The deadline for submission of the 2026 St. George Trek application has been extended to September 30, 2025 and the completed application should be sent to: Mrs. Vickie Voll via email to Vickie.Voll@gmail.com
The Atlanta Archdiocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting is accepting applications from those Scouts BSA and Venture Scouts interested in attending the 2026 St. George Trek on July 1-18, 2026, at the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. The St. George Trek is the National Catholic Committee on Scouting’s high adventure leadership program for older Catholic Scouts BSA and Venture Crew members. These youth represent the youth of their area from both a leadership and religious standpoint. They meet other Catholic youth from across the country to spend eleven days hiking the hills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the context of a Vocations Retreat which includes three days of intensive leadership training at a back country base camp along with selected priests, religious and seminarians. There is no laity on the Trek. The first three days in New Mexico are spent at the Madonna House in Albuquerque getting acquainted, acclimating to the area, forming Crews, training, having fun and praying. The last night in New Mexico after leaving the trail and before returning home is also spent at the Madonna House.
The St. George Trek is designed to develop organizational and relational skills for leadership as well as to nourish the Scout’s spirituality. The program encourages the integration of morality, values, spirituality, faith and scripture in their lives as Christian leaders. It is open to Catholic High School youth from across the country who are 15 years old on or before July 1, 2026 and in High School.; are no older than 18 years of age; are registered and active Scouts BSA or Venturers. The scout should be emotionally mature, have the physical health and stamina to backpack on the trails of Philmont, and have an interest in the life of the Church and have an openness to the discernment of a vocation. Initially each (Arch)Diocese selects two “top notch” participants from within their diocese. The youth should be chosen based on demonstrated maturity and leadership potential. Reception of Religious Emblems and involvement in church, school, scouting and community activities are considered in the selection process. At the end of their Trek and prior to returning home, these youth are asked to take back with them what they have learned, committing to assist their (Arch)Diocesan Catholic Committee and to try to be effective leaders and role models to their fellow scouts. What a wonderful Vocation tool for the youth of this country! The deadline for submission of the 2026 St. George Trek application is September 30, 2025 and the completed application should be sent to: Mrs. Vicki Voll via email: Vickie.Voll@gmail.com If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Fr Avery Daniels at chaplain@aaccos.org
Application: 2022 St George Trek Participant Application