Sometimes, the trail gives you more than you expected. In this Cache episode of Trail Talk, Mr. Mielke opens the lid on three symbolic “caches” from his Scouting journey—small treasures left behind or discovered along the way that now serve as leadership tools, legacy builders, and quiet reminders of purpose.

🪙 The Coin – A simple summer camp challenge coin becomes a daily reminder to “Do a Good Turn,” quietly flipped in a pocket with each act of kindness.
🦥 The Sloth – A stuffed mascot named Philmonetous builds camaraderie and Crew identity on the Philmont trail, reminding us that laughter and playfulness are essential leadership tools.
📸 The Photograph – A snapshot of a moment, shared with a smile years later. These memories are caches too—seeds of legacy, lessons, and laughter waiting to be uncovered again and again.

Through these stories, Mr. Mielke explores how the smallest things can hold the greatest meaning. Whether it’s a coin in your pocket, a plush riding shotgun, or a photo on your phone, the trail gives us reminders of who we are—and who we’re becoming.