Partner Resources

Valuable resources from Trail Life USA partners and recommended organizations

Trail Life USA Official Store

Uniforms, handbooks, advancement awards, gear, and official Trail Life merchandise

Animated Knots by Grog

The web's #1 site for learning how to tie knots! Watch ropes tie themselves with step-by-step animations covering boating, fishing, climbing, camping, and more. Master any knot in no time—from the Basics to advanced techniques.

American Red Cross Training

Lifesaving training in CPR, First Aid, and emergency preparedness from the nation's leader in disaster relief. Trail Life members receive 30% off Licensed Training Provider certification, Full-Service On-Site Group Training, community classes; 50% off online classes; and 10% off in the Red Cross Store.

Fathers & Families

Helping men rediscover their true identity and embrace their vital role as fathers. Provides tools, training, and support for men to step confidently into their God-given calling as spiritual leaders in their families, churches, and communities. Building a brotherhood of godly men dedicated to shaping the next generation.

Manhood Journey for Trail Life Leaders

Helping dads become disciple-makers through Bible studies, E-Books, digital courses, podcasts, and articles. Equips dads, mentors, coaches, uncles, and grandparents to grow spiritually and engage the next generation. Specific resources for Trail Life leaders available!

Featured Resources: Mountain Monday Newsletter (weekly tips for dads) • Father On Purpose Podcast • Field Guide E-Books • Godly Dad Quiz • YouVersion Bible Reading Plans

Camping Stick Kids - Worthy Life Award

Strategic ministry partner providing Worthy Life Award resources for Woodlands Trail. Complete curriculum for each rank: Fox (Explore God's World), Hawk (Discover God's Love), Mountain Lion (Journey God's Way). Each includes trail guide, tracking card, leaders guide, hiking stick, and five emblems.

Also Available: Walkabout Cards • Video tutorials for each rank • Strategic partnership resources

American Heritage Girls

Christ-centered character and leadership program for girls 5-18. Building women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country. Complementary program for families with both boys and girls seeking faith-based youth development.

Free E-Books: Peace in Times of Global Conflict • Biblical Worldview Guide • Gender & Identity Guide

Operation Christmas Child

Demonstrate God's love tangibly to children worldwide through Samaritan's Purse. Since 1993, over 209 million children in 170+ countries have received shoeboxes. The Shoebox Challenge provides Trail Life Troops complimentary tickets to participating family attractions across the US!

Resources: How to Pack a Shoebox guide • Shoebox Challenge for free attraction tickets

Gear Swap

Buy, sell, or trade outdoor gear between Northern Tier troops.

All listings are managed automatically - no website updates needed!

List items for sale, trade, or post WANTED requests

Loading gear listings...

View Full Spreadsheet

Program Ideas Database

Downloadable guides for exciting troop activities and projects

Pinewood Derby Guide

Complete guide with official rules, building tips, speed secrets, and racing guidelines. Includes dimension rules, weight strategies, step-by-step construction instructions, friction reduction techniques, aerodynamics, sportsmanship values, and race day checklist.

Topics covered: Car specifications • Weight placement • Wheel/axle prep • Friction reduction • Speed secrets • Sportsmanship

Raingutter Regatta Rules

Official rules and guidelines for hosting a Raingutter Regatta sailboat race. Father-son project building miniature sailboats powered by lung power! Includes boat specifications, waterproofing tips, mast installation, sail attachment, racing rules, and sportsmanship guidance.

Topics covered: Boat specifications • Waterproofing • Hull shaping • Racing competition rules • Awards categories

Equipment: Inflatable Raingutter Track on Amazon

Rope Making Machine Guide

Build your own rope making machine and master an ancient craft! Complete guide to constructing a simple rope-making machine from basic materials and creating functional rope. Combines woodworking, mechanical engineering, and traditional skills. Perfect troop project!

Topics covered: Machine construction • Materials list • Two-stage rope process • Operating techniques • Safety guidelines • Project ideas

Video Tutorials:

GaGa Ball Guide

Rules and setup guide for GaGa Ball - the fast-paced, high-energy game perfect for Trail Life! Easy to learn, fun for all ages, requires minimal equipment. Great for meetings, camps, and events. Includes pit construction options, safety guidelines, and tournament formats.

Topics covered: Game rules • Pit construction • Safety guidelines • Age variations • Tournament formats

Share Your Program Ideas!

Have a great activity or project that worked well for your troop? Submit it so we can share with other Northern Tier troops!

Submit Your Idea

Troop Fundraising Resources

Don't let limited funds prevent your troop from delivering on the promise of adventure! These proven fundraising solutions help troops across the Northern Tier fund their entire annual program with just one major fundraiser.

Fundraising Best Practices

✓ Plan Your Program First

Hold an annual planning session with parents, leaders, and boys. Create a full calendar of activities, then budget for it.

✓ One Major Fundraiser

Choose ONE fundraiser that covers most/all annual costs. Work together as a team rather than nickle-and-diming families.

✓ 4-5 Days, Not Every Weekend

Dedicate a few focused weeks once per year instead of constant car washes and bake sales.

Proven Fundraising Partners

These vendors have been successfully used by troops across the Northern Tier

Country Meats

Traditional Fundraising Made Simple

Country Meats helps you raise the money you need for any occasion, event, or goal. With our dedicated Customer Service team and years of experience, we make fundraising easy and effective.

