Troop Meetings
The foundational core of the program is our Troop Meetings which are intended to provide hands-on instruction from our Trail Guides. The patrol portion of each meeting is guided along the following model:
FUN: This allows time where Trailmen can burn off some energy by playing games or participating in a physical activity. This encourages teamwork and following instructions.
FOCUS: This provides an academic or instructional element supporting the branch topic. Lessons frequently will include demonstrations and visual objects. This is the emphasis on foundational skills and coordinates with the other F’s. These lessons encourage listening and respect.
FINGERS: This offers an opportunity for the Trailmen to experience a project with “hands-on” learning. This is based on the Focus teaching segment. Boys learn to apply a lesson better when they can see and build or make something that would remind them of what is being taught. The expected outcome is the ability to follow directions and promptly complete tasks.
FAMILY: The family emphasis for the principle taught allows for practical takeaways for the Trailman to implement at home. It is the desire of Trail Life USA to inform and involve the family in the learning process as much as possible. This serves to teach honor and obedience.
FAITH: This final segment is perhaps the most important. Trail Guides will communicate biblical truths, values, and wisdom corresponding to the lesson and close the patrol portion with prayer. This teaches Trailmen godly principles, values and how to apply these truths to our lives to build “workmen who are not ashamed”.
Campouts – Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer Adventure
The most highly anticipated activity for most Trailmen are the campouts which are held in the Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. The Woodlands Trail program focuses on local campout locations near the KC area with an emphasis on basic camping skills, physical activity and utilizing the lessons learned in Troop Meetings. Most campouts are for one-night, with tents utilized in the Fall/Spring and cabin style accommodations in the Winter/Summer. Our Winter campout focuses on more of spiritual retreat, embracing a time of renewal for Trailmen at the mid-point of the program year. Our Summer Adventure is a celebration looking forward to the start of a new program year and typically focuses on venues that offer unique activities (e.g., canoeing, swimming, obstacle courses, etc.).
Hikes
At least twice per year, we Hit the Trail to get out in nature at a local hiking spot. Our goal is to spend time enjoying God’s creation, getting to know our fellow troop members and learn something interesting on the day.
Service Projects
A key component of Trail Life is learning to use our abilities in a manner that serves others. We build in specific service opportunities to the program year (e.g. Operation Christmas Child, food pantries, community work projects) to allow Trailmen to implement the value of service.
Other Hit the Trail Activities
Other ways we embrace outdoor activity and community involvement is to take Hit the Trail events to a local museum, fishing site, sports venue, historic site or community place of interest. This helps Trailmen learn to appreciate local history, culture and community.
Pinewood Derby
One of the highlights of our program year is the Annual Pinewood Derby which is hosted for families and guests. From mid-December until race day, boys (and Dads) get into full expert PWD car building mode. At check-in the night before, cars are qualified, lubed and photographed for the big day. On race day, it’s all systems go as we award design winners and race in a heat style format on a 48ft track to find the top cars leading to a Grand Finals that usually is within a second for the ultimate Champion. Click here for the Racing Page.
Court of Honor Awards Ceremony
One of the most impactful nights of the program year is the celebration of the milestones achieved during the past year. Troop leaders will acknowledge the dedication of each participant along with the awards they have earned.
