Getting Started

What does it cost?

National fees

The Trail Life National organization charges a registration fee of $35.88/year for each registered Trailman (boy).  They also charge $35.88/year to register adult leaders.  Since we expect each family to have at least one parent registered as an adult leader and volunteering in some capacity with the troop, your registration fees will be at least $71.76/year.  Add $35.88 for each additional boy in Trail Life.  These registration fees cover background checks for leaders, administrative support in the home office, and the infrastructure necessary to have a solid national organization.  The fees are paid directly to Trail Life.

Troop dues

To run a successful troop, we must collect fees to cover things like our troop-provided camping gear (tents, stoves, pots and pans, a trailer to haul the gear to and from trips, etc).  Annual dues are $75/Woodland Trailman and $100/Navigator or Adventurer Trailman.  Leaders do not pay dues. Boys in the Woodlands group (K-5 grades) meet for three quarters of the year.  Boys in the Navigators and Adventurers (6-12 grades) meet for all four quarters of the year. Hence, the reason for the difference in dues for the different levels.

Trip fees

For each camping trip, the fees may vary, but generally, the fees are roughly $5/meal, so for a trip with four meals, the trip fee per person is $20/person.  Leaders and Trailmen pay the fee.  The troop usually picks up any miscellaneous site or other camping fees unless the budget isn’t sufficient to do so.  For longer trips, the fee may be higher to cover additional fuel costs.

Each boy needs a uniform

The Class A uniform [pants, shirt, belt, socks, shoulder loops, and troop patch] is used for all meetings and outings (unless otherwise specified in advance).  The uniform pieces are here.  The troop supplies the troop number patch after you register.  The troop number patch should be sewn 1/4″ below the shoulder seam on the right sleeve.  You don't need to purchase the official socks and pants. Please choose dark socks and dark pants (green or black).

The shoulder loops vary by patrol, so be sure to order the loops that match your patrol or group.  Ask your leader to confirm you are getting the right thing.

Each Trailman also needs a Class B uniform, which is simply a special t-shirt.  Our troop has its own t-shirt for a Class B.  See a leader for details on how to get one.  The boys wear this at camp, and it helps to identify them as part of a group while also making it easier to find them when mingled with other kids.

We sometimes have used uniforms, boots, and other equipment as the boys outgrow them.  Check with a leader to see who can advise on what’s available if you have a need for that.

Each boy needs a book

The troop provides the Trailman’s first handbook free of charge. Please speak to one of the leaders to find out who is handling the books for the troop. 

Have your trailman put his name in the book immediately. If he misplaces it at a meeting, then we can get it back to him. If your Trailman loses or damages the book, then you can pay the troop for a replacement.

Navigators and Adventurers need to bring the handbook, a Bible, a notebook, and a pen/pencil to each meeting.

What are the first things to learn?

To get his starting rank, each Trailman has to memorize and recite the Trailman motto, oath, and virtues. The motto and oath are in the book or here until you get your book.  The virtues are a special creation of our troop to remind our Trailmen of the character they should pursue.

How does rank advancement work?

On the program overview page, Trail Life USA explains how advancement works.  Here is a graphic that gives an overview

When a Trailman crosses over to the Navigator and Adventurer programs,  they are more responsible for their advancement. There are options for different electives for them to choose.  See more details on the Navigators & Adventurers Program page.

How do fundraisers work?

We have one fundraiser each year: our BBQ fundraiser in early Spring.

For the BBQ fundraiser, the boys will sell BBQ for about a month. Then we will have a busy week for volunteering as we cook, prep, and pack the BBQ shortly after the pre-sales are done.  Look for a volunteer sign-up ahead of that week.