Over 100 Local Boy Scouts Head to Philmot, New Mexico for Summer Trek
June 3, 2008
Disadvantaged youth find place to belong in Scouting
COLUMBIA, SC – June 2, 2008 – The Indian Waters Council is sending over 100 Boy Scouts to Philmont in Cimarron, New Mexico next week. The annual Philmont trek is where thousands of boys and their leaders from around the country meet up to camp, hike and experience nature. This year, from the Indian Waters Council, ten young men are participating from the Scoutreach program. Scoutreach is the Boy Scouts of America’s effort to insure all boys have an opportunity to join Scouting regardless of their race, geography or economic status. Some boys are from low income and/or high crime neighborhoods that are high in gang activity. Through a grant from the US Department of Justice, we are able to send ten Scoutreach youth on this 21-day adventure driving across country. The drive will include stops at educational and historic tours and ten days in Cimarron.
One of the adult leaders traveling with the group, Officer Angel Cruz, is the head of security for the Columbia Housing Authority. His employer has agreed to this three week leave of absence due to his own commitment to the program. Giving these boys a place to belong and where they can receive positive influences will help steer them in the right direction.
From the National BSA’s web site: “Philmont Scout Ranch, the Boy Scouts of America’s premier high-adventure base, challenges Scouts and Venturers with more than 200 square miles of rugged New Mexico wilderness. Backpacking treks, horseback cavalcades, and training and service programs offer young people many ways to experience this legendary country. More than 860,000 Scouts, Venturers, and leaders have experienced the adventure of Philmont since the first camping season in 1939.”
The Scoutreach unit is meeting TUESDAY NIGHT (June 3) at 7pm. Please let me know if you would be interested in interviewing them at this final meeting before their departure. They are meeting to check equipment and receive last-minute instructions. Their departure is on Saturday, June 7 at 7am. Thank you for your support of Scouting!
Dawn Darby
Project Coordinator
Indian Waters Council
(803) 318-2939
