Boys learn by engaging in adventurous, uniquely masculine challenges

March 14, 2022

GREENVILLE, S.C.— Every parent hopes that their children grow up to be responsible, honest adults. Boys need responsibility in order to grow into godly men of character, according to Trail Life USA (TrailLifeUSA.com), the largest Christ-centered, boy-focused scout-type organization in the country.

Mark Hancock, CEO of Trail Life, stated, “A boy’s longing for independence and responsibility is a necessary God-given desire to enable him to develop into a mature Christian man. When not provided appropriately, instead of developing in character and self-reliance, boys fall into one of the twin pitfalls of adolescence: anger or apathy. Boys thrive when provided with proper challenge, adventure, accomplishment, and accolade.

“However, the Trail Life Leaders Guide explains, ‘Boys do not take on a challenge simply because it is hard. Getting them to pursue their personal and professional goals is a matter of finding what they want and making growth the most direct path to getting it.’ The structure built into the Trail Life USA program is designed with that in mind. Boys are intentionally engaged in an appealing program of adventurous, uniquely masculine challenges. As they progress, their accomplishments are recognized before their peers, parents, and community as a rite of passage. Boys then strategically advance to greater challenge and responsibility producing growing, self-confident, godly masculine leaders.”

To encourage boys to learn responsibility and become men of character, Trail Life implements their “Proven Process” to best relate to young men and allow them to embrace what it means to be a boy.

The “Trail Life USA Proven Process” addresses four significant problems that are plaguing boys as they seek to navigate the perilous journey to manhood: they are unappreciated, unguided, ungrounded, and too often, uninspired. First, boys are unappreciated by a culture that is promoting girls and leaving boys behind. Boys are told to sit down, be still and behave like the girls. But boys aren’t defective girls. Second, boys are unguided, meaning that there is a shortage of godly male role models for a large percentage of boys across America. Third, boys are ungrounded—as the cultural definition of ‘truth’ continues to shift, boys don’t have a firm moral compass. And finally, boys are uninspired—without the challenges of risk and reward, boys are losing interest in things since there isn’t anything at stake.” Through this tried-and-true methodology, Trail Life offers boy-focused, adventure-driven solutions delivered in the context of a Christian worldview that encourage boys to embrace what makes them unique and build strong relationships with other boys, mentors and most importantly, Christ.

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.    ###