Cranston, EG Scouts Prepare for 50-Miler Trek

Here's a way to really do something during April vacation.

Local Scouts will step off from Burlingame State Park for this spring’s week-long 50-Miler Trek on Monday, April 21, a high intensity backpacking trip with many adventures along the way.  The group of Scouts from units in Cranston, Somerset, East Greenwich, Ashaway and Cumberland will be joined by four adult volunteer leaders.

The group will backpack as much as 11 miles per day during the seven day, six night adventure.

“This trip is a great opportunity for the Scouts to test their wilderness skills while enjoying the outdoors,” said John Mosby, Scout Executive of the Narragansett Council of the Boy Scouts of America. “The Scouts feel a very real sense of accomplishment knowing how far they have trekked while carrying a 60 pound backpack every step of the way.”

While on the trails, each crew member can earn their “50-Miler Award” by completing at least 10 hours of service projects designed to improve the condition of trails and campgrounds. Other activities along the way will include horseback riding, black-powder shooting, and fishing.  Scouts will also have the opportunity to improve their navigation and outdoor skills and will enjoy a day of trout fishing at Exeter’s Frosty Hollow Pond.

“Frosty Hollow Pond is a great place to learn how to trout fish,” Mosby said. “The pond is fully stocked by DEM which allows for an enjoyable day of ‘catch and release’.”

Once the Scouts arrive at Camp Yawgoog, they will also have the chance to experience black-powder shooting, under proper supervision.  Yawgoog, the country’s third oldest Boy Scout camp, will be the Scouts’ final destination where they will enjoy a barbeque to close out the week.

About the Narragansett Council: The Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America’s mission is to serve others by helping to instill values in young people and, in other ways, prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potential. The Narragansett Council offers a program for boys and young men ages 6 to 21 and young women ages 14 to 21, serving over 13,000 in Rhode Island, Southeastern Massachusetts, and Pawcatuck, Connecticut. For more information, please log on to www.narragansettbsa.org.