As a parent or outdoor enthusiast, you're likely familiar with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and their various programs designed to promote character development, leadership, and outdoor skills in young people. However, you may not be as well-versed in Trail Life USA, a faith-based alternative to the BSA that offers a similar range of activities and adventures for boys. One of the most exciting aspects of Trail Life USA is its elective badge program, which allows Trailblazers (the name given to Trail Life USA members) to explore their interests and passions in a hands-on, project-based way.

For the boy who wants to change the world.

The Outdoor Frontier expands on the core survival skills. Trailmen can earn badges in specialized areas like Scuba Diving, Rock Climbing, or Horsemanship, pushing their physical and mental boundaries in God’s creation.

: Earning electives is mandatory for advancement. For example:

Whether your son dreams of building a rocket, cooking a gourmet meal, or learning to weld, there is an elective badge waiting for him. This guide dives deep into what these badges are, how they work, and why they are the secret sauce to keeping boys engaged from Kindergarten through high school graduation.

If you're interested in exploring elective badges with your son or as a leader, here are some steps to get started: