March 23, 2026
Trail Life USA helps fathers move from passive to present in their sons’ journey to manhood
Mark Hancock, CEO: ‘Being truly engaged as a dad is about making choices that prioritize quality time over passive observation’
GREENVILLE, S.C. — In today’s world, many fathers feel pushed to the sidelines. A survey found that 63% of dads don’t feel they get enough time with their children, and only 39% believe they’re doing an excellent job as parents. Yet there’s a clear desire among dads for something more: intentional, meaningful opportunities to be present and engaged.
Trail Life USA (TrailLifeUSA.com) is on a mission to rewrite the modern narrative of father-son connections. As the largest Christ-centered, boy-focused scout-type organization in the country, Trail Life empowers dads to step off the sidelines, becoming active partners in their sons’ journeys — walking together, embracing challenges and growing side by side.
Mark Hancock, Trail Life CEO, shared, “A great deal of attention has been given to the epidemic of absent or disengaged fathers. But a remnant is rising. In Trail Life USA, nearly 20,000 men across the country are standing in the gap and utilizing outdoor adventure as a tool to lead men and boys into a life of adventure, character development and leadership. Boys will follow a man who dares to enter their world and helps them celebrate what makes a boy unique.”
Trail Life provides one-of-a-kind opportunities for outdoor experiences where boys and dads work together, learn important life skills and forge lifelong memories. A recent highlight was a Trail Life Yukon adventure, where fathers and sons built Klondike sleds, honed fire-building skills and camped in the snow, all while competing against other Troops for the coveted Yukon Trophy.
“Dads are longing for opportunities beyond the traditional roles dictated by sports, school or societal expectations,” observed Hancock. “In Trail Life, I weekly witness a remnant of men who are stepping out of the shadows of spectatorship and into a more engaged, intentional role. This call to active fatherhood isn’t about a specific program or community; it’s about redefining our roles. It’s about stepping up as a dad or a dad-like and making the time we spend with our sons and the boys in our lives truly count.”
Trail Life provides boys with a roadmap for navigating the challenging — and at times treacherous — journey to manhood. Hancock believes this journey is best achieved within the context of the great outdoors, with trusted male mentors leading the way.
“In the outdoors, the experience of adults is never obsolete,” noted Hancock. “Here, boys find mentors, fathers and sons connect, important relationships are fostered and boys find opportunities to achieve significant accomplishments. I believe God created nature with all its inherent challenge and adventure as a place for boys to mature, learn responsibility, forge leadership, understand masculinity and become biblically bold and courageous men as they live in community with godly men.”
Hancock summarized, “Being truly engaged as a dad is about making choices that prioritize quality time over passive observation. It’s about replacing separation with shared challenges, creating not only stronger relationships but a culture of active engagement within our families. This is a call to rewrite the narrative, making time for meaningful connections and experiencing the true adventure of active fatherhood.”
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 Hamilton Strategies, Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Bogucki, 610.584.1096 ext. 105, or Jeff Tolson, ext. 108.
