Trail Life Nationwide Campout provides opportunities for boys and families to enjoy the outdoors and grow
April 25, 2022
GREENVILLE, S.C.— Trail Life USA (TrailLifeUSA.com), the largest Christ-centered, boy-focused scout-type organization in the country, has long been an advocate for the benefits of the outdoors on boys. Utilizing an approach suited to boys that focuses on building character, fostering relationships, and having good old-fashioned outdoor fun, Trail Life encourages boys and their families to leave behind the electronic distractions and get back outside.
Trail Life will be holding their third annual Nationwide Campout from April 29-May 1. Troops across the country will pitch tents, light fires, roast s’mores, and gather in the great outdoors. Over 30,000 people were involved in the Backyard Campout during the last two years. This year, Trail Life is excited to go “Beyond the Backyard” and engage boys and leaders in significant outdoor adventure. Those who register for the campout event will be entered into a drawing to win prizes from Alps Mountaineering/Hiker Direct, Campfire Arts, Hybrid Light and Trail Life USA. So far, nearly 9,000 boys have registered for the event.
Trail Life CEO Mark Hancock stated, “We at Trail Life are so excited about the opportunities for outdoor adventure provided by the annual Nationwide Campout. In Trail Life, boys regularly leave daily duties and digital distractions behind. They join with their mentors and fathers in the outdoors where relationships form naturally, time seems to slow, and boys are able to listen, connect, and grow.”
Steve Padgett, the Northeast Regional Team Leader for Trail Life USA shared, “Troops take outdoor adventure seriously. There are at least two new Troops, CO-0413 and MD-1948, who are experiencing their first campout ever. I am so excited they are participating, as many of these young men have never slept in a tent before. Other Troops are holding large events. North East Indiana is holding a Spring Camping Event where over 200 Trailmen are gathering. In New Mexico, all the Troops in the state are assembling for an Area Level Campout. At events like these, many boys encounter tomahawk throwing, rifle shooting, atlatls hurling, competing to light friction fires, navigating with map and compass, and more for the first time. In California, Troop CA-3723 is camping at a horse ranch where they will ride hoses, and participate in events like leather working, archery, hiking, and astronomy. On the 30th, there is a new moon, the sky will be unusually dark, and four planets will be on display.”
“Away from daily concerns, cell phone distraction, social media interaction, and video game pseudo-satisfaction is a real world of wonder—a world of adventure and exploration, where crickets chirp, campfires crackle, stars twinkle, freshly caught fish simmer, and pocketknives whittle,” Hancock commented.
Hancock concluded, “As boys and men gather around the campfire and stories begin to be shared, truth comes to life and boys begin to ‘get it.’ The Bible is such a practical book, and at Trail Life, we talk about the Six Essential Concepts of a Christian Worldview which are solid, tangible concepts boys can grasp. Boys need a venue like Trail Life where they can rub shoulders with men, where leadership can be tested, where faith can be experienced, and truth can come to life.”
For more information about the Trail Life Nationwide Campout, click here.
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. ###
