06/19/2026
We can share pretty pictures of the swamp over and over again. We can tell you how transformative the experience is. We can share the fact that mosquitoes aren’t that bad and the alligators are shy. But unfortunately, many people will call that a “sales pitch.” So let’s have a 2026 adult leader share her experience… raw and unprompted. Then you can decide for yourself if this is the experience you want for your Scouts and yourself. ♥️
“61.6 miles.
When we launched our canoes on Day 1, I had no idea what the week would hold. After paddling 19.4 miles in the Louisiana heat and humidity, I ended that first day in tears. My arms were done, my body hurt, and I honestly didn't know how I was going to survive the rest of the trek.
But somehow, one paddle stroke at a time, we did.
Over the next five days we paddled through some of the most beautiful and challenging places I've ever seen. We watched alligators and wildlife from our canoes, portaged over levees, slept in hammocks on Rougarou Island that looked straight out of Jurassic Park, explored the peaceful beauty of Forgotten Cove in complete silence, crossed lakes with whitecaps and strong winds, and celebrated every little luxury along the way—especially coffee and air conditioning at Camp Atchafalaya!
Our rest day was filled with baby alligators, card games, laughter, and watching Scouts from opposite sides of the country become lifelong friends.
Then came Day 5.
The alarm went off at 2:30 AM so we could get on the water and finish the final 17.2 miles before Tropical Storm Arthur arrived. We ate breakfast in our canoes, slogged through muddy swamp stomps, portaged over another levee, and pushed through exhaustion. By the final 3-mile lake crossing, every single one of us was hurting. The wind fought us every inch of the way. Canoe partners were shuffled, Minnesota Scouts teamed up with Texas Scouts, one canoe was even being towed to keep it on course.
But nobody quit.
As we got closer to the finish, Scouts were yelling encouragement to each other across the water. Everyone dug deeper than they thought possible. And when the last canoe hit that beach, tears were shed, stinky hugs were given, and there was an overwhelming sense of accomplishment that words simply can't describe.
I cried on Day 1 because I didn't know how I would make it through the week.
I cried on Day 5 because we did.
What I'll remember most isn't the miles. It's the people. Every night we worked together to figure out paddle partners, solve problems, and help each other succeed. These Scouts and adults showed grit, resilience, teamwork, and heart in ways that continually amazed me.
We arrived as two separate troops from opposite ends of the country with two different trek guides.
We left as one.
At the end of the trek, we didn't take a Troop 303 picture. We didn't take a Troop 324 picture. We took one trek photo.
Not Texas. Not Minnesota.
But instead, TexSota.
And I'll never forget it.”
~ Brandy Davis, Longhorn Council, Scouting America
