Woodlands Trail

In our Woodlands Trails program, Young Trailmen will engage in hands-on experiences that develop character, deepen faith, and hone practical skills in the seven program branches (Outdoor Skills, Life Skills, Heritage, Hobbies, Values, Science & Technology, and Sports & Fitness).

The Woodlands Trail is for elementary age boys, and divided into 3 patrols: Foxes (grades K-1st), Hawks (grades 2nd-3rd), and Mountain Lions (grades 4th-5th). Held outside whenever possible, weekly meetings are designed to engage the rowdy and curious nature of boys, helping them learn important lessons and skills through discovery and fun.

We also know that boys love rewards! As Trailmen work on branch steps at meetings or a “Hit the Road!” adventure, they will earn pins and patches to remind them of how far they’ve come.

In their program, boys will engage with older boys in the Troop and with mentors who are vetted by church leadership, background checked every year, and who are required to complete extensive Child Safety and Youth Protection Training.

Program Branches

During each two-year program, the Trailmen (boys) participate in activities from among seven areas (known as branches), including:

• Heritage Branch. An exploration of American Heritage, Christian Heritage, and a boy’s own family heritage. Emphasis is placed on upholding the finest traditions of the heritage we obtain from our forefathers.
• Hobbies Branch. An exploration of various indoor and outdoor hobbies that demand varying levels of knowledge, skill, or aptitude.
• Life Skills Branch. Teaching life lessons ranging from the practical and mundane to higher-level interpersonal skill sets.
• Outdoor Activities Branch. Having fun in the outdoors with sports and other activities.
• Pioneering Skills Branch. Gaining basic understanding of woodcraft, hiking, exploration, and camping skills.
• Science and Technology Branch. An exploration of physical and natural science concerning our created world.
• Values Branch. Instilling biblically based values in the boys. The central focus of this branch is teaching of the Christian faith.

Branch Pins & Forest Awards

For participating in a troop meeting whose activities are aligned to one of these branches, a Trailman earns two leaves for that branch. For a “Hit the Trail” activity taking place at a community site away from the troop meeting, the Trailman earns three leaves. For any activity involving an overnight stay, the Trailman earns five leaves. Finally, a Trailman may earn one leaf for an activity completed with his family.

Once a Trailman completes nine leaves for a branch, he earns a branch pin. Upon earning seven branch pins (one corresponding to each of the listed branches), and earns an additional 18 leaves from any branch, he earns the Forest Award for his age group: Fox Forest Award, Hawk Forest Award, or Mountain Lion Forest Award.

Timberline Award

The Timberline Award is the highest award that a Trailman, having earned the Mountain Lion Forest Award, can achieve in the Woodlands Trail Program. The Timberline Award is designed to celebrate a boy’s entrance into the Trail Life USA Navigators program, and its requirements are aligned to four Manhood Principles:

  • To live boldly and avoid being passive
  • To live responsibly
  • To live courageously
  • To live for the greater rewards of God