Avon Boy Scouts Tackle New Mexico Wilderness

By Jack Eschert - Avon Boy Scout Troop 274

This summer 15 Boy Scouts from Avon Troop 274 braved the wilds of Philmont Scout Reservation in Cimarron, New Mexico for a high adventure expedition that would build memories for a lifetime. The August 2-16 hiking adventure saw these Avon Boy Scouts hiking 100-plus miles through rocky terrain and trails crisscrossing the mountains of New Mexico. Their trek culminated in reaching a high point of 12,441 feet atop Mount Baldy.

While at Philmont, the Avon scouts also undertook a day-long service project that included clearing and marking trails to improve the experience at Philmont for other scouts who come from across the country seeking to conquer the wilderness of New Mexico.

Four adult Assistant Scout Masters also attended the trip with the scouts. These adult leaders completed specialized wilderness and first aid training to prepare for whatever the adventure may have in store.

Avon Boy Scouts travel to Philmont every two years and this high adventure trip is considered the pinnacle of Boy Scouting.

Troop 274 is sponsored by West Avon Congregational Church and holds regular Troop Meetings at 7 p.m. on the first three Wednesdays of the month at Avon Middle School. Avon Boy Scout Troop has more than 85 scouts and is boy-led. The next Troop High Adventure trips planned for 2018 are Florida Sea Base and hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains, then back to Philmont in 2019.

For information on joining Avon Boy Scouts, contact Liz Pavlakis at epavlakis@yahoo.com.