Troop 488 Trekkers Troop 488 is planning an aggressive hiking program to get our Scouts in hiking shape and get ready for the 50-mile hike this summer to Lava Beds National Monument. The 50-mile hike will be led by Doug Cope and will be his last with Troop 488. During this program you will hike approximately 160 miles and earn the Hiking, Backpacking, Wilderness Survival, Cooking and possibly the Camping merit badges. In October we will start a series of five 10-mile hikes, a one-day 20-mile hike (no backpack) and two three-day hikes of 15 miles or more in full backpacks to finish up the 50-mile hike preparation. Most hikes will be on Sundays to avoid soccer, basketball and baseball. All scouts are welcome to come on the hikes even if they’re not planning on going on the fifty miler, but remember we are hiking to get in shape not go sight seeing. Some nice patches will earned by those who go on the hikes. All one-day hikes will require, as a minimum, lightweight boots, day pack, water bottles and a sack lunch. No tennis shoes! One-day hikes will go rain or shine, bring clean shoes or sandals and pants to change into for the ride home. One day hikes will be led by our Assistant Scoutmasters, Mr. Sanborn, Mr. Cowan, and Mr. Reed. Parents are encouraged to come on the one day hikes to help with the driving. Longer hikes will require a suitable lightweight backpack and sleeping bag.
We hope to see many of our scouts participate in the trekker program. The program will teach and provide opportunities to become experts in core scouting skills. You will learn to lead; you will gain confidence and maturity in yourselves to prepare you for the sometimes bumpy road of life. Most importantly you will prepare to be the future leaders of our troop and community. For more information please feel free to contact me, Mr. Cowan, or Mr. Reed.

Shawn Sanborn
ASM Troop 488