3 minute read
TRAIL LIFE MINISTRY: Helping Boys Grow Into Young Men in Christ
Within our faith community, a growing group of boys and young men from Trail Life Troop KY-0068 proudly wear uniforms that remind them of Isaiah 6:8: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?’ ‘Here I am,’ I said; ‘send me!’”
“We remind the boys that as they grow into men, we are called to go forward and serve,” says Troopmaster Bryan Blair. “Trail Life’s vision is to be the premier national character development organization for young men which produces godly and responsible husbands, fathers and citizens.”
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Founded in 2013, Trail Life as an organization has a clear mission — to guide generations of courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure. All boys from 5 years old to less than 18 years old are welcome.
“We recommend American Heritage Girls (AHG) for girls ages 5 to about 18,” Bryan says. “Christ the King also charters an AHG Troop which meets at the same time as Trail Life so that families can come together on one night and participate in these great programs. We have held some joint events too.”
While there are some similarities between Trail Life and Boy Scouts, namely components like outdoor adventure, Trail Life puts faith at the forefront.
“Bible verses, prayers, and a Chaplain’s Minute are key components to every meeting,” Bryan says. “Our troop chaplain, Fr. David Wheeler, not only shares a brief story and verse at meetings, but has also attended events like indoor climbing and campouts.”
Trail Life utilizes a combination of outdoor skills, life skills, and religious requirements to help challenge young men. Outdoor skills include knots, outdoor cooking, camping, and many others.
“Whether it is planning a day hike, a campout, or a multi-night backpacking trip, the boys plan and prepare,” Bryan says. “It teaches them to make sure they have what they need and to check on the other boys in the troop. The boys lead themselves and learn from each other.”
In addition to First Aid, Citizenship, and Personal Fitness, the life skills taught include skills like Family Man (helping around the house, chores, and repairs) and Personal Resources (budgeting, investing, insurance, and costs of borrowing).
Yukon Adventure in Wilmington, Ohio
Religious activities span from simple prayers during opening ceremonies, to service, to larger commitments of Bible study and maintaining a prayer journal.
“At each level, a boy can earn the Worthy Life Award, aimed at growing boys spiritually,” Bryan says. “This award includes some study, prayer and service.”
The troop has participated in a wide range of activities together — from volunteering at the Catholic Action Center, to supporting the AHG’s Chili Cookoff, to serving food at Christ the King’s St. Nicholas Brunch. Together, they’ve hiked, fished, canoed, camped, backpacked, toured museums, visited the Newport Aquarium, and visited the state capital building.
“One recent highlight was our very first Yukon Adventure, hosted by a troop in Ohio,” Bryan says. “The Yukon Adventure is a skills and sled competition. This year, it featured eight inches of snow on the ground and a finger-numbing five degrees Fahrenheit wake-up temperature. Despite the cold, the boys did well and won!”
If any community member has a skill or interest to share with the boys, Bryan would love to hear from you. A doctor taught the boys First Aid, a member of the Humane Society visited with them, a Navy vet shared his experience, and a financial advisor helped the older boys with Personal Resources trail badge.
“Is there something that you are passionate about that you’d like to teach to others?” Bryan says. “We can always use anyone who has a passion for helping boys grow into young men in Christ.”
Fire building followed up with roasted marshmallows on Cathedral of Christ the King property
Meeting outside on Cathedral of Christ the King property
