What started as a casual idea shared along a riverbank two years ago recently manifested into a history-making summit of Mount Rainier. The Coeur d’Alene-based Trail Life Troop 412 summited Rainier — a 14,411-foot climb — in June. It was the first group within the national organization to do so.  

The men of Troop 412 are no stranger to challenge; in fact, it is a cornerstone of their organization. “Trail Life Troop 412 uses the classroom of the outdoors and the skills needed to survive there as a way to empower, train and develop young men in their spiritual, mental and physical abilities,” Jereme Roodhouse, Adventure Advisor for the group, said. 

Rainier proved to be a challenge in itself for Troop 412. While an expedition was planned for June 1-4, weather conditions prevented the group from making the journey. Ultimately, five Trailmen made it to Rainier’s summit June 24.  

For Roodhouse, the challenge made the summit worth it. “For me, it was simply being with my son and doing something genuinely difficult,” said Roodhouse. “One of the things we try to do is hard things in the troop, and each of those hard things builds upon the other. It allows the young men to build confidence along the way.” 

For him, “getting on the snow right out of the parking lot and having people ask, ‘Where are you going?’ and being able to say, ‘With the Lord’s help, the top’” was unforgettable in itself.  

Troop 412’s historic summit isn’t the only reason the group is getting attention. Joseph Moran received his Freedom Award on Tuesday night during an award ceremony — the highest achievement a Trailman can earn. Moran was named the Freedom Award recipient in July by Post Falls Mayor Ron Jacobson for his work on the trails of Kiwanis Park, which Jacobson described as “a true indication of leadership.” 

    Pre-sunrise trek up Rainier.