About Troop NC-613

Trail Life Troop NC-613 is a ministry of The Shepherd’s Church in Cary, NC. The troop was chartered in 2014 and is among the first generation of Trail Life troops organized.

Our troop number calls from Ephesians 6:13:

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

We strive in our efforts to equip boys and young men with the practical and spiritual tools they need to stand firm as Christian men.

The troop meets on Monday evenings on the campus of The Shepherd’s Church. Elementary (Woodlands) boys meet from 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM during the school year, and Mid/High (Navigator/Adventurer) boys meet from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM year-round. We maintain a full program of activities. Woodlands includes at least 2 camp experiences in a year, as well as a number of freestanding activities and events. The Navigator/Adventurer program pivots around approximately ten annual camping trips, usually including a summer high adventure trip for Adventurers.

We believe that effective discipleship centers around relationship. Our troop setting allows the formation of relationships amongst boys and with Christian men, which provides a framework for exploring both everyday Christian life as well as a support structure when grappling with major faith questions as one matures. We augment this relational model with a robust devotional program in our meetings. Our Woodlands curriculum can be reviewed elsewhere on this site.

Program Levels

Troop NC-613 offers a full ministry program for boys K-12, organized into the three core Trail Life levels:

Woodlands Trail

Woodlands Trail (K-5) is further organized into Fox (K-1), Hawk (2-3), and Mountain Lion (4-5) to permit gradual increases in complexity and challenge as boys become more capable in their elementary years. The youth gain knowledge about outdoor skills, citizenship, character, friendship, and faith through fun activities, awards, and skill instruction.

Navigators

Navigators (Middle School, 6-8) gain understanding of their values and beliefs under the guidance of godly male role models through being responsible in outdoor adventures and in their home and school life. They explore areas of interest and earn Trail Badges for advancement.

Adventurers

Adventurers (High School, 9-12) mature in wisdom and faith through more difficult challenges and leadership activities with Christian men walking alongside. They plan and lead outdoor events and large projects while exercising leadership positions in the Troop, even mentoring some of the younger Trailmen.

Membership

We enroll members year-round. You can explore more about membership in our troop.