Woodlands Trail
The Woodlands Trail is the first part of an exciting journey for a boy in Trail Life USA. It is for boys between the ages of 5 and 10.
Based on Proverbs 24:3-4, each troop is grouped according to biblical principles. Woodlands Trail is based on knowledge. They are led by a Ranger, and each patrol has a designated trail guide.
Fox Patrol (Ages 5 – 6)
The youngest of the troop, Foxes are full of energy and joy. Everything is still so new and wondrous.
These first two years help a Fox get to know Trail Life, their fellow Trailmen and leaders, have fun and learn some skills. Foxes look up to older patrols and programs, and want to follow their lead.
Foxes are only permitted to attend overnight campouts with a parent or guardian.
Hawk Patrol (Ages 7 – 8)
Hawks are starting to get their feet under them. They are learning social skills, developing better self-control, and have a better attention span. They want to solve bigger, more complex problems.
With a desire to contribute, Hawks can help guide Foxes and teach new Trailmen some of the joining requirements, like the oath.
Hawks are only permitted to attend overnight campouts with a parent or guardian.
Mountain Lion Patrol (Ages 9 – 10)
Within the Woodlands Trail, the Mountain Lions are the oldest and are looked up to by the Foxes and Hawks. They have more responsibilities and are expected to be good examples for the younger members.
As they develop their ability to think abstractly, they become more focused on understanding God’s Word and its significance. As their independence grows, they still work closely as a patrol. Increasing strength and confidence make them well-suited for leadership roles during overnight campouts.
With these added responsibilities, Mountain Lions have access to new opportunities. They can earn Fireguard and Woodsman cards, which grant them the privilege of tending fires and using their pocket knives during overnight campouts.
A parent or guardian must accompany a Mountain Lion on overnight campouts. Mountain Lions are permitted to be in their own tent.
The Joining Award
Also known as the branch patch, the joining award is worn proudly by Trailmen upon completing the following core steps:
- Memorize the Trailman Oath.
- Learn the Trailman Sign and when to use it.
- Learn the Trailman Salute and when to use it.
- Learn the Trailman Handshake.
- Memorize the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Understand how to properly fold the American flag. (Mountain Lions only)
The Branches
During each two-year program, Trailmen focus on seven frontiers. As they participate in activities and learn more about each of branches, they complete steps and earn a pin to affix to their patch.
Heritage Branch: An exploration of American Heritage, Christian Heritage, and a boy’s own family heritage. Emphasis is placed on upholding the finest traditions of the heritage we obtain from our forefathers.
Hobbies Branch: An exploration of various indoor and outdoor hobbies that demand varying levels of knowledge, skill, or aptitude.
Life Skills Branch: Teaching life lessons ranging from practical to higher-level interpersonal skill sets.
Outdoor Skills Branch: Gaining basic understanding of woodcraft, hiking, exploration, and camping skills.
Science and Technology Branch: An exploration of physical and natural science concerning our created world.
Sports and Fitness Branch: Having fun in the outdoors with sports and other activities.
Values Branch: Instilling Bible-based values within the boys regarding any number of pertinent topics. The central focus of this branch is teachings of the Christian faith.
Worthy Life Award
The most important special award within the Trail Life USA program centers on faith. This is the Worthy Life Award. Requirements are different for different age groups.
At the Woodlands Trail level, Worthy Life involves intentional mentoring, hands-on activities, and practical applications that involve parents and troop mentors to help a boy gain knowledge of fundamental truths.
This distinction requires that a boy complete activities in four categories:
- Devotional: Engaging with spiritual truth in a regular transformative manner.
- Discipleship: Living your faith through service and learning about how others have done so.
- Discipline: Practicing intentional activities that result in spiritual growth like regular prayer, fasting, journaling, memorizing Scripture, attending church services, giving, and serving.
- Demonstration: Evaluating and sharing Worthy Life experiences with parents, Troop, and/or church.
On the Worthy Life Award, crosses can be earned at each program level, with the first cross presented along with the Award itself.
The Worthy Life Award is one of the awards that continue to be worn by the Trailman as long as he is a member of Trail Life USA.
Timberline Award
The Timberline Award is the highest award a Trailman can achieve in the Woodlands Trail program. It is only available during their last year in the Woodlands Trail as a Mountain Lion. It was developed to celebrate a boy’s entrance into the new world of Trail Life USA’s Navigators program. Once earned, it becomes a permanent part of the Trail Life Uniform.
Manhood Principles of the Timberline Award
- To live boldly and avoid being passive
- To live responsibly
- To lead courageously
- To live for the greater rewards of God