rail life usa troop 1230 houston tx · pdf fileopening prayer and blessing upon the ceremony...

TRAIL LIFE USA

TROOP 1230 – HOUSTON, TX www.facebook.com/traillife1230 www.troop1230.org

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OPENING

<Daniel Wright, Grant Storm, Jacob Garza, Steven Russell, Foster Tomer, Dawson Rabalais, and Nicholas Garza assemble on stage behind the podium and remain on stage together for the opening ceremony> Daniel Wright: Good Evening Trailmen and Families and welcome to the Troop 1230 Spring 2015 Court of Honor. If you will find a seat, we will begin with Steven Russell leading us in an opening prayer and blessing upon the ceremony

OPENING PRAYER

Walker Jester: <Pray for the COH, the Trailmen, and Families>

FLAG CEREMONY AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

(Foster Tomer will conduct Welcome Flag Ceremony) (Color Guard: Nathan Cochran, Sam Hinson, CJ Becker, Matthew Brazzell)

Foster Tomer: Please prepare yourselves for the Flag Ceremony.

: Color-Guard, attention. Audience, attention. : Color-Guard, forward march. Color-Guard, halt. : Color-Guard, prepare to post the colors. Post the colors; Trailman Salute. : Would you please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance? I pledge allegiance…with justice and liberty for all. Two. : Color-Guard, Re-Form. : Color-Guard, return to post. : Audience at ease. Color-Guard at ease.

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http://www.troop1230.org/

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TRAIL LIFE MOTTO

Daniel Wright: Dawson Rabalais will now read the Trail Life Motto and Oath:

Dawson Rabalais: “Walk Worthy” Colossians 1:10: “that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

Dawson Rabalais <raise right hand>: Repeat after me.

On my honor, I will do my best

to serve God and my country; (give time for them to echo)

to respect authority; (give time to echo)

to be a good steward of Creation; (give time to echo)

and to treat others as I want to be treated. (give time to echo).

Daniel Wright: Nicholas Garza will read our Troop Verse, number and core mission.

Nicholas Garza:

Our Troop Verse comes from Mark 12:30: “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength

Trail Life USA Troop 1230 is a Christ-centered, outdoor leadership program for 1st grade through 12th grade focusing on providing Christian adventure, character, and leadership opportunities for young men.

Troop 1230 is a chartered by Champion Forest Baptist Church with a mission of “Training Boys to Become Godly Men.”

<Walker Jester, Foster Tomer, Dawson Rabalais, and Nicholas Garza can now return to their

seats in the audience>



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CONVENE THE COURT OF HONOR

Daniel Wright: Would the Troop Committee Chair, Mr. Mike Clark, please come forward to officially open the Court of Honor?

Mr. Clark: As Committee Chairman of Troop 1230, I officially convene this Court of Honor.

<Mr. Clark can feel free to share some thoughts about our troop and any acknowledgement he would like to make>

PRESENTATION FIRST IN UNIFORMS PINS

Daniel Wright: Mr. Clark will introduce our “First in Uniforms” Pins for Troop 1230!

Mike Clark: In late 2014, our troop purchased $2,500 worth of Trail Life Store credits to help the national Trail Life USA organization raise the up-front monies needed to get our son’s uniforms designed and manufactured. In December 2014, TLUSA made a special uniform box set, called “First in Uniform” available for purchase to troops and individuals. This was a limited offer and included a couple of bonus items that are not available for purchase outside of this package: the first-of-its-kind embroidered baseball cap and the historic collectible ‘First in Uniform’ pin. Well after much patient waiting, we are proud to present our troop with their official Trail Life Formal Uniform and, as a symbol, we will be presenting those Trailmen recipients their ‘First in Uniform’ pin. <Mike Clark can now return to his seat>

Daniel Wright: Our Trail Master, Nico Garza, along with Ranger Matt Becker, will now present our Trailmen with their First in Uniform’ pin

TM Garza: Welcome to our first ever Uniform Ceremony, one of many we look forward to having over the coming years. All of these young men here tonight have begun a journey, by Walking Worthy before God that will set a noble and honorable standard for all those who follow in their footsteps. As leaders of Troop 1230, it is our prayer that each of you will show to all the world as what it means to live the Trail Life USA Motto and Oath.



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TM Garza: This Presentation of your First In Uniform pin celebrates your commitment as a Trail Life Trailman to be a leader. Please come forward as your name is called to receive your pin.

(Daniel Wright and Jacob Garza will read individual names of those getting their Uniforms Pins. Have the boys come forward as their names are called, Have TM Garza / Ranger Becker hand the pin over, and once trailman receives the uniform they can go back to their seat.)

