Mountainside Scout Troop 177 Summer Adventures
Submitted by Sheila Sidhu
Embarking on a 60-mile trek at Philmont Scout Ranch was a monumental adventure for Mountainside Scout Troop 177. The journey through Philmont challenged us physically and mentally every step of the way. Each day, we hiked for hours, carrying everything we needed on our backs, from tents to food supplies.
One of the most exhilarating moments was when we decided to summit Mount Baldy. As we ascended the steep trails, the air grew thinner, but the anticipation and excitement kept us going. Reaching the summit at 12,441 feet felt like a triumph. The views from the top were breathtaking. The vast expanse of wilderness stretching out below us was a reminder of the beauty of nature.
But the most important part of our journey in Philmont wasn’t just in conquering mountains; it was the bonds formed with our crew mates. We relied on each other every day, whether it was singing on the trail, setting up camp, or cooking meals together. Sharing these responsibilities brought us closer, teaching us teamwork and cooperation in ways we couldn’t have learned elsewhere.
Evenings around the campfire were filled with laughter, stories, and reflections on our day’s adventures. These moments allowed us to connect on a deeper level, sharing our aspirations, fears, and triumphs. Through challenges like thunderstorms or steep climbs, we grew not just as individuals but as a tightly knit team, supporting each other through every obstacle.
By the end of our trek, standing together at basecamp, we knew we had experienced something extraordinary. The memories of our 63-mile journey, summiting Baldy, and bonding with my crew will forever be etched in my heart as a testament to the strength of friendship and the spirit of adventure that Philmont Scout Ranch embodies.
We will have many more troop activitiesplanned for the summer of 2024, including one week of Boy Scout camp in the Poconos of Pennsylvania.
If you have an interest in Scouting, please get in touch with Jeff Healy at jeffhealy8@gmail.com.
