Boy Scout Troop 375 of Burien just returned from their summer trek through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico.
Philmont covers 214 square miles of vast wilderness with trails zigzagging through the rugged New Mexico mountain range. The expedition covered 60 miles climbing from 6,500 feet to as high as 10,400 feet during their 7 day trek. The Boy Scouts carried everything they needed for their trek which included food, water and gear to deal with the harsh mountain environment that included everything from hot, dry weather to hail storms and monsoons.
The troop’s crew consisted of ten scouts ranging from 15 to 17 years of age along with four adult advisors. Troop 375 participated in backcountry programs along the way that included shooting, mining and local folk music. Many of the programs were set in period character and environment ranging from the late 1800s to the mid 20th century.
“This troop learned how to work together as a team under sometimes challenging, but ultimately rewarding conditions,” Dave Manley, Troop 375’s lead advisor and participant, said. “Without prompting, they pulled together to help each other. They had a scouting trip of a life time.”
According to Backpacker Magazine:
“They may meet only one other group of Scouts on the trail in an entire day of hiking. Even in the most crowded destinations, each Scout group camps in isolation, out of sight and sound of all other groups.”
The crew made what amounts to a Scouting pilgrimage with their trip to Philmont. Philmont Scout Ranch is the Boy Scouts of America’s premier high adventure camp and the largest youth camp in the world, serving nearly one million participants since 1938.