Trail Life Troop NY-3303 (our troop verse is Jer. 33:3) is a ministry established and chartered through BG in partnership with Trail Life USA to foster discipleship and leadership development among boys ages 5-17 and the registered fathers/adult leaders in the context of outdoor adventure. Member boys, known as Trailmen, and adult troop leaders are challenged to grow through study of Scripture and outdoor-focused skills.
In September 2025, Troop NY-3303 held its first troop meeting after almost one year of planning and organizing. The number of registered boys, known as Trailmen, started at 32–more than three times the number projected during the planning phase. God orchestrated the establishment of the troop to fill a need in the local Ithaca region, with Trailmen and their fathers representing several local churches, and continues to provide through the support of BG and the active participants.
The Navigators (11-13) and Adventurers (14-17) spent the fall, winter, and spring working on badges in fire-making, ropework/knots, the use of edged tools, and the basics of orienteering. The Woodlands Trail (5-10) spent that time working on first aid, common outdoor sports/hobbies, and an introduction to knots. Moving into the summer, the Adventurers and Navigators are working on first aid and will use upcoming camping events to learn outdoor/camp cooking and orienteering. When not “in the field,” the Adventurers are stepping into more advanced work as they pursue the “Personal Resources” badge which focuses on personal finance/investments, time management, insurance, and a Biblical approach to managing what God has blessed us with.
We are excited to see where God continues to lead this organization and the young men it seeks to disciple. Please praise God for the following: the confirmation through attendance that God is moving in this community and the ongoing support of BG to this important work. Please join us in petitioning God for the following: continued provision of energy as us adult men seek to match and constructively direct the energy of the Trailmen; and the stepping up of dads and other adult men into leadership and teaching roles.
