June 11, 2025
Guiding sons, God’s way: Trail Life’s new devotional equips dads to step into purposeful parenting
“‘Trail-Ready: 102 Devotions for Dads with Boys’ is a resource for dads who want to make memories that shape character and faith for a lifetime”
GREENVILLE, S.C. — This Father’s Day, Trail Life USA (TrailLifeUSA.com) is offering Dads a resource that could spark his next great adventure — with his son.
Trail Life USA,the nation’s leading Christ-centered, boy-focused mentoring and discipleship organization, is thrilled to announce the release of its brand new book, “Trail-Ready: 102 Devotions for Dads with Boys.” A sequel to “Trail-Ready: 101 Devotionals for Dads with Boys,” this latest devotional includes all-new devotions, photos and hikes.Authored and curated by Trail Life CEO Mark Hancock, this devotional is an invitation for dads to step into intentional fatherhood through conversation and shared adventure.
“The dad-journey isn’t always easy, but moments of connecting make the trail a little less bumpy,” said Hancock. “With short devotions, insights into some of the challenges boys face, discussion questions and day-hike ideas in America’s incredible national parks, ‘Trail-Ready: 102 Devotions for Dads with Boys’ is a resource for dads who want to create memories that shape character and faith for a lifetime.”
Each of the 102 devotions takes just three minutes to complete but offers lasting impact, combining biblical wisdom with practical insights and simple conversation starters. Accompanying each devotion are breathtaking photos from national parks and descriptions of accessible, awe-inspiring father-son day hikes — the perfect opportunities to turn reflection into action.
“Boys and men bond organically through shared experience,” said Hancock. “In Trail Life, we see it time and time again: when dads and mentors step into a boy’s world and lead by example, shoulder to shoulder, relationships deepen and the impact multiplies. This devotional was written to equip those dads and dad-likes who want to connect with and lead their sons.”
A book born from a movement
Trail Life’s growing Fathers & Families initiative is built on the understanding that boys thrive when men engage. Whether a biological dad, stepfather, grandfather or Troop leader, men play a vital role in shaping boys into courageous, Christ-following young men.
Rooted in that mission, “Trail-Ready” echoes the heart of Trail Life: faith-filled mentorship, intentional fatherhood and outdoor adventure. It’s a devotional crafted not just to read, but to live out.
Topics include:
- Equipping sons to trust that God has a plan for them
- Instilling a volunteer and leadership spirit
- Creating opportunities for boys to stay energized and engaged
- Preparing fathers to help their sons navigate the most challenging terrain
Praise from national ministry leaders
The devotional has garnered early endorsements from some of the nation’s most trusted voices in Christian fatherhood and family ministry:
“A dad’s influence is powerful! And nothing is more important than their spiritual influence. That’s why I’m glad Mark wrote this book. It’s powerful! Dads will want to grow in their wisdom and faith as they read this. And they will! Mark’s devotions are short for busy dads and not intimidating for those who have never read much of the Bible. They’re clearly written, timely, worth reading, and the practical takeaways are relevant. Dads will be encouraged, not overwhelmed. They’ll be confident, not unsure. Because dads will grow, their sons will mature in their faith, too. I’m grateful Mark wrote this book and you will be, too.” — Dr. Kathy Koch, Founder, Celebrate Kids, Inc., and the author of “Five to Thrive,” “8 Great Smarts,” and other titles.
“Being a dad is an uphill climb; we can’t bring a downhill effort. With ‘Trail-Ready,’ Mark gives fathers a biblically excellent and practical tool—a guiding light as we climb the mountains before us!” — Dr. Chris Harper, Chief Storyteller & CEO, BetterMan.
With its powerful devotions, practical structure and stunning photography, “Trail-Ready” makes the perfect Father’s Day gift for any man raising the next generation.
“Trail-Ready: 102 Devotions for Dads with Boys” is available now on Amazon and theTrail Life USA store.
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. Find out more at TrailLifeUSA.com.
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.
Discover more about Trail Life USA at TrailLifeUSA.com, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube or Vimeo.
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To interview Mark Hancock from Trail Life USA, contact Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Jeff Tolson, 610.584.1096, ext. 108.
