Frequently Asked Questions

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 All boys, ages 5 through 17, are welcome irrespective of religion, race, national origin, or socio-economic status. We welcome 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 Motto and Oath.

The program is designed that:

Foxes start at 5 or 6. A Trailman must be at least 5 years old to join a Fox patrol.

Hawks start at 7 or 8.

Mountain Lions start at 9 or 10.

Navigators start at 11, 12, or 13.

Adventurers start at 14, 15, 16, or 17. 

Guidon members start anywhere from 18 to 25.

Trailmen are expected to advance with other boys their age. Exceptions to the policy are allowed with a one-year variance, beginning with the Hawk patrol, in either direction (advancing or holding back) at the discretion of the Troop Committee. The Trail Life program is not based on academic benchmarks or maturity but on building relationships, spiritual growth, practical skill development, empathy and service, teamwork, and leadership. 

We recommend Trail Life USA's sister program, the American Heritage Girls. You can find more about AHG at www.ahgonline.org.

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Catholic men and women selected and approved by the Troop, who are in good standing with the Catholic Church, sign and abide by the membership standards and the Trail Life USA Statement of Faith and Values may become adult leaders.

All leaders must be at least 21 years old with the exception of Trail Guides, who must be at least 18 years old.

All adult leaders can be approved following a criminal background check and successful completion of the Child Safety Youth Protection Training required by the Trail Life USA program as well a criminal background check and completion of the Protecting God's Children Training required by the Diocese of Palm Beach.

Meetings are twice a month at the parish in the evenings.  Specific times and locations are provided to members and those who express interest.

Click on the Join page.  Additional instructions follow.

Troop FL-3726 does not restrict youth membership to Catholic Christians, and as a ministry of St. Jude Catholic Church, we profess, teach and live out our Catholic values in this ministry.

1. The Charter Organization selects and appoints a core leadership team:
2. The Troop Ministry Liaison (TML), oversees the ministry, leadership, and activities of the Troop on behalf of the Charter Organization.
3. The Troop Committee Chairperson leads the rest of the Troop Committee to govern the Troop’s operation and oversee its program.
4. The Troop Treasurer maintains the Troop budget and accounting of funds.
5. The Troopmaster serves on the Troop Committee to represent all direct contact leaders and Unit programs.
6. The Troop Chaplain is responsible for instilling the faith-based program of the Troop. The  Troop Chaplain position can also be filled by the TML provided the TML is male.

Additional Committee members can be added after the Charter is approved.  Committee positions can be created to focus on a variety of committee functions as additional leaders become available and committed to the program.

The direct contact program leaders are also added after the Charter is approved.  They are the Ranger (Woodlands Trail leader), Trailmaster (Navigators leader), Advisor (Adventurers leader), and Trail Guides who work with their respective Unit leaders (Ranger, Trailmaster, and Advisor).

See more at, Troop Level Positions.

Absolutely. Most adult leadership positions can be filled by men or women, including the Senior Ministry Leader, Committee Chairperson, Treasurer, and other Committee Member Positions. Trail Guides in the Woodland’s Trail Unit may also be women.

In order to preserve the principle of male mentorship, direct contact positions in the Navigators and Adventurers Units and the position of Troop Chaplain are reserved for men.

Mountain Lion Trail Guides in the Woodlands Trail Unit are highly recommended to be males. However, if there is a shortage of male leaders, a female may serve in this role.

All Area, Regional, and National leadership positions may be filled by women.

 There are no restrictions regarding spouses serving in any positions.