Navigators
As boys progress along the trail, they transition from the lush green forest floor to the challenges of the grey rocky crags as Navigators (ages 11-13/6th - 8th grades). Under the guidance of godly male role models, they explore values and beliefs, demonstrating responsibility in outdoor adventures, as well as in their home and school life. Advancement is marked by earning Ranks and Trail Badges. Activities are directed by a adult leaders referred to as Trail Guides.
When a boy moves from the Woodlands Trail to the Navigators program, Troops are encouraged to hold a significant rite of passage ceremony. In many Troops, older boys create a bridge for Trailmen to cross over from the Woodlands Trail to the Navigators program. A significant part of the ceremony commonly involves a boy receiving his Standard from his father or a significant mentor.
The Standard is the offical staff used to track and celebrate a young man's journey during the next 6-7 years in the program. As a boy grows in understanding and wisdom and develops the character and leadership skills that will propel him into manhood, he adorns his Standard with Trail Badges and Advancement Medallions and tracks his progress on Trail Life USA's Trailmap to Manhood. Each Trail Badge represents a milestone in understanding or the development of a skill as a boy proceeds on the Trail.
In Trail Life USA, skills universally needed for godly manhood are developed through required Trail Badges as young men earn the ranks of Able Trailman, Ready Trailman, Journey, Ascent, Horizon, and Freedom. 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 Ranks gives an overview of the knowledge and skills Trailmen develop as part of the Navigators and Adventurers programs on the path to Freedom.
When a boy moves from the Woodlands Trail to the Navigators program, Troops are encouraged to hold a significant rite of passage ceremony. In many Troops, older boys create a bridge for Trailmen to cross over from the Woodlands Trail to the Navigators program. A significant part of the ceremony commonly involves a boy receiving his Standard from his father or a significant mentor.
The Standard is the offical staff used to track and celebrate a young man's journey during the next 6-7 years in the program. As a boy grows in understanding and wisdom and develops the character and leadership skills that will propel him into manhood, he adorns his Standard with Trail Badges and Advancement Medallions and tracks his progress on Trail Life USA's Trailmap to Manhood. Each Trail Badge represents a milestone in understanding or the development of a skill as a boy proceeds on the Trail.
In Trail Life USA, skills universally needed for godly manhood are developed through required Trail Badges as young men earn the ranks of Able Trailman, Ready Trailman, Journey, Ascent, Horizon, and Freedom. 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 Ranks gives an overview of the knowledge and skills Trailmen develop as part of the Navigators and Adventurers programs on the path to Freedom.
Navigators Resources
- Learn Joining Award steps to receive the Recruit Trailman Rank
- Review the recruitment ranks
- Expectations for 2024-2025
- 2024-2025 Schedule