Scott Clough

Parenting Troop Adventures Masculinity

Reindeer Soup: Doing Hard Things and the Journey to Manhood

How did I end up in the middle of Iceland with two sons and a bag of freeze-dried reindeer soup in my backpack? Let's start with the obvious - the boys in our Troop are ambitious and the leaders are crazy. But there's logic to our insanity and I think the other dads would agree with me on this. Let me explain.
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Stephen Ashton

Leadership Masculinity History

George Washington: Lead with Integrity

"O eternal and everlasting God, direct my thoughts, words and work. Wash away my sins in the immaculate blood of the lamb, and purge my heart by thy Holy Spirit . . . daily frame me more and more into the likeness of thy son Jesus Christ, that living in thy fear, and dying in thy favor, I may in thy appointed time ...
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Stephen Ashton

Masculinity History

William Bradford

"Our fathers were Englishmen who came over the great ocean, and were ready to perish in this wilderness; but they cried unto the Lord, and He heard their voice, and looked on their adversity. ... Let them therefore praise the Lord, because He is good, and His mercies endure forever. Yea, let them that have been ...
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Joleen Steel

Parenting Let Boys be Boys

Building Grit in Boys

“I can do it.” These simple words carry an incredible weight, shaping character and preparing young boys to navigate life’s inevitable challenges. In an age where instant gratification and constant comfort are readily available, instilling grit and resilience in our sons has never been more important.
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Matt Gidney

Leadership Troop Adventures History

A Modern Corps of Discovery: Leadership and Brotherhood Forged on the Missouri River

“Twenty more miles,” Caleb murmured, feeling the weight of each stroke. The Missouri River stretched endlessly ahead, and he wasn’t sure how much more his arms—or spirit—could take. He looked over at Ricky, First Officer of the expedition, whose own strength and resolve seemed to bolster everyone’s spirits. Together, ...
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Matt Gidney

Mentoring

Guiding Generations: Paul, Timothy, and the Power of Mentorship

“For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord.” - 1 Corinthians 4:17 The story of Paul and Timothy is more than ancient history; it’s a timeless tale of mentorship, love, and a legacy that reaches through the ages to inspire us today. Paul’s relationship with Timothy was ...
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Mark Hancock

History

The Iron in Their Blood: Rediscovering the Spirit of Thanksgiving

There was a time when boys dreamed of being heroes. Coonskin caps and six-shooters transformed backyards into the wild frontiers of Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett. Books told of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark carving paths through the uncharted West, while flannelgraph boards in Sunday school brought Noah’s ...
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Stephen Ashton

Masculinity History

William Bradford - Determination

"Our fathers were Englishmen who came over the great ocean, and were ready to perish in this wilderness; but they cried unto the Lord, and He heard their voice, and looked on their adversity. ... Let them therefore praise the Lord, because He is good, and His mercies endure forever. Yea, let them that have been ...
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Staff

Service Leadership

On Veteran’s Day, Trail Life USA Honors American Veterans and Encourages Patriotism in Boys

Trail Life USA CEO, Mark Hancock, encourages all Americans to honor our veterans on Veteran’s Day, and reaffirms Trail Life’s dedication to inspire patriotism and build character in boys across America.
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