Venturing Crew 2020

Boy Scouts of America

Spring, Texas

United States of America

Go back to the Activities page	Panama Venturing Crew 2020 2006 Scouting by United States Scouts in the country of Panama had not occurred for over a decade until we arrived. Our purpose was two-fold; to bring American Scouting back to Panama and test the adventure, and to enjoy the high-adventure of trekking rivers and rain forest in this beautiful Central American country. This adventure was a combination of hiking and canoeing through the most historic areas of Panama. Specifically, the Chagres River, the Panama Canal, the Panama Railroad, and the Las Cruces Trail. The total time in Panama was 12 days, including travel days in and out. One day was set aside on both the beginning and end for processing and sightseeing. Our host for this adventure was Martin House who provided us with an opportunity to help him fulfill his dream of offering Panama to Scouts. Along our journey we enjoyed true life tales of early explorers, of Spanish Conquistadors, of Pirates, and of 49’ers during the California Gold Rush. We actually “met” a pirate and heard his story one night. We retraced the steps of those who came before us through the trails and waterways of the Central American jungle, explored and camped at centuries-old Spanish forts and ruins The Trek was initially designed to fulfill the requirements for a high-adventure activity and include the 50 Miler and the Historic Trails Awards. In addition to offering an experience lasts a lifetime, this adventure will educate the trekker on the history of Panama and how it is intermingled and inseparable with the United States and the world. A Country Divided – A World United
	The Wounaan Indians with Crew 2020. We spent 2 days and 2 nights with them. Their village is on the Chagres River about 10 kilometers below the dam. The family leader (Felipe) is center row, behind the youth in the red shirt. Picture is taken under their community shelter. Chris, Matt, Zachary Jonathon, Jennifer, Monica, Alan Johnny Emily, Michael
	Stopping to explore the jungle on an island in Gutan Lake	The adventure begins	Lunch on arrival
	Lunch at a local spot	The Cross brothers	Drakes Island
	Obstacles on the road	Chris and Itzel on arrival	Chris and Indian “tattoos”
	Zachary pointing out a ‘black palm’	The Chagres River	One of the forts at Portobello
	\ Johnny and Indian “tattoos”	Beaching the canoes at the trail head of the Las Cruces Trail	Zachary and Jennifer [Chris is hidden behind the plant]
	The canal and bridge	The Panama Canal - Mira Flores Lock	Lake Gutan and canoeing
	Rainforest campsite	Matt at a campsite in the jungle near the old Pipeline Road	Sunset on the Lake
	Canoeing the Chagres	Venturing Crew 2020 at the Tower in Old Panama	Really big tree on the Las Cruces trail
	Wood Badge beading ceremony Zachary Cross, Chris McKamey, Martin House, Alan Cross Chris and Martin were with Wood Badge SR-635 in the Sam Houston Area Council and received their Wood Badge regalia in the shadows of the Tower in Old Panama City. The Wood Badge regalia was presented by Zachary to his friend Chris, and by Alan to his friend Martin.
	Put yourself in the picture and plan your next adventure with Panama Venture Trek
	Copies of photographs on this page may be used on Scouting-related sites and documentation provided proper credit is given to Crew 2020, Spring, Texas and Panama Venture Treks. All other use of graphics on this page is prohibited. Copyright © 2006 – Venturing Crew 2020