Trail Life Will Host 3rd Annual 'Nationwide Campout' - Celebrating Families, Faith, and Gathering in the Outdoors

Trail Life Nationwide Campout from April 29-May 1 provides opportunities for fathers and sons to bond in nature and escape from the world’s distractions.

Trail Life USA is proud to foster meaningful connections for families across America at the upcoming Trail Life Nationwide Campout from April 29-May 1. Families and Troops across the country will pitch tents, light fires, roast s’mores, and gather in the great outdoors. Over 30,000 families have participated in the event previously over the last two years.

Time with family and father figures is essential for young boys. The 2020 U.S. Census reported that one in four children, or 18.3 million kids, live in a home without a father, step-father, or father-figure. Children who grow up without a strong paternal figure in their lives are more likely to have behavioral problems, have substance abuse issues, drop out of school, or other concerning traits. The need for a godly male role model is great, yet many men struggle to make that connection with the children in their lives. 

For Trail Life, the goal of inspiring men to be godly fathers and mentors is key to the development of boys of all ages. Dedicated to building character, fostering leadership skills, and encouraging adventure in boys across America, Trail Life offers a safe place for boys and men to create meaningful relationships that will impact both fathers and sons.

Mark Hancock, CEO of Trail Life, commented, “Our society is plagued by absent or disengaged fathers. But willing men can make a difference. Boys need men who are enthralled by their exuberance, acknowledge their abilities, pursue their passions, celebrate their strengths, and nurture their independence.”

Hancock continued, “When engaged in outdoor experiences like cleaning fish, pitching tents, paddling canoes, and building fires it is natural for boys to look to men for answers. In an age of instant web-searched answers, the outdoors provides a venue where time slows, relationships form, and dads and mentors find a natural voice. Here problems need solving—and it is clear when mistakes are made. The Trail Life program functions as an intentional catalyst to capitalize on those opportunities."

“In Trail Life USA, boys are mentored by caring adults who intentionally equip them to rise to the occasion and lead in moments where preparation meets opportunity. As boys plan and lead in serving their community, solving problems, and experiencing adventure, they have the opportunity to learn from both their successes and mistakes. Boys come to realize that actions have consequences, that boundaries are put in place for a reason, and that absolute truths exist. As boys and men experience life together, life lessons are learned.”

Hancock concluded, “As boys and men gather around the campfire and stories begin to be shared, truth comes to life and boys begin to ‘get it.’ The Bible is such a practical book, and at Trail Life, we talk about the Six Essential Concepts of a Christian Worldview which are solid, tangible concepts boys can grasp. Boys need a venue like Trail Life where they can rub shoulders with men, where leadership can be tested, where faith can be experienced, and truth can come to life.”

For more information about the Trail Life Nationwide Campout, click here. 

Read the original news story from K-Love, here.