December 23, 2025
Churches across the country are turning to Trail Life USA to raise the next generation of men
Trail Life CEO Mark Hancock: ‘More Troops than ever are chartering, more fathers are stepping forward to lead as we pursue our bold goal of seeing a Troop within 30 miles of 90% of America’s boys by 2031’
GREENVILLE, S.C. — As the largest Christ-centered, boy-focused scout-type organization in the country, Trail Life USA (TrailLifeUSA.com) is committed to a singular mission: to guide generations of courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others and experience outdoor adventure.
It’s a mission that is clearly resonating across the country. This year, Trail Life is celebrating a banner year of growth, with over 65,000 members taking part in 1,500 Troops in all 50 states.
Trail Life CEO Mark Hancock remarked, “The world does not suffer from a lack of opinions about manhood. It suffers from a lack of men — strong in faith, steady in character, ready to stand for what is true. At Trail Life USA, we believe that when boys grow into this kind of man, churches grow, families thrive and the light of Christ burns brighter in our communities.”
Trail Life’s 2025 Year in Review report was titled: “Strong Men. Strong Churches. Lighting the Fire of Biblical Masculinity.” According to Hancock, this is more than just a catchy title.
“It’s a call to return to the rugged, servant-hearted masculinity modeled by Jesus — strength that protects, faith that perseveres, love that sacrifices.”
The organization’s growth sets the stage for an ambitious goal: to see a Trail Life Troop within 30 miles of 90% of America’s boys by June 2031.
“This vision is no small hill to climb,” noted Hancock. “But neither was crossing the Jordan or building the wall in Nehemiah’s day. God calls His people to bold work, and then proves Himself faithful.
“Already the sparks are visible. More Troops than ever are chartering, more fathers are stepping forward to lead, and churches are discovering that Trail Life is not a program at the edge of their ministry, but a forge for future leaders, elders, deacons, missionaries and godly husbands.”
Indeed, leaders at partnering churches are praising the program, saying it’s not only building tomorrow’s men, but impacting today’s fathers and husbands as well.
Pastor Josh Culbertson of Holy Ridge Baptist in South Carolina said, “It’s a vital component to develop our member families, not just for boys. Male leaders grow in their walk with the Church, learning to become better husbands and fathers as they lead the Troop. This builds the entire family.”
Pastor Wilson Moore of Rekindled Church in North Carolina shared, “First and foremost, our boys are learning how to live a gospel-centered life. I have witnessed in our charter the overwhelming desire to honor God at home and school. The biblical principles being taught at Trail Life are being carried over to day-to-day life.”
Pastor Montia Setzler of Magnolia Church in California said, “We’ve discovered that most parents — even those who aren’t Christians — want biblical values instilled in their sons. Trail Life provides the perfect platform for this to happen.”
Ultimately, Hancock said, “Godly and responsible husbands, fathers and citizens are on the rise — and Trail Life USA is at the vanguard of this movement.”
To learn more about Trail Life’s impact, click here to view the organization’s 2025 annual report.
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, Beth Bogucki, 610.584.1096, ext. 105, Dawn Foglein, ext. 100, or Jeff Tolson, ext. 108.
