Adam Baker: Choice Topic--Trekking at Philmont

This past summer, I had the outstanding opportunity to partake in a two week trek at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. My crew consisted of members from my scout troop and we traversed some 75 miles of rugged high desert and mountainous terrain. The scenery was absolutely beautiful, and I began to realize how spending night after night in the wilderness puts one in direct interaction with nature. This connection made me appreciate life away from the technologies of modern society and the stressors of daily life. As my crew’s Chaplain’s Aide, I also had the opportunity to make connections between the Bible and what we were experiencing on the trail, and use these as inspiration for my crew. On the trail, we came to the conclusion that one has to actually experience Philmont to understand its powers to captivate, inspire, and transform. Being one with mountains of 12,000 feet, valleys, and everything in between for two weeks was simply awesome. Around every bend in the trail were new sights to behold and a new memory to be recorded. On the final day, we ascended the final set of mountains in darkness, with only the stars to guide our progress. Needless to say, we were treated to a spectacular sunrise, followed by an incredible walk along a narrow ridge over 2000 feet above the valley floor into base camp. The experience was an unbelievable display of nature at its finest and an incredible opportunity to come to understand who I truly am.