Jacob Garza & Daniel Wright <Our two seniors will lead the boys in this>: Trailmen, prepare yourselves with the Trailman Sign as we recite the Trail Life USA Oath. Repeat after me.

On my honor, I will do my best (give time for them to echo)

To serve God and my country; (give time for them to echo)

To respect authority; (give time to echo)

To be a good steward of Creation; (give time to echo)

And to treat others as I want to be treated. (give time to echo).

TM Garza: Trailmen, every time you choose to put on this uniform, you are choosing to uphold the Trail Life values. You commit to “Walk Worthy” in all things you do and say, setting an example for others to follow, holding yourselves and your fellow Trailmen accountable to following God, and His son Jesus’, example. Wear it with pride!

<Mr. Garza can now return to his seat>



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ADVANCEMENT – WOODLANDS TRAIL

Daniel Wright: We will now recognize our Woodlands Trail Trailmen in the completion of their branches and in rank advancement upon completing our 2014-2015 session. Will Ranger Becker please come forward? Ranger Becker: The Woodlands Trail program, within Trail Life USA, is designed to instill a foundation of core values, represented by the Tree, separated out into 7 areas of focus, represented by the 7 branches. The branches represented are: Heritage Branch, Hobbies Branch, Life Skills Branch, Outdoor Activities Branch, Pioneering Skills Branch, Science and Tech Branch, and Values Branch. Ranger Becker: Let’s take a moment and give a brief description of each branch mentioned. I have asked a few our our Wood Trails Mountain Lions and some of the Troop Dads to help: <CJ Becker, Joshua Brazzell, Luke Garza, Raleigh Mastrangelo, Matthew Brazzell, Alan

Mashburn, and Will Hinson will come on stage>

CJ Becker: HERITAGE BRANCH

Just as the roots form the foundation of the tree. Heritage forms the foundation of the person. It is the roots that allow the tree to grow straight and tall and secure it against strong winds and storms. Your roots will grow longer and stronger the more you know about your family’s history, the heritage of our country, and the history found in God’s word, the Bible.

Joshua Brazzell:

HOBBIES BRANCH Just as a tree has many leaves, with different shapes, colors, and fragrances; so, too, do hobbies. Hobbies allow us to show and share with others our hopes, dreams, and imagination in fun and important ways. As leaves help us to pick out different trees, Hobbies help to make us different from one another and helps us to develop skills that can be used for God’s will in the future.



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Luke Garza: LIFE SKILLS BRANCH

Just as water determines the size and strength of the tree. The life skills you learn will determine the strength and size of your character and will help you towards a Christ-like attitude. These life skills will water and nourish your character and abilities, allowing to rise to challenge of new goals throughout your life.

Raleigh Mastrangelo: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BRANCH

The world is God’s creation just as you are His unique creation, and he wishes for you to discover and marvel in His work. This is like the rings of the tree - they are ever increasing and expanding. As you travel along God’s path for you, you will add new rings. These rings, the knowledge of science & technology, will help form the basis of who you are.

Matthew Brazzell:

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES BRANCH No branch on a tree is the same and the variety in which they come is unlimited. The same is true for outdoor activities. God gave you skills and gifts that are unique to you, and through participation in outdoor activities, you will discover your gifts and hone them for God’s benefit and glory.

Alan Masburn:

PIONEERING SKILLS BRANCH The bark of the tree provides protection from wind and rain. Your pioneering skills will help you in much the same way. They will give you the tools to succeed in rough times and keep a Godly focus on what lies ahead. The bark expands and covers every inch of the tree, just as your skills will grow and aid you in every situation you face. Pliable yet strong, constant yet can grow back, the bark symbolizes your abilities to adjust to your surroundings and protect yourself when problems arise.



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Will Hinson VALUES BRANCH

Just as sunlight guides a tree’s growth, yours values, through Jesus’ example, will guide your growth. Just as the tree growing in the direction of the light, your character will grow in the direction of your values. These values are based in your connection to God and without them your character will wither, just as a tree withers without sunlight. Remember, your faith will shine as a beacon to everyone around you.

<CJ Becker, Joshua Brazzell, Luke Garza, Raleigh Mastrangelo, Matthew Brazzell, Alan

Mashburn, and Will Hinson can now return to their seats>

Ranger Becker: Through our meeting participation, camping activities, and special events our boys develop these values and learn how to live them daily, building a strong foundation to live as godly men. As a symbol of this participation, each Trailman, has an opportunity to earn earned their leaves towards the completion of their branch cards that each Woodlands Trail Trailman carries in their lanyard. Ranger Becker: Just as we did back at our Christmas celebration last December, we want to take a moment and recognize each of our Woodlands Trail Trailmen who have either earned pins their various branch completions, their forest award for completing all branches, as well as advanced to the next group (Fox, Hawk, and Mountain Lion). Ranger Becker: Alan Mashburn and Will Hinson please come and join me on the stage to assist with the handing out of the forest, branches, and pins certificates.

