Members of Scout Troop 94, based out of Clear Lake, along with two members from surrounding Troop 13, just returned home from a 12 day backpacking trek at the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. 

The trip was headed by Scoutmaster Brent Benson, and consisted of 10 scouts and four adult advisors. 

With over 140,000 acres and 315 miles of trails, the Philmont Scout Ranch had a variety of treks and activities to choose from. The particular trek the scouts chose to hike was listed as “super strenuous”, and was the only trek that covered all eight mountain peaks. The trek was reported to be a test of both physical and mental strength for the entire crew. 

In addition to the miles and miles of backpacking, carrying packs that averaged around 45-50+ pounds, the scouts also got to partake in some fun on the trails, such as panning for gold, blacksmithing, and shooting rifles. The scouts also enjoyed spectacular views and an abundance of wildlife including a variety of deer, birds, and even a bear. 

This time of year is considered “monsoon season” in the New Mexico mountains, and many days on the trail were splattered with thunderstorms and hail storms, however, the bad weather did nothing to deter the crew and their ambitions to complete the trek. 

When all was said and done, the crew backpacked a total of 166.11 miles and reached elevations of over 12,000 feet. 

After 12 days of pushing themselves to the limits, the scouts have returned home with new skill sets, memories for a lifetime, and an appreciation for the luxuries in life such as hot showers, warm beds and flushing toilets.