St. George is the patron saint of Catholic Scouting and the inspiration for Catholic Scouting’s high adventure leadership program and vocation retreat for Scouts who are 15 to 18 years old. Every two years, approximately 70 Scouts from dioceses and eparchies across the country are selected for this 11-day challenge known as the St. George Trek, which takes place at Philmont Scout Ranch.

Led by selected priests, religious, and seminarian advisors from around the country, St. George Trek participants experience spirituality, faith, scripture and the sacraments in a spectacular setting. During the Trek, Scouts make two commitments: to the ongoing discernment of their vocation and to engagement in their home parish and diocese.

Each Diocesan/Eparchial Catholic Committee on Scouting is encouraged to conduct a search and nominate one or two Scouts from their diocese or eparchy for participation in the Trek. Because the program can only accommodate 70 youth, only two participants per diocese or eparchy will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.

Selection of participants is made by the local Diocesan/Eparchial Catholic Committee on Scouting and should be made on the basis of each Scout’s demonstrated maturity, physical ability, leadership potential, an interest the life of the Church and an openness to the discernment of vocation to the priesthood or religious life. Earning of Religious Emblems and involvement in parish, school and Scouting activities should be given consideration. Eligible Scouts should commit to become in engaged in the work of their Diocesan/Eparchial Catholic Committee on Scouting when they return home.

Candidates should be emotionally mature adolescents who will be at least 15 years old and no older than 18 years old by July 1 of the year they plan to go on the Trek. Participants must also have the physical health and stamina to backpack on the mountain trails of Philmont. The St. George Trek is a one-time only experience for youth. Previous youth participants are not eligible. NO exceptions can be made to these expectations and requirements.

A female crew is planned pending sufficient female registration. There would need to be at least six female Scouts committed for the Trek to form an all-female crew. This trek is not co-ed.

Scout Participant Application and Selection Process

Diocesan/Eparchial Catholic Committees on Scouting should invite potential participants to complete the St. George Trek Participant Online Application form prior to the year the Scout plans to go on the Trek. When submitted, a link to the application will be sent to the committee chair’s email address.

Once the local Diocesan/Eparchial Catholic Committee on Scouting has selected its nominees, the chair completes the “Local Catholic Committee Approval” section at the bottom of the participant’s online application and submits it electronically to NCCS. The application must be submitted by December 31 the year before the Scout plans to go on the Trek.

Any questions related to the 2024 St. George Trek please email us at: archlouccs@gmail.com