Trail Life USA Blog

Matt Gidney

Matt Gidney taught English at Covenant College and the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. He currently serves as the communications and compliance coordinator for Trail Life USA. He lives in Travelers Rest, South Carolina with his wife and 3 children.

Matt Gidney Nov 06, 2024

Mentoring, Trail Life USA, Service, Leadership, Raising Godly Boys

Daniel Boone Base Camp 2024 - Raising Servant Leaders

What originally started as a Trail Life kick-off event back in 2013 has grown and matured, much like Trail Life as a ministry. The first Daniel Boone Base Camp in 2013 hosted 119 Trailmen. Over the past ten years, it has expanded as Troops from across the Northeast gather to kick off the program…

Matt Gidney Nov 18, 1990

Trail Life USA, Let Boys be Boys, Troop Adventures

A Rite of Passage: Troop NC-0834's 36-hour Survival challenge

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows through the towering pines as the boys of Troop NC-0834 gathered at the edge of the woods, anticipation crackling in the air. This was no ordinary weekend; they were about to embark on the annual 36-Hour Survival Challenge, a rite of passage…

Matt Gidney Oct 22, 1990

Trail Life USA, Let Boys be Boys, Troop Adventures, Masculinity, Raising Godly Boys

From Hospital Halls to Heroism: How Trail Life Helped Shape a First Responder

Luke Corley woke up to the sound of his mom’s voice. She was shouting, her voice shaking. “Luke, get in the car. We’re going to the hospital. It’s your dad.”

Matt Gidney Oct 21, 1990

Parenting, Trail Life USA, Let Boys be Boys, Masculinity, Raising Godly Boys

“Dad, I Want to Be a Christian”: How Trail Life Shaped a Boy’s Confession and a Father’s Calling

A Backseat Confession The car was quiet on the long drive home from a Trail Life meeting when Jason’s 12 year old son suddenly spoke from the back seat: “Dad, I want to be a Christian.”