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Wed September 10, 2025

By Zane Freeman

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Scout Troop 5's 9-Day Colorado Adventure

#Scout Troop 5 #2025 #Scoutmaster Dr. Lester Sitzes #Scoutmaster Karen Smith #Colorado
Scout Troop 5's 9-Day Colorado Adventure
On July 12 th , 2025, Scout Troop 5 left for a 9-day Colorado Adventure. The Troop led by Scoutmasters Dr. Lester Sitzes and Karen Smith left at 6am on July 12 th with 9 scouts and 11 adult leaders. First stop was in Amarillo, TX where the Troop enjoyed some leg stretches while at Buc-ee’s. Next stop was at West Texas A&M University where the Troop stayed in a dorm on campus and swim at their aquatic center for a little bit of fun on Saturday evening. The following morning, July 13 th , the Troop packed up the trailer and headed to Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. Philmont is the definitive high adventure base in Scouting and is best known for its 10-14 day backpacking treks, the National Scout Museum, and the Villa Philmonte. The Troop left Philmont Scout Ranch and headed to Colorado Springs, Colorado where they stayed in cabins for two nights at a local Kampgrounds of America (KOA). On Monday July 14 th , Troop 5 rode the Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak Mountain with an elevation of 14,115 feet. At the top of the Pikes Peak the Scouts enjoyed the scenery, the wildlife and the hot chocolate inside the visitor centers café. On Tuesday July 15 th , the Scouts packed the trailer and headed to Garden of the Gods visitor center where they learned about the red rock formations. The Troop then went on a hike around the Garden of the Gods red rock formations. They saw lots of wildlife from white tail deer, squirrels and even an emu! The Scouts took a side trail and found a rock formation they could climb to the top of that gave them spectacular views of Pikes Peak Mountain range. Troop 5 enjoyed a great lunch at the Garden of the Gods trading post and was able to shop for souvenirs. After lunch, Troop 5 was on the road again to Nathrop, Colorado where they stayed at the Mt. Princeton Resort for two nights. The following morning, July 16 th , the Troop was off to enjoy whitewater rafting. The Troop used Independent Whitewater Company based out of Salida, Colorado for their Browns Canyon adventure. Independent Whitewater provided the troop with all equipment from helmets, gloves, booties, and wetsuits for no additional charge. The 12-mile trip began at the Fisherman’s Bridge and took them all the way through the beautiful Browns Canyon National Monument, where they navigated 11 class II, III, III+ rapids. The Troop was separated into 3 boats where the Scouts affectionally named; the Oldies, the Newbies, and the OG’s. When the Scouts returned from their Browns Canyon whitewater adventure, they ate lunch next to the river and then went back to Mt. Princeton Resort. The troop enjoyed the rest of their day enjoying the natural hot springs and pools that the Mt. Princeton Resort is famous for. The next day, July 17 th the Troop enjoyed a relaxing day around Mt. Princeton hanging out by the pools and hot springs but by that afternoon the Troop was on the road again to Canon City, Colorado. Troop 5 stayed at the Royal Gorge KOA cabins for three nights and enjoyed playing miniature golf and having fun on the giant slide. On July 18 th , the troop went whitewater rafting with the Royal Gorge Rafting company in three separate boats. This trip combined the best of the Bighorn Sheep Canyon & the Royal Gorge. The Troop floated 20 miles of Class II, III, IV rapids. After the Big Horn Sheep Canyon, the Scouts relaxed and refueled with a delicious lunch prepared by their guides on a private riverside beach. After lunch, they dropped into the heart of the Royal Gorge, running 10 miles of mostly continuous Class III/IV whitewater rapids in one of the world's most beautiful and awe-inspiring locations. Names of the rapids in the Royal Gorge include; El Primero (class III), Pumphouse (Class III), Sunshine Falls (Class IV), Sledgehammer (Class IV), Hey Diddle Diddle (Class III), Narrows (Class IV), Wall Slammer (Class IV), Boat Eater (Class IV), Corner Pocket (Class III), Lions Head (Class III), Exit (Class III), and Pipeline (Class III). All Troop 5 members made it through the Royal Gorge rapids but 3 Scouts are now considered expert Arkansas River swimmers and got to sign the Royal Gorge Rafting bus. On the last adventure day, July 19 th , Troop 5 went ziplining with the Royal Gorge Zipline company. The 9 ziplines travel over forests and rolling hillsides, with the highest line running 50 feet over the Royal Gorge plateau, and it ends with a dual side-by-side racing line on the longest 1002-foot line. After the Troop completed ziplining the group went to the Royal Gorge Bridge and explored. The Royal Gorge Bridge has 1,257 wooden planks suspended 956 feet above the Arkansas River and it sways in the wind. It was a windy day !! Finally, after 8 days and almost 2,000 miles Troop 5 returned from their Colorado adventure on July 20 th , 2025.

This adventure would not have been possible without the help of our community and donors.
Thank you again to ALL who helped raise money, donated their time or products for our
fundraisers.

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