Scoutreach Treks Send Atlanta Scouts to Philmont and Sea Base

This summer, several Scouts from across metro Atlanta completed high adventure treks offered through the Atlanta Area Council's Scoutreach High Adventure Trek program. Two crews made their way our west to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, and a third crew traveled down south to Sea Base in the Florida Keys.

For these Scouts, many of whom were attending a national high adventure base for the first time, the trips became the highlight of their Scouting journey and proved to be a serious test of the skills they’ve learned over the years.

“Even with the training, nothing really prepares you for hiking at that altitude,” said Bryce, a Scout from Troop 374. “There were times it was tough, but we kept each other going.”

Experiences at Philmont and Sea Base
The Sea Base crew took part in the Out Island Adventure, where they canoed to a remote island for five days, snorkeled coral reefs, and cooked meals over charcoal stoves. It was a totally different environment from what most of the Scouts had ever experienced. “The first day was definitely an adjustment,” said Duane from Troop 1906. "I learned that I'm a lot more capable than I give myself credit for. It could be up and down, but in those moments, I found ways to persevere and make it positive."

Meanwhile, at Philmont, two crews took on Trek 7-5, which included more than 50 miles of hiking through rugged mountain terrain and up to 8,200 feet in elevation. Along the way, they learned backcountry skills, took part in conservation work, and built strong bonds as a crew. “It wasn’t easy,” said Josiah from Troop 374. “But being out there and finishing together made it worth it.”