Trail Life Troop PA-1997
Sweet Valley, PA - Building Men of Character, Adventure, and Faith
Adventure Awaits in Pennsylvania Wilderness!
Join us for faith-based outdoor adventures, character development, and lifelong brotherhood
Join Our Troop - Tuesdays 6:00 PMAbout Our Troop
Located in Sweet Valley, PA, just minutes from the beautiful Ricketts Glen State Park and historic Benton, PA. We're blessed to meet in God's country, surrounded by Pennsylvania wilderness perfect for outdoor adventures and skill-building.
Our Vision & Mission
🎯 Vision
To be the premier national character development organization for young men which produces godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens.
⚔️ Mission
To guide generations of courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure.
📖 Motto: "Walk Worthy"
"...that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God..." - Colossians 1:10
Trail Life USA Oath
On my honor, I will do my best
To serve God and my country;
To respect authority;
To be a good steward of creation;
And to treat others as I want to be treated.
🚀 Trail Life USA is Growing!
Over 100 new troops started in just 90 days!
Join over 1,400 churches in all 50 states building godly leaders
What Sets Trail Life USA Apart
✝️ Unapologetically Christian
The Bible as the foundation for truth with stated Christian Worldview Essentials that permeate the entire program.
👦 Male-Only Membership
Youth membership is limited to males only, providing a uniquely masculine environment.
🎯 Boy-Focused Program
Activities designed to let boys be boys, accentuating their strengths in a male-centric environment led by trained Christian men.
🏆 Robust Awards Program
Challenging physical, mental, and spiritual objectives that let boys experience real victory and achievement.
⛪ Church-Owned Ministry
The Charter Organization owns and operates the troop as its own ministry, ensuring alignment with church values.
✅ Trained Leadership
Background-checked and equipped Christian men who complete youth protection training to lead boys safely.
Learn more about how Trail Life USA differs from other programs:
Read the Full Comparison →⛺ Who We Are
We are a Christ-centered outdoor adventure program for boys in Sweet Valley, PA. Our troop focuses on biblical values, character development, leadership skills, and creating lasting memories through exciting outdoor activities in the beautiful Pennsylvania wilderness.
📍 Meeting Times & Location
When: Every Tuesday at 6:00 PM
Where: Living Word Baptist Church
40 Hess Lane, Sweet Valley, PA
Who: Boys ages 5-18
🎯 What We Do
Real Adventures, Real Skills, Real Character
Our troop has built an impressive campsite featuring a commanding 30-foot flagpole where Old Glory flies high. We've conducted solemn flag retirement ceremonies honoring our nation's colors, built and launched model rockets skyward, and conquered trails at both Ricketts Glen and Worlds End State Parks.
Around crackling campfires and with cast iron Dutch ovens, we master the art of outdoor cooking. We've constructed a working rope-making machine and are learning essential knots and ropework. At our dedicated campsite, boys test their aim at our archery and BB rifle range, practice hatchet throwing, and engage in pugil stick combat training. Through hands-on first aid instruction and biblical character training, we forge the next generation of American patriots and Christian warriors.
Upcoming Events & Calendar
📆 Weekly Meetings
Every Tuesday at 6:00 PM
Living Word Baptist Church, 40 Hess Lane, Sweet Valley, PA
Special Events & Adventures
Falls Trail Hike at Ricketts Glen State Park
Join us for an epic adventure conquering the famous Falls Trail! This challenging hike takes us past 21 stunning waterfalls in one of Pennsylvania's most spectacular state parks. Bring sturdy hiking boots, water, snacks, and your sense of adventure. This is the kind of terrain that builds character and creates memories that last a lifetime!
Medieval Siege Warfare: Trebuchet Build & Pumpkin Launch
Engineering meets outdoor adventure! Our troop will construct a working trebuchet and launch pumpkins using medieval siege technology. Boys will learn physics, teamwork, and problem-solving while building this impressive machine. Stay tuned for launch day details - this is going to be epic!
[Upcoming Campout or Adventure]
Details about the event, location, what to bring, and any costs. Contact John Stewart for more information.
[Service Project or Activity]
Details about the event, location, what to bring, and any costs. Contact John Stewart for more information.
Saturday Wilderness Adventures
Monthly Saturday hikes and outdoor activities at Ricketts Glen State Park and surrounding Pennsylvania wilderness areas. Specific dates announced at Tuesday meetings.
📧 Want the full calendar?
