Saint George Trek

The Saint George Trek is a bi-annual trek sponsored by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting’s®. It is a high adventure Catholic leadership program for older Catholic Scouts and Venture Crew members at Philmont Scout Ranch. The program brings Catholic high school youth from around the country together with selected priests, religious and seminarians for eleven days of backpacking in the context of a vocation retreat.

The Saint George Trek brings youth together in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the participants meet, get to know one another, train, have fun and pray. Then it's off to Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimmeron, where they will hike the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rocky Mountains. While hiking, they will experience a program that is designed to encourage the integration of morality, values, spirituality, faith, scripture and vocation in their lives as young Catholic Men and Women. Before returning home, they are asked to commit their own continued discernment as well as bringing their experiences home to their respective dioceses, so they can become effective peer leaders and role models for their fellow scouts.

Each fall prior to the Trek taking place, the Charlotte Diocese Catholic Committee on Scouting will go a thorough application process to select 1 or 2 candidates to attend this trek. Participants are responsible for all costs associated with their personal camping gear, clothing, & travel to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

Financial sponsorship is offered by the Committee with the understanding that the participants are being sent to the trek on behalf of the Diocese.

Male & Female Youth candidates requirements are as follows:

+ Is a registered youth in an active BSA Unit (if the Candidate will be 18 during the Trek, they must be registered as a youth participant in a Venture Crew or Sea Scout Ship)

+ Will have reached the age of 15 & completed Freshman year of high school by July 1 of the Trek year

+ Will not reach the age of 19 nor have graduated high school before May 1st of the Trek year

+ Has not participated in a previous St. George Trek.

+ Willing to participate in activities and discussions about discernment of a vocation to the priesthood or religious life.

+ Can demonstrate maturity, physical ability, leadership potential, and an interest in the life of the Catholic Church.

+ Meets or will meet the Philmont High Adventure Height/Weight requirements noted and have the physical health and stamina to backpack on the mountain trails of Philmont. (Candidates must meet the BSA height/weight requirements for high adventure – pages 5 & 6 of BSA Health Record for Philmont,

http://www.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/680-001_philmont.pdf

+ Will have or obtain a valid certification in Wilderness First Aid and CPR by June of the Trek Year.

If a Youth Scout or Venturer is interested in participating in this experience, details can be found on the Saint George Trek 2020 web page.