The Trail of the Saber is an award giving special recognition to boys who take full advantage of the junior leadership development opportunities available in their outpost and district. The award acknowledges the growth in servant leadership experienced in this process, starting in Discovery or Adventure Rangers and continuing through Expedition Rangers. Although this award may only be earned by boys, the award medal and ribbon may continue to be worn on the Royal Rangers uniform after a boy graduates into the ranks of adult leadership. (See order of wear)
Trail of the Saber Requirements
The following requirements must be met before reaching 18 years of age in order to qualify for the Trail of the Saber award.
- Be at least 14 years of age and a graduate of the 9th grade.
- Earn (8) leadership merits of any color (red, gold, or sky blue).
- Complete Junior Training Camp (JTC) and Advanced Junior Training Camp (AJTC).
- Complete two Action Camps or Junior Academy (JA) and one Action Camp.
- Read all 72 leadership distinctives as found in the 18 leadership merits. These may also be found in the book A Guy’s Journey to Servant Leadership.
- Read ONE book from the list of options shown below.
- Submit a Trail of the Saber Award Application to the national office for processing.
It should be noted that the Trail of the Saber award is represented on the uniform by a medal, ribbon, or patch and does not represent an actual saber. However, recipients may be presented with a saber as a symbol representing the award. For guidelines relating to the wearing of a saber with the uniform, please refer to our Saber Usage Parameters.
Reading Requirement
Read any ONE of the following books to satisfy requirement #6 for the Trail of the Saber award.
- Called by John Zick 2021. A new AG resource for those considering full-time ministry.
- Epic by John Eldridge 2004. From the author of Wild at Heart, this book tells the story of God's work in the world and role each of us plays in it.
- God's Power to Change Your Life by Rick Warren 2008. A great resource for understanding the fundamental principles of successful Christian living.
- Divine Direction by Craig Groeschel 2017. A great book for those looking for the next step God has for them.
- Spirit Empowered Life by Mike Clarensau 2015. This book describes the "personal application" side of "Spirit Empowered Church" by Alton Garrison. A great book for those seeking to better understand the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
- This Adventure Called Life by Kent Ingle 2013. Dr. Ingle is the president of Southeastern AG University where this book is required reading for all new students.
- The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader by John Maxwell 1999. Classic John Maxwell but more concise than many of his other books at only 156 pages.
- Habitudes (any book in the series) by Tim Elmore 2005+. A series of books, any one is a great resource for "object lesson" style leadership principles, written for a teen or young adult audience.
- The Young Man in the Mirror by Patrick Morley 2003. One of the few books available written specifically for young men, by a recognized leader in ministry to men.
- Overflow, A Student's Guide to Giving by Scotty Gibbons 2009. Gibbons was the founding youth pastor at James River Church where he served for many years. This book is about giving generously and the spiritual rewards it brings.