For Navigators and Adventurers only

The Troop standard is a walking stick that also serves as a place to show your awards. It is only allowed to be received after the trail men of Troop NC-0116 complete this checklist. All Trail men must complete the following:

1. Received at least the Recruit Rank in the Navigator system. If the trail man is in the Adventurer, they must receive the Journey Award

2. The trail man must earn a minimum of 3 badges

3. The trail man must be with the troop for at least one year

4. The trail man must have at least 60% attendance

5. Recite Psalm 23 “23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

With this imagery in mind, we present to you the Trailman Standard: the display of a boy’s character and leadership as he progresses through the program. Why a Standard? For the boys in Trail Life USA, we wanted to use a powerful, masculine image to display our awards. We hope that every time a boy gazes at his standard, he is reminded that as Jesus is our Good Shepherd and leader, so likewise he is to “lead with integrity, and serve others”. The Standard is where a boy can display the medallions (Trail Badges) he has earned in the Navigator and Adventurer Program for years to come. He can pass it on to his future son. It is a testament to the faith he embraces, the oath he has pledged, the achievements he has earned, the character he has developed, and the leadership he has embraced. Trail Life USA seeks to raise the standard of adventure, character, and leadership, and this Standard symbolizes the best of the program. What is it? This chestnut Troop Standard is dark-stained and clear-lacquered, and is farmed, processed, and imported from forests in Europe for Trail Life USA – then provided by an American vendor. It is available for purchase on the TLUSA online store. When is it presented? It is presented to the boy when he earns the Able Trailman Rank or the Journey Award. It is considered part of his formal uniform. How does it work? Upon completion of a badge, rank, or award, the boy is given a medallion to nail onto his standard. When is it used? It is considered part of the formal uniform, and should be used for Court of Awards, Board of Reviews, parades, and other formal occasions.

In Trail Life USA, skills universally needed for godly manhood are developed through required Trail Badges as boys earn the ranks of Able and Ready, as well as the Journey, Horizon, and Freedom Awards. Elective Trail Badges help a Trailman explore unique areas of gifting and come to understand the way God has specially created him.

Trail Life has even created a unique Design-Your-Own-Badge program where Trailmen can work within a provided framework alongside a mentor to develop a Badge that is unique to their specific interests. The Periodic Table of Advancements gives an overview of the knowledge and skills Trailmen develop as part of the Navigators and Adventurers programs on the path to Freedom.

The Freedom Award is the highest award in the Trail Life USA. It is an achievement accomplished by the few who reach the apex of the Trail Life Program. Earning the award requires a demonstrated mastery of a significant skill set including 15 required and 10 elective Trail Badges, performing 20 hours of servant service each year, and the distinction of having proven himself as a leader among his peers. He must also complete four "Freedom Experiences" in 3 separate chosen fields; complete a Faith Building Activity; budget, plan, and organize a volunteer team to compete a Servant Leadership Project; and complete an advancement conference and formal Freedom Board of Review.

On the Trail to Freedom, one of the most meaningful ways Trailmen come to understand their gifting is through serving. Service in the church and the community is a significant part of the Trail Life program. Outdoor adventure provides fertile ground for relationships to be fostered. As relationships grow, young men begin to learn skills and serve alongside their adult mentors. As Trailmen serve, they begin to find purpose and fulfillment. As Trailmen understand they were created by God for his glory, to be his hands and feet to others, they find fulfillment in service and begin to understand their gifting. As they use their gifts, they hone in on career and ministry paths that will set the tone for the rest of their life.