FAQs

Troop PA-0019 FAQs

Q: What is the Trail Life Motto?

A: "Walk Worthy" Colossions 1:10 "...that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God..."

Q: What is the Trail Life Oath?

A: "...On my honor, I will do my best to serve God and country; to respect authority; to be good stewards of creation; and to treat others as I want to be treated."

Q: When did Trail Life Troop PA-0019 start?

A: Troop PA-0019 was chartered on 12/31/2014 under the Forks of the Brandywine Church http://www.forkschurch.org/. Our Troop number comes from Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Q: When are troop meetings?

A: Woodlands Trail meet on the 1st & 3rd Mondays. Navigators and Adventurers meet on the 1st, 2nd and 3ed Mondays. See Upcoming Events for next meetings. Woodlands meet from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm and Navigator/Adventurers meet from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Q: Once my son decides to join, how do I register him?

A: Let our Troopmaster or one of our Trail Leaders know and we will send you email you with the link to register online through Trail Life Connect (TLUSA).

Q: What Trail Life troop level is my son?

A: Your son's age by October 31st will determine their placement in either Woodlands ages 5-11 (grades K-5), Navigators ages 11-14 (grades 6-8), Adventurers ages 14-17 (grades 9-12).

Q: My son wants to be part of your troop, what are the upfront costs to join?

A: Effective 7/1/2021, new Trailman registration fees are as follows:

All Trailmen pay Trail Life USA a membership fee of $33.25 per year which keep your son active with the national organization.
All Trailmen pay Troop PA-0019 the following "1st Year" Trailman Troop Membership Dues:
- Woodlands Trail (K-5) $100.00
- Navigators (6-8) $150.00
- Adventurers (9-12) $150.00
- Once your "1st Year" Trailman Troop Member Dues are paid your son will receive their Patrol Meeting Polo Shirt and Trailman Handbook (Woodlands Trail: One handbook per family). Adventurers & Navigators will also receive their Troop Standard (wooden staff for badges & awards) at their first Court of Honor.
After your 1st year, "Renewing" Trailmen pay the following Trailman Troop Membership Due each year::
- Woodlands Trail (K-5) $50.00
- Navigators (6-8) $75.00
- Adventurers (9-12) $75.00

Q: Is there any financial help to pay for fees?

A: Yes, we have a Troop PA-0019 Trailman Scholarship Fund that can help offset some of your expenses. Contact our Troop Treasurer for more information.

Q: Do I need to purchase a Trail Life meeting shirt to start?

A: The troop will supply your son his first Troop Meeting Polo shirt once his "1st Year" Troop Member Dues are paid.

Woodlands Trail (K-5) wear Green, Navigators (6-8) wear Grey and Adventurers (9-12) wear Blue Meeting Polo shirts.

Q: Do I need to purchase a Trail Life “formal” uniform to start?

A: We recommend that only Navigators and Adventurers purchase formal uniforms at this time and wait until their first Court of Honor. Basic formal uniform shirts cost $42 at this time.

Q: Should I purchase a Trail Life Trailman’s Handbook for my son?

A: We provide the all newly Registering Trailmen with a trailman Handbook after their 1st Year Troop Member Dues are paid. (Woodlands Trail Trailmen will get one handbook per family).

Q: Are Parents required to attend with their son?

A: We do require a Parent to attend for Woodlands Trail age boys in K-1st grade. We encourage Dads to attend along side their son at troop meetings and participate in camping adventures so your son can see you bonding with other Godly men. Many Dads become registered adults and assist our front contact leaders with the program.

Q: How can Parents participate?

A: Speak to our Troopmaster or Front Contact Leaders about becoming a Registered Adult/Trail Guide or volunteer serve on one of our Troop Committees. The troop runs most effectively when "many hands serve" the ministry.

Q: What happens when my son turns 18?

A: At age 18, your son is considered an adult and their participation in the troop as a Trailmen ends. They can continue to particpate in Trail Life as either a Registered Adult or Trail Guide or be part of the Trail Life Guidon program for ages 18-25 if one is available in our area. See your Troopmaster for more details.

Q: Is there an American Heritage Troop for my daughter to join?

A: Yes! The Forks of the Brandywine Church also has a chartered American Heritage Girl Troop PA-1031. Go to http://www.forkschurch.org/ or click here to connect with AHG PA-1031.