While many of their peers were hunkered down in their air-conditioned homes, engaged in Fortnite battles or Snapchat conversations, a group of middle school students braved the elements to experience a side of Kentucky few people ever see.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows through the towering pines as the boys of Troop NC-0834 gathered at the edge of the woods, anticipation crackling in the air. This was no ordinary weekend; they were about to embark on the annual 36-Hour Survival Challenge, a rite of passage that would test their ...