A rare opportunity for Orthodox teens has been presented to Fr. Joseph Purpura, Chairman of the Department of Youth Ministries for the Antiochian Archdiocese. (Download the letter of invitation.)

Liz Fallin, a parishioner at St. Paul Antiochian Church in Lynnwood, WA, is involved in Pan-Orthodox Scouting in the Seattle area and is an Advisor to a Venture Crew, a coed organization for teens ages 14-20. Liz has alerted Fr. Joseph to openings for a 2013 backpacking trek at the Philmont Scout Ranch in northern New Mexico, the premiere Scout facility in the country--if not the world. Philmont has over 136,000 acres of mountains, and offers 11-day backpacking treks to Scouts and Venturers from around the country. Philmont Treks are so popular that there is a lottery every year for groups who want to go, and only about half of those who enter the lottery are selected.  

Recently, Liz's Orthodox Scouting group was selected for an August 2013 trek. Notes Liz, "Because we have a handful of extra slots available, we would like to open this trek up to young men and women ages 14-20, and interested adults. This can include those who are not currently involved in Scouting and Venturing, but would be interested in joining a Venture Crew (and participating in local activities as they are able).

Liz adds that due to Philmont's popularity, there is always a large waiting list, and so registration actually occurs the year prior to the trek. The deadline for signing up for this trek is February 15, 2012.

The number of slots are limited, so sign-ups will be on a first come, first served basis.

All those interested can contact Liz at:

liz@fallin.com

phone 425-485-1481.