Trail Life USA Blog

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.

Stephen Ashton Mar 12, 2018

Service, Leadership

Introducing Wilson Grab – Trail Life USA’s Oldest Freedom Rangeman

Wilson Grab grew up in a different time. A time before television and the internet, before cell phones and social media. A time before major organized youth sports leagues. Life moved at a slower pace. A father was the main role model for his son, and boys respected their elders and looked to them…

Stephen Ashton Mar 08, 2018

In The News, Trail Life USA

Trail Life USA Earns ECFA Accreditation

Trail Life USA is pleased to join respected organizations like Family Talk, Samaritan’s Purse, American Heritage Girls, and Family Life in attaining accreditation with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).

Stephen Ashton Feb 15, 2018

Mentoring, Parenting, Trail Life USA

Mentoring Sons to be Men of Honor

Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor. -Prov 15:33

Stephen Ashton Feb 12, 2018

Service, Leadership

Freedom Award Prepares Rangeman for Collegiate Leadership

It was Noah Starr’s last Sunday morning leading worship for his Troop. Soon Troop OK-100 from Yukon, Oklahoma would break camp and Noah’s last trip before heading off to college would be complete. A wave of emotion washed over him as he reflected on his time with his Trail Life Troop, took in the…

Stephen Ashton Jan 25, 2018

Mentoring

Training Sons in Righteousness

“The fruit of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.” – Isaiah 32:17

Stephen Ashton Dec 26, 2017

In The News, Mentoring, Service

Trailman’s First Aid Training Saves Grandmother’s Life

On Monday, May 22, 2017, Adam Kort reviewed the materials one last time before the meeting. He was taking the lead this year teaching the First Aid Trail Badge to the Navigators and Adventurers groups. He had prepared well and was confident in his abilities. However, he had no idea how important…

Stephen Ashton Dec 13, 2017

Trail Life USA Welcomes Hezekiah Barge, Jr. to the Board of Directors

As part of Trail Life USA’s commitment to be volunteer led, each year the Charter Organization Representatives (CORs) vote to determine Board Members. The elections were held last month and Hezekiah Barge, Jr. was elected to a three year term.

Stephen Ashton Sep 07, 2017

In The News, Trail Life USA

Boys’ Christian Program CEO Champions ‘Morality & Uprightness’

Trail Life USA cited by national family values organization for creating different option to Boy Scouts BELTON, S.C.—The CEO of a flourishing outdoor adventure program, Trail Life USA, has been spotlighted by a national organization for helping develop character in thousands of boys and young men.

Stephen Ashton Jun 30, 2016

Mentoring, Parenting, Trail Life USA

Trail Life USA CEO, Mark Hancock is Interviewed on FamilyLife Today

On June 30, 2016, FamilyLife Today aired their interview with Trail Life CEO, Mark Hancock.