GREENVILLE, S.C. — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is reportedly planning for the United States military to end its relationship with Scouting America. Formerly known as the Boy Scouts, the organization has undergone a significant transformation, moving away from a male-centric mission that once helped cultivate the values, standards, and brotherhood boys need to grow into men.

In a draft memo to Congress, Hegseth reportedly argued that Scouting America has strayed from its historic purpose to “cultivate masculine values,” describing it as “genderless” and criticizing its embrace of diversity, equity, and inclusion. He added that the organization once endorsed by President Theodore Roosevelt “no longer supports the future of American boys,” and is no longer a meritocracy that holds members accountable to meet high standards. Case in point, Scouting America recently announced its youngest-ever Eagle Scout, who earned the rank in under two years at age eleven—reflecting how drastically expectations and benchmarks have shifted.

“Challenge is the testing ground of manliness—the place where lessons of faith and courage become habits of perseverance. If we fail this generation, it won't be because we over-challenged them. It will be because we under-challenged them, commented Trail Life USA CEO Mark Hancock. “Whether it’s finishing a hard homework assignment, cooking over a fire, or hiking through rain, challenge builds confidence that comfort never can.”

Trail Life USA, the largest Christ-centered, boy-focused scout-type organization in the country, believes the Department of Defense decision reflects a reality many parents and leaders have recognized for years: boys need spaces designed for boys.

Today, most spaces where boys spend time are dominated by females—schools, clubs, and in many cases even church environments. Those spaces often mean well, but they are not built around the way boys learn, bond, and grow. Boys and girls are different. They learn differently. They respond differently to challenge, risk, mentorship, and responsibility.

Trail Life USA was built on that truth. The program intentionally creates boy-friendly spaces where young men can explore adventure and responsibility, form healthy male friendships, and receive consistent mentorship from men.

“Growing to over 65,000 members in just 12 years, Trail Life USA remains committed to recognizing the unique design of boys through our proven process that is growing them into godly men,” said CEO Mark Hancock. “Organizations like Scouting America that previously upheld the uniqueness and wonder of boyhood have abandoned the male-centric environment that for centuries was the key to awakening the hearts of boys and men as, together, they experienced adventure, nurtured faith, and grew to become men. 

Hancock added that culture increasingly works to revise, restrain, or even erase masculinity—often by attacking boy-friendly spaces themselves. Yet Trail Life teaches that masculinity is not a defect to be corrected, but a virtue to be guided.

“Every boy is born with a Y chromosome—but not every boy knows why,” Hancock said. “Manhood isn’t just biology. It’s purpose. It’s calling. It takes a man to show a boy what it means to be a man.

Trail Life USA applauds leaders who recognize that boys deserve environments that honor their masculine nature—not because boys are better than girls, but because they are different. When boys are formed in places that value boyhood, they are more likely to become men who lead well, serve sacrificially, protect what is good, and bless their families and communities.

Trail Life USA has received praise from some of today’s top Christian voices, including Focus on the Family, Franklin Graham, James Dobson, Mike Huckabee, Alex and Stephen Kendrick, Family Life, Promise Keepers, the American Family Association, and many others.

Trail Life USA is the premier national character development organization for young men, producing godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens. Trail Life’s mission is to guide generations of courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure. Troops exist in all 50 states and are growing as Trail Life USA expands around the country. Find a Troop today, or Start a Troop in your community. Find out more at TrailLifeUSA.com.

Trail Life USA’s K-12 program centers on outdoor experiences that build a young man’s skills. A robust awards program motivates young men to grow on a personal level to become role models and leaders among their peers. Living the Trail Life is a journey established on timeless values derived from the Bible.

Listen to Mark's interview on The Breitbart News Daily Podcast:

Find a Troop near you or Learn how to bring Trail Life to your community at TrailLifeUSA.com