Navigators
Ages 11 - 14
Trail Life troops are organized according to biblical principles in Proverbs 24:34,
Navigators work on Understanding
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The Navigators and Adventurers program is designed for young men ages 11-17 (middle-school and high-school age).
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Navigators and Adventurers work on rank advancement.
Their ranks represent a growing ability to operate comfortably, safely, and confidently in the outdoors. These skills form the foundation of later adventures and teach important life lessons in character development.
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Boys in Navigator patrols range in age from 11 to 13 years old.
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Navigators participate in a true outdoor program with hiking, camping, and other activities. They are in more of a learning mode, developing their core skills with adequate supervision and easing gracefully into camping by patrols.
Navigators have a simple patrol structure. The youth leader is a Junior Patrol Leader, and members are called upon as needed to step up and handle certain jobs during meetings or activities according to the duty roster. They should camp, cook, and eat by patrol during outings whenever practical. Preferably, the Trail Guide or Trailmaster only gets involved when youth leaders are not making satisfactory progress and then, if possible, only to the extent of backing up the Junior Patrol Leader’s authority.
Recruit
This is the joining rank that must be earned by all Navigators and Adventurers on the trail to the Freedom Award. Among other requirements, a Recruit Trailman must memorize the Trailman oath and motto and the Pledge of Allegiance, demonstrate the Trailman sign, salute, and handshake, and demonstrate proper folding of the American flag.
Ready
To earn the Able Trailman Rank, a Trailman must have earned the Recruit Trailman Rank, meet troop participation requirements, and earn a total of six Trail Badges, including any four Core Skills Trail Badges and any two additional Trail Badges. A Navigator earning the Able Trailman Rank must complete fifteen hours of service each program year; an Adventurer must complete twenty hours of service each program year. A board of review is also required.
Able
To earn the Able Trailman Rank, a Trailman must have earned the Recruit Trailman Rank, meet troop participation requirements, and earn a total of six Trail Badges, including any four Core Skills Trail Badges and any two additional Trail Badges. A Navigator earning the Able Trailman Rank must complete fifteen hours of service each program year; an Adventurer must complete twenty hours of service each program year. A board of review is also required.
Ridgeline
The Ridgeline Awards is the highest honor that may be earned as a Navigator. To earn the Ridgeline Award, a Trailman must have earned the Ready Trailman Rank, meet troop participation requirements, earn the Navigator Worthy Life Award, and complete a community service project. A board of review is required.
