Joel Simms
Stephen Jones
By Trail Life USA
ROME, Ga. — A local youth has recently become the first member from his troop to achieve the capstone award given out by nationwide outdoor adventure and character development organization Trail Life USA.
On June 15, Joel Simms became the first Trailman from Trail Life USA Troop GA-0110 to achieve the Freedom Rangeman Award, the highest award in Trail Life USA. It is an achievement accomplished by the few who reach the apex of the Trail Life Program.
Earning the award requires a demonstrated mastery of a significant skill set including 15 required and 10 elective Trail Badges, performing 20 hours of servant service each year, and the distinction of having proven himself as a leader among his peers. He must also complete four “Freedom Experiences” in three separate chosen fields; complete a Faith Building Activity; budget, plan, and lead a volunteer team to complete a Servant Leadership Project (SLP); and complete an advancement conference and formal Freedom Board of Review.
For his SLP, Simms worked to restore and repair grave sites and markers in the historic cemetery adjacent to Pleasant Valley North Baptist Church (PVN) in Rome, where he and his family are members and attend worship regularly. PVN is the charter organization for Troop GA-0110.
“I’ve been part of Trail Life for seven years now, and I can say that nothing in Trail Life has challenged me as much as the Freedom Award,” said Simms. “Though hard, the journey to the Freedom Award has helped me become a better leader, a better man, and a better Christian.”
Simms will officially be presented his honor at a ceremony tentatively scheduled for the fall.
“Joel doesn’t shy from a challenge. He accepts responsibilities and steps forward to accomplish them without complaining,” said Simms’ Trail Life patrol leader Matt Little.
“I have loved getting to know Joel and his family better,” said PVN Senior Pastor Mac McCurry. “Joel is a godly young man. Our church family at PVN is very appreciative of Joel’s hard work and leadership in beautifying, improving, and ‘bringing life’ to the church cemetery. Joel loves the Lord and His word, and it shows through his integrity, character, and service to others in Jesus’ name.”
Simms lives in Silver Creek with parents Bobby and Natalie Simms, older sister Avery, and younger brothers Eli and Rhett. Bobby Simms serves as chaplain for GA-0110, while Eli and Rhett are also both active members of the troop.
GA-0110 will soon resume troop activities following the summer break with an open house scheduled for Monday, August 24, 6:30 pm at PVN. The troop regularly meets on Monday evenings at 6:30 pm at PVN, which is located at 735 Old Summerville Rd NW 30165. Anyone interested in learning more about TLUSA is welcome to attend. For more information, email Troop Master Jarod Vautrot at
troopmasterga0110@gmail.com.
Launched in 2013, Trail Life USA is the leader in adventure-based discipleship and masculine formation. TLUSA is a church-based, Christ-centered, boy-focused mentoring and discipleship journey that speaks to the heart of a boy. Established on timeless values derived from the Bible and set in the context of outdoor adventure, boys from age 5 to 17 are engaged in a troop setting by male mentors where they are challenged to grow in character, understand their purpose, serve their community, and develop practical leadership skills to carry out the mission for which they were created. Learn more at traillifeusa.com.
