This summer, Harvard Boy Scout Troop 1 embarked on an unforgettable adventure at Philmont Scout Ranch, the crown jewel of the Boy Scouts of America’s High Adventure bases. Nestled in the rugged wilderness of northern New Mexico, this sprawling ranch offers Scouts challenging seven- to 12-day treks spanning 50 to 120 miles across 214 square miles of New Mexico wilderness.
The crew consisted of Scouts Ryan Cataudella, Fiske Fehlberg, Jonathan Evans, Zach Evans, Lucas Kranz, Alex Senykoff, Holden Terwilliger, Mason Wade, and adult leaders Sam Evans, Tucker Evans, James Kranz, and Travis Wade. This life-changing trip could not have been possible without the chief organizer, Assistant Scoutmaster Ralph Fehlberg. The 12-day odyssey would see the group traversing 70 miles of challenging terrain, pushing their limits, and forging unbreakable bonds of camaraderie.
Securing a coveted spot in Philmont’s highly competitive lottery system was just the first hurdle. The troop’s journey began about a year earlier with meticulous preparations. Weekend hikes with progressively heavier packs became the norm as the group prepared for the rigors of the trail. A grueling shakedown hike, split into two groups, tested their skills and resilience in a variety of weather conditions. One group braved the scorching heat of the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut and southwestern Massachusetts, while the other navigated the rain-soaked, moose-inhabited trails of the Lye Brook Wilderness in Vermont. These experiences served as a crucial proving ground, ensuring the Scouts were ready for the challenges that lay ahead.
Arriving at base camp…