RickG,

It looks like you're on the right track with your planning and training. It's going to be a memorable experience for those Scouts! You are all in for a real treat.

In 2006 I had the pleasure of leading a group from my son's Boy Scout troop to the summit of Mount Whitney. There were 14 of us - 7 Scouts and 7 dads. We did it as a 6-day backpacking trip, going in at Cottonwood Lakes, over New Army Pass, and out at Whitney Portal. That made it an extended adventure for us to enjoy, but more importantly, that way I was less concerned about AMS issues on summit day. I limited it to Scouts 15 years (or nearly so) and older with experience on our previous multi-day backpacking trips, and I required training hikes in the months beforehand.

Since then, every one of them cited climbing Mount Whitney as a highlight of their time in Scouting.

Have fun!

Glenn