Join Us
Trail Life Starts Here
Trail Life
Starts Here
Enrollment for the 2025–2026 school year is now closed. However, you can fill out the interest form to be notified when enrollment opens for 2026-2027 (K-8).
Enrollment for 2025–2026 is now closed. However, you can fill out the interest form to be notified when enrollment opens for 2026-2027 (K-8).
As this will be our inaugural year, participation will be limited to boys in Kindergarten through 8th grade (Woodlands Trail and Navigators programs). We anticipate expanding to include high school-aged boys in the future.
How to Join the Troop (Boys)
How to Join (Boys)
Joining Troop CA-8859 is a simple three-step process designed to help your family get connected and equipped for the adventure ahead. We’re here to walk with you each step of the way.
Important: If you are enrolling more than one child, please complete this process separately for each child.
Step 1: Troop Enrollment
The first step is to enroll in our troop (CA-8859) through our website. Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is now closed. However, you may fill out the interest form on this page, and we will notify you if any spots become available. (Availability varies by age group.)
The first step is to enroll in our troop (CA-8859) through our website. Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is now closed. However, you may fill out the interest form on this page, and we will notify you if any spots become available. (Availability varies by age group.)
The first step is to enroll in our troop (CA-8859) by purchasing the appropriate enrollment option for your son (Foxes – K/1st; Hawks – 2nd/3rd; Mountain Lions – 4th/5th; Navigators – 6th/7th/8th). The annual dues for our troop is $250, which can be paid in full or over 10 monthly payments of $25.
Spaces are limited. If your desired age group is full, you can secure a spot on the waitlist for that group for $25 (applied toward future dues). Availability of spaces is based on the number of volunteers. As more volunteers commit to serving with a particular age group, the more spaces for that age group become available.
Note: The children of volunteers receive priority enrollment.
The first step is to enroll in our troop (CA-8859) by purchasing the appropriate enrollment option for your son (Foxes – K/1st; Hawks – 2nd/3rd; Mountain Lions – 4th/5th; Navigators – 6th/7th/8th). The annual dues for our troop is $250, which can be paid in full or over 10 monthly payments of $25.
Spaces are limited. If your desired age group is full, you can secure a spot on the waitlist for that group for $25 (applied toward future dues). Availability of spaces is based on the number of volunteers. As more volunteers commit to serving with a particular age group, the more spaces for that age group become available.
Note: The children of volunteers receive priority enrollment.
2025-2026 Troop Enrollment:
Step 2: Purchase Uniforms and Gear
All Trailmen are required to have a Trail Life USA uniform shirt, uniform shoulder loops, tri-color hat, and handbook. These items can be purchased directly from the Trail Life USA online store for approximately $99. Trailmen will also need black cargo pants/shorts to wear with their uniform shirt (purchased from any source). The official CA-8859 troop patch and troop t-shirt are included as part of your enrollment dues.
Step 3: Register with Trail Life USA
After enrolling locally, you’ll complete your national registration with Trail Life USA. This involves:
- Creating a parent account on Trail Life Connect
- Registering your son(s)
- Completing required required forms (e.g., emergency contact info, health and medical form)
- Paying the annual registration fee directly to Trail Life (~$42/year)
Note: National registration and the annual fee to Trail Life is separate from troop enrollment and dues paid directly to the troop.
After you enroll in the troop, you will receive a link to complete your national registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the program cost?
We do our best to keep Trail Life affordable for families while providing a high-quality experience. Here’s a general breakdown of costs:
Troop Enrollment ($250)
- Covers supplies, awards, facility use, troop equipment, etc. The official CA-8859 troop patch and troop t-shirt are also included as part of your enrollment dues. Dues can be paid in full or in 10 monthly payments of $25.
Uniform & Gear ($99+)
- Trailmen are required to have a Trail Life uniform shirt, uniform shoulder loops, tri-color hat, and handbook (Woodlands Trail Handbook for Grades K-6 or Navigators Handbook for Grades 6-8). These items are purchased directly, along with many optional items, from the Trail Life store. Detailed instructions will be provided after enrollment.
National Trail Life Registration ($38)
- An annual registration fee of $38 is paid directly to Trail Life USA (paid in July). This covers the organization’s insurance and administrative costs.
Special Events (varies by event)
- Special events, campouts, and other special activities may have additional costs, but we always give families plenty of notice and aim to keep things affordable.
We never want finances to be a barrier—reach out to us at info@troop8859.org if cost is a concern, and we’ll do our best to help!
What is the time commitment?
Our troop meets twice a month in Rancho Cucamonga from 5-7pm, usually on the first and third Thursdays of the month. In addition to regular meetings, we host occasional weekend events like hikes, service projects, retreats, and campouts throughout the year. (Major event dates are listed on the Program page.)
While the schedule is family-friendly, we believe Trail Life is more than just an activity—it’s a journey of growth and brotherhood. Consistent participation helps boys build lasting friendships, develop new skills, and grow in character and confidence. The more your family invests, the more meaningful the experience becomes.
For dads and male mentors, we encourage participation as you’re able—whether that means serving regularly or joining us on the trail from time to time. Trail Life is at its best when boys and men grow side by side.
Can dads participate alongside their sons?