Contact John Stewart at 570-316-7600 or TLtroopPA1997@yahoo.com to receive our monthly event calendar and newsletter!
Current Fundraiser
🎯 Support Our Troop!
Help us fund upcoming adventures and activities
Support American Values, One Stick at a Time
Premium quality meat sticks that fuel adventures and build character!
🛒 Shop Online - Open Year-Round!
Perfect for out-of-state family and friends! Orders ship directly to your door. Every purchase directly supports Troop PA-1997's mission to raise the next generation of American patriots.
🇺🇸 Your Support Funds Real Adventures:
- Epic camping expeditions (Ark Encounter, Great Wolf Lodge, Gettysburg battlefields)
- Building projects that teach engineering and teamwork
- Outdoor skills equipment and campsite improvements
- Real-world adventures that forge character and create patriots
🏆 Every stick sold brings us closer to raising warriors for Christ and country!
Questions about the fundraiser?
Contact UsAll proceeds directly support Troop PA-1997 activities, equipment, and adventures!
Questions? Contact Donna Post (Treasurer) through our contact form
Knowledge Base & Resources
Learn more about Trail Life, outdoor skills, advancement, and resources for parents and troop members.
Why Trail Life USA?
👨👦 Mentoring Boys in a Masculine Program
"We think Trail Life USA is a great way for boys and dads (and boys without dads!) to connect with God through outdoor adventure, and to grow in character and leadership." - Benham Brothers
More than ever, boys need a uniquely masculine program where their assertive, audacious, and adventurous nature is celebrated, not sequestered.
🏕️ Let Boys Be Boys
Too many boys are turning to virtual worlds of television, video games, digital media, and the internet to find realms they can conquer. The result? Apathy, apparent rebellion, or outright resistance to real-world challenge.
Trail Life USA is where boys thrive! Adults are equipped to lead in a structured outdoor environment where boys engage in real-world challenges through camping, hiking, fishing, riflery, archery, canoeing, and hands-on character and leadership development.
🌲 Real-World Achievement
In the outdoors, the experience of adults is never obsolete. Boys find mentors, fathers and sons connect, important relationships are fostered, and boys achieve significant accomplishments that build confidence and character for life.
📊 Trail Life USA National Impact
Trail Life USA partners with churches and parents across America as the premier national character development organization for young men. In over 1,400 churches in all 50 states, fathers and sons are connecting, relationships are deepening, communities are being impacted, and legacies are beginning as a new generation of godly leaders rises up.
📖 Trail Life Program Overview
Learn about the Trail Life mission, values, and program structure. Understand how our Christ-centered outdoor adventures build character and leadership.
Learn More →🎯 Advancement & Awards
Woodlands Trail Program (Ages 5-10)
Our youngest warriors earn recognition through the Branch Patch, Forest Award, and Worthy Life Award. Boys earn Branch Pins by completing requirements in seven branches of activities and receive the Forest Award for mastering all branches within their age group (Fox, Hawk, or Mountain Lion).
Highest Honor: The Timberline Award signifies a Mountain Lion's readiness to advance to the Navigators program, earned after completing the Mountain Lion Forest Award and bridging activities.
Special Recognition: Sylvan Stars (additional Forest Award achievements), Woodsmen Award (knife safety mastery), and the faith-building Worthy Life Award.
⚔️ THE WARRIOR'S PATH: NAVIGATORS & ADVENTURERS ⚔️
"The journey from boy to man isn't marked by age—it's forged through challenge, service, and leadership!"
🔥 MASTER THE SKILLS
15 Core Trail Badges await your conquest: From building fires that roar to learning first aid that saves lives, from mastering ropework to cooking meals that fuel adventures. Navigate by stars, honor the flag, survive the wilderness, and emerge as a true outdoorsman. Choose your fitness path—swimming, hiking, cycling, or pure grit!
Plus 10+ Elective Badges: Follow your passion or blaze your own trail—you can even design custom badges for skills YOU want to master!
💪 SERVE WITH PURPOSE
Navigators: 15 hours per year making a real difference in your community
Adventurers: 20 hours per year serving others before yourself
Each Service Star you earn represents hands that helped, hearts that cared, and character that showed up!
👑 LEAD LIKE A WARRIOR
Real leaders don't wait to be appointed—they step up! Hold a troop position, plan epic activities, or lead projects that inspire your brothers. Leadership isn't about the title—it's about taking responsibility when others won't!
⛺ SHOW UP & STAND OUT
Warriors don't sit on the sidelines! Active participation in meetings, campouts, and troop adventures isn't just required—it's where the magic happens. Brotherhood is built around campfires, not computer screens!
