{{short description|American Christian Scout-like organization for boys}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2015}} {{Infobox WorldScouting |name= Trail Life USA |namelabel1= |name1= |namelabel2= |name2= |namelabel3= |name3= |image= Trail Life USA.svg |alt= |imagesize=240px |caption= |headquarters= Belton, South Carolina |location= |country= United States |coords= |f-date= {{Start date|2013|06}} |defunct= <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}}--> |founders= yes |founder= |members= |chiefscouttitle=Chief Executive Officer |chiefscout=Mark Hancock<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/media/faith-based-alternative-boy-scouts-finds-purpose-stemming-bullying-making|title=Faith-based Boy Scouts alternative tackles bullying epidemic at its roots: 'Making a difference'|first=Taylor|last=Penley|date=October 11, 2023|website=Fox News}}</ref> |chiefscouttitle2= |chiefscout2= |chiefscouttitle3= |chiefscout3= |chiefscouttitle4= |chiefscout4= |website= {{URL|traillifeusa.com}} |affiliation= Christian |next= |prev= |portal= }} [[File:Fairfax July 4th QD3J0337 (28096780166).jpg|thumb|Trail Life USA members at 4th of July parade in Fairfax, Virginia]] '''Trail Life USA''' ('''TLUSA''' or commonly '''Trail Life''') is a faith-based Scout-like organization providing youth mentorship and character development to boys in the United States.<ref name=cn /><ref name=Lohr /><ref name="mclean">{{cite news|last1=Salmons|first1=Stephanie|title=Trail Life teaches leadership, character|url=http://messenger-inquirer.com/mclean_county/news/trail-life-teaches-leadership-character/article_3acce220-0dea-5a01-91c2-4cdf782c7916.html|access-date=12 June 2016|work=McLean County News|publisher=Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer|date=19 May 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160522083617/http://www.messenger-inquirer.com/mclean_county/news/trail-life-teaches-leadership-character/article_3acce220-0dea-5a01-91c2-4cdf782c7916.html|archive-date=May 22, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="cp1">{{cite news|last1=Kumar|first1=Anugrah|title=Christian Values-Based Alternative to Boy Scouts Launched|url=http://christianpost.com/news/christian-values-based-alternative-to-boy-scouts-launched-104009|access-date=12 June 2016|work=Christian Post|date=8 September 2013}}</ref> The organization was founded in 2013 in reaction against the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) changing its membership policy to allow gay youth, adults, and scoutmasters in boy scout Troops.<ref name=Colbert>{{cite news | url=http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Former-Defense-Secretary-Gates-to-lead-Boy-Scouts/45199.html | title=Former Defense Secretary Gates to lead Boy Scouts | newspaper=Windy City Times | date=November 19, 2013 | access-date=December 16, 2013 | author=Colbert, Chuck | quote=In all, more than 1.9 million people have joined Change.org petition campaigns seeking a complete end to BSA discrimination based on sexual orientation.}}</ref><ref name=Kennedy>{{cite news | url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dan-kennedy/the-boy-scouts-half-measu_b_3331020.html | title=The Boy Scouts' Half-Measure May Hasten the End of Discrimination | work=Huffington Post | date=May 24, 2013 | access-date=December 16, 2013 | author=Kennedy, Dan|quote=More than 60 percent of the organization's national leadership voted to approve a policy ending discrimination against openly gay scouts while keeping in place the ban against gay adult leaders.}}</ref><ref name="wt" /> As of early 2024, Trail Life has grown to over 60,000 members.{{Citation needed|date=April 2024|reason=source for the number}} All charters of Trail Life USA must pledge to follow its "Statement of Faith"; the organization is Trinitarian Christian. Youth of all or no religious backgrounds are allowed to join, but individual Charter Organizations may limit Troop membership to boys of a certain faith or membership in a certain organization.<ref name=FAQ>{{cite web |url = http://www.traillifeusa.com/faq/ |title = Frequently Asked Questions| publisher = Trail Life USA| access-date = February 22, 2019}}</ref>
