“Cool Outings” will be a regular feature of Northwest News. It is meant to share fun, interesting, or unusual events with our entire council family. If you'd like to share your “Cool Outings”, please contact marketgroup@nwsc.org. Cool Outings! “Cheerful Service” prepares Napowan for summer Cool? Without doubt. But consider also these words – challenging, spiritual, life-changing. Philmont is all of that, as it has been for 65 years. In July, the Northwest Suburban Council contingent of 60 Scouts and Scouters traveled to the B.S.A.’s premier high adventure base for 11-days and 10-nights of wilderness backpacking. After flying to Denver, we launched the fun with an afternoon of whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River near the Royal Gorge. Then, on to Philmont where our five crews (12 people per crew) headed out and UP into the gorgeous Sangre de Cristo mountains. You quickly discover that “Be Prepared” is more than a motto. At Philmont, it’s an absolute requirement. Climbing a rugged mountain with a heavy backpack – in bright sunshine one minute and a hailstorm the next – can test legs as well as attitudes. It is – for the boys – a test of their ability and willingness to work as a team. For the dads, it’s a test of their ability to remember that this is a vacation. One of our dads had the misfortune of turning his ankle toward the end of the trek. He wanted very much to finish, and the boys wanted that too. They redistributed his gear, and helped him navigate difficult terrain the rest of the way. To see the entire crew conquer the Tooth of Time on the final day gave real meaning to the word “teamwork.” Philmont is an event that builds memories for a lifetime. Of his experience, Eagle Scout and Senior Crew chief Matt Bogusz says, “Philmont far surpassed all my expectations.” By the way, there are openings for the 2005 Philmont contingent. Check with Marty Schultz and guarantee yourself the coolest outing of a lifetime.