<Ranger Becker will read individual names recognizing branches completed, forest badges, and advancement (branches) badges. Have the boys come forward as their names are called, Mashburn and Hinson will hand over the the certifications. This will be done for the Foxes, Hawks, and Mountain Lions with each of these groups remaining on stage to be recognized, Grant will then dismiss them, before proceeding to the next group.>

<FOXES ARE PRESENTED> Arispe, Levi Chidester, Blake Yaklin, Patrick (PJ)

Arispe, David Gill, Brayden



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Grant Storm: <When Foxes are done> Congratulations Foxes! You may return to your seats. <HAWKS ARE PRESENTED>

Becker, Joshua Cheng, Adam Suechting, Tobias Cochran, Latham Gerard, Charles Toups, Luke

Hinson, Samuel Isenhower, Adam Vinson, Ben

Unger, Sebastian Mashburn, Jack Wright, Jonathan

Mbai, Jordan

Grant Storm: <When Hawks are done> Congratulations Hawks! You may return to your seats. <MOUNTAIN LIONS ARE PRESENTED> Brazzell, Joshua Becker, C.J. Mastrangelo, Raleigh

Brazzell, Matthew Mbai, Javan

Buckhanan, Christian Watkins, William Garza, Luke David Wolff, Sam

Isenhower, Christopher Grant Storm: <When Mountain Lions are done> Congratulations Mountain Lions! You may return to your seats, with the exception of those Mountains Lions who are advancing to Navigator, please remain on the stage <Alan Mashburn and Will Hinson can now return to their seats>

ADVANCEMENT - WOODLAND TRAILS / MOUNTAIN LIONS - NAVIGATORS

Grant Storm: We will now recognize those Trailmen who have completed Woodlands Trails and will be advancing to their new unit…Navigators! Ranger Becker and Trail Master Garza will present. Ranger Becker: It has been said that when on the trail that the most important point to know is where you are. You cannot begin to determine where you are going or how you will get there until you are fully aware of where you are. Once your location is determined, you can then see clearly to navigate to wherever you want to go.



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You have journeyed upward through the Woodlands Trail program and have reached the Timberline. Your experience on the Woodlands Trail has shown you much about who you are. With the help of faithful Trail Guides, mentors, family, and friends, you have discovered much about yourself and the world around you. The Timberline is the upper edge of the forest. The trees have passed, and you are able to see in all directions. TM Garza: Now, passing the Timberline, you are able to see in all directions around you - North, South, East, and West. You now are ready to take that next step to Navigate the next the coarse in your Trail Life journey. <APPLAUSE> TM Garza: Just as there are four cardinal directions, there are four Manhood Principles that, if followed, will take you far in your journey into manhood. <Have all Trailmen turn to face the cardinal direction the Ranger / TM is speaking about.> TM Garza: Trailmen, turn to the East. The East represents the eastern gate of the land of Eden. In Genesis 3:23-24, we read of how the disobedience of Adam and Eve led to them being expelled from the Garden of Eden. The Eastern gate reminds us to live boldly and reject being passive. Genesis 3 tells of the fall of man. Within this chapter you find the account of the conversation between the serpent and Eve. In verse 6 of that chapter, the Bible tells us that “She also gave some to her husband, who was with her…” The scripture says that the man was with the woman. Instead of the man boldly correcting the serpent and protecting his wife, he stood in the background and was passive. He did nothing and remained silent as she argued with the serpent. It is our role as men to lead in our homes and throughout our life, protecting others and living boldly for God. Trailmen, will you live boldly and reject living a passive life? <TRAILMEN SHOULD RESPOND YES> Ranger Becker: Trailmen, turn to the South. As we turn South, let us be reminded to live responsibly. We should faithfully carry our own backpack through life's trail, and we should carry each other’s pack for a while if it becomes a burden to them. In the sixth chapter of the book of Galatians, the Apostle Paul tells us to carry our own load but to bear one another’s burdens. Living responsibly means that we do what is needed and what is right. It is our responsibility to care for our family, love our neighbor as ourselves, and to be faithful leaders.



