Woodlands Branch Patch

The Branch Patch

When a boy joins any of the three Woodlands Trail Patrols, he may earn the Fox, Hawk, or Mountain Lion “Branch Patch.” This joining patch will be worn on his right uniform pocket and shows that the boy knows the basics of Trail Life USA.

Requirements:

  • Memorize the Trailman Oath
  • Learn the Trailman Handshake
  • Learn the Trailman Sign and when to use it
  • Learn the Trailman Salute and when to use it
  • Memorize the Pledge of Allegiance (Fox recite only)
  • Understand how to properly fold the American flag (Mountain Lions only)

 

Trailman Oath

On my honor,
I will do my best
To serve God and my country;
To respect authority;
To be a good steward of creation;
And to treat others as I want to be treated

 

Trailman Handshake

The Trailman Handshake is a wrist to wrist handshake.

Image result for wrist to wrist handshake

 

Trailman Sign

The Trailman Sign is raised when reciting the Trailman Oath and also used as a sign to bring Trailman to silence to focus on business at hand.

 

The Trailman Salute

The Trailman Salute is used by members in uniform*, when:

  • They recite the Pledge of Allegiance (stand at attention and face the flag)
  • The flag passes in a parade or ceremony (at the moment the flag passes, stand at attention facing the flag)
  • While in a parade or procession, you pass a flag posted on a stage/podium erected for the event (continue moving forward, turning head so eyes are on the flag until you have passed)
  • The flag is hoisted and lowered (the salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of the national anthem, whichever is longer)
  • The national anthem is played or sung (stand at attention and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music)
  • The flag is retired at flag retirement ceremonies.

Men will remove hats when saluting, except for a uniform hat. Women do not have to remove head covering.

*uniform – whatever official Trail Life USA uniform piece(s) is deemed appropriate for that activity by the Activity Coordinator.

How to do a Proper Hand Salute

(from www.usarmystudyguide.com)

A proud, smart salute shows pride in yourself and your unit and that you are confident in your abilities as a soldier. A sloppy salute might mean that you’re ashamed of your unit, lack confidence, or at the very least, that you haven’t learned how to salute correctly.

In saluting, turn your head and eyes toward the person or flag you are saluting. Bring your hand up to the correct position in one, smart motion without any preparatory movement. When dropping the salute, bring your hand directly down to its natural position at your side, without slapping your leg or moving your hand out to the side. Any flourish in the salute is improper.

The proper way to salute when wearing the beret or without headgear is to raise your right hand until the tip of your forefinger touches the outer edge of your right eyebrow (just above and to the right of your right eye). When wearing headgear, the forefinger touches the headgear slightly above and to the right of your right eye. Your fingers are together, straight, and your thumb snug along the hand in line with the fingers. Your hand, wrist, and forearm are straight, forming a straight line from your elbow to your fingertips. Your upper arm (elbow to shoulder) is horizontal to the ground.

 

American Flag Folding

Great video here: https://www.wikihow.com/Fold-an-American-Flag