August 22, 2022
GREENVILLE, S.C.— The average American child spends only four to seven minutes a day in unstructured play outdoors, and over seven hours a day in front of a screen. In a world full of digital distractions, it’s more important than ever to provide children, especially boys, with the opportunity for outdoor adventure. Boys who engage in outdoor adventure are smarter, happier, more attentive, and less anxious than those who spend more time indoors. It’s clear that boys need a safe space that they can foster a strong sense of independence, cooperation, and camaraderie.
Trail Life USA (TrailLifeUSA.com), the largest Christ-centered, boy-focused scout-type organization in the country, has cultivated a unique Proven Process designed to help boys succeed in a world that seems to be failing them at every turn. Using outdoor activity as a means to teach leadership, build character, and have fun, Trail Life encourages boys to get their feet wet, scale the tallest tree, ford the nearest stream, and climb the next hill — all while utilizing biblical principles to nurture a strong relationship with Christ.
“Our mission is to guide generations of courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure,” said Trail Life CEO Mark Hancock. “Trail Life USA provides a boy-focused program and activities designed to let boys be boys, accentuating their strengths and allowing them to feel understood and appreciated.
“Adam was not created in the beauty and security of the Garden of Eden. He was created in the wild, and placed in the garden with a mission. He was to go, ‘fill the earth and subdue it.’ God made man to explore, conquer, lead, face dangers, and overcome obstacles with the tools, heart, and power God instilled in him as a man. Exploring the outdoors, experiencing adventure, and applying skills to meet the needs of others — that is the stuff men are made of.”
Trail Life’s new partnership with The Wild Brothers is designed to get boys outside and enjoying God’s nature. Morgan, Hudson, Kian, and Asher Wild grew up as missionaries to the Wano people group in the jungles of Indonesia. There in the bush, the family learned from locals, made their own sling shots, hunted with a bow and arrow, met medical needs, built their own homes, and lived among the Wano people. Today, the brothers document the lessons they learned in the wilderness and share it with the world through powerful and informative videos.
Hoping to inspire even more boys to “join the trail,” The Wild Brothers and Trail Life partnered together to present “Trail Hacks with the Wild Brothers.” Producing two videos a month, the Wild Brothers share practical outdoor tips and skills to encourage boys to get outside and enjoy all that the wilderness has to offer.
Hancock commented, “After growing up in the wilderness and experiencing the wonder of outdoor adventure, The Wild Brothers offer a unique perspective of God’s majesty in nature. At Trail Life, boys regularly leave the whirling world of 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.”
Trail Life’s unique approach is garnering attention from families across the nation. Trail Life has grown by nearly 10,000 new 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. ###
