On December 13 Troop 5  met bright and early at the Maplewood pool parking lot. All of the scouts were excited for a day of hiking and rock climbing. Around 9:00 am the troop put their packs on and began the ascent of the Stairway to Heaven trail. Along the trail the older scouts reinforced old hiking strategies and traditions while the younger scouts learned them. After a few hours of hiking the troop reached the beautiful summit and ate lunch while taking in the view. After hiking back down and completing the loop trail the scouts loaded back into the cars around 12:30. The troops’ tiredness from the hike was overridden by excitement for their next adventure at Gravity Vault, Flemington. Upon arrival around 1:00 pm at the rock climbing gym the scouts split up into two groups. Led by staff members we learned how to climb with ropes and summit big walls, and how to “boulder” on shorter bouldering walls. The 2 hour exhilarating experience taught many of the scouts new skills that they can use at summer camp to complete the climbing merit badge. Additionally, the scouts learned teamwork and persistence through repeated challenges. The hour ride home marked a day full of new skills, fellowship, fun, and unforgettable memories for all involved.