Trail Life USA, a thriving organization based on traditional family values, was established in 2013 as a Christian alternative to the Boy Scouts. The organization aims to train boys ages 5-17 on essential life skills, which Mark Hancock, the CEO, believes the Boy Scouts has moved away from. The Boy Scouts has faced criticism for becoming more inclusive, including admitting girls in 2018 and recently dropping “Boy” from its name.
Hancock criticized the Boy Scouts’ rebranding as “Scouting America” as “tragic but not unexpected.” He emphasized the importance of providing boys with a program tailored to their needs, stating that boys need a different type of program than girls. Trail Life USA is designed to allow boys to be boys, surrounded by male leaders who exemplify what it means to be a good man.
As the Boy Scouts’ membership has declined, Trail Life USA has seen success, with many former Boy Scout leaders now active in the organization. Hancock expressed concern about the message the Boy Scouts are sending to boys by removing the word “Boy” from their name, suggesting that it may only be a matter of time before boys are excluded altogether.
The organization’s name change, set to take effect in February 2025 for its 115th anniversary, reflects the journey boys take as they navigate through life. Trail Life USA’s ranks symbolize this journey, with different levels representing various aspects of the trail of life. The highest level, the Freedom Award, signifies the ultimate achievement in the organization.
The Boy Scouts of America declined to comment on the matter.
