A nine-day outing by Troop 301 at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico the first two weeks of August built leadership and teamwork, and was a life-changing adventure, troop leaders said.
The young women experienced history and nature in ways that few other activities can provide, the troop said. The senior patrol leader, a rising Fox Lane High School junior, also was the outing’s crew leader.
The trek started with a visit to a site that holds the world’s first confirmed T-Rex track, sparking curiosity and excitement as they discovered fossils and footprints from millions of years ago. They explored ancient petroglyphs left by Native Americans over 700 years ago and participated in an archaeological dig, getting hands-on experience with history.
As they hiked through the North Ponil Canyon, they stepped into different time periods, starting with the early 1900s at Metcalf Station, where they worked on an old railroad and learned blacksmithing. They even got to enjoy a classic campfire program under the stars. At Ponil, the scouts got a taste of the Old West by learning to brand cattle and rope, and they celebrated their success with a cold root beer in a historic cantina.
The scouts learned traditional logging techniques from the early 20th century, summited one of the highest peaks in the area, Baldy Mountain (12,441 feet), and stepped into the world of 1838 fur trappers, where they shot rifles, threw tomahawks, and heard stories from the past.
For parents considering year activities for their children, this trek shows how the program offers much more than just outdoor activities. It’s a unique opportunity for young people to learn, grow, and create unforgettable memories. Whether it’s exploring ancient history, learning new skills, or simply making friends around a campfire, scouting opens doors to experiences that shape young lives in meaningful ways. Enlisting your child in scouting isn’t just signing them up for a program; it’s giving them the chance to embark on adventures like these, where they’ll develop lifelong skills, make lasting friendships, and build a love for the outdoors.
For more information about Lewisboro/Katonah Troop 301 for girls, visit kl-troop301.org. For more information about Goldens Bridge Troop 154 for boys, visit troop154.org. Both troops are chartered by the Goldens Bridge Fire Department.