Troop 529 and Crew 99 Scouting Adventures
“I have been a Scout Leader for 21 years, both as a Scoutmaster and Venturing Ranger Crew advisor. We go on high adventure treks every year. Over time, I have developed into a regular mother hen, sometimes much to the dismay of my older youth, but to the appreciation of their parents. I want to challenge youth but never put them at risk. The type of trips we take are usually in pristine wilderness areas where outside help is sometimes minimal and a high degree of skill and preparedness is essential. We always hire a professional outfitter…When I first started doing these trips, I was not happy with the skill levels of the first outfitters we hired. I camp and trek 50 to 60 days a year and like to think I am a fair judge of outdoor skills myself. For the past 5 years, our treks have exclusively been led by Oren and Andy from Paths Peaks and Paddles. From the wilds of the Nipissing River in Algonquin Provincial Park to the French River on Georgian Bay to white water canoeing on the Madawaska River , I have learned to trust their judgment on evaluating skill levels of participants to the challenges present and acting accordingly. The guides at Paths, Peaks and Paddles are certified Wilderness First Responders in addition to New York State licensed guides in all outdoor activities and watercraft. As a result and in conclusion, if Paths Peaks and Paddles are not available on the dates I want to trek, I change my dates,” Jim “Doc” McClure
