Core Values


Trail Life USA (TLUSA) is a Christian outdoor adventure program that emphasizes and teaches biblical moral values. The program is unapologetically Christian, but is intended to be presented without feeling overly “churchy” or “religious,” focusing on outdoor adventure, character, and leadership development. The essentials of a Christian worldview are present throughout the entire program.

Membership Standards


Membership in Trail Life USA has youth, young adult, and adult classifications. Each classification requires that the qualifications relevant to the particular classification and prescribed in these Standards are met.

  • Youth membership is open to all boys at least 5 years old and less than 18 years of age.
  • Young adult membership is open to men and women who are at least 18 years old yet have not reached their 21st birthday.
  • Adult membership is open to men and women 21 years of age or older.

We welcome youth members who aspire to live in accordance with the values expressed in the program’s Oath and Motto and whose parents or guardians seek a faith-based outdoor adventure program that places an emphasis on character development, leadership, and moral purity. The program is undergirded by biblical values and unapologetically reflects a Christian worldview. Our goal is to enable families to place their boys in a program that endeavors to instruct and instill moral integrity and consistency in its members. All members must honor their God-given identity revealed in their biological sex by presenting as and living consistent with that sex. We affirm that sexual immorality—any sexual activity outside the context of the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman—is sinful before God and therefore inconsistent with the values and principles of the program. All members, therefore, should refrain from engaging in or promoting sexual immorality or any other behavior that would become a distraction to the mission of the program. Young adult and adult members must subscribe to and abide by the Trail Life USA Statement of Christian Faith and Values as well as the Oath and Motto.