LeadersLeaders GuideGuide LEADERS GUIDE For Navigators and Adventurers Trail Leaders PREMIERE EDITION Trail Life USA Orlando, Florida Leaders Guide for Navigators and Adventurers Trail Leaders, pdf download version 1.0 Published by Youth Adventure Program, Incorporated, dba Worthy Trailman Press 4853 S. Orange Avenue, Suite C Orlando, FL 32806 www.TrailLifeUSA.com This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise— without prior written permission of the publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are from King James Version. Copyright © 2013 by Youth Adventure Program, Incorporated All rights reserved. While the author has made every effort to provide accurate telephone numbers and Internet addresses at the time of publication, neither the publisher nor the author assumes any responsibility for errors or for changes that occur after publication. First Edition FROM THE EDITOR To You, Trail Leader… People worry about many things, such as the environment, national security, and the economy. More and more they worry about the prospects of today’s young people. Many say, “Somebody should do something about these kids!” but few do what you have done, showing the world that we are all somebody. You’ve stopped complaining and started campaigning. That’s a great beginning, and it will only get better from here. This book was written to help you help others. You hold a very important job, and no doubt you want to do it well. Training takes you from mere good intentions to the place you want to be—confident, capable, and committed. Experience is an important avenue of growth, but training helps you to interpret your experiences in the context of a larger community and to get the most out of them. As you live the Trail Life, you will notice we are about more than “youth development.” It is impossible for you to associate yourself with this program without the enthusiasm and idealism affecting you too. That’s why we call it “Trail Life,” because it is a lifestyle that you can live to the hilt whether it rains or shines, whether the path is smooth or rough, and when all is said and done, you’ll be glad you passed this way, and so will the boys you helped shape in the image of Christ. Yours along the Trail, Dr. John H. Burkitt Editor in Chief ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Proper credit for the structure and flow of Navigators and Adventurers goes to the many volunteers from the Program Teams that worked with dedication to develop the Trail Life USA program. Author: Dr. John H. Burkitt Program Coordinator: David A. Servin Advancement Specialist: Dr. Kip Haggerty Youth Protection: Richard Mathews, Esq. Training Team Leader: Gary Samek TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 1 GETTING STARTED 1 - Guiding Principles 3 2 - Organization 7 3 - The Troop Meeting 17 THE NAVIGATORS PROGRAM 4 - The Navigators Program 21 5 - The Navigators Trailmaster 28 6 - The Navigators Trail Guide 32 THE ADVENTURERS PROGRAM 7 – The Adventurers Program 37 8 - The Adventurers Advisor 42 9 - The Adventurers Trail Guide 47 ADMINISTRATION 10 - The Troop Committee 52 11 - Youth Protection 59 12 – Facility Requirements 64 13 - Troop Equipment 68 PROGRAM 14 - Using the Outdoors 85 15 - Leadership Skills 92 16 - Teaching Skills 104 17 - Advancement 108 18 - Trail Badges 127 19 - Ceremonies 131 APPENDICES 1 – Youth Leadership Roles and Agreements 135 2 – Camp Menu Planning 142 3 – Equipment Packing Checklist 146 4 – “Design Your OWN”/CLEAR Trail Badges 148 5 – Adult Freedom Award Process 152 6 – Trail Life USA Social Media Policy 154 7 – Other Trail Life USA Resources 164 INTRODUCTION Trail Life USA is an exciting outdoor youth development organization steeped in the values and priorities of the Christian faith. It is dedicated to helping the boy of today become the man of tomorrow. In the opening decade of the 20th Century, British General Robert Baden-Powell pondered how to use his fame as the Hero of Mafeking to inspire English boys to “be prepared” to face life with a can-do attitude of self-reliance, courage and honor. He was aware that his military guide, “Aids to Scouting” was being used by groups of young people who independently formed the first scout patrols. These boys needed a more appropriate guide tailored to their age and their need to become productive citizens, so BP consulted two great leaders in youth development; Ernest Thompson Seton of the Woodcraft Indians, and Daniel Carter Beard of the Sons of Daniel Boone. The most important result of this collaboration was the idea of the “Boy Scout.” Pretending was well and good in its place, but no boy could ever become an Indian, a Pioneer, or a veteran of the Siege of Mafeking. A boy could actually become a Boy Scout and use the classical three aims and eight methods to help him forge through adventures, fun, and inspiration into manhood. Problem was, BP’s version of Boy Scouting relied heavily on society to help supply the single most important attribute of maturity—which should have been the ninth method—spiritual development. A generic plea to do one’s “Duty to God” may have been good enough in the early 1900’s, but in failing to found the movement on the solid rock of God’s revealed word, it was left resting solely on the shifting sands of popular culture. In the opening decade of the 21st Century it became clear that Scouting was besieged by growing opposition to its conservative course. In the spring of 2013 the weaknesses endemic to the original organizational model could no longer be ignored. Trail Life USA is not a new idea. The need to specifically include Christ rather than relying on DYOF (Define Your Own Faith) had been talked about for years. It was an idea waiting for a defining moment, a catalyst, a spark. The BSA change in membership standards in May 2013 was that spark, but the tinder it ignited had been accumulating for some time. Trail Life USA is now beginning its first century. Like the movements that inspired it, there will be changes through the years in its outward appearance, new editions of its materials, new customs and new opportunities. One thing will not change, and that is the revealed Word of God to whose glory we humbly dedicate this program. It will always be the standard of those who would “Walk Worthy.” 1 GETTING STARTED 2 1 GUIDING PRINCIPLES OBJECTIVES Understand the Difference Between an Organization and a Movement Understand the How and Why of Trail Life USA Understand and Memorize the Trailman Oath and Motto Understand the Six Program Emphases, Three Aims, and Nine Methods WE ARE A MOVEMENT A hiking and camping club is solely an organization, a group of people dedicated to an activity. In addition to being an organization, Trail Life USA is also a movement, created at the grassroots level by a group of people dedicated to biblical values. No movement has ever enjoyed universal support, and you will meet people who oppose the Trail Life. They enjoy the outdoors, but they don’t understand our need to feature faith, values, and standards. Any question worth answering will divide people, and people must side with the answer that makes sense to them. For us, Jesus is the answer—not as a teacher, example, or even a healer, but rather as the only begotten Son of God, vested with the authority to reveal the eternal truth about life and our place in it. OUR MISSION To guide generations of courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure. OUR VISION To be the premier national character development organization for young men which produces godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens. OUR STATEMENT OF FAITH AND VALUES The Statement of Faith and Values is designed to affirm the need for those in leadership to follow biblical standards. Leaders are held to a higher standard than those who are not in 3 leadership and must agree to the tenets contained in the Statement. All adults in leadership roles—whether staff or volunteer at any level—must agree to sign and adhere to the Statement of Faith. Youth members are not required to sign this statement. Statement of Faith We believe there is One Triune God – God the Father; Jesus Christ, His one and only Son; and the Holy Spirit – Creator of the universe and eternally existent. We believe the Holy Scriptures (Old and New Testaments) to be the inspired and authoritative Word of God. We believe each person is created in His image for the purpose of communing with and worshiping God. We believe in the ministry of the Holy Spirit, Who enables us to live godly lives. We believe each of us is called to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We believe God calls us to lives of purity, service, stewardship and integrity. Statement of Values We clearly define the following words in the Statement of Faith which are integral to the Trail Life: Purity - God calls us to lives of holiness, being pure of heart, mind, word and deed. We are to reserve sexual activity for the sanctity of marriage, a lifelong commitment before God between a man and a woman. Service - God calls us to become responsible members of our community and the world through selfless acts that contribute to the welfare of others.