This is the brand of a Boy Scout Leader who hiked Philmont. It is among the most arduous challenges in scouting, held in the high mountains of New Mexico. The wearer of the boot led a dozen scouts for 50 miles through rugged terrain. When a crew of boys and fathers arrive at the high camp, they are welcomed by a ranger who is well versed in the rigors of the trail. He travels with them for a day or two, to be sure they are savvy about bear ropes and water purification tablets. 

 

I had seen teenagers walking around town in the weeks before they flew to Philmont, hefting a back pack and building up stamina. They had fundraisers all year to help cover the cost of food and equipment. The program has a very impressive success rate. There are clear expectations spelled out before you arrive, and skilled park staff poised to guide you away from trouble. Commissaries are strategically placed throughout the camp, so that crews can replenish supplies every few days. 

 

A WAMI plaque is awarded to every crew whose members all finish the hike. It stands for We All Made It. The sense of teamwork is paramount to the success of each person.

 

But there is no substitute for putting one foot in front of the other. 

 

It is not a stretch of the imagination to believe there were grueling miles on hot afternoons. Back packing is not for wimps. I can believe there were silent tears shed in the darkness of a two man tent, when they finally laid their packs down and felt the droning ache of a body pushed to its limit. When your boots are pinching, or your hamstrings are pulled, it is hard to muster the energy to keep trudging. Hiking sounds like a cool adventure when you are looking at the website, or hearing about the wildlife. But reading about it and showing up mile after dirty mile exist in entirely different dimensions. 

 

Marriage success rates are not yet as lofty. But I believe we can put strategies in place to change that. A dozen mentors are being trained to welcome younger couples along the path, and to help them find their footing. Commissaries, in the form of marriage groups, conferences and online support keep couples refueled. Many couples are involved in premarital counseling, to educate themselves about the road ahead. 

 

But there is no substitute for putting one foot in front of the other.