Trail Life at the Basilica

Trail Life Troop VA-2311 is an exciting outdoor youth development organization steeped in the values of our Catholic faith. It is dedicated to a mission “… to guide generations of courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure.” The Trail Life program is open to boys ages 6-10, and it goes on throughout the school year. The adult leaders focus their meetings and activities around seven branches, or themes: outdoor skills, science & technology, values, heritage, hobbies, life skills, and sports & fitness with opportunities to advance in the program.

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About Trail Life

The mission of Trail Life USA: to guide courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure.

It is established on timeless values derived from the Bible and set in the context of outdoor adventure. Boys from Kindergarten through 12th grade are engaged in a troop setting by male mentors, where they are challenged to grow in character, understand their purpose, serve their community, and develop practical leadership skills to carry out the mission for which they were created.Trail Life USA encourages troops to protect the male-focused emphasis in camping and adventure activities. We also recognize the family as the primary building block of society. In order to facilitate this, fathers are encouraged to participate with their sons, and Charter Organizations are encouraged to create a “family-centered” youth-enrichment experience where on one night, in one location, boys and their dads can participate in Trail Life USA, and girls and their moms can be involved with American Heritage Girls. There are many obvious strengths to this model, and those who are able to experience it will discover lasting impact and accelerated spiritual growth for every member of the family.

Here’s their next activity: a rocket launch on September 21, 2024, at 5 p.m. at Ft. Hunt Park. For more information, contact Malcolm at cmemckay@aol.com.

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Troop Photo and Activities

The Basilica’s Trail Life Troop held two meetings recently. During the first one, the boys got to practice public speaking, and each gave a presentation on a hobby they enjoy. Topics included Lego construction, soccer, Harry Potter, reading, jujitsu, and toy soldiers. They all did a great job in presenting, even the younger boys. The next meeting focused on developing lifestyles that are healthy, not only spiritually but physically. The troop leader taught the boys a class on the liturgy of the hours and taking time to pray during the day.

The troop marched in the Old Town President’s Day Parade. It was great fun, and the boys conducted themselves well and were fine representatives of the Basilica.

Our Trail Life and American Heritage Girls troops took part in a Memorial Day 2023 Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier.

Our Trail Life Troop gathered their members yesterday to focus on outdoor skills. Two Army officers helped to run it — Lt. Col. Bob Miske & Captain Pete Hetzel. Following the meeting, the boys played a rainy game of soccer.

Trail Life Troop #2311 visited Harper’s Ferry last weekend. The troop began with a tour of Bolivar Heights, where the boys learned about some of the Civil War history around the area. Then they went into Lower Town and walked along the Shenandoah River, learning about the old cotton and paper mills. They then went into town, where they toured the industry museum and the site where the old armory was.

The Basilica’s Trail Life Troop #2311 yesterday evening held a meeting where they discussed perseverance and adversity. The guest speaker was Dave Connor, who is a quadriplegic. Father Peter Clem, a parochial vicar, accompanied the troop and spoke to the boys about overcoming adversity, using the Stations of the Cross as a model. Following the talk, Father Peter took the boys on a tour of the Basilica’s sacristy.

The Basilica’s Trail Life Troop #2311 recently held boxing lessons in the cafeteria at the Basilica School.

In late September 2022, the Basilica-sponsored Trail Life Troop 2311 had their first kick-off event with a rocket launch where about 30 boys gathered at Fort Hunt Park to build and launch their rockets. Father Peter Clem attended and helped to oversee launch control. It was a great evening and everyone had a blast! Trail Life will be starting to hold our bi-weekly Troop meetings starting in early October 2022.

Trail Life Troop VA-2311 for Boys

Trail Life at the Basilica

About Trail Life

The mission of Trail Life USA: to guide courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure.

CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE!

Troop Photo and Activities

Trail Life Troop VA‑2311 Needs You!