==Background== <!-- OnMyHonor.net --> In May 2013, Boy Scouts of America (BSA) voted to change its membership policy to allow youth of any sexual orientation.<ref name=wt>{{cite news|last1=Wetzstein|first1=Cheryl|title=Boy Scout alternative, Trail Life USA, launches 'premier' Christian group for boys|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/sep/7/boy-scout-alternative-trail-life-usa-launches-prem/|access-date=January 1, 2015|work=The Washington Times|date=September 7, 2013}}</ref> Following the vote, John Stemberger changed the mission of OnMyHonor.net to start a new alternative Scouting program to be the premier national character development organization for young men which "produces godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.traillifeusa.com/distinctives | title=Distinctives | Trail Life USA }}</ref> OnMyHonor.net was a group formed by John Stemberger to oppose the proposed membership policy change in March 2013 and consisted of parents, Scoutmasters, Eagle Scouts and other Scouting leaders.<ref name=cnn>{{cite news|last1=Payne|first1=Ed|title=Trail Life USA launches a Boy Scout alternative|url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/09/us/trail-life-usa-meeting/index.html|access-date=January 1, 2015|work=CNN|date=September 9, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Davis |first=John W. |url=http://www.cfnews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/news/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2013/3/23/boy_scouts_launching.html |title=Boy Scouts launching coalition to keep gays, lesbians out |publisher=Cfnews13.com |date=March 23, 2013 |access-date=April 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524062450/http://www.cfnews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/news/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2013/3/23/boy_scouts_launching.html |archive-date=May 24, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Respaut|first1=Robin|title=Faith-based group to start Boy Scouts rival|url=http://news.msn.com/us/faith-based-group-to-start-boy-scouts-rival|access-date=January 1, 2015|work=MSN|agency=Reuters|date=July 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130715083756/http://news.msn.com/us/faith-based-group-to-start-boy-scouts-rival|archive-date=July 15, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<!-- Faith Based Boys --> Following the vote, the Faith-Based Boys (FBB) was founded.<ref name=nbc1>{{cite news|last1=Leitsinger|first1=Miranda|title=Faith-based group starting alternative to Boy Scouts – will allow gay youth, adults|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/faith-based-group-starting-alternative-boy-scouts-will-allow-gay-v19378560|access-date=December 16, 2013|work=NBC News|date=July 9, 2013}}</ref> In May 2013, American Heritage Girls (AHG) joined the FBB.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Token|first1=Jody|title=American Heritage Girls join Faith-Based Boys Coalition|url=http://www.ahgonline.org/uploads/AHGjoinsFBBMay2013.pdf|access-date=October 14, 2013|work=American Heritage Girls|date=May 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104031607/http://www.ahgonline.org/uploads/AHGjoinsFBBMay2013.pdf|archive-date=November 4, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> FBB official Thomas Dillingham indicated that the group would start accepting applications in August for youth memberships and group leaders.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gast|first1=Phil|last2=Botelho|first2=Greg|last3=Sayers|first3=Devon M.|title=Boy Scouts to allow gay youths, adults, and scoutmasters to join|url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/23/us/boy-scouts-sexual-orientation/|access-date=December 16, 2013|work=CNN|date=May 24, 2013}}</ref>
<!-- Coalition --> OnMyHonor.net, Faith Based Boys and other regional and national groups, TrailHead USA and Frontier Service Corps, joined to form the new group. A leadership meeting was held in Louisville, Kentucky on June 29, 2013, to discuss forming a new group.<ref name=wofl>{{cite news|last1=Wiggins|first1=Kimberly|title=Orlando group creates faith-based alternative to Boy Scouts|url=http://www.myfoxorlando.com/story/22799606/orlando-based-organization-creates-faith-based-alternative-to-boy-scouts|access-date=January 1, 2015|work=MyFoxOrlando.com|publisher=WOFL-FOX35|date=July 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101040220/http://www.myfoxorlando.com/story/22799606/orlando-based-organization-creates-faith-based-alternative-to-boy-scouts|archive-date=January 1, 2015|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The AHG cofounder Patti Garibay was invited to the Kentucky meeting as an advisor.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Butts|first1=Charlie|title=Christian girls' group founder advises new boys' scouting group|url=http://www.onenewsnow.com/culture/2013/06/14/christian-girls%E2%80%99-group-founder-advise-new-bsa-alternative|work=OneNewsNow.com|publisher=American Family News Network|date=June 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618031233/http://onenewsnow.com/culture/2013/06/14/christian-girls%E2%80%99-group-founder-advise-new-bsa-alternative|archive-date=June 18, 2013}}</ref> The organization would be based on the AHG program.<ref name=wofl/>
In a July 2013 interview, Stemberger said, "If a young man has a same-sex attraction he would not be turned away in the program, but he's not going to be allowed to kind of openly flaunt it and carry a rainbow flag", and stated, "we're going to focus on sexual purity, not sexual orientation". They will have a policy that "the proper context for sexual relations is only between a man and a woman in the covenant of marriage."<ref name=nbc1/>
