Troop CA-1011 Sacramento, CA
Program Overview
How the Program Works
The Trail Life USA program is designed for boys from age 5 - 17. Program participants are referred to as "Trailmen". The "Troop" is the primary unit of organization and provides programming for boys of all ages. Each chartered troop is further separated into "Units" as follows:
Woodlands Trail
The Woodlands Trail Unit provides programming for boys ages 5 - 10 (K - 5th grade). Within the Woodlands Trail Unit, boys are further seperated into patrols according to age as outlined below:
Fox Patrol Ages 5 - 6
Hawk Patrol Ages 7 - 8
Mountain Lion Patrol Ages 9 - 10
The Woodlands Trail programming is delivered by adult leaders referred to as Trail Guides, who are overseen by the Unit Leader, referred to as the Ranger.
Navigators
The Navigators Unit provides programming to middle school aged boys (ages 11 - 13). Within the Navigators program, the boys are separated into smaller patrol units which are youth led. Activities are directed by adult leaders referred to as Trail Guides, who are overseen by the Unit Leader, referred to as the Trailmaster.
Adventurers
The Adventurers Unit provides programming to high school aged boys (ages 14 - 17). Within the Adventurers program, the boys are separated into smaller patrol units which are youth led. Activities of the Adventurers unit are overseen by an adult leader referred to as the Advisor.
Achievements and Advancement
Woodlands Trail
Boys on the Woodlands Trail gain knowledge about outdoor skills, citizenship, character, friendship, and faith through fun activities, awards, and skill instruction. Achievements are participation based. Trailmen complete steps by participation in troop meetings, events and outdoor activities (i.e., campouts, service projects, etc.). There are seven core areas of focus within the program, which are represented by branches of a tree. As steps are completed, they are credited toward the applicable branch. At the end of each two year program (i.e., fox, hawk, mountain lion), if a boy has earned all branches, he is eligible to receive the Forest Badge as a sign of his achievement.
Navigators
As Navigators, the boys gain understanding of their values and beliefs under the guidance of godly male role models through being responsible in outdoor adventures and in their home and school life. They explore areas of interest and earn Trail Badges for advancement.
Adventurers
As Adventurers, the young men mature in wisdom and faith through more difficult challenges and leadership activities with Christian men walking alongside. They plan and lead outdoor events and large projects while exercising leadership positions in the Troop, even mentoring some of the younger Trailmen. Successful completion of required and elective Trail Badges, along with completion of certain other requirements allows a Trailman to earn ranks in progressing fashion. The ultimate goal is to earn all rank advancements and achieve the highest rank, known as the Freedom Award.
Boy Scouts of America Transfer Credit
Trail Life USA has developed a program to allow previous participants in BSA to transfer their achievements into Trail Life USA. The BSA rank advancements do not correlate precisely to the Trail Life USA ranks, but there is a system to ensure transferring Trailmen receive credit for work done in the BSA program. Our Advancement Coordinator can talk with you and your Trailman about the requirements to transfer achievements from BSA to Trail Life USA.
