“They walked into Waycross and down the streets, taller and mightier than most groups of young men.” These words were written by Waycross Journal-Herald journalist, Linda Carter, to describe the scene in front of the courthouse on Saturday afternoon June 29, 1968. The headline in the Monday afternoon July 1, 1968, edition read “Scouts End Survival Hike to Ware County, GA; Walk 108 Miles”.

This is the incredibly true story about 7 boys and 1 scoutmaster undertaking a week long survival hike through the great Okefenokee Swamp. The boys hiked from their home in Jacksonville Florida to Waycross Georgia. The hike took the boys through areas with no marked trails. With only a compass and map to guide them the boys navigated the great swamp. They would be carrying only small backpacks with minimal supplies.

The boys faced danger, hunger, thirst, and personal challenges every day. This story will take you through each day of this grueling and dangerous adventure. The boys crossed Seminole Indian battlegrounds, Revolutionary War battlegrounds, and areas untouched for many years. Not all of the boys completed this epic hike. This is their story and is for all those who love adventure and the outdoors. Come join us on this extraordinary journey.

This true story is filled with life lessons on teamwork, leadership, overcoming fears, belief in yourself, resilience, and confidence building. These positive messages are woven into the incredible adventure story. Life lessons from 1968 are still relevant today for young adults navigating the transition into adulthood.











 

WHAT YOUR FELLOW READERS ARE SAYING…

This book made a profound impression on me. The author shares the groups ups and downs, struggles, and victories, and many life lessons from their experiences.

This book is outstanding!

I would highly recommend this book to all who love adventure in the great outdoors.

It was such a daring adventure that would not even be allowed nowadays! I had just made Eagle Scout and it was an eye opener how scouting was.

Mr. Calhoun’s descriptions of feelings, details and events are touching.

I will talk about this book to my scout troop and would highly recommend it.

It was like a real life version of Stand By Me.