Christ-Centered
Christ-Centered. Boy-Focused.
Let Boys be Boys!
Trail Life USA is a Church-Based, Christ-Centered, Boy-Focused mentoring and discipleship journey that speaks to the heart of a boy. Established on timeless values derived from the Bible and set in the context of outdoor adventure, boys from age 5 to 17 are engaged in a Troop setting by male mentors where they are challenged to grow in character, understand their purpose, serve their community, and develop practical leadership skills to carry out the mission for which they were created.
Here in Millington, Michigan we meet at Millington Church of God (map) Monday nights from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. We focus on the purpose of Trail Life and have regular campouts. Each night we work through practical lessons with the boys in a fun environment (typically outside).
Our typical night consists of a routine similar to below:
- Meet at the church (typically a little before 6:00 pm)
- For those that get there early, we usually have a game.
- Flag ceremony
- The boys learn to respect the American Flag early.
- The American flag and troop flag are brought in
- All in attendance recite the Pledge of Allegiance
- All Trailmen (boys and leaders) recite the Trailmen Oath
- Opening Prayer
- Trailmen come together to work on memory verses
- Trailmen separate to their own age appropriate patrols (groups) for their lesson
- Trailmen reconvene to play a game
Trail Life USA Youth Protection Essentials
Trail Life has also developed the 1-2-3 Youth Protection Essentials that are easy to learn, teach,
and practice by all Trailmen, both youth and adult:
- No 1-on-One: The “no one-on-one””” rule is in place for youth protection so no boy is ever alone with an adult. This is for both the protection of the boy and the adult. This extends to electronic communications such as email, texting, and online communications, as well as transportation to and from Trail Life activities.
- 2-Deep Leadership: The “two-deep” rule is in place for safety so there is always a minimum of two Registered Adults in proximity to provide backup and oversight. Although parents’ participation is welcome, a parent who is not a Registered Adult member (thereby trained and screened) is not considered part of this two-deep leadership requirement.
- Buddy System of 3: The “buddy system of three” is suggested to keep youth safe when out of sight of adult leadership. Buddies must be of the same program level. The buddy system also applies to tenting. Three or more boys of the same program level should share a tent, rather than only two (unless they are siblings, with parental knowledge).
65,000 +
Total Trail Life USA Members
1450 +
Troops
50
In ALL 50 States
Meet Our Leaders
Our team along with their role purpose.
JJ Perry
Senior Ministry Leader
David Kittell
Troop Ministry Liaison
The Troop Ministry Liaison (TML) is the most important Troop leader and is appointed by the Senior Ministry Leader (SML). It is the duty of the TML to review and approve (or reject) each adult troop member applicant.
David Hergenreder
Troopmaster
Oversees all “Direct Contact” leaders, understands all programmatic operations of the Troop, reports successes and challenges faced by leaders and youth.
Katie Collins
Committee Chair
The Committee Chair presides over Troop Committee Meetings, and follows up with Committee members as they complete their work; and may appoint, with approval of the TML, as many Committee members as needed to maintain an effective Troop.
Kathy Hergenreder
Treasurer
The Treasurer is a record-keeper; maintaining accounts for all financial transactions. He/She regularly reports the financial status of the Troop; coordinates and communicates to parents the process of Troop Budgeting; understands, coordinates, communicates, and supervises approved Trail Life USA fundraising guidelines; handles funds and pays bills.
Kenneth “Ken” Wright
Chaplain
The Troop Chaplain ensures that the Troop emphasizes and stays true to its Christian mission. He leads by example, is qualified to give biblical advice, has a passion for discipleship, and involves and empowers other members in providing opportunities for spiritual growth.