Navigators & Adventurers Program

As Navigators, boys ages 11-13 gain understanding of their values and beliefs under the guidance of godly male role models through being responsible in outdoor adventures and in their home and school life. They explore areas of interest and earn Trail Badges for advancement.

As Adventurers, young men ages 14-17 mature in wisdom and faith through more difficult challenges and leadership activities with Christian men walking alongside. They plan and lead outdoor events and large projects while exercising leadership positions in the Troop, even mentoring some of the younger Trailmen.

Advancement

In Trail Life, skills universally needed for godly manhood are developed through required Trail Badges as young men earn the ranks of Able Trailman, Ready Trailman, Journey, Ascent, Horizon, and Freedom. Elective Trail Badges help a Trailman explore unique areas of gifting and come to understand the way God has specially created him.

Freedom Trail Map

Shows the stages of a Trailman's advancement.
This is available on the Trailman's profile page.

Periodic Table of Advancement

Shows the required number of badges and electives for each rank advancement. This table is in the Trailman's book.

Elective Badges

Many troop members have trouble remembering how to get to the list of Elective Trail Badges for Navigators and Adventurers. In TrailLifeConnect.com, in the Advancement > Badges & Awards section, select Electives from the Program heading. This link will take you to the correct page after you have logged in:
https://traillifeconnect.com/advancement/badges.

Don’t forget you can create your own badges as well! This is a great option for someone who has a talent or hobby for which Trail Life doesn’t yet have a badge. It takes a bit of extra work, but once you create and have your badge approved, it is an option for someone else as well. What a great way to help build our library of badge options.

Troop Standard

When a Navigator earns the Able Trailman rank, he receives his own Troop Standard—a ceremonial walking staff that represents his growing character, leadership, and accomplishments. As he continues along the Trail, he adds the Trail Badges, rank medallions, and service stars he earns, creating a lasting record of his journey toward godly manhood. More than a collection of awards, the Standard is a reminder of the faith he embraces, the Oath he has pledged, the skills he has developed, and the leadership he is learning to embrace.

Freedom Award

The Freedom Award is the highest award a Trailman can earn in Trail Life USA and represents the culmination of his journey toward Christ-centered manhood. By earning this award, a young man demonstrates years of growth in character, leadership, service, and practical skills. He must master 15 required and 10 elective Trail Badges, demonstrate leadership among his peers, complete ongoing servant service, participate in four Freedom Experiences, complete a Faith Building Activity, and plan and lead a substantial Servant Leadership Project. More than an achievement, the Freedom Award recognizes a young man who is prepared to take greater responsibility, serve others, and use the gifts God has given him as he steps into the next chapter of his life.

Monthly trips

Throughout the year, our Trailmen have the opportunity to get outside the meeting room and put their skills into practice on a monthly weekend trip. Each trip offers a different experience—from backpacking and camping to canoeing, river adventures, historic tours, service projects, and other outdoor challenges. Trailmen learn to prepare, work together, solve problems, and grow in confidence as they experience new places and activities.

Our annual shooting trip is a special highlight, where Trailmen first complete training in firearm safety before learning and practicing safe handling and marksmanship with pistols, rifles, and shotguns. With a new adventure nearly every month, there is always something to look forward to on the Trail.

High Adventure trips

Every other year, our Trailmen have the opportunity to take on a special High Adventure trip designed to challenge them beyond their normal camping and outdoor experiences. To qualify to participate on the trip, they must be 14 years old and have the Ready rank or higher.

These trips may include backpacking, mountain climbing, whitewater adventures, or other demanding outdoor experiences that require preparation, teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. Our High Adventure trips give older Trailmen the chance to step outside their comfort zones, experience God’s creation in remarkable places, and build memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. It is an adventure they will talk about long after they return home.

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