CORNELIUS – From June 13 to 24, eight Boy Scouts and 4 adult leaders from Troop 72, based at Bethel Presbyterian Church, hiked at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, N.M.

Philmont is one of three high-adventure bases for Boy Scouts in the United States and sees more than 22,000 Scouts and leaders each year.

The Scouts from Troop 72 chose a 60-mile trek that included activities such as shotgun and rifle shooting, rock climbing, mine tours and blacksmithing.

“Every other minute we wanted to stop to take in all the views. Everything is beautiful down there,” Crew Leader Travis O’Shell said in a news release. “I realize how privileged I am to get the chance to go on such an amazing, life-changing trip, and I am very grateful. I think Philmont is something that everyone my age should be able to experience because there is no doubt in my mind that I will remember it for the rest of my life.”

Pictured, from left, are: (back row) Hartley LeRoy Sr., Ken O’Shell, Travis O’Shell, Jim Farr, Joseph Green, Stephen Green, (front row) Alex Lane, Scott Krabath, Quentin Hawkins, Philmont Ranger Brad Woods, Alex Farr, Nick Jacobs and Hartley LeRoy Jr.