By Spencer Robbins
Occoneechee Lodge, part of Occoneechee Council in Raleigh, North Carolina, recently hosted its third annual 50-mile hike. The event requires all of its participants to hike a 50 mile trail in under 24 hours. During its inaugural year, only two youth participated. This year, however, the event grew to 41 participants. The event united Boy Scouts, Venturers, and Cub Scouts on the trail for one full day; four teams of four and 25 individuals registered for this year's event. A total of 21 Cub Scouts were a part of the event!
The 50-Miler Award is one of the hardest awards to earn in Scouting, as it required the awardee to be able to hike 50 miles in five consecutive days while providing group work to improve the trail. Out of all 41 participants, the four teams of four and ten additional individuals were able to complete the hike. Cub Scouts participating in the event joined the Boy Scouts and Venturers in the last segment of the trail. This also marked the first year that two female Venturers completed the hike and earned the 50-Miler Award.
This event put all of its participants to the challenge, as it is no easy feat to hike 50 miles with a ticking deadline of one day. Tom Wells, the event's adviser, organized the gathering several years ago. He has enjoyed watching the participants hike the trail as well as watching the number of participants increase over the past three years.
Wells noted that one thing he really enjoys about the event is watching participants unite during the event. "They truly exemplify the ideals and principles of the Order of the Arrow." Wells hopes that the number of hikers will increase from previous years, and is very excited to continue planning this event for future years.