==History== {{quote box | width = 150px | bgcolor = white | title = Trail Life motto/slogan | title_bg = green | title_fnt = white | align = right | quote = Walk Worthy (from Colossians 1:10) <ref>[https://shop.traillifeusa.com/shop/program-materials/add-materials/the-trailmans-handbook-set/ Trailman's Handbook], page 27</ref> | source = — NPR<ref name=Lohr/><ref name=laj/> }}
Trail Life USA was formed in July 2013.<ref name=laj>{{cite news|last1=Gross|first1=Natalie|title=Faith-based alternative to Boy Scouts emerging|url=http://lubbockonline.com/local-news/2013-09-21/faith-based-alternative-boy-scouts-emerging|access-date=January 1, 2015|work=Lubbock Avalanche-Journal|publisher=A-J Media|date=September 22, 2013}}</ref> On September 6–7, 2013, a national convention was held for the new group where chartering rules, programs, rankings, and uniforms were adopted and its name revealed.<ref name=wt0>{{cite news|last1=Wetzstein|first1=Cheryl|title=Boy Scouts alternative created after gay flap picks up 14,000 members in first year|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/sep/8/alternative-to-boy-scouts-sees-big-gains-in-first-/#ixzz3CpGEmpNy|access-date=September 10, 2014|work=The Washington Times|date=September 8, 2014}}</ref> Over 300 names were considered for the new organization.<ref name=wt/> The group selected Trail Life USA as its name<ref name=wt/> and chose to start in January 2014 with an expected 1000 incubation troops formed by then. It was also revealed in September that Trail Life would be partnering with American Heritage Girls. During the national convention announcing Trail Life USA, Stemberger told the audience "Real men value truth over tradition," and "Real men value principle over program, and they value integrity over institutions."<ref name=Lohr>{{cite web | url=https://www.npr.org/2013/09/09/220499562/trail-life-usa-the-other-boy-scouts-of-america | title=Trail Life USA, The 'Other' Boy Scouts Of America | publisher=NPR | date=September 9, 2013 | access-date=December 16, 2013 | author=Lohr, Kathy}}</ref>
In October 2013, Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod leaders indicated that member churches may affiliate with any Scouting program including Trail Life.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wetzstein|first1=Cheryl|title=Lutherans OK congregations affiliating with either Boy Scouts or Trail Life|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/oct/7/lutherans-ok-congregations-affiliating-either-boy-/|access-date=January 1, 2015|work=The Washington Times|date=October 7, 2013}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" style="float: right;" |- ! Year !! Units !! Members |- | 2015 || 524 || 20,000<ref name=cn/> |- |2017 |727 |23,390<ref name="guidestar2024">{{cite web |title=Trail Life USA, Inc. - GuideStar Profile |url=https://www.guidestar.org/profile/61-1717498 |website=www.guidestar.org |access-date=6 April 2024}} Members includes both youth and adults</ref> |- |2020 |841 |31,078<ref name="guidestar2024"/> |- |2021 |875 |37,350<ref name="guidestar2024"/> |- |2023 |1,000 |49,000<ref name="TLUSA">{{Cite web|url=https://www.traillifeusa.com/|date=July 30, 2023|title="Trail Life USA"|website=traillifeusa.com|publisher=Trail Life USA|access-date=2023-07-30}}</ref> |- |2024 |1,250 |60,000<ref name="TLUSA-2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.traillifeusa.com/|date=January 23, 2025|title="Trail Life USA"|website=traillifeusa.com|publisher=Trail Life USA|access-date=2025-01-23}}</ref> |- |2026 |1,500 |70,000<ref>{{Cite web |title=Trail Life USA – Christ-Centered Adventure for Boys |url=https://www.traillifeusa.com/ |access-date=2026-05-26 |website=https://www.traillifeusa.com/ |language=en-US}}</ref> |}
Richard Mathews, BSA's former general counsel, joined Trail Life USA as its acting general counsel.<ref name=Parks>{{cite news | url=http://www.dallasnews.com/news/metro/20131215-after-boy-scouts-vote-to-admit-gay-youths-rival-group-takes-root.ece | title=After Boy Scouts' vote to admit gay youths, rival group takes root | newspaper=Dallas Morning News | date=December 15, 2013 | access-date=December 16, 2013 | author=Parks, Scott}}</ref>
Trail Life USA reported that almost 500 troops were pre-chartered by the January 1, 2014, official launch date.<ref name=rn>{{cite news|last1=Banks|first1=Adelle M.|title=Boy Scouts Christian alternative launches with 500 troops|url=http://www.religionnews.com/2013/12/31/boy-scouts-christian-alternative-launches-500-troops/|access-date=January 9, 2014|work=Religion News|date=December 31, 2013}}</ref> After its first full year of operation, Trail Life USA had 524 officially chartered troops in 48 states and just under 20,000 members.<ref name="cn">{{cite web | url=http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/46704-10-positive-trends-christians-should-thank-god-for | title=10 Positive Trends Christians Should Thank God For | publisher=Charisma News | date=January 7, 2015 | access-date=January 8, 2015 | author=Stemberger, John}}</ref>
