Pretty neat

[Lawnboy]

Had an incredible weekend with a bunch of Boy Scouts from our church. One of the young men was in a tragic skiing activity with his troop a year ago that caused him to be paralyzed from the waist down. We have been planning a big multiday activity in Gravelly Range which included day hikes and then on the last day climbing a big local mtn. called Black Butte.
It's been a real challenge for this kid with the diagnosis that he wouldn't be able to move even his neck. He has slowly recovered to be able to move his arms and head but so far nothing below the waist. We took him on a horse for many of the hikes but that required guys on each side to keep him from falling forward and falling off the side.

This last day we were going to climb Black Butte but horses couldn't make it. We designed a lawn chair with poles and some straps to keep him in. The hike is a real scramble and has some pretty steep pitches with shale and boulders.
The boys were incredible and carried that guy to the top trading off with each other. After lots of slips and cut up legs we got Wesley to the top to share in this planned event. I'm pretty sure that he's the first paralyzed guy to sit on top of this mountain. Probably one of the most special experiences I've ever been part of. His dad was in tears as we sat on top and soaked in the special moment we had all been part of.. Bambistew I'm sure is real familiar with this area.









The road in the bottom is where we started



On top

 

[ashersdad]

Very cool Lawnboy! Looks like a tough climb but what a great way to involve the whole troop. Nice!!

 

[spook12]

Team work!

 

[Big Fin]

Now that is cool. A lot about compassion for the situation of others is being absorbed by that group of young men. Thanks to all who would commit to doing something like that and making sure their friend got the same view they did.

 

[fishing4sanity]

What an awesome experience! That is going to make a lasting change in everyone involved. They may have been boys at the bottom of that butte, but they were all men by the summit. This is the kind of stuff that restores a guy's faith in mankind.

 

[Elkmagnet]

If only we all had such character.

 

[stillkickin]

If only we all had such character.

Amen!

 

[kansasdad]

A Scout is
trustworthy,
loyal,
helpful,
friendly,
courteous,
kind,
obedient,
cheerful,
thrifty,
brave,
clean, and
reverent.
I salute you and the boys for your friendship and hard work

 

[havgunwilltravel]

What a great effort for all involved.
Often moments like this can put everything back into perspective for those who think they are doing it tough when in actual fact they have a lot to be thankful for.

 

[mtmiller]

What an amazing day.

 

[Mac7]

Very cool. Sounds like a great Scout troop. Looks like a great weekend.

 

[Much2hunt]

Wow, now that brought tears to me eyes.. "to help other people at all times"

 

[Corax]

Now THAT is a service project. Congratulations to all for the hard work and dedication.

 

[RobG]

That is a great hike and so nice you were able to get him up there.

 

[Muskeez]

Wow, great post! Talk about brotherly love!! Thank you for sharing!!!

 

[sweetnectar]

Young men become men from things like this. And we become softer seeing things like this. I'm proud of your scout troop...fine men.

 

[JohnCushman]

That's amazing

 

[bambam26]

So awesome! Well done to all those scouts!

 

[bobbydean]

Great lesson for all the young men. I think they will remember this outing far into adulthood! Good job all that were involved!

 

[tarheel]

Each of those young men climbed that mountain twice that day; once for themselves, and also for their fellow scout.. Great story.