What is Trail Life USA?
Trail Life USA is a national, church-based, Christ-centered outdoor adventure, character, and leadership program for boys and young men ages 5 to 17. It was founded in 2014 and now has troops in all 50 states.
Does my son need to be a member of Grace Presbyterian Church?
No! While we are chartered through Grace Presbyterian Church, Trail Life troops welcome boys and families from any church or background. All are welcome.
How much does it cost?
Approximately $200 per year for Trail Life USA and Troop Dues plus the cost of a uniform (about $75). We require a Troop Uniform button-up shirt to be worn at meetings and a Trail Uniform t-shirt for other events. Uniforms and shirts will be available for purchase upon registration. Hit the Trail activities and campouts have small additional costs associated with attending. We never want cost to be a barrier — talk to us about financial assistance if needed.
Is this like Boy Scouts?
Trail Life is similar in format — outdoor adventure, badge work, camping, and community service — but it is built on a distinctly Christian foundation. Faith is woven into every part of the program, not just a separate component. Trail Life is and always will be a program exclusively for boys. If you are interested in a similar Christ-centered organization for your daughter, we recommend American Heritage Girls.
Can my son visit before joining?
Absolutely! We encourage families to visit a few meetings before committing. Fill out the contact form below and let us know you'd like to try before joining. Your first visits are completely free.
When does the troop start?
Activities begin Fall 2026 and run concurrently with the school year. Grace Troop meeting and events schedule is being finalized, but registration is now open to join our troop!
What is the minimum age to join?
Our Troop year begins each fall and follows the school calendar. For the Fox patrol, boys should be in kindergarten or 1st grade and turn 5 by October 31 of the calendar year in which that fall begins. Boys who meet the age requirement but are not yet in kindergarten are still eligible for Foxes. Placement decisions consider both age and grade, and the Troop Committee can review any special situations.
Do you need adult volunteers?
Yes! Trail Life relies on dedicated adult men to serve as Trailmasters, leaders, and committee members. This is a wonderful opportunity to invest in the next generation. See all open leadership positions →
What if my son doesn't have a father or male guardian who can participate?
He is absolutely welcome and encouraged to join! Many boys in Trail Life are accompanied by grandfathers, uncles, family friends, or other men from their church community. Men who are close to your family may volunteer as registered adults even if they don't have a boy in the troop themselves. Trail Life is built around a community of men investing in the next generation — your son will have no shortage of positive male role models on the trail.
How does Trail Life keep boys safe?
Safety is a top priority. Trail Life follows a layered approach built on their 1-2-3 Youth Protection Essentials:
- No one-on-one contact — a youth is never alone with any adult who is not their parent or legal guardian.
- Two-deep leadership — groups of boys must always be within sight or sound of at least two registered adult leaders, including during transportation and electronic communications.
- Buddy system — boys participate in groups of three from the same age patrol, providing peer-level accountability.
Additionally, every adult leader must pass a nationwide criminal background check (renewed periodically) and complete Trail Life's Child Safety & Youth Protection training (renewed every two years). Background checks and training from other organizations do not transfer — Trail Life runs its own. The patrol method keeps boys in small, age-appropriate groups led by older Trailmen with adult oversight, so every boy is known and accounted for.
How do I sign up?
Click the Join Us button to fill out our sign-up form. You'll create an account for your family and be guided through the registration steps, including Trail Life Connect registration, troop dues, and uniforms.
