Boy Scouts in Troop 79 [Marblehead] to trek through New Mexico Wilderness in ultimate Scouting experience

Twenty-two teenage Boy Scouts and adult leaders ventured out on Sunday, August 7, for a life-changing 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 that climb from 6,500 feet to as high as 12,441 feet. Along the trek, Scouts endure tough challenges including backpacking in bear and mountain lion territory, steep climbs, and often-inclement weather.

Forming two crews following two different 70- to 75-mile trek routes, the Scouts and their advisors will carry on their backs everything they will need to survive while hiking from campsite to campsite. They’ll participate in backcountry programs along the way including rock climbing, mountain biking, fly-fishing and gold prospecting. Each trek includes a conservation project through which the Scouts learn about and participate in the upkeep of Philmont’s ecosystem.

“We think of the Philmont adventure as the ultimate Scouting experience,” Frank Massaro, Troop 79 Scoutmaster, said. “It’s exquisitely scenic but rugged country that gives each young man an opportunity to use all of his Scout skills including compass and map orienteering, camping, cooking, first aid and nature studies. But, perhaps more importantly, this experience gives each young man an opportunity to plan, think strategically, develop social skills and leadership skills, and recognize his own ability to be self-reliant and confident – all while having a remarkable outdoor experience.”

“It’s inspiring to see these young men confronted by an intense day of climbing, wondering if they really will be able to endure the challenge. And, then when they do successfully complete that challenge, it’s remarkable to share in their sense of accomplishment,” said Alan McKinnon, Troop Committee Chairman.

This will be the seventh Philmont experience for Troop Committee Member Andrew Barnett. “Everyone is strengthened and changed for the better by this wilderness trek,” he said. “It’s definitely a life-changing, empowering adventure for everyone and will long be remembered as an incredible experience.”

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.

Troop 79 is sponsored by Clifton Lutheran Church, 150 Humphrey Street, and meets weekly on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. during the school year. For more information about the troop and joining Scouts, contact Andrew Barnett at btihides@outlook.com.