TX-1836 boasts about 35 members at the moment, with kindergartners through high school students participating. At the open house, many current members and their adult "trail guides" were present, as were a handful of parents and children interested in signing up.

Hamilton explained to the families that just like Boy Scouts, their organization gives boys opportunities to learn valuable and applicable life skills and to connect with nature. As a child ages, he will advance in the range of activities he partakes in, to eventually include fishing, rafting, hiking, archery, target shooting, CPR and first aid, map reading and mountain biking.

"I think in today's environment we are so entertained watching TV or on our mobile devices," Hamilton said. "Here, we don't let kids have those things [during meetings] or, let them take them on camping trips. We're teaching [boys] ways to entertain themselves, running around outside and being more imaginative, instead of relying on a device."

While a portion of TX-1836's children and adult leaders are members of the Holy Cross congregation, many come from a variety of Brazos County denominations. Trail Life USA consider themselves a nondenominational Christian organization.