Members of Kyle-based Boy Scouts Venture Crew 1125 include (left to right, back row) CJ Rizo, Charlie Salas, Stephen Combs, Luke Rizo (bottom row) Mindi Rizo, Kathleen Rizo, Amber Garza, Philmont Ranger Mark Chalberg, Christopher Salas, James Burkes, Cruz Rizo. They are pictured in front of Tooth of Time Moutain in New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Boy Scouts of America Venture Crew 1125 from Kyle spent the last two weeks of July in New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
The area is home to the Philmont Scout Ranch where Scouts experience a 10-day hiking trek through the hills and mountains of the scenic 137,500-acre retreat.
The highest peak at Philmont is Old Baldy at 12,441 feet above sea level. Much of the property is above 7,000 feet. The crew had to manage thinner air, cooler temperatures and inclement weather. Participants typically carry about 40 pounds of weight: all supplies including gear, food and water.
The venture crew, sponsored by Saint Anthony Marie Claret Catholic Church, was composed of five boys, two girls and three advisors. Altogether, the crew made their way through approximately 85 miles. The crew’s adventure included a hike up Old Baldy, horseback riding, blacksmithing, working a pioneer farm, digging through an archaeology site, spartree “pole” climbing and ropes and challenges.
Philmont Scout Ranch is the Boys Scouts of America’s best known high-altitude camp and the largest youth camp in the world, serving 22,000 participants every summer.
