The cold wind bit at their faces as they stepped onto the towering deck of the USS Yorktown. Docked in Charleston Harbor, the legendary aircraft carrier loomed above them, a steel giant with decades of history etched into its hull. For a band of wonderstruck Trailmen, this wasn’t just a tour—it was a journey back in time, an opportunity to walk where sailors once stood, sleep in their bunks, and immerse themselves in the challenges of life at sea.

For two nights, they lived as the sailors had, climbing into stacked bunks—three or four high—and drifting off to sleep to the distant sounds of the harbor. By day, they explored every deck, navigating a labyrinth of hallways and immersing themselves in hands-on experiences that brought the ship’s history to life. They climbed into the fuselage of a bomber, practiced both familiar and nautical variations of knots, and tested their skills at interactive stations scattered throughout the vessel. In the engine room, simulators let them “fire up” the ship’s steam engines, while in the control room, digital displays recreated the intensity of a ship on active duty—complete with simulated radio chatter echoing through the space.

Off the ship, the adventure continued. The boys stepped into a mock field camp at the Vietnam Experience Exhibit, getting a glimpse of what life was like for soldiers in the jungle. They marveled at a 105 Howitzer Gun, five different Vietnam War-era helicopters, and many other machines of war—monuments to both engineering and the courage of those who served.

For many, the highlight of the weekend was meeting real Navy veterans—men who had served aboard ships like the Yorktown. Their stories weren’t just about battles and war; they were about duty, sacrifice, and courage. These weren’t just history lessons—they were living reminders of what it means to serve something greater than oneself. The Trailmen reflected on the idea of duty: duty to God, to country, and to others. They were reminded that while duty to God comes first, following Him strengthens them for every other responsibility they will one day take on as men.

Of course, it wasn’t all serious moments of reflection. There were plenty of memories made as boys raced through hallways, explored hidden nooks of the ship, and gathered on deck for a Star Wars movie night in the ship’s theater. “Was it a bit like herding kittens?” Trail Life volunteer Larry Wagner laughed. “Yes, it was. But seeing the excitement in their eyes made it all worth it. You could tell some of them were really thinking—could I do something like this? How is God calling me to do my duty to Him and to others?”

At the end of the trip, each Trailman received a patch as a keepsake—but they took home something far more valuable. They carried with them stories they’ll tell for years, bonds forged in shared adventure, and maybe even a spark of inspiration for the future. Imagine being 12 years old, bunking with your dad and best friends aboard a real aircraft carrier, drifting off to sleep after a full day of hands-on exploration. The creak of the ship, the distant hum of the harbor, the lingering excitement of standing where real sailors once stood—it’s the kind of experience that sticks with a boy.

Not every great Trail Life adventure takes place in the remote wilderness (although that is also an ideal setting). The heart of Trail Life is about forging brotherhood, strengthening character, and calling boys to something greater than themselves. Whether in the mountains, the forests, or the steel corridors of a historic warship, these moments are shaping boys into godly men—men of courage, conviction, and duty.

For these Trailmen, those two nights aboard the USS Yorktown won’t soon be forgotten. And who knows? Maybe one day, one of them will serve on the decks of a ship himself. Maybe another will build the next generation of ships that boys will one day climb aboard in awe. Whatever their future holds, one thing is certain—experiences like this don’t just create memories. They shape futures.