Three Peaks is a three-part series of basic training courses for adult members. It was developed by the volunteer-led National Training Committee, and sanctioned/accepted as a TLUSA National Initiative Training program. Three Peaks (“3P”) has replaced Equip Training. It covers “whole Troop” issues, and is not position-specific.
Peak 1 provides a general overview of Trail Life and the basic operations of local Troop ministries. It covers the “essences” of Trail Life—the aligned mission, vision, Core Values—and what members of Trail Life can expect to experience in this youth adventure ministry. It is designed to help Troops develop a fundamental understanding of how Trail Life works, even before a Troop launches. It can also serve as a refresher course for even the most seasoned leaders of existing Troops. Peak 1 is a two-to-three hour course that can be effectively presented in person, online as a group, and to solo viewers at home. Please visit Trail Life University on Trail Life Connect for more information.
Peak 2 gets into specifics of Troop management. Peak 2 is intended to be delivered to Troop leadership a couple of months after they get started, but is effective no matter how long the Troop has been operating. Peak 2 is designed to answer the many questions that surface during a Troop’s early (or later) stages. Topics include: running an effective Troop meeting, improving Troop Committee operations, and developing youth leaders by using the Patrol method. Peak 2 takes about eight hours, and is best done in person. For those who do not have an in-person Peak 2 course offered nearby, there are online modules available—that break it up into multiple sessions—and include “best practices” videos. Please visit Trail Life University on Trail Life Connect for more information.
Peak 3 is a two-night training campout that focuses on outdoor skills, and is designed to prepare leaders to conduct a Troop’s outdoor program. This in person-only outdoor weekend gives adult leaders a guided, hands-on camping experience. Participants will learn by doing the following: living the patrol method, camp planning and preparation, campsite selection, camping tools, rope work, cooking, orienteering, ceremonies, campfire planning, incorporating spiritual development into campouts, and much more. Peak 3 training is presented using the latest TLUSA publications. Uniform standards are upheld, as are limitations of electronic devices. Staff members emulate Troop adults and youth leadership teams, and participants become the youth Trailmen!
All registered adult members of Trail Life USA, including all leaders of every position, should attend all Three Peaks! There is a system of adult training record management and certification within Trail Life Connect. All National Initiative Training (Train-the-Trainer, Three Peaks, Troop Youth Leadership Training, etc.) is tracked, and updated on the printable membership cards, with certifications such as TTT indicated on the front.