Join The Troop
Trail Life USA
The TLUSA organization conducts a Christian adventure, character, and leadership program for young men. The K-12 program centers on outdoor experiences that build a young man’s skills and allow him to grow on a personal level and as a role model and leader for his peers. Living the Trail Life is a journey established on timeless values derived from the Bible. See more information about the Trail Life USA national program at: Trail Life USA's Who We Are page
Chartering Organization
The McKinney Troop TX0135 is chartered by Treasure Sentinels. Feel free to explore this website for information about Treasure Sentinels and our various programs. See the activities section below for the normal meeting location where we will also conduct the Open House.
Troop TX-0135:
The program year begins the first Tuesday of September each year. For the most up-to-date calendar, ensure you keep any eye on the calendar of events on this site. Any variation in the meeting schedule will be noted on this site's calendar (as well as communicated internally to Troop member e-mail distribution lists and the private Facebook group). Boys typically have the opportunity to play and hang out for a short time after the meeting. The national annual enrollment fees (due directly to TLUSA) are $33.25/registered youth and $38/registered adult. Uniform and accessories can be viewed and priced from the Trail Life USA Store website. Annual Troop fees are as follows:
$160 paid to Treasure Sentinels
However - there will be fund raising opportunities in September-November and February-April which will can be used to cover Troop dues. If your family does not participate in the fund raising opportunities, Troop dues are paid according to the following schedule.
$80 paid in November (or covered through fund raising opportunities)
$80 paid in April (or covered through fund raising opportunities)
Statement of Faith:
Trail Life USA requires that the Troops obtain a signature from all families agreeing with the Statement of Faith for the organization. Treasure Sentinels conducts this gathering of signatures through Google Forms that are distributed and electronically signed in the month of October. The Statement of Faith that families can expect to sign is copied here for your review. Any families who feel they cannot agree with these Statements will not be able to participate in the program with Treasure Sentinels. For questions feel free to contact us using any of the contact links on this page.
Woodlands Trail:
This unit is made up of patrols based on age. The Fox Patrol is for ages 5-6. The Hawks Patrol is for ages 7-8. The Mountain Lions Patrol is for ages 9-10. After earning the joining award for their patrol, boys progress through a series of Troop Meetings in which they advance and earn awards. The typical final award for a patrol is the Forest Award. NOTE: Woodlands can begin their journey at any level as it is not necessary to achieve previous awards to qualify. The Woodlands meet the first Tuesday of September through a camp out in May over Memorial Day weekend. The only activities for the Woodlands over the summer include any monthly events the Troop may host. Woodlands families are invited to attend 2 family camps (October and May - NOTE: Trail Life USA does not recognize family camp outs as an official program event. Therefore, families assume individual responsibility for all forms of safety for your family and there is no event insurance coverage.)
Navigators:
Once they reach the age of 11, boys then cross into the Navigators Unit. NOTE: Navigators can begin their journey at any level as it is not requisite to earn the Woodlands awards before proceeding. After achieving the Recruit Award, they embark on adventure through Troop Meetings, campouts, Summer Adventures, and other activities advancing from Able Trailman to Ready Trailman.
Adventurer:
After achieving the Ready Award the Trailman begins working on the final step of their Trail...in the Adventurer Unit. NOTE: Adventurers may begin the program without having earned the Woodlands badges...however, before earning Adventurer awards, they will be required to also complete the Navigator level badges. This journey begins by earning the Journey Award. As they complete activities with the Navigators and continue earning Trail Badges they can achieve the Horizon Award. If the Trailman has judiciously managed his time and can accomplish it, he can pursue the Freedom Award - the highest possible achievement for a Trailman!!!
Activities:
Troop Meetings:
Open to anyone interested in joining (please notify us prior to attending so we can be prepared for your son(s)).
Location: Cottonwood Creek Church, 1015 Sam Rayburn Tollway, Allen, TX 75013
Time: 1830 (6:30p) - 2000 (8:00p)
Hit The Trails:
Registered members and (for Woodlands) a guardian
Typically replaces a Troop meeting - occasionally HTT could occur as a day event on a Saturday
Family Camp:
Typically October and May open to all family members and friends who may be interested in the Troop
Begins Friday evening and runs through Sunday morning
Tent camping typically at a nearby state park - meals are included
Camping:
Navigator/Adventurer and registered male adults only
~5 per Program Year
Begins Friday evening and runs through Sunday morning
Tent or wilderness survival camping style - meals included
Summer Camp:
Navigator/Adventurer and registered male adults only
Week long camping or high adventure event
Typically begins on a Saturday with a return on the following Sunday - meals included
Summer Activities:
1 per month in June, July, and August
Typically a day event on a Saturday such as model boat races, pine car competition, rocket launch, etc.
Connect with us:
If you and your son(s) are excited about what you can experience with Trail Life Troop TX-0135, please contact the Troop through one of the links on this site. Make sure to catch our Join The Trail Open House event each year on the last Saturday of August (typically at Towne Lake Park at 10:00a).
For information contact our Troop Master at by clicking here.