Trail Life USA, the largest Christ-centered, boy-focused scout-type organization in the country, is holding its annual Nationwide Campout from April 26-28. During the event, Trail Life is inviting families across the nation to join Trail Life Troops in pitching tents, lighting fires, roasting s’mores and gathering in the great outdoors. Find a local Troop and join the adventure or get out with the family and make memories! Over 100,000 have participated in previous campouts during the last four years.
Woven throughout each Trail Life troop activity are timeless principles of growth and life change drawn from the pages of scripture. According to CEO Mark Hancock, there’s another critical aspect connecting these powerful stories: many defining moments for men in the Bible take place outside.
Hancock observed, “Paul met God while walking on the road to Damascus. Peter and his friends followed Jesus after a fishing expedition. Holding on for dear life, after an all-night wrestling match with God, Jacob asked for a blessing and was given a new identity. There — in the wilderness — bonds are forged, identities are fostered, and boys become young men.”
Drawing from this ancient model, the Nationwide Campout continues Trail Life’s rich legacy of helping boys on the path to manhood, with the Bible guiding the way, all within the context of God’s creation.
According Hancock, “Too many boys are turning to virtual worlds of television, video games, digital media and the internet to find realms they can conquer and areas where they can excel. The result of this virtual conquest is often apathy, apparent rebellion or outright resistance to real-world challenge. It’s up to strong men of God to guide generations of courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others and experience outdoor adventure. Unfortunately, however, there is a shortage of men who are willing to step up and be the masculine influence their son needs. That’s why Trail Life’s Nationwide Campout is designed to get boys and their families outside and back into God’s creation where they can thrive.”
The event highlights Trail Life’s time-tested, invaluable approach to celebrating what makes boys unique, providing them a safe space to explore the concept of masculinity, while building relationships with fathers and mentors.
Hancock noted, “When engaged in outdoor experiences like cleaning fish, paddling canoes and building fires, it is natural for boys to look to men for answers. In an age of instant web-searched answers, the outdoors provides a venue where time slows, relationships form, and dads and mentors find a natural voice. Here problems need solving — and it is clear when mistakes are made. The Trail Life program functions as an intentional catalyst to capitalize on those opportunities.”
This year Trail Life is encouraging boys to take the lead before camp even begins, by empowering them to plan aspects of the event.
Hancock said, “Hands-on problem solving, action, outdoor exploration and adventure make men out of boys, because that is how boys grow — through activity and experience.”
Hancock continued, “In Trail Life, boys experience the majesty of mountains, learn wisdom in woods and discover treasures untold along the trails! It's more than just pitching tents or building fires; it's about mastering resilience, embracing courage and weaving bonds stronger than the mightiest oak. From conquering peaks to discovering secret waterfalls to camping under a sky painted with stars, these experiences shape character, fuel confidence and bring us closer to our Creator. So, lace up your boots, pack your bags, and Join the Adventure!”
Trail Life’s unique program is spreading rapidly across the nation. Trail Life recently celebrated its 1,000th Troop, with tens of thousands of boys and their families being positively impacted by the Trail Life message. Through tried-and-true methodology, Trail Life offers boy-focused, adventure-driven solutions delivered in the context of a Christian worldview that encourages boys to embrace what makes them unique and build strong relationships with other boys, mentors, and most importantly, Christ.
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.
Trail Life USA’s K-12 program centers on outdoor experiences?that build a young man’s skills. A robust awards program motivates young men to grow on a personal level to become role models and leaders among their peers. Living the?Trail Life USA?is a journey established on timeless values derived from the Bible.???