Seasoned members of Boy Scout Troop 101 of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Kutztown, recently spent 5 days and 4 nights on the Appalachian Trail to earn the 50-mile award.
The idea was to backpack the 5 days with all gear and food, so as to test the limits of the Scout’s endurance.
In order to earn the 50-mile award, a Scout must hike the distance over the course of at least five days, and complete 10 hours of service. The Scouts planned the menu, bought the food and distributed all the gear amongst the group. A service project was completed at Pine Grove Furnace State park, where the Scouts removed invasive plants from the group camping area.
Six Scouts and six leaders completed the section of the A-T from Mount Holly Springs, PA to the Maryland border in Pen Mar. While on the hike they experienced many friendly ‘thru-hikers’, and got to experience nature in all its glory. Of note was the official ‘Mid-Point’ marker on the trail just south of Pine Grove Furnace State Park – the location marking half way from Georgia to Maine. Instead of using freeze-dried food, the Scouts dehydrated some of their own food for a better selection of meals at dinner time.
Scouts completing the hike were Dominic Matrone, Matthew Schappell, Galen Adam, Dale Lichtenwalner, Aaron Collins and Justin Moyer. Leaders were Keith & Colleen Lichtenwalner, Ginger Schappell, Frank Matrone, Jerry Geist & John Mehltretter.
