Scouts Learn About Texas History as They Bike the Mission Trails
Inside the entrance to the Mission Espada sits a large wooden weaving loom covered in strands of wool that are intertwined to create a colorful blanket. It’s an example of how mission residents used to make their clothes about 300 years ago in Texas’ first mission.
“We learned about the process for weaving wool for clothes and the tools they used,” says Camden Redden, 15, a Star Scout with Troop 848. “We saw an archaeology dig that was being done, too.”
The guys from Clear Lake, Texas, admired the historical exhibits inside Mission Espada before hopping back on their bicycles and continuing their big day of cycling: a 10-mile ride along the mission trails toward downtown San Antonio.
From left: Wesley Arnold, Charlie Baccus and Parker Swain study a map to figure out where to explore.
LESSONS WHILE RIDING THE MISSION TRAILS
For more than 20 years, Troop 848 has scheduled a yearly cycling campout. One popular destination is the Mission Trails, an urban hike-and-bike system that connects five historical Spanish missions, including the Alamo.
The missions were built in the early 1700s and served to introduce Christianity to Native Americans. In the 1830s, the Alamo famously became a central battle site during the Texas Revolution.
Cycling to each mission would be a fun way for the Scouts to learn about their state’s history. Plus, the trip could count toward the Historic Trails Award.
Troop 848 of Clear Lake, Texas, pedals along the Mission Trails in San Antonio. Leading the way are Wesley Arnold, Travis Redou, Charlie Baccus and Parker Swann.
“We had an on-the-trail quiz,” Camden says. “The patrols completed a scavenger hunt, covering the history of the missions.”
To prepare for the trip, the Scouts inspected their gear twice, making sure their helmets fit and their bicycles worked properly. If they didn’t have something they needed, they got it before the trip.
“At the first meeting, I borrowed someone else’s bike,” says Travis Redou, 11, a Scout. “By the next inspection, I had my bike. A bike repair shop donated one to me.”
Ryan Tryer (left) and Caleb Lazarow ride under an art sculpture titled “Árbol de la Vida: Memorias y Voces de la Tierra,” which means “Tree of Life: Memories and Voices of the Land.”
ON THE MISSION TRAILS
After a night at McGimsey Scout Park, an Alamo Council camp, the guys got their gear ready for the ride. It had rained the night before, but the trails soon dried out as temperatures climbed. It can get hot in Texas, even in April.
The heat would pose a challenge, but the troop made sure to drink plenty of fluids — plus they had lots of rest stops planned. At the missions, they explored the buildings and read the informational plaques.
The Mission San José is the largest mission site in San Antonio.
“It was fun to see parts of the culture and see the architecture that was there,” says Christopher Adams, 14, a First Class Scout.
The guys pedaled from mission to mission, which included climbing several hills.
“I thought 10 miles would be easy, but it turned out it was not,” says Theo Snell, 10, a Scout. “I felt super tired.”
The troop stands in front of the Alamo, which originally was named Misión San Antonio de Valero.
A TASTY REWARD
Some Scouts tackled an extra 5 miles to fulfill a Camping merit badge requirement, but everyone met up later at a downtown park called the River Walk.
Mexican cuisine and ice cream topped off a fun, educational day. As the guys ate, they waved to people riding by on tour boats.
“I really had a feeling of accomplishment by dinner,” Travis says.
The Historic Trails Award
Learn about our country’s history by visiting a historical trail. You can find one near you at go.scoutlife.org/historictrails. If you also research, hike or camp along the trail and complete a service project, you can earn the Historic Trails Award.
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