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Scout talks about backpacking the Appalachian Trail

Cameron Pendleton began hiking the Appalachian Trail in Georgia with his dad when he was 10 years old. After three weeks on the trail, he turned 11. And after walking more than 2,100 miles over the next six months, he and his father made it to Maine and completed the entire trail.

Now, Cameron, a 12-year-old Lone Scout from Delray Beach, Fla., finally has time to reflect on his accomplishment.

On how he tackled the mental challenge of backpacking the entire length of the Appalachian Trail:

On a particularly challenging part of the trail:

On how he and his dad came up with their trail names:

Read more about Cameron’s adventure in the December 2011 issue of Boys’ Life magazine.

20 Comments on Scout talks about backpacking the Appalachian Trail

  1. wow! thats so cool! so inspiring! I wish I could do that! I’m wondering how you missed so much school and how you had enough to survive that long? anyways, that is AMAZING so cool. keep doing great things!

    – sf

  2. that must be awesome

  3. wow I want to do it to!

  4. that cool

  5. Awesome adventure. I like that you said your backpack becomes like part of your body…. I agree – sometimes I leave mine on when I am just taking a short break. Long distance hiking is a blast! I am a school teacher – you really don’t have to miss that much school – anyway you were hiking with your Dad so your educational responsibilities still had adult guidance as well. BRAVO!

  6. I hiked the Dragons Tooth section last October. It was a difficult section, very slow hiking through there.

  7. Venture Bear // December 11, 2011 at 9:08 pm // Reply

    Honk! Honk! that is our venturing crew word for WOW and AMAZING and KEEP GOING! One of our crew members (247 in VA) completed the trail this year…she left two days after graduating high school…..our crew loves to back pack. What a great accomplishment for you and your Dad. A trip of a lifetime. Thanks for sharing…..

  8. Wow! What a wonderful accomplishment; good for you!

  9. I did 110 miles in Cherokee NF along TN NC border in 10 days many years ago when I was 13. This kid is an inspiration. Great Job!

  10. Mountain Girl // December 11, 2011 at 12:56 pm // Reply

    That is so awesome, what a cool time with your dad. I hope you home schooled along the way, that would be even cooler. School lessons under the trees. Good for you..

  11. I was heading SOBO and we crossed pathes at a shelter in late July. Congratulations to Chili and Pepper.

  12. Raised By Wolves // December 11, 2011 at 12:38 pm // Reply

    As a father (and former scout) I know how proud your dad is of you. This is an experience you’ll always look back on and enjoy. Hiking the AT is an accomplishment very few people get to realize and now you can count yourself among some of the most driven and grounded people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.

    I’m going to assume you are or were home schooled which your dad most likely continued on the trail in the best class room ever.

    You’re an inspiration, Cameron. Be proud of yourself. Live well.

  13. Pepper and Chile, You guys rock. So proud of you and best of luck on the Pacific Crest Trail this summer.

  14. I met these two when I was hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2010. He’s such a great kid with an awesome father. Congratulations Chili and Pepper!

  15. Chili and Pepper! You two are the best!

  16. how did youservive that long

  17. cool

  18. How did you go to school? Or, manage missing so much of school?

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