Thanksgiving has come and passed and winter has arrived, but the scouts and leaders of Scout Troops 38 and 638 in Owego, N.Y. have a great deal to be thankful for. Next summer, several scouts and leaders from the troop will be traveling to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico for a 14-day backpacking adventure trip.
Their plan is to hike over 80 miles, campout each night, and participate in activities such as rock climbing, horseback riding, pioneering, and other scout related skills. The goal is to climb up Baldy Mountain, the highest peak at Philmont, rising 12,441 feet above sea level. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the scouts who have decided to brave this adventure.
To get to Philmont, they must first raise money to help cover the $2,500 per person cost. Over the past year, their group sold candy bars, popcorn and beef sticks outside of Agway in Owego, Lowes in Vestal, and to individuals around the community. You may have seen their booth during the Strawberry Festival, where they were selling coolers and shortcakes.
The crew held a spaghetti dinner fundraiser and silent auction at the Owego Elks Lodge as well, where friends and businesses of the community donated food and gifts. They have also been holding an ongoing can drive where people can donate by putting cans and bottles outside in the open collection bin located on Day Hollow Road, just west of Foster Valley, or by dropping them off at the Neighborhood Redemption Center located at 765 Route 17 in Owego. With the help of the community and the Neighborhood Redemption Center, they have raised over $2,400 to date, with the bin continuing to be filled weekly.
The scouts are thankful for the tremendous support. This week when emptying the bin, the scouts found an envelope taped to the door containing a sizeable gift from an anonymous donor and a note saying, “Enjoy Philmont – it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. If you can, choose a trek that includes a hike up Baldy Mountain. It is an amazing view from the top! Have fun; I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!”
This note attests to the lifelong impact of scouting and to the Philmont Experience. It warmed their hearts and they would like to express thanks and gratitude to this person and all the people who have helped make the quest possible.
If you know a youth that might be interested in the scouts, contact Annamae Scheuerman at (607) 621-3064 for more information.
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