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Trailmen, will you live responsibly? <TRAILMEN SHOULD RESPOND YES> TM Garza: Trailmen, turn to the West. The West reminds us to lead courageously. In the Bible, when Jesus was tested by Satan after going without any food for forty days, He responded courageously with Scripture that he had memorized. In the book of Matthew, Chapter 4, we read of Jesus standing up to Satan firmly, even after Satan offered Him many amazing things. Jesus said, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “’You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.’ ” Like Jesus, we will be tempted in this world to run after money, pleasure, power, and fame. Leading courageously means that we recognize that, in spite of fear, our priority is following God and leading others to do the same, regardless of the consequences. Trailmen, will you lead courageously? <TRAILMEN SHOULD RESPOND YES> Ranger Becker: Trailmen, turn to the North. The North is the greatest of all points. This Point reminds us to live for the greater rewards of God. Moses was a man that had the opportunity to live under the most powerful man in Egypt, the Pharaoh. He could have anything that he wanted, but the Bible says in Hebrews 11:24-26, "24: By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 25: choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin; 26: He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward." As men, we are called to live disciplined lives. Discipline is putting off something that we want so that later we can have something that we want more. Moses was looking for the greater reward in the future. You are called to do the same. Will you live for the greater rewards of God? <TRAILMEN SHOULD RESPOND YES> TM Garza: Trailmen, look above.



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Above you is Christ himself. If followed closely, Jesus will lead you into all truth and righteousness. The Bible says that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father, except through Him. We read also that He will never leave us nor forsake us. When we walk with Jesus, we will never go astray. If you agree to live in accordance with these instructions, please say, "I will.” Then as Trailmaster to the Navigator ranks, it is my pleasure and my honor, to welcome you to the rank of Navigator…Congratulations! <APPLAUSE>



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BADGE PROGRESSION & ADVANCEMENT - NAVIGATORS

Grant Strom: We will now recognize our Navigator in the badge progression and in rank advancement upon completing our 2014-2015 session. TM Garza will present. TM Garza: During their three years in the Navigators program, Trailmen work on rank advancement. Their ranks represent a growing ability to operate comfortably, safely, and confidently in the outdoors. TM Garza: These skills will form the foundation of later adventures and teach important life lessons in character development. Navigators participate in a true outdoor program with hiking, camping, and other activities. They are in more of a learning mode, developing their core skills with adequate supervision and easing gracefully into camping by patrols. As they climb through the ranks of Journey Trailman, AbleTrailman, and Ready Trailman, they will lay a safe and comfortable foundation for the challenges of the Adventurers Program. TM Garza: Navigators have nine required trail badges they must complete.

Camping

Outdoor Cooking

Rope Work

Woods Tools

Aquatics

Fire Ranger

Our Flag

Trail Skills

First Aid TM Garza: Ideally the trail badges will be taught over an 18-month period with the goal of covering each one twice in the three year <For each rank we could have a different Navigator read each one of these>



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Kaden Burrage:

RECRUIT TRAILMAN The Recruit has taken his first big step as a Trailman. He is starting out on the trail with a can-do attitude that will help him meet the challenges ahead. This is a joining rank that concentrates on being safe and knowing how to plug in to all the resources available in one’s Troop family. The Recruit attends his first hikes and backpacking campouts, and makes new friends in his Troop.

Joshua Davis-Yao:

ABLE TRAILMAN The Able Trailman is truly an able man. He knows how to hike safely and comfortably and handle a lot of situations that might come up. These skills are the foundation for the next ranks. This rank concentrates on being comfortable in the outdoors. The Able Trailman learns a number of things that a Trailman is expected to know about nature, America, and leadership.

Tanner Mastrangelo:

READY TRAILMAN The Ready Trailman is ready for whatever happens. He has a full set of camping skills and does his fair share of the work as well as the fun. This rank concentrates on making a boy a useful fellow to have around camp. A Ready Trailman is competent in his outdoor skills and prepared for a variety of outdoor adventures. He will learn many things that will make him handy to have around. People expect a competent outdoorsman to have a successful attitude about most things in life, and the trail to Ready Trailman will help him develop that attitude.

TM Garza: We want to take a moment and recognize each of each of our Navigators in their badge progress and rank advancement

<TM Garza will read individual names recognizing leaves, branches completed, and advancement. Have the boys come forward as their names are called, Daniel Brazzell and Bryan Vinson will hand any certifications.>

Grant Storm: Congratulations Navigators! You may return to your seats.



