-WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING-
Dad of a Trailman
I didn't know I could have so much clean fun with a bunch of other men. The time I spent with my son and others really built our foundation together
Mother of a Trailman
It is great to see such Godly men who genuinly care to lead these young men...even if they don't know them. This is truly a God thing!
Dad of a Trailman
This program is exactly what Brenham, Tx, needs. We have been looking for something that promoted Christ and Christian living to build character for our young boys. THIS IS IT!
Christ-Centered. Boy-Focused.
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 Kindergarten through 12th grade 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.
The Core Leadership (board) is the primary caretaker of the charter. These individuals are willing to serve the troop and God. The patroal leaders, guides, and rangers are also tasked to take care of the patrols. To learn more about the core leadership and those leading the patrols, please click on the board and leadership button.
Board and Leadership
American Heritage Girls TX-0514 of Brenham
BUILDING WOMEN OF INTEGRITY
American Heritage Girls is a Christ-Centered character and leadership development program for girls 5 to 18 years of age. AHG is dedicated to the mission of building women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country.
If you are interested in the Brenham Troop, please contact ahgtx0514@gmail.com
Troop TX-777 Documents and Learning
Trail Life USA and Troop TX-777 needs certain documents for certain activies in the the troop. These forms are needed to complete some of the adventures such as high altitude, 72 hour campouts, and extreme physical challenges. Please take an opportunity to look at the documents section of our website to find the appropriate document and release forms for some of the adventures.
We also have a release form for media and social publications to advertise troop TX-777. If you are okay with pictures used for advertisement purposes, please fill out a form and bring it to the next meeting.
If you desire to print or share the brochure for Troop TX-777 at Abiding Word Lutheran Church you can click on the brochure button.
You can also learn with our troop in the learning section.
FAQ
FEES:
Although our troop does not require fees, the national Trail Life USA does when registering youth and adults. The current fees effective 01 JAN 2024 is as follows:
Youth: $37.97
Adult: $43.19
We ask families to pay the first year dues for the children and leaders to pay thier own dues. After the initial year, troop will pay children fees. We also have scholarships available for those that need additional help. Please contact Rev. Cody Mills at pastor@abidingword.org
MEETINGS:
How often do you think Troop TX-777 will meet? Will Thursday be the normal meeting date?
Right now we meet the First and Third Thursdays of every month from 6:15 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST. This time was selected so that dads can be involved and or the moms.
SAFETY:
Adults interacting with children will be vetted with a background check through Trail Life USA
UNIFORMS:
Are you going to require us to have the uniform?
No. We will not require the uniform right now. When we meet we will meet with whatever you wear that is appropriate. The uniform I (Rev. Cody Mills) had on for the meeting was the official dress uniform of Trail Life. We have wiggle room in this area. As we get started do not worry or go out and purchase one. We still have a lot to discuss as a troop. If you want to have your son wearing a shirt promoting trail life you can certainly start with a polo from the store with nice dress pants.
Will we have to change the uniforms as soon as my son moves to a different age group?
No. Some patches on the uniform will be changed as they move into different patrols (age group). The uniforms were designed to stay the same with minor changes. The only time one needs to purchase a new uniform is when one grows out of the uniform or it is not serviceable.
Then why the uniforms?
Uniforms show a sense of care, unity, and spirit. As you attend the gatherings we will learn more about the uniforms and what they are used for. At this time we will not require them. You can purchase the top and wear black pants.
INTERACTION WITH SON(S):
I have more than one son in different age groups. How am I going to interact with both?
You can float during the meetings from one group to the other. You can also alternate. We are going to have times when the entire troop interacts with one another. We highly encourage interaction with your sons, but it is not completely required. The encouragement is to build a bond and relationship while having fun doing so.
I am a single mother. How does this affect my relationship with my son?
We do not want to drive a wedge between son and mother relationships. The relationship will continue and we will certainly have the opportunity for that as well. We work with that.
CAMPING:
I have more than one son in different age groups. How am I going to be interacting with both of them?
You can float when we do campouts and events. Events are going to be working with age and skill levels. If we camp somewhere, the tents will be grouped by age. We will also have times when the whole group of all ages come together to play games and learn new skills.
Would an 8-year-old boy be sleeping in a tent with a 14-year-old?
No! That will not occur. Trail Life requires us to use what they refer to as “Youth Protection Essentials”, as follows:
It’s as simple as 1-2-3
No 1- on -1
The “no one-on-one rule” is in place for youth protection, so no boy is ever alone with a single adult. This is for the protection of the boy and the adult.
2-Deep Leadership
The two-deep rule is in place for the safety of the whole troop so there is always a minimum of two Registered Adults in proximity to provide backup and oversight.
Buddy System of 3
The buddy system of 3 is used to keep youth safe from other possibly abusive youth when out of sight of adult leadership (like in a tent on a campout). Buddies must be from the same level.
DOCTRINE OR BIBLICAL TEACHING:
This is an interesting question. Any teaching is a doctrine. This is where the word "doctor" comes from. A doctrine is a set of beliefs and teaching. Trail Life USA is a Christian organization. Even though Abiding Word Lutheran Church is Lutheran, we do not teach the Lutheran doctrine. If a child wants to be baptized or has questions about baptism, our leadership will encourage the individual to speak with their family and pastor.
There are certain doctrines Trail Life USA as an organization abides by. The trinity, one man and one woman, Christ became flesh, God is sovereign over all history, and because man is in sin we need salvation through Christ. If you want more information please see the core values.
