Stephen Ashton
Stephen Ashton is the National Director of Marketing for Trail Life USA and serves as an adjunct professor at Clarks Summit University and Anchor Christian University. Prior to his work at Trail Life, he spent 15 years working with at-risk youth in residential therapeutic wilderness programs and served as the Vice-President of the Wilderness Road Therapeutic Camping Association. An author and a speaker, he has written for journals and published a book chronicling the foundations of therapeutic camping. He frequently speaks on the topics of fatherhood, biblical masculinity, outdoor education, and wilderness therapy. Stephen lives in South Carolina with his wife and 4 sons.
Recent Posts
Stephen Ashton
"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning, but for children, play is serious learning.” -Fred Rogers
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Stephen Ashton
Mentoring Parenting Let Boys be Boys Masculinity
1. Cultivate Relationships Boys need dads who remember the world of backyard matchbox cars. Who can recall the time when dirt roads were carved from mulch beds, rocks became doughnut shops, cars drove to the tops of trees, and perils awaited in the grass jungles.
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Stephen Ashton
"Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray." Luke 5:16 My master was a Man, who knew The rush of rain, the drip of dew, The wistful whisper of the breeze, Night's magic and its mysteries.
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Stephen Ashton
Christmas is a remarkable opportunity to talk with boys and young men about the example of Christ. What did it mean for him to become a man? What character traits did he display? What was unique about the life he lived? What implications does his life have for us as men?
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Stephen Ashton
In The News Service Leadership
Jaydon Ballman enjoys the outdoors. Whenever he gets the chance, he likes to hike, camp or simply enjoy being outside. His recent completion of a walking bridge at Alcove Spring Historic Park was an effort to provide that enjoyment for others. Ballman said “it was a fun but challenging project.” The bridge allowed him ...
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Stephen Ashton
This week in MinistryWatch, an independent donor advocate facilitating the information needs of donors and providing information on charitable organizations, highlighted Trail Life USA as a “Shining Light.” The following is an excerpt from a MinistryWatch email:
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Stephen Ashton
Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center is a beautiful 317-acre haven nestled at the base of Lookout Mountain and just minutes from nearby Chattanooga, Tennessee. For generations, local residents have enjoyed visiting the historic structures, canoeing on Lookout Creek, and exploring the 15 miles of hiking trails ...
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Stephen Ashton
Trail Life USA ® CEO Mark Hancock talks about the differences between boys and girls and the need to have boy-specific activities in scouting. Trail Life USA, he explains, is a boy-focused scouting organization that gives boys plenty of outdoor activities to challenge them and call out their inner competitor. Click ...
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