Thousands of Scouts traveled to the New River Gorge this summer to help build hiking and biking trails at SummitCorps: The New River Experience. They came from all over the country, and in one case, even farther.

Let’s meet the Scout who traveled to the trails of West Virginia from Taiwan.

How Far Is It?

But before we meet him, let’s get an idea of how far he traveled.

If he came on a direct flight directly from Taiwan to southern West Virginia, it would be approximately a 7,862-mile trip.

Sure. That’s a whole lot of air miles, but what about trail miles?

If Arrowmen were to build a trail straight to Taiwan at the same rate of speed as SummitCorps, they’d be building for nearly 55 years.

Oh, and there’s that whole Pacific Ocean thing in the way, too.

So, Who Is This Scout?

Ray H., lodge chief of the Achpateuny Lodge, is an Arrowman from Taiwan.

The lodge is part of the Far East Council of the Boy Scouts of America, which includes families of expatriates, the military and the State Department. The council consists of the countries of Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and the Philippines.

While in West Virginia, he was part of a week 3 finishing crew at SummitCorps and worked on the trails that have already been rough-cut by Scouts.

“We made them look pretty and got them signed off by the rangers,” Ray said.

He flew to West Virginia to help build trails and also to network with other Scouts as a part of his position as lodge chief. Talk about dedication.

“It’s a very good way to meet people and to network a bit,” Ray said. “I like to represent my lodge. We didn’t have enough time to get a contingent together, so I just came to represent.”

Looks like service and adventure cross borders just fine.

What’s the farthest you’ve traveled for a Scout event?