How It Works:
  1. Place your order
  2. Prepare your group for delivery
  3. Sell delicious meat sticks!

Choose from Best Seller Variety Cases or customize your own with up to 6 of our 9 delicious flavors!

Why Country Meats?
💪 Healthy Products

At least 9g protein, no more than 4g carbs per stick. Proudly handcrafted in the USA with 85% lean meat, slow-smoked for 18 hours for incredible flavor.

🎒 Convenient Snacks

Perfectly portable, individually packaged, and shelf-stable. Perfect for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, on-the-go parents, and hungry teens!

😋 Crowd-Pleasing Flavors

Over a dozen flavors from sweet to savory to super-spicy! Products that practically sell themselves. Groups come back year after year!

🔄 Flexible Options

Choose traditional in-person fundraisers, online fundraisers, or both! Options that work for every member of your organization, near or far.

💰 50% Profit Margin!

Pay just $0.75 per stick, sell for $1.50 each. Your customers get a healthy snack at an affordable price while your group puts $0.75 toward your cause!

Visit Country Meats
\

HybridLight

Reach Your Fundraising Goals in No Time

We've helped schools, churches, and social clubs all across the USA exceed their fundraising goals. Whatever your organization's goals, reach them quickly and easily by selling HybridLight® products—durable, innovative, and guaranteed for life.

Revolutionary Technology:
  • Charge Your Devices: Built-in USB port for mobile device charging
  • Rapid Charging: Micro USB port for quick recharging
  • Solar Powered: Built-in solar panel keeps lights charged
  • Never Buy Batteries: Holds charge for 7 years!
  • Always Works: Flashlights and lanterns that work every time
Why HybridLight?
🎁 Earn Cash & Prizes

Everyone needs reliable flashlights and lanterns. Your customers will love the solar products, and you'll love your cash and prizes!

🚚 Free Shipping*

All case orders ship free. Webstore orders ship for only $5.

💪 Lifetime Guarantee

All HybridLight products are durable and guaranteed for life. Quality your supporters can trust!

Visit HybridLight Fundraising

Giving Bean

Coffee, Tea & Gourmet Cocoa Fundraising

Like many scouting organizations, Trail Life USA troops need to raise funds for outdoor adventures, building character, and leadership development. Giving Bean has extensive experience with Trail Life USA fundraisers and can help your troop reach its fundraising goals!

What Makes Giving Bean Different:
  • No Startup Costs: Zero upfront investment required
  • 40% Profit: From order form sales, always
  • 25% Webstore Profit: Online orders year-round
  • No Hidden Costs: All profit with no deductions
  • No Leftover Products: You only order what you sell
Why Troops Love Giving Bean:
☕ Premium Products

Freshly roasted coffee, artisan teas, and all-natural gourmet cocoa and chai. Products people use every day!

🌐 Dual Fundraising

Run paper fundraiser AND webstore simultaneously. Friends and family not in your area can still contribute online!

⭐ Proven Success

One of Giving Bean's top sellers is a Trail Life Troop! Highly motivated troops do extremely well.

🔄 Flexible Timing

Great to do anytime, multiple times a year. Works perfectly alongside other annual fundraisers.

💡 Pro Tip

Assign a specific number of products to each Troop member to sell. This helps ensure participation and makes it easy to attain your fundraising goal!

Visit Giving Bean Request Free PDF Brochure

Trail Life USA Fundraising Policy

All fundraising activities must comply with Trail Life USA's official guidelines:

Required Approvals

  • All fundraisers must be approved by your Chartering Organization
  • Must align with Trail Life USA's motto "Walk Worthy!", Mission, and Trailmen Oath
  • Use of Trail Life USA logo requires approval from Home Office (email Branding@TrailLifeUSA.com at least 3 weeks in advance)

Key Guidelines

  • Maximum 3 fundraisers per year per troop
  • Voluntary participation - All families must be informed; participation is optional
  • Two-deep leadership required at all fundraising activities
  • No solicitation of donations
  • Approved fundraisers may be done in official Trail Life USA uniform
  • Must comply with all Health & Safety guidelines

Prohibited Activities

  • Games of chance, lotteries, or bingo (unless specifically donated and compliant with local laws)
  • Activities that could be construed as gambling
  • Raffle ticket sales (only if consistent with Charter Organization's faith and compliant with all laws)

Need to Submit a Fundraiser?

Download the TLUSA License Application from Trail Life USA's website

Include: Troop number, contact info, duration, product description, costs, and sale price

Email to: Branding@TrailLifeUSA.com

Tips for Fundraising Success

📋 Plan Together

Involve parents in annual planning so they understand and support the need for fundraising.

💰 Show the Budget

Help families see the full cost of the program you're planning. Transparency builds buy-in.

🤝 Work as a Team

Everyone contributes to ONE major fundraiser vs. individual families bearing the burden.

⏰ Focus & Finish

Dedicate 4-5 days over a few weeks. Get it done, then enjoy your fully-funded year!

Share Your Fundraising Success!

Found a fundraiser that works great for your troop? Let us know so we can share it with other troops!

Submit Your Fundraising Idea