There were 16 youth, who are 13 to 17 years old, and eight adults on the train.Eight adults for 16 youths?
Some may have been older teens doing the Philmont trek
Or some could have been Venture Crew which goes up to age 22
“Eight adults for 16 youths?”
BSA has long had a “two-deep adult leadership” rule to ensure no single adult has access to a Scout. The problems which are well-known with sexual abuse occurred in settings where this rule was broken. In a wilderness backpacking outing, it’s easy for the hiking group to spread out on the trail and extra adults ensure staying with the rule when on the trail. It also allows 2 adults to work with a smaller group on a different trail requirement from another group.
They were headed to Philmont in New Mexico. Likely more than a few dads went along for a good couple of weeks hiking in the mountains with their boys.