Trail Life USA • Troop TX-0139

Adventure.
Character.
Leadership.

A Christ-centered outdoor adventure program for boys ages 5–17 at Grace Presbyterian Church in Houston, TX.

“You have searched me, LORD, and you know me… If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”— Psalm 139:1, 9–10 (NIV)

Walk Worthy

Trail Life USA is a church-based, Christ-centered outdoor adventure, character, and leadership program for boys and young men ages 5 to 17.

Outdoor Adventure

Camping, hiking, fishing, archery, and more. Boys experience hands-on outdoor skills that build confidence and resilience.

Godly Character

Rooted in biblical values, boys develop integrity, courage, and a heart for service under the guidance of godly male mentors.

Servant Leadership

Young men learn to lead by serving others, developing practical skills and wisdom they will carry throughout their lives.

“On my honor, I will do my best to serve God and my country; to respect authority; to be a good steward of creation; and to treat others as I want to be treated.”

— The Trailman Oath

The Program

Trail Life organizes boys into three program levels, each designed to meet them where they are and challenge them to grow.

Ages 5–10

Woodlands Trail

Fox • Hawk • Mountain Lion

Elementary-age boys explore God's creation through nature hikes, crafts, games, and beginning outdoor skills. Three two-year programs build a foundation of faith, friendship, and fun.

  • Nature exploration & basic camping
  • Bible-based character lessons
  • Badge and trail mark achievements
  • Group games & teamwork challenges
Ages 11–13

Navigators

Guided by Godly Male Role Models

Navigators gain a deeper understanding of their values and beliefs. They take on greater responsibility through outdoor adventures, community service, and skill-building challenges.

  • Backpacking, canoeing & survival skills
  • Service projects & community outreach
  • Leadership development
  • Seven program branches of achievement
Ages 14–17

Adventurers

The Path to the Freedom Award

Young men mature in wisdom and faith through challenging adventures and real leadership opportunities. The pinnacle is the Freedom Award — Trail Life's highest honor.

  • High-adventure expeditions
  • Mentorship & discipleship
  • Freedom Award capstone project
  • Preparing for life as godly men

Seven Branches of Learning

🏔 Outdoor Skills
🛠 Life Skills
🏛 Heritage
🎨 Hobbies
Values
🔬 Science & Tech
🏈 Sports & Fitness

When & Where

Troop TX-0139 meets at Grace Presbyterian Church in Houston. Sign up now and your first few visits are free!

Meeting Schedule

Once or Twice a Month — Day & Time TBD

Regular troop meetings are held at Grace Presbyterian Church. Check back for the finalized schedule!

Location

Grace Presbyterian Church

10221 Ella Lee Lane
Houston, TX 77042

Get Directions →

Our Charter Church

gpch.org

Grace Presbyterian Church has been extending grace in Houston since 1969.

713-781-7615

What to Expect

Here's what a typical semester looks like with Troop TX-0139. We can't wait to hit the trail with your family!

What to Expect Each Semester

Typically 3–4 events each month, including a mix of the following:

📅

Troop Meetings

Boys gather for badge work, skill-building, devotions, and games at our charter church.

Campouts

Overnight adventures where boys learn outdoor skills like fire-building, knot-tying, and cooking over a campfire.

🏔

Hit the Trail

Activities where boys can be boys, such as hiking, fishing, archery, and exploring God's creation together.

Service Projects

Hands-on opportunities for boys to serve their church, community, and neighbors in need.

Common Questions

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 $180 per year for TLUSA 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. 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.

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. Meeting schedule is being finalized — sign up now to stay in the loop!

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. Contact us to learn how you can help.

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?

Fill out the contact form below and a troop leader will reach out to get your family started.

Join the Adventure

Troop TX-0139 is coming to Grace Presbyterian Church this Fall! Sign up now to express your interest and be the first to know about upcoming events. Whether your son wants to join or you'd like to volunteer as a leader, we want to hear from you.

Contact Us