won chess tournaments. We were OK with that and happy for them.
We had a group of very hardcore Catholic families leave my Troop and charter a chapter of Trail Life when BSA's policy changed to allow gay leaders, but it never really got off the ground. The reason for this is because although the national BSA policy changed, it in no way impacted what we were doing with our Troop. The current status of the Troop, the way it is run, and the overall mindset of it's members have remained virtually unchanged since it was founded 45 years ago. This is an active Troop with about 75 boys. However, all it will take is someone trying to join, not being allowed to or welcomed, and raising a complaint with national BSA for all that to change.
The issue I see coming with my Troop is that the primary feeder Cub Scout Pack has allowed girls to join and they are close to bridging (transitioning) to the Boy Scout Troop. Up until now, the Troop has adamantly remained boy only. I could see some of the girl parents raising a fuss.....We'll have to see how it plays out.
As someone else pointed out - Whatever you decide, just please stay involved and active as a parent in the organization. You and your child will have a greater experience if you are involved and they will also be more likely to achieve their goals, participate in activities, grow in rank, etc.
I think the real question is how well you fit in with the local group you are joining. Try out a couple meetings at several different organizations. Even within BSA or Trail Life, each unit has it's own distinct feel. For example, some BSA units are full of more academically minded people, while others are very athletic, while others focus on outdoor activities and nothing else, etc. The Troop my boys were a part of went camping at least once a month, 12 months a year, and won every single athletic competition at Summer Camp. Other Troops won chess tournaments. We were OK with that and happy for them.
We had a group of very hardcore Catholic families leave my Troop and charter a chapter of Trail Life when BSA's policy changed to allow gay leaders, but it never really got off the ground. The reason for this is because although the national BSA policy changed, it in no way impacted what we were doing with our Troop. The current status of the Troop, the way it is run, and the overall mindset of it's members have remained virtually unchanged since it was founded 45 years ago. This is an active Troop with about 75 boys. However, all it will take is someone trying to join, not being allowed to or welcomed, and raising a complaint with national BSA for all that to change.
The issue I see coming with my Troop is that the primary feeder Cub Scout Pack has allowed girls to join and they are close to bridging (transitioning) to the Boy Scout Troop. Up until now, the Troop has adamantly remained boy only. I could see some of the girl parents raising a fuss.....We'll have to see how it plays out.
As someone else pointed out - Whatever you decide, just please stay involved and active as a parent in the organization. You and your child will have a greater experience if you are involved and they will also be more likely to achieve their goals, participate in activities, grow in rank, etc.
Just find a boy scout troop that ismt woke
They are out there aplenty
They are out there aplenty
I've been a den leader in Cub Scouts for 3 years now in two different packs (we moved). Both packs have been associated to our parish (church and school) so they've been a pretty conservative group. What is going on with Scouts at a national level hasn't really been that impactful at the pack level.
My son and daughter both participate and we get good participation from most parents. Parents have to be at meetings and events, kids can't be alone with an adult outside of family, etc. We are trying to re-grow the pack as a lot of families quit participating because of Covid, but a lot of us kept going. Most of the activity is outside anyway.
I liked it better when it was just boys and dads but it's not terrible with the girls. I'd rather my daughter be doing this stuff than girl scouts. We don't really follow the rules of separate den meetings and events. There aren't enough girls to do that and most of the kids have siblings in the pack. It's more convenient and we'd lose whole families if forced different meetings.
The kids do lots of hikes, outdoor activities, shooting, etc. They all love it.
I imagine my kids won't continue past Webelos but we'll see in a couple years.
My son and daughter both participate and we get good participation from most parents. Parents have to be at meetings and events, kids can't be alone with an adult outside of family, etc. We are trying to re-grow the pack as a lot of families quit participating because of Covid, but a lot of us kept going. Most of the activity is outside anyway.
I liked it better when it was just boys and dads but it's not terrible with the girls. I'd rather my daughter be doing this stuff than girl scouts. We don't really follow the rules of separate den meetings and events. There aren't enough girls to do that and most of the kids have siblings in the pack. It's more convenient and we'd lose whole families if forced different meetings.
The kids do lots of hikes, outdoor activities, shooting, etc. They all love it.
I imagine my kids won't continue past Webelos but we'll see in a couple years.
My 6 year old son joined Trail Life in the Klein (Troop Tx-1333) area last year when he started Kindergarten. My husband became a troop leader and they both have really enjoyed it. It has been wonderful for my son and husband as the group really works to strengthen the bond between father and son. Our charter is very organized and has monthly camping trips along with other field trips and activities planned throughout the year. The best part is that they encourage boys to be boys. Definitely recommend it.
