Scouts Train for Long Hike on Day of Excessive Heat

On Saturday, July 20, 2019, 6 Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 27 Manchester, CT, began their morning at the foot of Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden, CT ready to hike 10 miles for the sake of getting their bodies acclimated for a greater hike to come.

Scout Master, Joe Cotier, had a few conditions before the hike. Each scout needed to prepare their backpack to weigh at least 25 lbs., have at least 3 liters of water, proper hiking footwear, sun protection, a first aid kit and a bagged lunch.

In the 95 degree heat, the scouts trudged along the Hamden trails in conversation and encouragement for each other. Each adult and scout on the trip was asked to watch for signs of heat stress and heat exhaustion. The group started at 8am and finished at 1:45pm.

While the conditions were hot, and the climbing was difficult, it was only a fraction of what they are training their bodies to handle. In July of 2020, 15 scouts of Troop 27 will be heading to Philmont Scout Reservation in New Mexico to trek for 70-100 miles in 7 days, battling varying altitude and weather conditions. One hike has been planned each month for the scouts to build their strength and skill so that they may be able to work up to this goal. This was the third trek of 15 scheduled hikes planned before their big trip.