Lawrence Scouts Hit the Hiking Trails

Editor’s Note: The following is a news release issued by Lawrence Township Boy Scout Troop 28.

As they build muscle and stamina for an Appalachian Trail backpacking excursion next year, Boy Scouts from Troop 28 recently spent the day hiking trails throughout various Mercer County locations.  Carrying packs mimicking the 15- to 20-pound range of the gear needed for a longer backpacking excursion, the boys began their hike at Village Park in Lawrence, traversed a segment of the Lawrence-Hopewell Trail and made their way through Mercer County Park Commission’s Mercer Meadows and Rosedale Park and back.

Adding to the day’s circuit hike was a geocaching activity, where the Scouts participated in a high-tech outdoor treasure hunting game that utilizes GPS-enabled devices. The Scouts navigated to a specific set of GPS coordinates along the trails and then, armed with clues, attempted to find the geocache hidden at that location.

Along the nearly 6-mile trek, the boys were introduced to and learned about the native corn snake as described by Mercer County Park Ranger Dave Buxton at the county’s Hunt House facility.

Upcoming events include the .

Troop 28 is open to boys who have completed fifth grade, and meets Friday nights from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Troop Hut at Lawrence Road Presbyterian Church. Boys need not have been involved in Scouting to join. For information, visit http://lawrence28.mytroop.us/contact or email Scoutmaster Bob Murawski at Bmurawski360@comcast.net.