Florida Scouts on the Trail

"Boy Scout troop hikes 90 miles along trail for merit badges" is the title of the article by Thomas Michalski in the 20 July 2007 issue of the Pinellas Park (FL) Beacon. It describes an Appalachian Trail section hike in Georgia and North Carolina done on 30 June--7 July by the 5 Scouts and 3 adult leaders (although the accompanying photo shows and identifies more people) from Troop 337, sponsored by the First Baptist Church of Pinellas Park.

The Scouts tented rather than staying in shelters, but did clean up trash left by others at shelters they came upon.

"It was an educational adventure for the youngsters who took the time to learn about the Appalachian Trail and the national forests they conquered.

"The awards the youngsters hope to attain are the BSA 50 Miler Award, the BSA Historic Trails Award, Backpacking merit badge, Hiking merit badge and the Georgia Thru-Hikers Award."

Hopefully there are some future thru-hikers in the group.