On this day in 1969, history was made when Apollo 11 blasted off for the moon. But about five years earlier those astronauts were preparing for the historic day at Philmont Scout Ranch.

Beginning in March 1964, NASA sent these astronauts on geology field trips to introduce them to geologic concepts they might find on the Moon.

The image above shows the group standing in what is now the medical re-check building at the Philmont. Every backcountry participant enters through the same doors and can stand in the same spot as Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong and so many other incredible people went through before them.

A banner hangs in the building that says “Half of the Astronauts who walked on the moon, walked through these doors. What will your legacy be?”

Amid the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, NASA and Scouting will cross paths once again as astronaut and assistant Scoutmaster Drew Morgan prepares to launch to the International Space Station. Morgan is set to chat live from space with Scouts at the World Scout Jamboree on July 24th from 12:30 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. Central Time. Visit http://www.nasa.gov/nasatv to watch it live.