Here is the description of the group from their website:
Trail Life USA is a Church-Based, Christ-Centered, Boy-Focused mentoring and discipleship journey that speaks to the heart of a boy. Established on timeless values derived from the Bible and set in the context of outdoor adventure, boys from Kindergarten through 12th grade are engaged in a Troop setting by male mentors where they are challenged to grow in character, understand their purpose, serve their community, and develop practical leadership skills to carry out the mission for which they were created.
Here is the description of the group from their website:
Trail Life USA is a Church-Based, Christ-Centered, Boy-Focused mentoring and discipleship journey that speaks to the heart of a boy. Established on timeless values derived from the Bible and set in the context of outdoor adventure, boys from Kindergarten through 12th grade are engaged in a Troop setting by male mentors where they are challenged to grow in character, understand their purpose, serve their community, and develop practical leadership skills to carry out the mission for which they were created.
One thing's for sure. If/when Trail Life becomes more prevalent, you can guarantee the Woke Force will do everything to shut it all down.
"Want to go camping? Not in our state parks."
"Need liability insurance? Not by our insurance company."
"Want to go camping? Not in our state parks."
"Need liability insurance? Not by our insurance company."
As a current leader in a BSA Scout troop, it really depends on your charter organization. Organization can charter both boy and girl troop but they must be separate charters. Much the issues on the National level rarely effect the local troop. Go talk to the local troops and make your own decision. For the last 20 years BSA has been a model in youth protection and leadership growth but as most usual the media only wants to show the dirty laundry
I've been a Scoutmaster for over 40 years now and BSA is as relevant today as it has ever been, even with the changes that have been made. Each Troop/Pack is unique and how good they are depends on the leaders they have, the support they get from their chartered organization, and parental participation, just as Trail Life does. We have a "family" Pack (boys and girls) and have both a boy Troop and a girl Troop which basically function as a single unit with all of the girls in one patrol and the boys in several all boy patrols. The addition of the young ladies did not effect how we operated one bit and the boys can still be boys.
Each pack and troop are what the leaders make of it. Like others have said they are all different. You get out of it what you put into it. Our Cub Scout pack is 2/3ds home school and 1/3rd public school. There are a few girls but it's very traditional and family oriented. Cub scouts have systems and training in place and it's easy for parents to jump in and lead activities in the way that they like. I've got a 9 yo boy and 7 yo girl in and they both love it. I have a 4 yo boy that tags along to everything and can't wait to join officially
I could have written several of the emails above - former Cubmaster, Asst ScoutMaster, Eagle Scout, and my son Eagled and aged out. So I have been very involved in Scouting.Little Rock Ag said:
One thing's for sure. If/when Trail Life becomes more prevalent, you can guarantee the Woke Force will do everything to shut it all down.
"Want to go camping? Not in our state parks."
"Need liability insurance? Not by our insurance company."
Our Troop is doing great and as others said, what you hear in the headlines about the stuff National is having to deal with don't really affect us at the local level. It's more about what the leadership and the chartering organization. I firmly believe you can pick a Troop that is a good fit and have a great Scouting experience.
I'm also very impressed with Trail Life and am not surprised at all to see their growth and success, and definitely wish that organization all the best. There is plenty of room to "Compete" for helping turn boys into men. I have mixed emotions about girls in Scouting but that is another thread and honestly I don't have a dog in the fight anymore.
BUT - what is quoted above is absolutely true. I hope Trail Life leadership knows it and is prepared for it, because the woke crowd will try everything they can to attack you the same way it has Scouts.
Best of luck.
The issue is Eagle Scout remains one of the only accomplishments a kid can do before the age of 18 that should stay on their resume the rest of their life.
A good BSA Troop can accomplish everything Trail Life is trying to do. The chartering organization will go a long way to help determine the culture of the Troop.
A good BSA Troop can accomplish everything Trail Life is trying to do. The chartering organization will go a long way to help determine the culture of the Troop.
There is zero % chance this does not negatively effect the boys. I get that you love your scouts and that is great stuff, but women in scouting is the antithesis of Boy Scouts. Next thing you know, we will have our American Daughters having to sign up with selective service.Quote:
The addition of the young ladies did not effect how we operated one bit and the boys can still be boys.
As well they should as long as our young men still have too. There are plenty of positions in the services where, in times of national need, women could be conscripted for required jobs and free up males to serve in combat arms.IndividualFreedom said:There is zero % chance this does not negatively effect the boys. I get that you love your scouts and that is great stuff, but women in scouting is the antithesis of Boy Scouts. Next thing you know, we will have our American Daughters having to sign up with selective service.Quote:
The addition of the young ladies did not effect how we operated one bit and the boys can still be boys.
And you know exactly nothing about how my unit operates. We still do the same crazy **** we did 20 years ago (maybe with a few more safety precautions)!
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