Trail Life USA Blog

Stephen Ashton Mar 17, 2021

Let Boys be Boys Homeschool Edition

Biologically, boys and girls are different. And, let’s face it…generally speaking, teaching girls is easier. Across the country, more and more parents are making the decision to homeschool. Parents are realizing virtual learning, additional screen time, and new school regulations are not conducive…

Alan Beck Feb 24, 2021

Let Boys be Boys, Masculinity

What is a Boy?

Between the innocence of babyhood and the dignity of manhood we find a delightful creature called a boy. Boys come in assorted sizes, weights, and colors, but all boys have the same creed: to enjoy every second of every minute of every hour of every day and to protest with noise (their only weapon)…

Stephen Ashton Feb 22, 2021

Mentoring, Let Boys be Boys, Masculinity

Letting Boys be Boys in a “Toxic” Culture

No matter what our culture says, boys and girls are different. Discussions about “toxic masculinity,” a blurring of gender lines, fewer and fewer fathers in the home, and the watering down or extinction of programs that train and equip boys to become men have left too many boys frustrated, fearful,…

Nancy Flory Feb 20, 2021

In The News, Masculinity

Trail Life USA: Raising Boys to be Men in an Age of Equality

"Boys and girls aren’t the same, and boys need their own space." -Mark Hancock, Trail Life USA, CEO Boys and girls cannot be expected to perform the same because they are different in many ways. A “one size fits all” approach to educating kids doesn’t work. “We need take into account that … boys…

Stephen Ashton Feb 14, 2021

Parenting, Let Boys be Boys, History

Herbert Hoover: A Boy's Bill of Rights

There are two jobs for American boys today. One is being a boy. The other is growing up to be a man. Both jobs are important. Both are packed with excitement, great undertakings, and high adventure.

Stephen Ashton Jan 27, 2021

Raising Godly Boys

3 Lessons Every Boy Must Learn

“The greatest tribute a boy can give to his father is to say, ‘When I grow up, I want to be just like my dad.’ It is a convicting responsibility for us fathers and grandfathers. . .The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is a legacy of character and faith.” - Billy…

Stephen Ashton Jan 10, 2021

Mentoring, Masculinity, History

Theodore Roosevelt: Character and Success

Bodily vigor is good, and vigor of intellect is even better, but far above both is character. In the long run, in the great battle of life, no brilliancy of intellect, no perfection of bodily development, will count when weighed in the balance against that assemblage of virtues, active and passive,…

Mark Hancock Dec 01, 2020

Mentoring, Trail Life USA

Growing the Greatest Generation

I am writing because I believe we are at a critical juncture for boys. It has been said, “Difficult times make strong men.” The present challenges facing our nation create a unique opportunity to cultivate the men of tomorrow. Will we grow men of character and courage who are competent to face the…

Mark Hancock Nov 29, 2020

In The News, Mentoring

Walking the Ministry Tightrope: Religious Freedom, Child Safety, & Gender Confusion

Pastors and ministry leaders: Raise your hand if college or seminary prepared you for protecting children from abuse, religious liberty battles or the culture war over gender and sexuality. No? Well, you’re certainly not alone! As America seems to be transitioning to a post-Christian era, our…