Miles, Maps & Meals: Troop 478 Takes on Huntsville State Park
What do you get when you combine thirteen Scouts, nine adults, and a trail through the woods? A weekend full of adventure, skill-building, and a few well-earned meals!
Troop 478 headed to Huntsville State Park October 24–25 for an overnight campout with three missions: hike five-plus miles, practice orienteering, and cook on the trail. After an early Saturday departure from the Scout Hut, the crew made the drive north, unpacked, and hit the Chinquapin Trail.
With maps and compasses in hand, Scouts were tasked with orienting themselves as they navigated the trail. For Scouts and adult volunteers preparing for July’s Philmont High Adventure trek, the hike also offered a chance to log some early miles with weighted packs. Those mountain adventures start with preparation right here at home!
Lunch brought another opportunity to put outdoor skills to work. Scouts working on the trail-cooking requirements for their Camping or Cooking merit badges prepared meals along the route, turning a lunch break into hands-on learning. ASM Keith Young showed off his own trail-kitchen skills for the adults because nobody said the Scouts should have all the fun.
Back at camp, the afternoon offered free time to relax and enjoy being outdoors, along with a few extra advancement sign-offs before dinner and an evening campfire program. With daytime highs around 80 and an overnight low of 59, the weather delivered a warm day on the trail and a comfortable night under the stars.
A big thank-you to the nine adults who gave their weekend to help make this adventure possible, and to our Scouts for taking on the miles, maps, and meals along the way.
One weekend, plenty of practice, and another step toward the adventures ahead!
