Reading 702 Scouts Complete Strenuous 9-Day Trek Through New Mexican Wilderness
Written by Wesley McCarty, Life Scout.
Scouts Complete 50-mile trek through the world famous Philmont Scout Ranch
A Troop 702 crew from Reading poses with its expedition sign at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. Photo provided by Michelle Greenwalt.
This summer, two crews from Reading Scout Troop 702 flew across the country to spend 9 days backpacking through the New Mexico backcountry. The expedition took place on the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico and through a portion of 140,000 acres in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
While on the trek, the scouts hiked just over 50 miles, totaling over 8000 feet in elevation. They summited several towering peaks, including the Tooth of Time (9003’), Trail Peak (10250’), Black Mountain (10889’), and Big Red Mountain (11020’). Everyone carried all of their personal gear on their backs as well as some crew equipment, with each person lifting roughly 40-50 pounds. The group only stopped to resupply once halfway through their trek, meaning that for some of the days, scouts were loaded with up to 4 days’ worth of food at once.
Another Troop 702 crew poses with its expedition sign at Philmont Scout Ranch. Photo provided by Michelle Greenwalt.
The scouts faced many memorable challenges along the way, from finding themselves atop a nearly 11,000 foot peak in the middle of a thunderstorm to dealing with gastrointestinal tests from the backpacking food, these brave individuals certainly had their work cut out for them. They battled nosebleeds, dealt with soreness and aching joints, were forced to think quickly when their only bear-bag rope ripped in two, and faced so many more challenges on their journey. These trials only made them stronger, and despite some hiccups, the group was able succeed through great leadership and perseverance, working as a team to overcome each and every obstacle that stood in their way.
Not only did they navigate with their own challenges, the scouts also helped fight issues plaguing the environment. On Day 2 of their trek, they put aside some of their time to help with the ranch’s conservation project. They worked with some of the staff to build artificial dams along their streams in an effort to raise the water level, consequently helping to support their wildlife and raise biodiversity.
Hikers rest on a rocky summit as the sun sets. Photo provided by Michelle Greenwalt.
The scouts’ hard work paid off from start to finish, and the scouts were rewarded with unforgettable, magical experiences that they will cherish for the rest of their lives. Each camp presented them with unique and fun activities. The scouts climbed spar poles, toured historic homes, rode horses, saw wildlife, forged metal, shot black powder rifles, and so much more. They immersed themselves in the natural world and saw views far more beautiful than anything that can be found in northeastern urbanized areas. Many said most amazing aspect of the journey was the way that the trek allowed these scouts to spend time together and collaborate in a way that you can’t really find anywhere else. These brave teens formed bonds that will last a lifetime. In addition, by being placed in challenging situations, the scouts were forced to think on their feet as well as work effectively and efficiently as a team. They learned the importance of putting the group before personal desires in order to get things done. On top of this, by experiencing the beauty of the natural world these scouts brought home with them a new outlook on conservation that will help to guide their choices throughout the rest of their lives.
Hikers raise their arms on a summit, holding a U.S. Flag and a Troop 702 flag. Photo provided by Michelle Greenwalt.
If you are interested in supporting these hard-working and courageous scouts, Troop 702 has an annual holiday pie fundraiser! The pies are made from scratch by Lyman Orchards, one at a time with fruits picked from their Middlefield, CT orchards. We will be taking orders from Sept 29 th to October 16 th . Delivering the frozen pies just prior to Thanksgiving. This fundraiser helps to enable the scouts in our troop to go on more amazing trips like this one. Please keep your eye out for the fundraiser and consider purchasing a pie or ten! Please contact fundraising@troop702reading.org if you are interested in supporting Reading Scout Troop 702.
The Friends of Reading Scouting is a group of parent volunteers and trained Scout Leaders committed to providing high-quality Scouting for families and youth. You can find more information, find a Pack or Troop to join or support local Scouting at our website, www.readingscouting.org.
