Episode 5 - Switchbacks - The Long Way Up

On this episode of Trail Talk – Leading the Scouting Adventure, we climb higher—literally and metaphorically—as we follow Crew 712-C on their 2021 Philmont trek toward the Tooth of Time. What begins as a straightforward route turns into a winding journey of detours, delays, unexpected challenges, and ultimately, deep reward. Along the way, Mr. Mielke reflects on the power of switchbacks—not just on the trail, but in leadership and life.

Through canceled programs, shifting plans, and moments of uncertainty, the crew learns that sometimes the most direct path to success isn’t straight at all. It's the patient zig-zagging of trust, reassessment, and perseverance that gets us to the summit. And when you finally reach the top, the view back down reveals just how far you've come.

From unexpected changes at Crater Lake and Miners Park to the final boulder scramble toward the summit, this episode explores how every detour is still part of the climb. For Scout leaders and listeners alike, it's a reminder that goals take time—and that progress often means embracing the bends in the trail.