West Philadelphia Boy Scout Troop Begins Unforgettable Trip Out West
By Tim Jimenez
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Nine boys from Boy Scout Troop #152 in West Philadelphia began the trip of a lifetime on Saturday. They headed to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico for a 12-day getaway.
George Stevenson is one of the three adult leaders accompanying them on the trip. He's says this opportunity is special because most of the scouts, aged 14 to 16, have never been been on a plane or even outside of Philadelphia.
"They're about ready to experience something that most inter-city youth will not experience," Stevenson said.
And once in New Mexico, it won't be easy living for the boys.
"Walking five or six miles a day," said Stevenson. "Eating trail food, living off of nature, bonding together, following instructions. These are what I call tutorials to life and that's what scouting is about."
And before the boys reach their destination in New Mexico, the troop will make a pit stop in Colorado, getting a chance to do something George hasn't even done yet; they'll be whitewater rafting.
