Before any leadership course, before any trek at Philmont, sometimes the best lessons start on the trail.

In this special From the Trail episode, Mr. Mielke shares a reflective journal-style account of a three-day shakedown hike along Brent’s Trail in the Loess Hills of western Iowa.

With Crew 712-C preparing for Philmont, this trip tested gear, teamwork, and grit—with plenty of steep climbs, wrong turns, campsite stories, and leadership growth along the way.

You’ll hear how the crew adapted when the trail disappeared, conquered 33% inclines with the Caterpillar Method, and capped the day with reflection and laughter under a starlit sky. It’s a story of forming, storming, norming, performing—and a whole lot of cosmic brownies.

Packed with leadership insights, real-world scouting moments, and trail-tested wisdom, this episode reminds us that Scouting’s greatest lessons often happen when the trail gets steep and the team pulls together.

Because before we lead... we hike.