Navigators

The Navigators program is the second part of the journey for a boy in Trail Life USA. It is for boys between the ages of 11 and 13.

Based on Proverbs 24:3-4, each troop is grouped according to biblical principles. The Navigators program is based on understanding. They are led by a Trailmaster, and each patrol elects a Junior Patrol Leader.

Recruit Rank

This joining patch is given to the Navigator or Adventurer as he begins his trail to the Freedom Award.

Traditions

  • Memorize and agree to live by the Trailman Oath.
  • Memorize the Trailman Motto.
  • Demonstrate the Trailman sign and describe when to use it.
  • Demonstrate the Trailman salute and describe when to use it.
  • Demonstrate the Trailman handshake.
  • Give your Patrol Leader’s name, patrol name, and patrol yell.
  • Present yourself to your Patrol Leader and either the Trailmaster or Advisor in a troop-approved uniform.

Citizenship

  • Memorize the Pledge of Allegiance.
  • Demonstrate properly folding the American flag.

Troop Involvement

  • Complete Trail Life Connect registration.
  • Since registering in Trail Life Connect, maintain a level of Troop meeting attendance acceptable to your Trailmaster or Advisor.

Review

  • Discuss Troop safety.
  • Discuss the Freedom Trail.
  • Successfully complete an Advancement Conference in uniform.

Able Rank

After earning the Recruit Rank, a Trailman focuses on the following:

Trail Badge Work

Earn a cumulative total of 6 Trail Badges, including:
  • Any 4 Core Skills Trail Badges.
  • Any 2 Trail Badges of your choice. Adventurers may also choose from the True Freedom Trail Badges.
    NOTE: Some Elective Trail Badges are restricted and should only be earned by Adventurers.

Servant Service

  • As Navigator, complete 15 hours of service for each program year.
  • As Adventurer, complete 20 hours of service for each program year.

Troop Involvement

  • Maintain a level of in-uniform troop meeting attendance acceptable to your Trailmaster/Advisor.
  • Participate in at least 6 troop activities, not including regular meetings, for each program year.

Review

  • Successfully complete an Advancement Conference in uniform.
  • Successfully complete a Board of Review in uniform.

Ready Rank

After earning the Able Rank, a Trailman focuses on the following:

Trail Badge Work

Earn a cumulative total of 12 Trail Badges, including:
  • All 9 Core Skills Trail Badges.
  • Any 3 Trail Badges of your choice. Adventurers may also choose from the True Freedom Trail Badges.
    NOTE: Some Elective Trail Badges are restricted and should only be earned by Adventurers.

Servant Service

  • As Navigator, complete 15 hours of service for each program year.
  • As Adventurer, complete 20 hours of service for each program year.

Troop Involvement

  • Maintain a level of in-uniform troop meeting attendance acceptable to your Trailmaster/Advisor.
  • Participate in at least 6 troop activities, not including regular meetings, for each program year.

Leadership

  • Serve in a leadership position.
    • As a Navigator, serve as a Junior Patrol Leader or another troop-approved leadership role for a minimum of six months.
    • As an Adventurer, serve as a First Officer, Second Officer, Quartermaster, Patrol Leader, or another troop-approved leadership role for a minimum of six months.
  • At five Troop meetings or outings, demonstrate your leadership ability by planning and instructing a Woodlands Trail patrol in significant skills approved by your Trailmaster, Advisor, and the Woodlands Trail Ranger.
  • At five Troop meetings or outings, demonstrate your leadership ability by planning and instructing a Navigators or Adventurers patrol in significant Trail Badge skills approved by your Trailmaster, Advisor, or Trail Guide.

Review

  • Successfully complete an Advancement Conference in uniform.
  • Successfully complete a Board of Review in uniform.

Trail Badges

For Navigators, there are nine core skills trail badges and seven elective trail badges. Trailmen can also design their own badge.

Core Skills

  • Aquatics
  • Camping
  • Fire Ranger
  • First Aid
  • Our Flag
  • Outdoor Cooking
  • Ropework
  • Trail Skills
  • Woods Tools

Electives

  • Heritage
  • Hobbies
  • Life Skills
  • Outdoor Skills
  • Sports and Fitness
  • Science and Technology
  • Values

Ridgeline Award

When you are in the Navigators program, the Ready Trailman is the highest rank that you can earn until you become an Adventurer. However, you have the unique opportunity to work toward earning the Ridgeline Award, the Navigators program’s capstone award. Once earned, it becomes a permanent part of the Trail Life Uniform.

Prerequisites

  • Must be a registered Navigator.
  • Earn the Ready Trailman Rank.

Troop Involvement

  • Maintain a level of in-uniform troop meeting attendance acceptable to your Trailmaster/Advisor.

The Worthy Life Award

  • Complete the Navigators Worthy Life Award.

Community / Area Project

  • Complete a community service project or multi-troop area event according to the standards in the Ridgeline Award Procedure Guide.
    The Ready Trailman Rank must be earned before beginning work on the Ridgeline Award Area Event / Community Service Project.

Review

  • Successfully complete an Advancement Conference with your Trailmaster and Troopmaster in uniform.
  • Successfully complete a Ridgeline Award Board of Review in uniform.
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