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ADVENTURERS THANK YOU & OUT-GOING SENIOR RECOGNITION

Grant Storm: Please welcome our executive committee chair, Michael Clark, as he conducts a special recogniztion of our outgoing Seniors of 2014-2015 and the incoming Seniors of 2015-2016. ECC Clark: Thank you. Leaders, Trailmen, Parents, friends and family, with this being our inaugural year for Trail Life USA Troop 1230, one of areas that where we have been very blessed is by having a set of high school men who were willing to be part of a very small group within out troop, the Adventurer unit, and to set and continually be the Godly, Walking Worthy example for the rest of troop……. <Mike, please feel free to insert your thoughts, reflections, points of recognition for both Jacob and Daniel as they move onto the next chapter of their lives, as well as recognize Grant for all of his assistance, for this past year withing out troop> <TM Garza & Ranger Becker to give their brief thoughs and reflections??> <ECC Clark will present Jacob and Daniel with some sort of recognition to their hard work, participation, and achievements>



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SPECIAL AWARDS / PINS

Pinewood Car Derby

Jacob Garza: We will now recognize our Trailmen that have earned there particpation pin for our 1st annual Pinewood Car Derby that was held in March 2015. Will Mr. Wright please come forward to present the special awards. Brian Wright: <Provide a brief overview, participation, number of cars, etc.> Jacob Garza: Trailmen, when your name is called please come up front, receive your award from Mr. Wright, and form a line across the platform. Families, will you please hold your applause until all of the Trailmen have been announced and presented their awards.

< If needed Daniel Brazzell and Bryan Vinson can help with passing out the pins>

Jacob Garza, Grant Storm, Daniel Wright alternate: <One at a time name each Trailman.>

Jacob Garza: <Insert Appropriate Names Here> Grant Strom: <Insert Appropriate Names Here> Daniel Wright: <Insert Appropriate Names Here>

Jacob Garza: Please join me now in congratulating these Trailmen {APPLAUSE}. Trailmen, you may return to your seats. Jacob Garza: The Pinewood Derby was open to siblings and parents to participate in as well and their participation pins will be available from Mr. Wright after the conclussion of tonight’s ceremony.

1st Annual Houston Area Camporee

Jacob Garza: We will now recognize our Trailmen that have earned there particpation pin for our 1st annual Houston Area Camporee that was held in April 2015. Will Trail Master Garza please come forward to present the special awards. TM Garza: <Provide a brief overview, participation, etc.>



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Jacob Garza: Trailmen, when your names is called please come up front, receive your pin from TM Garza, and form a line across the platform. Families, will you please hold your applause until all of the Trailmen have been announced and presented their pins.

< If needed Alan Mashburn and Will Hinson can help with passing out the pins>

Jacob Garza, Grant Storm, Daniel Wright alternate: <One at a time name each Trailman.>

Jacob Garza: <Insert Appropriate Names Here> Grant Strom: <Insert Appropriate Names Here> Daniel Wright: <Insert Appropriate Names Here>

Jacob Garza: Please join me now in congratulating these Trailmen {APPLAUSE}. Trailmen, you may return to your seats.

TRAILMANMASTER COMMENTS

Jacob Garza: Will TM Garza please come forward to share some reflections on the last six

months and discuss a few highlights for the coming six months?

TM Garza: <Brief look back at what the troop accomplished in the last six months and a quick

look ahead to important events coming up this fall.>



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CLOSING CEREMONY

Closing Reminders

Jacob Garza: This has been another great six months for the troop. We are very excited

about the accomplishments of our Trailmen and Troop and look forward to coming back in the

fall.

Daniel Wright: Before you all leave I have a few quick requests and reminders that I need to

pass along.

Please help us pick up the tables and room before you leave tonight; it will allow us all

to get home more quickly.

Remember to take home any dishes and utensils you brought tonight.

Flag Ceremony

Jacob Garza: We will now formally close out this Court of Honor. Will Foster Tomer please

come forward to lead us in the closing flag ceremony?

(Foster Tomer will conduct Closing Flag Ceremony) (Color Guard: Nathan Cochran, Sam Hinson, CJ Becker, Matthew Brazzell)

Foster Tomer: Please prepare yourselves for the Closing Flag Ceremony.

: Color-Guard, attention. Audience, attention. : Color-Guard, forward march. Color-Guard, halt. : Color-Guard, prepare to retrieve the colors. Retrieve the colors; Trailman Salute. : Color-Guard, Re-Form. : Color-Guard, return to post. Two. : Audience at ease. Color-Guard at ease.



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Closing Prayer

Walker Jester: Pray Everyone Out

Jacob Garza: This concludes our Troop 1230 Spring 2015 Court of Honor. Thank you again for

coming tonight. Have a good evening and a great week!



rail life usa troop 1230 houston tx · pdf fileopening prayer and blessing upon the ceremony...

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