Arlington Catholic Scouting

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Text Box: Diocese of Arlington Catholic Committee on Scouting and Camp Fire

Biennial St. George Trek Rescheduled to 2009

The National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS) is pleased to announce its high adventure leadership program for older Catholic Boy Scouts and Venture Crew members at Philmont Scout Ranch. Although the trek is typically held in even-numbered years, with World Youth Day in 2008 and US Jamboree in 2010, NCCS has decided to hold the next trek in 2009 to free priests, Catholic Scouts and Scouters to attend these other events. Treks will continue in the odd-numbered years after 2009.

Designed to develop organizational and relational skills for leadership as well as nourishing the scout's spirituality, the program will bring Catholic high school youth from around the country together with selected priests, religious and seminarians for eleven days of backpacking on the trail including three days of intensive leadership training at a back country base camp. Three days will be spent at the Madonna Retreat House in Albuquerque, New Mexico preparing for the Trek and one day will be spent there at its conclusion.

The Saint George Trek encourages the integration of morality and values, spirituality and faith, and scripture with the responsibilities of Christian Leadership and Vocation Awareness. Participants will be asked to carry this meaningful experience home with them and become effective peer leaders in their diocese.

Each Arch/diocese is encouraged to conduct a search and send two top-notch scouts to the Trek. Selection should be made on the basis of demonstrated leadership potential, reception of Scouting's religious emblems, and involvement in church, school and community activities. Girls in Venturing have been a part of the past five treks. The YOUTH PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION FORM will be posted when made available by NCCS.

The 2006 fee for the Saint George Trek, in addition to the cost of transportation to and from Albuquerque, New Mexico, plus normal personal expenses, was $600.00 per participant. The fee covers all Philmont Scout Ranch fees and all other lodging, food and chartered bus travel.

Catholic Boy Scouts and Venturers who will be fifteen years of age on or before July 2009 and in High School in the fall of 2009 are eligible to apply. NO exceptions can be made. The Saint George Trek is a one time only experience for youth. Previous youth participants are not eligible.

Revised 6/23/2007