Venture Crew Troop 100 from Fayetteville, chartered by Fayetteville First Baptist Church, recently traveled out to Philmont Scouting Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico for 12 days of intense hiking and camping.

Philmont lies in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northeast New Mexico and covers an area of over 137,000 acres. The ranch has hosted over 600,000 venturers, scouts, and their advisors since the land was donated to the Boy Scouts of America by Mr. Waite Phillips in 1941. The rugged terrain has captivated many famous figures in history over the years, including Kit Carson. It is safe to say that Crew 100 was no less taken captive by the breathtaking views on top of the well know sites of Mt. Baldy and the Tooth of Time. Philmont has certainly earned its nickname of “God’s Country”.

The crew’s itinerary included a grueling 78 plus mile hike through Philmont’s north and central country, during which they trekked up to 12,440 feet in elevation. They encountered many different kinds of wild life including mule deer, rattlesnakes, elk, and chipmunks, affectionately know to Philmont as mini bears. They participated in trail conservation, spar pole climbing, horse riding, rock climbing, boot branding and 12 gauge shotgun shooting, to name a few of the many activities available on the treks.

The participants of Venture Crew Troop 100 were Emily Wood, Katie Wood, Hollie McWaters, David McWaters, Nic Doris, Daniel Harbin, David Harbin, and Timothy Lindsey. They were accompanied by Mr. Rusty Wood, Mrs. Andrea Wood, Mr. Tony McWaters and Mr. Matthew Harbin.