Trail Life USA - Troop IL-8758

Vision of Trail Life

More than ever, boys need a uniquely masculine program where their assertive, audacious, and adventurous nature is celebrated, not sequestered.

Let Boys Be Boys

Too many boys are turning to virtual worlds of television, video games, digital media, and the internet to find realms they can conquer and areas where they can excel. The result of this virtual conquest is often apathy, apparent rebellion, or outright resistance to real-world challenge.

Trail Life USA is an environment where boys thrive! Adults are equipped to lead a program in a structured outdoor environment where boys are engaged in real-world challenge and experience camping, hiking, and fishing; they develop skills in riflery, archery, and canoeing; and learn character and leadership in a practical hands-on manner that is naturally engaging.

In the outdoors, the experience of adults is never obsolete; boys find mentors, fathers and sons connect, important relationships are fostered, and boys find opportunity to achieve significant accomplishment.

Program Overview

Woodlands (K-5th grade)

Fox Patrol (5 & 6-year-olds - must be 5 years old by 10/31)

We do require a parent to accompany their Fox TrailMan at all meetings & events.

Hawk Patrol (7 & 8-year-olds)

Mountain Lion Patrol (9 & 10-year-olds)

Boys on the Woodlands Trail (age 5-10) gain knowledge about outdoor skills, citizenship, character, friendship, and faith through fun activities, awards, and skill instruction.

The Woodlands Trail covers 7 'Branches' of learning: Heritage, Hobbies, Life Skills, Outdoor Skills, Science & Technology, Sports & Fitness, and Values. Each Branch consists of 3-5 'steps' that are covered at Troop Meetings. Each Branch will have a corresponding 'Hit the Trail (HTT),' a field trip outside of our normal Troop meeting that allows the boys to experience a new adventure.

Campouts, Elgin Public Museum, local Fire House tours, sleepover on a submarine or MSI are just some of the examples of past HTTs. TrailMen can make up for missed meetings or missed HTTs by completing Family Home Activities (FHAs). The TrailMan Handbook lists out the corresponding FHAs for each Patrol and Branch. TrailMan can earn the Worthy Life Award by participating in their Patrol's Bible Study and completing the appropriate spiritual disciplines like Bible memory.

Navigators (6th-8th grade)

As Navigators, boys age 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. Skills universally needed for godly manhood are developed through required Trail Badges; Aquatics, Camping, Fire Ranger, First Aid, Our Flag, Outdoor Cooking, Ropework, Trail Skills, and Wood Tools. Elective Trail Badges help a TrailMan explore unique areas of gifting and come to understand the way God has specially created him.

Adventurers (9th-12th grade)

As Adventurers, young men ages 14-18 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. Adventurers are challenged with more advanced required Trail Badges; Citizenship, Emergency Preparedness, FamilyMan, Fitness, Outdoor Life, & Personal Resources.

Youth Safety - 1, 2, 3

No One on One: Adults will never be in a one-on-one situation with anyone other than their own son
Two Deep Leadership: We always have 2 approved Trail Life Leaders at every event, group, gathering
Three TrailMen together: TrailMen are always in groups of at least 3 TrailMen

Fees & Expenses

Troop Fees

Troop Dues: $170/TrailMan - Contributes to the Troop funds that goes towards supplies, badges, patches, etc. Scholarships are available.
Uniform: $45 - All TrailMen wear the same Class A uniform. We recommend going a size or two larger so your son can wear it for several years.
TrailMan Handbook: $18 - One Handbook for Woodlands, and one Handbook for Navigators/Adventurers.
Class B tee shirt: $18 - Casual cotton tee shirt to be worn at campouts, HTTs, etc. (Optional)

Trail Life USA Membership Fee

Annual membership: $37/TrailMan - this goes to the Trail Life USA Home Office for program development, training, insurance, etc. Paid directly to Trail Life USA through Trail Life Connect.

Event Fees

Each event has its own fee to cover the cost. For example, weekend campouts are about $25-$30/person, which includes 5 meals, the site fee, and supplies for any activities.

Adult Volunteer Fees

Adult Volunteers may need to maintain a Trail Life USA membership ($43/year) and secure a TrailMan's uniform. Adult uniforms are $22.50 as the Troop picks up 50% of the cost.

Parental Involvement

Due to our continued growth as a Troop, we encourage every family to serve the Troop in a volunteer role. Some have direct contact with the TrailMen & some are behind the scenes. We also understand it is not feasible for everyone. Parents/adults who serve in a volunteer role will receive a $100/TrailMan discount on their Troop fee.