Absolutely! One of Trail Life’s distinctives is encouraging men to walk alongside boys—not just drop them off. We welcome dads, grandfathers, and male mentors to be part of the journey. To participate in any capacity, men must:
- Enroll in Troop 8859 through this website. A $25 fee is required to pay for your official troop shirt.
- Complete LiveScan fingerprinting, which costs around $62 depending on which location you visit. (This is required by California AB 506.)
- Become a Registered Adult with Trail Life USA. National registration involves completing a national background check (separate from the CA Livescan), paying the annual adult membership fee of $46.55, completing Trail Life’s Youth Protection Training, and signing the Statement of Faith
Guest Participation: Men who have completed the above steps may attend troop meetings and events as they are able without committing to a specific role. However, space for some activities may be limited, and priority is given to regular volunteers.
Regular Volunteers: Those who commit to a consistent volunteer role, such as assisting with an age group, are considered regular volunteers. They receive preferred access to events and activities, and their sons are given priority enrollment.
Whether you’re leading a hike, teaching a skill, or simply being present, your involvement makes a significant impact. Trail Life is a place where boys and men grow together—and we’d be honored to have you join us.
What are the uniform requirements?
Class A Uniform
The Class A uniform is our standard for troop meetings, ceremonies, and other formal events. It includes:
- The official Trail Life USA uniform shirt (where badges, rank insignia, and patches are displayed) with appropriate shoulder loops and troop patch
- Troop CA-8859 official patch (provided)
- Troop uniform shoulder loops for the respective patrol (Foxes, Hawks, Mountain Lions, or Navigators)
- Tri-color Trail Life USA hat
Any black cargo shorts or cargo pants with belt loops (uniform shirt is worn tucked in with a belt)
- Black belt (uniform belt suggested but not required)
Class B Uniform
The Class B uniform is a more casual option used for hikes, service projects, and informal events when specified by troop leadership. It includes:
A Troop CA-8859 t-shirt (provided)
- Tri-color Trail Life USA hat (same as above)
- Any condition-appropriate shorts or pants
🛒 The troop patch and troop t-shirt are provided as part of your enrollment dues. The uniform shirt, shoulder loops, and hat should be purchased directly from the Trail Life USA Store.
What are your child safety policies?
At Trail Life USA, safeguarding our Trailmen is paramount. We adhere to stringent national standards and comply with California’s legal requirements to ensure a secure environment for every participant.
Trail Life USA Youth Protection Policies
All adult leaders must:
Pass a comprehensive national background check
Complete Trail Life’s Child Safety Youth Protection Training
Be approved by the Charter Organization
Our safety framework is encapsulated in the 1-2-3 Youth Protection Essentials:
No One-on-One Contact: A youth must never be alone with an adult who is not their parent or legal guardian. This includes electronic communications and transportation.
Two-Deep Leadership: At least two registered adult leaders must be present at all activities.
Buddy System: Trailmen participate in activities in groups of at least three peers from the same age group.
These principles are designed to protect both youth and adults, fostering a safe and respectful environment.
Compliance with California AB 506
In accordance with California’s AB 506 legislation, all adult volunteers who have direct contact with youth for more than 16 hours per month or 32 hours per year are required to:
- Undergo a one-time Live Scan fingerprint-based background check
Complete mandated reporter training on child abuse and neglect identification and reporting
These measures are in place to ensure that individuals with a history of child abuse are not placed in positions of trust with minors.
Our troop is committed to upholding these standards to provide a safe, nurturing environment where young men can grow in character, leadership, and faith.
Is there a program for girls?
While Trail Life is designed specifically for boys, American Heritage Girls (AHG) offers a Christ-centered scouting and discipleship program for girls. AHG and Trail Life were launched around the same time and share a similar mission and structure. There are active AHG troops in Rancho Cucamonga and the surrounding communities. Families often choose to participate in both programs!
How to Join the Troop (Dads)
How to Join (Dads)
To join Troop 8859, men must complete a three-part process. This process is the same for guest participants and regular volunteers. The children of regular volunteers will receive priority troop enrollment and event registration.
Step 1: Troop Enrollment
The first step is to enroll in our troop (CA-8859) by purchasing the parent/volunteer enrollment option. There is a one-time cost of $25 to cover your troop shirt.
Note: Adult registration is now limited to the parents of currently enrolled children.
Step 2: Register with Trail Life USA
After enrolling locally, you’ll complete your national registration with Trail Life USA. This involves:
- Creating a parent account on Trail Life Connect
- Registering yourself
- Signing the Trail Life USA Statement of Faith and Values
- Completing a national background check
- Paying the annual registration fee directly to Trail Life (~$47/year)
Note: National registration and the annual fee to Trail Life is separate from troop enrollment and dues paid directly to the troop.
After you enroll in the troop, you will receive a link to complete your national registration.
Step 3: LiveScan Fingerprinting
All adult participants and volunteers must also complete the LiveScan fingerprinting process. Upon enrollment, you will be provided with a form which you can bring to any LiveScan location. Rolling fees vary.
Note: Per California AB 506, LiveScan fingerprinting is required in addtion to Trail Life USA’s background check, which is conducted as part of national registration process (Step 2).
After you enroll in the troop, you will receive the documents to complete your LiveScan background check.