Today’s approach to childhood education is failing our boys, says Trail Life USA CEO, Mark Hancock, who highlights the need for a revamped approach to engaging with boys: "Too often boys are told to come in, sit down, be still, do what they are told, and behave like the girls. But boys aren’t defective girls, they are uniquely created on purpose for a purpose. Boys were designed by their Creator to be doers. They struggle when movement is restrained for prolonged periods of time. Boys need action and purpose. It’s time for a paradigm shift.”
Trail Life USA, America’s largest Christian scouting alternative for boys, stands as a beacon of change. With over 1,200 Troops nationwide, Trail Life provides boys with transformative outdoor experiences. From hiking and camping to problem-solving and skill development, Trail Life equips boys with essential abilities crucial for navigating the complexities of the 21st century.
Tony Wagner, from Harvard University’s Education Change Leadership Group, echoes this sentiment. In his seminal work, “The Global Achievement Gap,” he emphasizes the urgent need for a comprehensive educational approach. He identifies “7 Survival Skills for 21st Century Students,” and discusses how even our best schools are often failing to develop the skills children need to thrive in the 21st Century. Wagner says, “Mere memorization won’t get them far…Today's students need to master seven survival skills to thrive in the new world of work:”
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Collaboration and Leadership
- Agility and Adaptability
- Initiative and Entrepreneurialism
- Effective Written and Oral Communication
- Accessing and Analyzing Information
- Curiosity and Imagination
Trail Life CEO, Mark Hancock underscores Trail Life’s alignment with these principles. “This is exactly the kind of experience boys are getting in Trail Life. In our program, boys are thrust into a hands-on approach to learning. They are given responsibility, they are placed in charge of the program, and they are forced to communicate, improvise, problem-solve, and work together to solve complex issues. As they engage in planning and executing the weekly program, adventure trips, and service projects, they experience real-life rewards and consequences. They learn to adapt and collaborate as they navigate the leadership of a team through changing circumstances.
“One of my favorite stories involves a Troop of boys who decided to build a boat from natural materials. Together they planned the project, honed skills, built a business to fund their project, and through imagination and collaboration made their dream come true. The pictures of the boat they constructed are absolutely amazing!”
Hancock continues, “When we empower boys to dream, collaborate, problem solve, get outdoors, and experience education, we cultivate something else: men.
“Hands-on problem solving, action, outdoor exploration and adventure make men out of boys because that is how boys grow — through activity and experience. It is encouraging that traditional brick-and-mortar learning institutions like Harvard, are recognizing and advocating to create opportunities for boys to grow through the ways in which they were meant to learn.
“To engage and disciple boys effectively, we must recognize they are different from their female counterparts, Let Boys be Boys, and challenge them in ways that forge bold courageous men!
“We are positioned to instill the principles and character traits that can prepare boys to become courageous, successful, focused men. But will we?”
Trail Life USA has received praise from some of today’s top Christian voices, including Focus on the Family, Franklin Graham, James Dobson, Mike Huckabee, Alex and Stephen Kendrick, Family Life, Promise Keepers, the American Family Association, and many others.
Trail Life USA is the premier national character development organization for young men, producing godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens.Trail Life’s mission is to guide generations of courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure.Troops exist in all 50 states and are growing as Trail Life USA expands around the country. Find a Troop today, or Start a Troop in your community.
