Joining Award
Joining Award (Branch Patch)
When a boy qualifies to enter one of the Woodlands Trail program age Patrols, the boy may earn the joining award (Branch Patch) for that group. This patch will be worn on the right pocket of the Class A uniform. This patch recognizes that the boy knows the basics of Trail Life USA which includes learning the Trailman oath, motto, salute, sign, handshake and the U.S. Pledge (Mountain Lions must also demonstrate properly folding the American flag).
Branch Patch Requirements
Memorize the Trailman Oath and Motto
Learn the Trailman Sign and when to use it
Learn the Trailman Salute and when to use it
Learn the Trailman Handshake
Memorize the Pledge of Allegiance (Foxes recite only)
Demonstrate how to properly fold the American flag (Mountain Lions only)
Trailman Oath
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.
Trailman Motto
Walk Worthy
“… that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God…” Colossians 1:10
Trailman Sign
The Trailman sign is made with the right hand held open, palm forward, raising your right arm with your elbow at a right angle.
The sign is used during reciting of the Trailman Oath. It is also used by the Troopmaster, Ranger, Trail Guides, or other Adult Leader to gain the attention of and silence the Trailmen as needed to focus on the business at hand.
Trailman Salute
The Trailman salute is made by raising your right hand. The tip of your fingers should almost touch your right temple. If you wear glasses, the tip of your fingers should almost touch the frames of your glasses. If you are wearing a uniform hat, the tip of your fingers should touch the brim.
The sign is used during reciting of the Trailman Oath.
Trailman Handshake
The Trailman Handshake is a wrist to wrist handshake.
The Trailman Salute is used by members in uniform*, when:
They recite the Pledge of Allegiance (stand at attention and face the flag)
The flag passes in a parade, or ceremony (at the moment the flag passes, stand at attention facing the flag)
While in a parade or procession, you pass a flag posted on a stage/podium erected for the event (continue moving forward, turning head so eyes are on the flag until you have passed)
The flag is hoisted and lowered (the salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of the national anthem, whichever is longer)
The national anthem is played or sung (stand at attention and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music)
The flag is retired at flag retirement ceremonies.
(Men will remove hats when saluting, except for a uniform hat. Women do not have to remove head covering)
*uniform – whatever official Trail Life USA uniform piece(s) is deemed appropriate for that activity by the Activity Coordinator.