No matter what we’re doing, we want them to learn life lesson and whatever we’re teaching them.”

Jim Forrest, regional team leader for Trail Life USA

Members of the Hastings Area Rotary Club recently welcomed guest speaker Jim Forrest, regional team leader for Trail Life USA, who shared how the Christ centered outdoor program is working to shape boys into leaders through service, mentoring, and hands on learning.
Forrest, who oversees the organization’s North Plains region across eight states, introduced the group to Trail Life USA’s mission and local presence, including Troop 1812 in Hastings. He said the program began about 13 years ago and has continued to grow steadily since then.
“Trail life is a Christ centered outdoor program for boys,” Forrest told Rotarians. “We do outdoor programs sort of just like the BSA did, but our center, our focus, is basically in Christ.”
The organization now serves tens of thousands of boys nationwide and operates primarily through churches, with most leadership roles filled by volunteers. Forrest emphasized that community involvement and strong family participation are key to the program’s success.
Locally, Troop 1812 meets at River of Life Church and typically draws between 25 and 35 boys at each gathering, supported by 10 to 15 adult leaders. Forrest said encouraging fathers to participate alongside their sons is central to the experience.
“One of the things we try to do is make that relationship between a boy and his father stronger,” he said.
Trail Life USA groups boys by age levels ranging from 5 to 18 and emphasize outdoor skills, service work, and character development. In Hastings, members regularly volunteer at the veterans memorial at Roadside Park and assist with community events such as church carnivals and Feed My Starving Children projects.
“We want to make sure that they understand what servant leadership is all about,” Forrest said.
Safety and accountability are also major priorities. Adult volunteers complete background checks and youth protection training, and the organization maintains strict supervision standards for activities.
“Our first priority is the safety of the boys,” Forrest said.
Forrest also described how everyday lessons, even something as simple as tying knots, can become opportunities to teach broader life values.
“No matter what we’re doing, we want them to learn life lesson and whatever we’re teaching them,” he said.
Trail Life USA operates in all 50 states and continues expanding in smaller communities across the Midwest. Forrest said local participation remains strong and encouraged families to visit meetings to learn more about the program.