Patrols & Units

The Woodlands Trail Program is designed for boys of elementary-school age comprising of two-year programs for three age groups, called “Patrols."

When a boy joins any one of the Patrols he will earn the Fox, Hawk, or Mountain Lion Branch Patch. This is a joining award that shows the Trailman knows the Trail Life oath, motto, salute, sign and handshake. During each two-year program the Trailman will participate in activities from seven areas known as Branches:  Heritage, Hobbies, Life Skills, Outdoor Skills, Science and Technology, Sports and Fitness, and Values.  Trailmen will earn a Branch pin for completing core steps, elective steps, and Hit the Trail activities.  To recognize the progress through the program a Trailman can earn the Forest Award for his Patrol. To earn the Forest Award, a Trailman must first earn a Branch pin for each of the seven Branches. Once a Trailman earns the Forest Award, they can earn a Sylvan Star for each Branch by completing additional core steps, elective steps, and Hit the Trail activities.

Fox
(Kindergarten - 1st grade and 5 years old by October 31st)
 

Hawk
(2nd - 3rd grade and 7 years old by October 31st)

Mountain Lion
(4th-5th grade and 9 years old by October 31st)
 

Navigator & Adventurer Advancement Program

Navigators and Adventurers advance by earning Trail Badges and Elective Badges, doing service projects, and completing faith based achievements. Trail Badges and Elective Badges give the Trailmen life skills and practical knowledge in seven Frontiers: Heritage, Hobbies, Life Skills, Outdoor Skills, Science and Technology, Sports and Fitness, and Values. These can greatly expand a Trailman's life experiences, introducing him to subjects he may never have dreamed of attempting. Each Navigator Trailman will earn nine Trail Badges and five Elective badges. In addition to the badges earned as a Navigator, each Adventurer Trailman will earn an additional six Trail Badges and an additional five Elective Badges. In order to achieve the top honor in Trail Life, the Freedom Award, a Trailman must earn all of these badges in addition to completing other requirements.

Navigators
(6th-8th grade)

Adventurers
(9th-12th grade)

Freedom Award

The Freedom Award™ is the highest award in Trail Life USA and is a symbol of the many traits young men should now be able to unlock for themselves. This award is a visible reminder of the real freedom that can only be possible because of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.