Auburn Venture Crew 401, the high adventure portion of Boy Scout Troop 401, recently returned from 10 days at the Philmont National Boy Scout Ranch in Cimarron, N.M.

Led by Leah O’Brien, Venture crew adviser, the group spent eight days hiking over 50 miles of beautiful New Mexico scenery.

Starting out at base camp (elevation 8,600 feet), they hiked to several staffed camps, participating in diverse activities such as rock climbing, black powder rifle shooting, blacksmithing and climbing the Tooth of Time (elevation 9,600 feet).

The crew, staffed at the Black Diamond Gun Club, served dinners and washed cars to raise money to help fund the trip. The Ward Ellis Foundation, a local nonprofit organization that supports Auburn Scouts, also provided funds to help the crew achieve its goal.