In a way, Trail Life began at Epiclesis at a Men’s Breakfast. One morning, the fellows were commiserating about the condition of the world. Someone said, “Well, why don’t we do something about it.” That someone had recently heard about Trail Life USA, a church-based, Christ-Centered, boy-Focused mentoring and discipleship journey that speaks to the hearts of boys. Working from the timeless biblical values in the context of outdoor adventure, boys from K-12 are engaged in a troop setting by vetted male mentors who challenge them to grow in Christian faith and character, to understand their purpose, serve their community, and develop practical leadership skills to carry out the mission for which they were created.
Several leaders emerged and initiated the troop chartering process. Epiclesis elders answered the call to be the sponsoring church, providing the chartering fees and legal covering. A suitable meeting location was found, and by late January 2021, Troop 16:13 was launched. “16:13” stands for the troop verse, 1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
Currently Troop 16:13 has 43 young trailmen registered and 20 registered adult leaders, and they meet weekly at Freemont Presbyterian Church. Troop 16:13 is part of a national movement with 30,000 members in 830 troops in 50 states. We are underway and growing, grateful that Epiclesis leaders and members saw the significance, provided start-up funding and on going assistance. For further information, contact Pete Fickenscher.
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