SIX MILE — Six Mile Baptist Church proudly announces the launch of Troop 101 with Trail Life USA.

Trail Life USA is a new outdoor scouting-like program designed for boys, grades K5-12, focusing on adventure, character and leadership. The K5-12 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. The effort is being led by Dr. George Kessler, former longtime Scoutmaster in Boys Scouts of America Troop 134 and the Men’s Ministries of Six Mile Baptist Church.

The new group has a strong inclusion policy for youth; all boys are welcome to the program regardless of religion, race, and national origin, economic or social status. However, adult leaders in the program will be Christian and must sign a statement of faith and submit to background checks. Both boys and adults will be required to adhere to a code of conduct. The full membership policy, Statement of Faith and Statement of Values can be read online at www.TrailLifeUSA.com. Membership in the program has both youth and adult elements.

Youth membership in the program is open to all who meet the membership requirements, and is designed for biologically male children through 12th grade.

The adult applicant must also be at least 18 years of age and subscribe to and abide by the statement of Christian faith and the oath and creed of the program.

The group welcomes boys whose parents are seeking a faith-based outdoor adventure program that places an emphasis on character development, leadership, and moral purity, and who aspire to live in accordance with the values expressed in the program’s Oath and Creed.

The program is under girded by Biblical values and unapologetically reflects a Christian worldview. The group’s goal is for parents and families of every faith to be able to place their boys in a youth program that endeavors to provide moral consistency and ethical integrity in its adult leaders.

As young men progress through the various levels of the Trail Life USA program, they take part in a camping program, leadership development, rank advancements, awards, a trail badge program, community service, summer adventures, spiritual training, and a variety of special program offerings.

The initial, organizational meeting is Thursday night, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. in the Roper Building located at 150 N. Main St. in Six Mile. All interested parents and children should attend this meeting and learn about this exciting opportunity for personal growth and character development. If you have any questions, please call Rev. Ray Longenecker at (864) 868-2392.