Boy Scout Troop 16 in Driver set out on the trip of a lifetime last month when six Scouts and three assistant troop leaders went on a 10-day, 90-mile hike at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

“This is by far the highlight of scouting,” said Les Ward, assistant scoutmaster.

After sending in their application the required two years in advance, the troop was selected through a lottery system.

Ward is part of a fairly exclusive club of people who have experienced the trip both as a Scout and a leader. He grew up in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and earned his way to Eagle Scout.

“It’s a tough trip,” he said. Of the 35 different treks, the scouts selected No. 24, which rated fairly high in difficulty. In order to prepare for the trip, the group hiked about 10 miles each month, practiced carrying equipment and familiarized themselves with how to use their equipment.

Each day the group hiked between six and 14 miles and then arrived at their designated campsite. During their trek, the boys carried between 50 and 60 pounds worth of equipment on their backs and trekked at high elevations. About every other day, the troop participated in various activities after their arrival. They got the chance to ride horses, shoot black powder rifles, climb 50-foot telephone poles and rock climb.

“The boys actually lead this,” Ward said of the trek. The Scouts selected which trek to take, lined up their daily schedules and led the group during their hike. While Scouts would typically select one member to act as their crew leader, another as their chaplain and a third as their wilderness guide, Troop 16 wanted to allow each participant the chance to lead, so they rotated leaders halfway through the trip.

“Your sense of accomplishment is so great,” Ward said. “We take out a group of boys, and we bring back a group of men.”

Because they have to lead the whole trip, “They are put in an environment (where) they have to figure it out.” Ward said of the 14- to 16-year-old boys.

It’s not always easy for adults to let teens lead, Ward said, but that’s exactly what the adult leaders do on this trip.

“If you make the wrong turn, it’s not the end of the world,” Ward said. It might just lead to a longer hike.