PLATTEVILLE, July 1 — For many Scouts, Philmont Scout Ranch in the mountains of northern New Mexico represents the ultimate Scouting adventure.
This summer, six Scouts and four adult advisors from Troop 84 of Platteville experienced that adventure firsthand, traveling by Amtrak June 15–26 to complete a seven-day backpacking trek through one of the nation’s premier high-adventure bases.
The journey began with an overnight train ride from Galesburg, Ill., to Raton, N.M. After arriving at Philmont Base Camp, the crew spent two days preparing for the trek by checking equipment, meeting their Ranger, and learning the procedures that would guide them through the wilderness.
Once on the trail, the real adventure began.
\Over the next seven days, the crew hiked approximately 50 miles while climbing and descending thousands of feet through forests, mesas, rocky canyons, and mountain passes. Each person carried a backpack weighing between 40 and 60 pounds containing everything needed for life on the trail. Along the way they built new hiking trail during a conservation project, climbed spar poles using traditional logging gaffs, challenged themselves on low- and high-ropes courses, learned backcountry skills, and ultimately reached the summit of Philmont’s iconic Tooth of Time.
One day in particular seemed to capture everything Philmont is about. Earlier that morning, several Scouts battled their way to the top of the spar poles at Crater Lake, refusing to quit despite fatigue and frustration. Later that afternoon, the crew safely watched a black bear wander near camp, providing an unforgettable reminder that they were guests in the wilderness.
Several days later came the climb everyone had been anticipating.
After making the steep ascent to Tooth Ridge Camp, the crew scrambled over rock formations to reach the summit of the Tooth of Time. Standing atop the famous landmark, with miles of mountains and valleys stretching in every direction, was a moment years in the making. The following morning, after descending toward Base Camp, the crew walked beneath the familiar “We Made It!” sign, celebrating not only the completion of the trek, but months of preparation that had made it possible.
Even the trip home added another chapter to the adventure. Mechanical problems delayed the Amtrak train in Raton for several hours, and while the crew waited, a powerful thunderstorm produced a flash flood around the station. Eventually everyone made it aboard, though many spent the night in the observation lounge after the train was reconfigured because of the mechanical failure. By then, it simply felt like one more adventure to add to the week.
As memorable as the scenery and activities were, they weren’t what impressed the adult advisors the most. It was the Scouts.
Unlike many outdoor programs, Philmont places responsibility squarely on the youth. The Crew Leader and other youth leaders navigate the trail, organize camp, prepare meals, solve problems, and make decisions together. Adults serve exactly as their title suggests—as advisors. They provide guidance when needed, but the Scouts lead.
One lesson became especially clear throughout the trek: “We before Me.” Upon arriving at each campsite, no one rushed to pitch a tent or relax. Instead, the crew worked together to hang bear bags, prepare meals, establish camp, and complete the tasks that benefited everyone. Only after the work of the group was finished did anyone turn their attention to personal comfort.
That philosophy showed itself throughout the week.
Long climbs, tired legs, changing weather, and unexpected challenges never became excuses to complain. Instead, the Scouts encouraged one another, solved problems together, accepted responsibility, and maintained a positive mental attitude. They returned home stronger not simply because they had climbed mountains, but because they had grown as leaders and teammates.
Many people think Scouting is about camping, hiking, knots, or first aid. Those skills are important, but they are not the destination—they are the vehicle. Through those experiences, young people learn confidence, perseverance, responsibility, leadership, and service to others.
Philmont’s motto is “Change Lives.” After watching six young men challenge themselves, encourage one another, and accomplish something they will remember for the rest of their lives, it’s easy to understand why.
The mountains were breathtaking. The adventure was unforgettable. But years from now, what will matter most isn’t the miles they hiked or the peaks they climbed. It will be the character they built together along the trail.