Direct Contact Leaders & Trail Guides

Due to the direct contact nature of these roles with the TrailMen, these roles are reserved for men who can be fully approved as HBC & Trail Life volunteers (Background check, complete HBC training, complete TLUSA training, maintain a $43/year Trail Life USA membership, and purchase $22.50 Troop uniform)

Assistant Chaplain (position filled) - Assists the Chaplain in the spiritual development of the TrailMen
Advisor (position filled) - Oversee and lead the Adventurer Patrols
TrailMaster (position filled) - Oversee and lead the Navigator Patrols
Ranger (position filled) - Oversee and lead the Woodland Trail Patrols
Trail Guide (Unlimited spots available) - Commit to attend and assist the Advisor, TrailMaster, or Ranger in delivering the Troop program at the Tuesday night Troop Meetings.
Registered Adult (4 positions available) - A dad that is unable to commit to Troop meetings but wants to assist with the implementation of the program at Hit the Trails, Campouts, and other Troop events.

Troop Committee Volunteers

These roles can be filled by any adult but becoming a Trail Life approved volunteer is required. Becoming a TL USA approved volunteer includes Background check, Youth Protection Training, & $43 annual membership fee to Trail Life USA

Advancement Chair (position available) - Reports to Committee Chair as a member of the Troop Committee. Works with Trail Guides for advancement record keeping, securing appropriate Badges/Patches/Pins, and leading the Court of Honor Planning Team.
Community Service Chair (position filled) - Reports to the Committee Chair as a member of the Troop Committee. Leads the Service Committee and coordinates regular community service efforts.
Fundraising Chair (2 positions available) - Reports to Committee Chair as a member of the Troop Committee. Organizes and supervises fundraising events and ensures that every youth member has the tools necessary to participate. Coordinates 1 to 2 fundraisers each year.
Health & Safety Chair (position filled) - Reports to Committee Chair as a member of the Troop Committee. Keeps everyone up to date on Trail Life & HBC's policies and procedures. Maintains current and comprehensive knowledge of Health & Safety Guide and related documents.
Membership Chair (1 position available) - Reports to Committee Chair as a member of the Troop Committee. Leads the Membership team, coordinating regular recruiting of new members and enacts plans to retain current member families.
Outdoor/Activities Chair (1 position available) - Reports to Committee Chair as a member of the Troop Committee. Researches and secures permission to use camping sites or other outdoor locations for planned activities. Works with TroopMaster & Outdoor/Activities Coordinators to ensure a monthly robust outdoor program for all levels. Oversees planning of Trail Life Grand Prix.
Communications Chair (1 position available) - Reports to Committee Chair as a member of the Troop Committee. Handles email communication to Troop families and maintains Troop private Facebook Group, public Facebook Page, TLC Calendar, and Troop web site.
Equipment Coordinator (1 position available) - Reports to Committee Chair as a member of the Troop Committee. Works with youth Quartermaster and is responsible for inventory, storage, and maintenance of Troop Trailer, supplies, & equipment.

Non-direct Contact Volunteer

These roles can be filled by any adult as they do not have direct contact with the TrailMen.

Court of Honor Planning Team (4 positions available) - Reports to the Advancement Chair, assisting with the planning of the Court of Honor celebrations. Arrive early to assist with set-up, coordinate refreshments, and handle tear down.
Community Service Project Coordinator (4 positions available) - Reports to the Community Service Chair, assisting with the planning of regular community service efforts.
Onboarding Coordinator (1 position available) - Reports to the Membership Chair. Welcomes new families, helps process new TrailMan paperwork, connects them with other Trail Life families, and assimilates them into the life of the Troop.
Retention & Care Coordinator (1 position available) - Reports to the Membership Chair. Caring for the needs of Troop families. Finding ways to serve Troop families by reaching out to those that may have missed a meeting.
Volunteer Recruitment (2 positions available) - Works with TroopMaster and Committee Chair to recruit Trail Guides & Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from outside of the Troop. Former Eagle Scouts in the church, grandfathers, uncles, etc.
Outdoor/Activities Coordinator (3 positions available) - Reports to the Outdoor/Activities Chair, assisting with the planning of outdoor activities & securing the necessary groceries, firewood, and supplies. Assists with the execution of Trail Life Grand Prix.
Summer Adventure Coordinator (1 position available) - Coordinates the Summer Adventure Trip for Navigators/Adventurers. Works with the TrailMan's Officer Committee to research, plan, and execute the summer trip.
Uniform Closet Coordinator (1 position available) - Establish an "Uniform Exchange" program that allows veteran TrailMen to exchange used uniforms for a larger size when outgrown. Secure used uniforms from garage sales or former TrailMen.
Bookkeeper (1 position available) - Reports to the Treasurer. Maintains financial records for the troop.

Volunteer Nursery Caregivers

Serve the Troop by caring for the children of AHG/TL volunteers during Troop Meetings. Volunteer must become a fully approved Harvest Kids volunteer

Nursery Coordinator (1 position available - ** Can be filled by an AHG volunteer) - Works with TML to oversee Tuesday night nursery for younger children of volunteers. Handles scheduling & securing the appropriate number of nursery workers for each Troop Meeting.
Nursery Volunteer (6 positions available - ** Can be filled by an AHG volunteer) - Serve in the AHG/TL joint nursery, caring for the young children of Troop volunteers. Can bring younger children into the nursery with you. With enough nursery volunteers, this would NOT be an EVERY Tuesday commitment.

Troop IL-8758