BSA Troop 16 BSA experiences Philmont Scout Ranch trek

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 journey is the ultimate Scouting experience. Seventeen Scouts and six adults traveled west across the country to Cimarron, New Mexico, to participate in a seven-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.

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.

After seven full days of beautiful New Mexico scenery, the adventurists from Troop 16 returned with many wonderful stories to tell.

High adventure expeditions are one of the most popular events for Scouts 14 years or older.

The Scouts 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.

For information about Troop 16, call Scoutmaster Tim Ruetten at 815-895-4940.