Trail Life USA's headquarters (known as the "Home Office") is located on a 127-acre dedicated camping facility known as Camp Aiken, south of Greenville, South Carolina. The property features a full gymnasium, chapel, trails, fishing ponds, bonfire areas, and numerous campsites.<ref name="Camp Aiken">{{Cite web|url=https://www.traillifeusa.com/camp-aiken|title=Camp Aiken|access-date=2020-12-30}}</ref>
==Program== {{quote box | width = 150px | bgcolor = white | title = The Trailman Oath | title_bg = green | title_fnt = white | align = right | quote = "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." | source = The Trailman's Handbook, page xiv }}
Trailmen fall into various categories based on the grade they are in corresponding to their age:
* Woodlands Trail, grades K–5 (elementary school) * Navigators, grades 6–8 (middle school) * Adventurers, grades 9–12 (high school) * Guidons, age 18 through 25 years<ref name=laj/>
The Trail Life salute is based on the Military salute while its sign is a five-finger sign similar to the three-finger Scout sign.<ref name="myn">{{cite news|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_25233358|title=Trail Life courts those who oppose Boy Scouts' acceptance of gays|last=Merchant|first=Nomaan|date=March 1, 2014|newspaper=Mercury News|access-date=March 3, 2014|agency=Associated Press}}</ref>
==Freedom Award== Trail Life USA's highest award is the Freedom Award<ref name=laj/> for which the potential recipients must choose a "major" and two "minor" subjects<ref name="myn"/> and lead the development and implementation of a community-oriented Servant Leadership Project. The award is characterized by Biblical symbolism from the Old and New Testaments of the Christian Bible, primarily John 8:36 referring to a Christian's Freedom.<ref name="Freedom">{{cite news|url= https://vimeo.com/104434902|title=Trail Life USA Freedom Award Reveal Video|access-date=September 23, 2020}}</ref>
The award is achieved when the Trailman has completed all necessary levels of Trail Life. The Trailman, to show that he has received the Freedom Award, is given a Freedom Topper. This is a marker that screws onto the top of the Trailman's staff.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Trailman's Handbook Set |url=https://shop.traillifeusa.com/shop/program-materials/add-materials/the-trailmans-handbook-set/ |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=Trail Life USA |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Potential Department of War Support == In a video released by the U.S. Department of War (DoW) in early 2026, Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the Department "may eventually support" "groups like Trail Life USA." The statement followed much criticism from Hegseth and the DoW regarding current policies of Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America), the current federally-supported scouting organization in the United States. While no final decision has been made yet, the Department plans to "watch closely" and evaluate whether a partnership between Trail Life and the DoW aligns with federal youth development goals and policies set forth by the Trump Administration.<ref>{{Cite web |last=USA |first=Trail Life |title=Trail Life USA applauds Secretary Hegseth's recognition of its premier boy-focused program |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/trail-life-usa-applauds-secretary-hegseths-recognition-of-its-premier-boy-focused-program-302700113.html |access-date=2026-05-26 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=USA |first=Trail Life |date=2026-02-27 |title=Trail Life USA applauds Secretary Hegseth's recognition of i... |url=https://www.rappnews.com/sponsored-content/article_765ae9f0-5f99-54bb-8e87-41f02efe63da-22d9d2a8 |access-date=2026-05-26 |website=Rappahannock News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SW Hegseth Announces Scouting America Reform |url=https://www.war.gov/Multimedia/Videos/videoid/997482/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260304135854/https://www.war.gov/Multimedia/Videos/videoid/997482/ |archive-date=2026-03-04 |access-date=2026-05-26 |website=U.S. Department of War |language=en-US}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
==External links== * {{official website|traillifeusa.com}}
{{Scouting in the United States}}
Category:Non-aligned Scouting organizations in the United States Category:Camping in the United States Category:Hiking organizations in the United States Category:2013 establishments in South Carolina Category:Christian non-aligned Scouting organizations Category:American organizations established in 2013