🎯 THE FINAL CHALLENGE: PROVE YOUR WORTH
After you've conquered the badges, served your community, led your brothers, and shown up when it counted—you face the Advancement Conference and Board of Review. This is where you demonstrate what you've learned, who you've become, and why you're ready for the next rank. Are you ready to step up?
🏆 THE RANKS OF HONOR 🏆
⚔️ ABLE TRAILMAN (Navigator)
Prove yourself: 4 core badges + 2 electives + 15 service hours = You're ready for more!
🎖️ READY TRAILMAN (Navigator)
All 9 cores conquered + 5 electives + service + leadership = You're a force to be reckoned with!
🌟 HORIZON AWARD (Adventurer)
The ultimate challenge: 6 "true freedom" badges + 10 electives + 20 service hours + proven leadership = You've earned your place among legends!
🏕️ Trail Hacks by The Wild Brothers
Adventure, Skills, and Faith in Action
The Wild Brothers - Morgan, Hudson, Kian, and Asher - grew up as Christian missionaries in the jungles of Indonesia. Raised by their parents Mike and Libby in the wilderness, these four brothers learned firsthand that following Christ is the ultimate adventure.
Now partnered with Trail Life USA, they produce the Trail Hacks series - practical outdoor tips and survival skills delivered with a Christian perspective. Their mission aligns perfectly with ours: guiding young men away from digital distractions and into real-world adventure, character development, and leadership.
Get inspired with outdoor skills from brothers who lived the adventure
👨👩👧👦 Parent Resources
FAQs, parent handbook, what to expect, packing lists, and tips for supporting your son's Trail Life journey.
View Resources🌐 Trail Life Connect
Official Trail Life USA online platform for troop management, advancement tracking, communication, and resources.
Visit Trail Life Connect →🗺️ Local Adventure Spots
Guide to Ricketts Glen State Park, nearby trails, camping locations, and outdoor activities in Pennsylvania.
Explore LocationsFrequently Asked Questions
What should my son bring to meetings?
Boys should wear their Trail Life uniform (or regular clothes until they receive their uniform), bring a water bottle, notebook, and pen. Specific activities may require additional items - we'll notify you in advance.
How much does it cost?
Youth Membership: $42.27 per year (paid directly to Trail Life USA)
Adult Membership: $46.55 per year (covers background checks and youth protection training)
Additional costs may include uniforms, handbooks, and troop activity fees. We actively fundraise to minimize costs for families. All fees are paid via credit or debit card and are non-refundable.
Can I volunteer even if my son isn't a member?
We welcome adult volunteers! All volunteers must complete a volunteer application and background check. Contact us to learn about opportunities to serve.
What age groups do you serve?
Foxes: Ages 5-6
Hawks: Ages 7-8
Mountain Lions: Ages 9-10
Navigators: Ages 11-13
Adventurers: Ages 14-18
Each level has age-appropriate activities, challenges, and advancement opportunities designed specifically for that stage of development.
Do you have other questions?
Contact us at TLtroopPA1997@yahoo.com or call 570-316-7600. You can also visit us any Tuesday at 6:00 PM!
Troop Photos & Achievements
Replace these placeholders with actual troop photos showing your adventures and achievements!
Our Leadership Team
John Stewart
Contact: 570-316-7600
Chris Olsen
Leading our troop's weekly activities and outdoor adventures
Bob Boisvert
Providing spiritual guidance and biblical teaching
Dawn Stewart
Experienced in organizing campouts, hikes, and service projects. Passionate about coaching, teaching, and outdoor activities including backpacking, camping, and fishing.
Donna Post
Retired professor of Teacher Education with extensive experience in administration and event planning. Former high school English teacher and Department Chair at Southern Illinois University.
Resources for Parents & Troop Members
📋 Registration
We welcome new members throughout the year! No waiting periods - join us any Tuesday at 6:00 PM. Contact John Stewart at 570-316-7600 or visit Trail Life USA for registration information.
🛍️ Gear & Uniforms
Purchase official Trail Life uniforms, patches, and camping gear at the Trail Life USA Shop.
Contact Us
Contact: John Stewart (Troop Ministry Liaison)
Phone/Text: 570-316-7600
Email: TLtroopPA1997@yahoo.com
Or visit us any Tuesday at 6:00 PM!
Living Word Baptist Church
40 Hess Lane, Sweet Valley, PA