A crew from Boy Scout Troop 509, sponsored by Jet Propulsion Laboratory, recently spent two weeks in Philmont, New Mexico, backpacking 100-plus miles in the Rocky Mountains while carrying 40-pound packs. The seven Scouts and five adults, led by Scout Max Fan, climbed the 12,441-foot Baldy Mountain and led a burro they named Churro. They also did rock climbing, horseback riding, spar pole climbing, shotgun shooting, spear throwing, black powder rifle shooting and other challenging activities. Scouts saw petroglyphs and a T-Rex track. The weather was hot and dry, except for a hail storm and lightning. The crew traveled to and from Philmont by train, a 22-hour trip each way.
In late July, Troop 509 will go to Catalina Island for a week of swimming, sailing, kayaking, hiking and merit badges, and in early August, the troop will climb Mt. Whitney. To learn more about Troop 509, visit jpltroop509.org.
