Philmont High Adventure in New Mexico is known far and wide for its difficult hiking, testing both the physical and mental aspects of oneself. It is not only a backpacking adventure, but also a test of rationing and moderation. But with all due pleasure, it can be said that the scouts were extremely well prepared. With months of arduous hiking training and packing planning, the real deal turned out easier than they expected. The most difficult part, the scouts say, is simply not being able to shower for twelve days straight...
This Summit High Adventure in West Virginia was the most difficult event attended by all participants; scouts chose the bike-packing adventure, a tough combination of biking and backpacking. Needing to keep balance on the mountain bike with twenty percent more mass while navigating narrow, bumpy, and often inclined paths, this adventure really stretched the physical limits of all participants and left them a lasting impression.
This year's X-Miler Hiking was held at Yosemite National Park, world-famous for its beautiful gushing waterfalls, towering granite monoliths, deep valleys, and ancient giant sequoias. Astonishing views of Yosemite Valley awaited the scouts as they hiked up the mountains; those daring enough took their chances at ascending up Half Dome, one of the hardest hikes our troop has ever done.
Ending the eventful summer was a getaway trip (not really) to Seattle, Washington. Regarding the location of the camp, the troop has an impressive history. Troop 453 originated out of Troop 452, whose founder was a former scoutmaster who moved from Seattle to the Bay Area. One of his favorite places to go for summer camp was Camp Parsons, Seattle, with a beautiful scenic view of the bay. Scouts enjoyed many activities daily and set out in the morning to complete their merit badges.
This year, we celebrate the advancement of Chris Zhang, Christopher Chen, and Ivan Lin, the 99th, 100th, and 101st Eagle Scouts of our troop! Having over 100 Eagle scouts, this is a huge milestone and achievement, and these scouts will be remembered forever in our troop's history.
Family camp is an annual campout where scouts have fun with their families, taking the time to enjoy family bonding activities with the rest of the troop. Not only was it a relaxing day filled with fun games, including volleyball, A-frame racing, ping-pong, and more, scouts also enjoyed a delicious feast prepared by hardworking parents.
Polaris, our District, created a fun-filled event where many troops all around the area participated and racked up many, many service hours! Our booths this time consisted of Kim's Game, Connect 4, and Pole Ball Toss, bringing fun to all visitors that came.
This quarter (2023 Q3) we celebrate the advancement of five scouts to Scout, five scouts to Second Class, and two scouts to Star. Three patrols earned the NHP award, five scouts and two adults obtained the Triple Crown award, for attendance of three of the four scouting High Adventures, and seven ASMs were sworn in.