Christ-Centered • Boy-Focused • Outdoor Adventure
Raising boys of character through outdoor adventure, lasting friendships, and faith — in Olathe, Kansas. New families are always welcome.
Trail Life USA is a Christ-centered, boy-focused outdoor adventure, character, and leadership program for young men from kindergarten through 12th grade. It blends the best traditions of scouting — camping, hiking, the patrol system, skill badges, and uniforms — on the foundation of Christian character formation.
Boys will love the fun and adventure. Parents will love the commitment to a Christian worldview, moral consistency, and safety. Troop 1613 is chartered by New Hope PCA and led by trained, background-checked Christian men who walk alongside your son on the trail.
Whether your family is brand new to Trail Life or returning for another year of adventure, we're glad you're here. Below you'll find everything you need to know to get started.
“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.”
Boys grow through three age-based programs, each with its own adventures, awards, and level of responsibility. Troop 1613 serves all three.
Not sure what to expect? Here's the rhythm of a typical troop meeting. Every gathering mixes fellowship, skill-building, games, and faith — so boys are always learning while having a blast.
First time? Just come as you are. Visitors are welcome at any meeting, and a leader will greet your family and help your son jump right in.
The troop gathers to present colors, recite the Trailman's Oath, and kick things off together.
Troop-wide news about upcoming campouts and events, plus a short Biblical devotion.
Boys split into their age-based patrols to work on skills, badges, and hands-on projects.
Each patrol enjoys a game or challenge together — teamwork, laughs, and a lot of fun.
The evening wraps with a faith connection and a closing ceremony.
As boys grow, they advance through meaningful awards that build skill, character, and leadership — all the way to Trail Life's highest honor.
Woodlands Trailmen earn pins across seven branches of learning and adventure.
The top Woodlands awards, marking a boy's readiness to advance to Navigators.
Navigators and Adventurers earn required and elective badges as they master new skills.
Trail Life's pinnacle achievement — earned through advanced badges, service, and proven leadership.
Joining is simple, and you can start at any point in the year. Here's how new families get connected.
Email us or drop by a meeting or open house. Come see the troop in action — there's no obligation, and your son can join the fun right away.
Complete your membership through Trail Life Connect. The national youth membership fee is $42.98/year. Troop 1613's local dues are $75 for Woodlands Trail and $125 for Freedom Trail (Navigators & Adventurers). Scholarships are available if needed.
Join us for New Family Orientation, get your son's uniform and handbook, and mark your calendar for the first campout. Welcome to the trail!
The questions new families ask us most. Don't see yours? Just ask — we're happy to help.
The Trail Life USA national youth membership fee is $42.98 per year. Troop 1613's local dues are $75 for Woodlands Trail and $125 for Freedom Trail (Navigators & Adventurers), which help cover activities and supplies, and we fundraise throughout the year to keep costs low. Families may also have some costs for a uniform and handbook. Scholarships are available if needed — cost should never keep a boy from joining, so please just ask.
We meet on Tuesday nights from 6:30–8:00 PM for nine months of the year, following the school calendar. On top of weekly meetings, the troop offers optional campouts, service projects, and special events. Families put in as much as they're able — but the more you're involved, the more your son gets out of it.
Trail Life's membership policy welcomes boys of any faith — or no faith at all — to participate. At the same time, Trail Life is unapologetically Christian in its values and program, and Troop 1613 is chartered by New Hope PCA. Families of all backgrounds are welcome, and everyone should expect a Christ-centered environment.
Every leader is trained and background-checked. Trail Life follows the 1-2-3 Youth Protection Essentials: no one-on-one contact between an adult and a child, two-deep leadership at all activities, and the buddy system of three. Safety is built into everything we do.
There's no strict requirement for a full uniform when a boy first starts — just come in comfortable clothes. As Trailmen settle in, they'll get a uniform, and there are options at a few different price points. We'll walk you through exactly what's needed for your son's program.
Trail Life takes an unapologetically Christian stance, and youth membership is for boys only. Troops are led by trained, background-checked Christian men who invest in each boy's character and faith. The outdoor adventure, badges, and advancement will feel familiar to families who've experienced scouting — but what sets Trail Life apart is its foundation, where faith and character come first.
Absolutely. Whether dad is permanently or temporarily out of the picture, your son is welcome. Our leaders and troop families come alongside every boy. Moms and guardians are an important part of the troop, too.
We welcome boys from kindergarten through 12th grade across all three programs — Woodlands Trail (K–5), Navigators (6–8), and Adventurers (9–12). There's a place for every boy, and you can join at any time during the year.
Questions, or ready to visit? Reach out any of these ways — we'd love to meet your family.
