Troop 16 scouts and leaders ready for their high adventure at Philmont Scout Ranch.
Rock climbing, rappelling, roping, spar pole climbing, blacksmithing, panning for gold, branding and bouldering were all part of the Philmont Scout Ranch experience for many from BSA Troop 16 from Federated Church in Sycamore. This unique life-changing journey, felt by many scouts, is the ultimate scouting experience. 17 scouts and 6 adults traveled west across the country to Cimarron, New Mexico to participate in a 7-day high adventure trek. Philmont, one of the world’s largest and most popular scout camps, covers approximately 220 square miles of vast wilderness with trails that climb elevations from 6,500 to 12,441 feet.
These two crews hiked over 50 miles and carried everything they needed to survive including clothes, camping gear, first aid equipment, and food during their trek. They enjoyed beautiful weather as they traveled up steep climbs along narrow mountain paths and flowing river beds enjoying some of the most beautiful views in the world. They backpacked in bear territory, endured challenges, and experienced the true wilderness of nature, as they ultimately ascended Mount Baldy which summits over 12,000 feet.
Troop 16 took two Crews on this high adventure – The Thunder Bacon Crew included Kendra Chaplin, Ben Ratcliff, Rob Brown, Thomas Chaplin, Hunter Ratcliff, Kenny Brown, Matt Slider, Dustin Slider, Micah Kurtzman, Jonathan Kurtzman, Keegan Palm, and Bradford Edwards. The Funkadelics Crew included Dr. Tim Ruetten, Rob Conrad, Mitch Moon, Bradley Ruetten, David Ruetten, Paul Ruetten, Cole Moon, Collin Moon, Alex Conrad, Austin Brannon, Ethan Brannon, and Alex Umekubo.
Scouts hiking along the trail at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.
For several of these adventurists this was the first visit to the Philmont Scout Ranch. Eagle Scout David Ruetten comments, “For many of us, the best part of our Philmont trip was climbing Mount Baldy.” Eagle Scout Matt Slider added, “The view from the top of Mount Baldy was breathtaking and so amazing!” Crew Leader Kendra Chaplin comments, “It was a pleasure to experience this trip with my son and the other scouts and I enjoyed watching them learn and grow on this trek. It was most impressive to meet so many young men working at Philmont.” Scoutmaster Dr. Tim Ruetten adds, “A Philmont trek is one of the biggest challenges a person can do and it’s very rewarding to experience. Even if you’ve traveled along a Philmont trail more than once, each time is a different adventure. It’s a great opportunity for these scouts to have an once-in- a-lifetime experience, and it’s a blast for me to be a part of it with them.”
After seven full days of beautiful New Mexico scenery, the adventurists from Troop 16 returned with a life-changing experience and many wonderful stories to tell. High adventure expeditions are one of the most popular events for scouts 14 years or older. They grow individually and together as a team by using all of their education learned from completing a variety of merit badges, as well as challenging them both physically and mentally, and it offers a unique and distinct experience that will stay with them for their lifetime.
Troop 16 is a strong troop with 44 active scouts. Any boy aged 11 through 18 is invited to join; no past scouting experience or background is required. Troop 16 meets most Sunday evenings from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm at the Federated Church in Sycamore. For more information about Troop 16, please contact Scoutmaster Tim Ruetten at 815.895.4940.
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