New association provides unique opportunity for men to invest in new generation of Trail Life leaders

September 20, 2022

GREENVILLE, S.C.— Trail Life USA (TrailLifeUSA.com), the premier national Christian character development organization for young men, partners with churches and parents across America to produce generations of godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens. In over 900 churches in all 50 states, fathers and sons are connecting, relationships are deepening, and legacies are beginning as a new generation of godly leaders rises up.

Trail Life’s most prestigious award, The Freedom Award, is an achievement accomplished by the few who reach the apex of the Trail Life Program. Earning the award requires a demonstrated mastery of a significant skill set including 15 required and 10 elective Trail Badges, performing 20 hours of servant service each year, and the distinction of having proven himself as a leader among his peers. He must also complete four “Freedom Experiences” in three separate chosen fields; complete a Faith Building Activity; budget, plan, and organize a volunteer team to compete a Servant Leadership Project; and complete an advancement conference and formal Freedom Board of Review.

“On the journey to manhood, boys need to be a part of a mission bigger than themselves,” Trail Life CEO Mark Hancock stated. “They need significant challenges. They need men who can cast vision, celebrate milestones, and help them see who they can become. The Freedom Award encompasses the ideal Trail Life has strived towards for the past nine years.

“Service in the church and the community is a significant part of the Trail Life program. Outdoor adventure provides fertile ground for relationships to be fostered. As relationships grow, young men begin to learn skills and serve alongside their adult mentors. As Trailmen serve, they begin to find purpose and fulfillment. As Trailmen understand they were created by God for his glory, to be his hands and feet to others, they find fulfillment in service and begin to understand their gifting. As they use their gifts, they hone in on career and ministry paths that will set the tone for the rest of their life.”

With nearly 600 Freedom Rangemen across the country, Trail Life USA is excited to announce the launch of the Freedom Rangeman Association. The Freedom Rangeman Association is a powerful way for men who have achieved this prestigious award in their lifetime to find camaraderie, invest in the upcoming generation of Trailmen, and continue the Trail Life legacy.

The Freedom Rangeman Association will focus on opportunities for adventure and service back to the organization throughout a Trailman’s life, even after he graduates from Trail Life. The Freedom Rangeman Association will include:

• Regular online meetings to connect and develop community and continue to learn about leadership with peers from around the country
• Opportunities to be mentored, acquire college scholarships, and seek apprenticeships or internship opportunities
• Prospects to seek ways to give back and help motivate youth to reach their potential as future Freedom Rangemen
• Outdoor adventure to connect with other Freedom Rangemen and plan regional or national adventures in God’s creation

Trail Life’s unique approach is garnering attention from families across the nation. Trail Life has grown by over 12,000 new Troop members in 2022 alone. In just the last month, over 500 individuals have reached out for information on starting a Trail Life Troop, and more than 30 new Troops have been chartered in the past 30 days. With Trail Life’s success in growing to over 40,000 members in under ten years, boys and men are building meaningful relationships, growing in character, developing in leadership, and just having fun in the great outdoors.

Trail Life USA has received praise from some of the top Christian voices today, 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, Twitter, YouTube, or Vimeo.   

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