Woodlands
Overview
The Woodlands Trail program consists of 2 year “courses of study” for boys (called Trailmen) who learn in small groups (called Patrols). They are grouped based on age and grade. If homeschooled, it is recommended that boys stay with their age group.
The Woodlands Trail program is led by a Ranger who oversees all Woodlands Trail leaders and sets the agenda. Each patrol must have at least two Registered Adults present at all times. Registered adults are screened and must pass a background check. All parents/guardians are encouraged to be Registered Adults. Woodlands Trail patrols are led by designated registered adults called Trail Guides.
Foxes
(Grades K-1st)
Kindergarten and 5 years old by 10/31
Hawks
(Grades 2nd-3rd)
2nd Grade and 7 years old by 10/31
Lions
(Grades 4th-5th)
4th Grade and 9 years old by 10/31
Troop Structure
A Troop is locally chartered and inclusive of all units and age groups.
Units are segments of Trail Life USA serving a specific age group of boys. These include Woodlands Trail, Navigators, and Adventurers.
Age Groups are found within a unit and are designations assigned to a boy based on his current age. For the Woodlands Trail Unit, age groups include Foxes, Hawks, and Mountain Lions.
A Patrol is a small grouping of Trailmen within the unit. For ease of reference, patrols may be given numeric designations. (i.e. Fox Patrol 1, Fox Patrol 2). Within the Woodlands Trail unit, patrols will be led by registered adult leaders.
Fox and Hawk patrols would ideally number no more than ten boys.
Mountain Lion patrols would ideally number no more than fifteen boys.
Woodlands Trail Goals
provide a curriculum-based youth development program focused on active cumulative learning rather than on earning the next uniform insignia or emblem. Success is not measured in the quantity of insignia but in the quality of the young man.
create a sense of belonging and familiarity among all Woodlands Trail program age groups. A young boy joining the program at the kindergarten level will understand common terms, customs, and awards that extend to his fifth grade year.
encourage multi-age groupings of boys, allowing the boys to interact with older youth who may encourage the younger boys. It also affords an opportunity to older youth in the program to learn about leadership of those younger than themselves.
easily administered by adult leaders in a variety of circumstances and geographic locations