SIX MILE — On Jan. 1 Trail Life USA (TLUSA) officially launched its outdoor adventure program for boys and young men nationwide. TLUSA is a Christian scouting-like program for boys and young men ages 5-18.

The program focuses on outdoor adventure, character, and leadership and is starting with approximately 500 troops in 42 states.

Around 60 percent of the new members of TLUSA are former members of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).

Adult members of TLUSA are required to sign a Christian statement of faith and values, undergo Child and Youth Safety Protection Training, submit to background checks, and provide letters of recommendation from pastors that know the applicants.

However, the program will have an inclusion policy for youth members and will welcome families with boys from all faiths (or no faith) to participate in the unapologetically Christian outdoor adventure program.

“We could not be more excited about the organic growth and the explosion of interest we are seeing every day all across the country,” TLUSA chief operating officer Mark Hancock said. “There is a real need for a program that parents can trust to help them guide their sons to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others and experience outdoor adventure.”

John Stemberger, chairman of the TLUSA board, is an Eagle Scout and a former scoutmaster with the BSA. He had two sons in Boy Scouts last year and removed them from the program.

“This is not another church program to compete with Bible studies or youth groups,” Stemberger said, describing the Trail Life USA program to parents and pastors. “TLUSA is a masculine outdoor program that has the potential to change a young man’s life forever. Boys will love the fun and adventure — parents will love the focus on character and leadership.”

Six Mile Baptist Church has chartered Troop SC-1001 for this area and will soon announce the date for a meeting of all interested parents and youth.

For more information, or to sign up to become a member or leader within Trail Life USA, Troop SC-1001, call Rev. Ray Longenecker of Six Mile Baptist Church at (864) 868-2392 or email pastor@sixmilebc.org.