Trail Life USA: Raising godly boys requires men who are involved, engaged and intentional

June 13, 2022

GREENVILLE, S.C.—On the journey to manhood, boys need men who are involved, engaged, and intentional.This Father’s Day, Trail Life USA (TrailLifeUSA.com) is encouraging men to make time as a dad (or as a dad-like figure) to make a difference by entering a boy’s world.

“Boys need a place where it is safe to be a boy!” stated Trail Life USA CEO Mark Hancock. “Boys will follow a man who dares to enter their world and helps them celebrate what makes a boy unique.

Hancock continued, “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 15,000 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, and leadership.

“In the outdoors, the experience of adults is never obsolete,” stated 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.”

“Boys are searching for godly, masculine, adventurous men who are willing to lead them on the difficult journey into manhood. Our future requires that men step up for the sake of not only their sons, but boys in their community. I believe that any legitimate call to manhood MUST involve being a dad or dad-like to boys. When a man takes time out of his schedule to engage with a boy and speak encouragement, he creates a golden opportunity to reflect Christ and speak truth and meaning into his life.”

In order to give fathers the best tools possible to connect with their sons, Trail Life provides “Mentoring Connection Guides.” These unique free downloads are designed to not only teach practical skills boys need to become capable men, but also the lessons in leadership, character, and faith they need to be effective godly leaders. Trail Life encourages fathers and sons to take the time to learn about improvised tools, first aid and trauma, and outdoor cooking as a way to bond and build stronger relationships.

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, Twitter, YouTube, or Vimeo.    ###