Troop 206 Philmont Lamplight newsletter article

Inspired by a vision of Dea. Frank Edwards with logistics lead by Mr. Ken Barton, Jr, Crew 704-F of Troop 206 successful completed Philmont trek 29 in Cimmaron, New Mexico and returned home safely on July 16th making Troop history. Prayer, preparation, and perseverance allowed us to complete this 85+ mile hike with 40 - 50 lbs backpacks. We prepared by hiking over 1,100 miles during 11 hikes and 3 training treks since winning the lottery on November 29, 2007. There is an old proverb that says sharpen many times and cut once. That hard work paid off!

The weather was somewhat fickle but we were blessed. On the way, we had an exciting train ride up to Pikes Peak in Colorado. The elevation was 14,110'. We experienced a small hail storm. It was very cold at the summit and a few of the Scouts played in the snow during the month of July. I can still smell the ponderosa pines and hot donuts. The Philmont crew had to use and polish outdoors skills and work together as a team. In addition, to climbing the highest peak and completing one of most difficult treks at Philmont, troop 206 scouts earned the Philmont Duty to God award and gave back by completing a conservation project. Philmont is scouting at its best! I now understand why the region of the Rockies Mountains in New Mexico is called the "Blood of Christ". This place is God's Country. It is absolutely breath taking.

The desire of Troop 206 Scouts to go on this expedition was strongly influenced by the parents. Each of these young men had humbling learning and leadership experience that is very rare in our community. It will help them though their life adversities. Sadly, we were the only visible African American troop on arrival, departure and on the trail of over 350 Scouts that arrived daily.

The troop 206 Philmont 704-F crew members were blessed to have had the opportunity to have the experience to participant and complete such a wonderful adventure.

For a play-by-play of the Scoutmaster journal and pictures, please visit http://troop206news.blogspot.com/2009/08/philmont-crew-704-f-summary.html for additional highlights.

Special thanks to Rev. Dr. Lewis, the layman, parents, and Zion Missionary Baptist for your prayers and support. Special thanks to Ken Barton for entering us in the lotto. Thanks to Randy Gray, Kevin Platt and the FedEx team for their support. Thanks to Darryl Percival for your daily spiritual quotes. Thanks again to Frank Edwards for your inspiration. Thanks Sylvester Williams and Ken Barton for flying with us to Denver and driving us to the Philmont ranch. The stars and planets aligned perfectly.

I've been in the Scouting program for 8 years. Scouts learn life skills wrapped with reverent character development in the outdoors and along with great leadership skills. After understanding the program, it's very compelling not to make a contribution to the movement. I have been personally blessed in more ways than I could ever imagine. For more information on our Troop or to join us, please see our blog (http://troop206.blogspot.com) or Contact at Ziontroop206@gmail.com.