2. Topics for Tonight What is Philmont When are We Going
History
When are We Going
How Much Does it Cost
What is a Trek
What Programs are Offered
What is a Crew
Trek Planning
Personal Equipment List
Physical Fitness
Shakedowns
Skills Training
Code of Conduct
Reality Check

3. What is Philmont
Philmont is BSA's most active High Adventure backpacking base with >2x applications for space
Located in the north-eastern corner of New Mexico -Started in the grand-daddy of camps
Formerly part of Apache & Ute Indian land. Home to historic figures -“Kit Carson” & Carlos Beaubien
Purchased by Waite Phillips (Phillips Oil), who donated a part of this land to BSA – “Phil”-mont)
>840,000 campers have hiked its 137,493 acre rugged mountain wilderness (215 sq. miles!)
~85,000 acres recently added; results in more than 350 total miles of trail
Crews choose from approximately 35 different 12 day, 50 to 105 mile backpacking expeditions
Rugged high-altitude backcountry of the Sangre de Cristo range of the Rocky Mountains
Base Camp is at 6,500ft and Baldy is at 12,441ft – approximately 6,000foot elevation (>1Mile)
32 staffed and ~75 un-staffed camps with unique programs
Expeditions leave base camp daily from mid-June through mid-August

4. Sample Programs Homesteading Archaeology Horse Rides Astronomy
Jicarilla Apache Life
Mountain Biking
Mountain Livin'
Mountain Man Rendezvous
Leave No Trace Camping
Rock Climbing
Search & Rescue
Western Lore
Wilderness First Aid
Archaeology
Astronomy
Black Powder Rifle
Blacksmithing
Burro Racing
Challenge Events (team building)
Continental Tie & Lumber Company
Environmental Awareness
Fly Fishing & Tying
12 Gauge Shotgun & Shooting
Gold Mining & Panning

5. When & How Much? Estimated Costs: $1,500.00, round trip
Depart Newark on Tuesday, June 23rd
Arrival at Philmont on Friday, June 26th
Depart Philmont on Wednesday, July 8th
Estimated Costs:
$1,500.00, round trip
PLUS, Personal Equipment - $300 to $1,000 (avg $500)

6. What is a Trek? Typical Treks (50-65 Miles)
Allows considerable time to enjoy program features
Elevations vary from 6,500 to 12,441 feet
Can be made more challenging by taking side hikes
Rugged Treks (65-80 Miles)
Provides a variety of program opportunities
Designed to meet the needs and desires of most crews
Still has opportunities for programs, for crews that get on the trail early
Strenuous Treks (75-95 Miles)
Should be attempted only by an older crew
Lots of rugged mountain hiking altitude changes
Limited time for programs

7. What is a Crew? 7 – 12 persons, including adult advisors – SCOUT LED
Crew Chief
Setting up and breaking camp & establishing a duty roster
Seeing that “smellables” are properly stored
Making sure that the Philmont Wilderness Pledge is upheld
Ensuring that all members physical and emotional needs are met
Chaplain’s Aide
Ensures that grace is performed
Ensures that religious obligations are fulfilled
Assists in promoting harmony within the crew
Crew Development
Will be formed during the “shakedown” hikes
Based on personalities, hiking skills, maturity, “friendship” & balance
Advisors (adult leaders)
NOT the crew leader, remains in the background

8. Planning?
Planning
Careful preparation makes for a successful trek. A Philmont trek is a significant challenge, and crews and individuals must work hard to be prepared. Unprepared crews can and do experience difficulty, while prepared crews will have the experience of a lifetime
Crews and individuals should carefully include all of the following in their planning:
Crew and Personal Equipment
Physical Fitness Preparation
Preparatory Backpacking
Skills Training

9. Personal Equipment List
Pack; Select either:
– External frame ~4,000 cu. in., or Internal ~4,800ci
– Pack cover (waterproof) & Lightweight day pack
Sleeping
– Sleeping bag in stuff sack & Foam sleeping pad
– Sleeping clothes
Clothing
– Layer A (Hiking Clothes -No cotton)
Hike boots (broken-in) & Lightweight camp shoes
2 pair of heavy socks & 3-4 inner socks
2 changes of underwear & 1 pair of hiking shorts
2 short-sleeve shirts (polypro -not cotton)
One hat or cap
– Layer B (Cool Evening)
One long-sleeve shirt (wool/flannel)
One pair of long pants (zip-leg; no jeans)
– Layer C (Cold, Wet, Windy)
One sturdy rain suit (jacket for cold evenings)
– Ponchos are not recommended
Eating/Drinking
– Spoon & bowl & 6 Liters of Total Water Capacity
– Nalgene and Platypus Hydration Type
– A 2-Liter Collapsible (for dry camps)
Personal & Miscellaneous
– 2 “Ditty” bag (to hold personal items)
– 1 small pocketknife (only per crew req’d)
– Compass (only per crew req’d)
– LED Flashlight (headlamp)
– Toothbrush, toothpaste, & Small towel
Personal First Aid Kit/Repair Kit:
– 1 Ziploc bag to put kit in
– Moleskin (or equivalent) & 10 Band-Aides (assorted)
– 2+ Antiseptic Wipe Packets
– Aspirin, Acetaminophen, or Ibuprofen tablets
– Imodium, and Benadryl (Antihistamine)
– Needle and thread (repair)
– 1 Pencil and small note pad
– 1-2ft of duct tape (wrap around pencil)
Pre/Post Philmont Travel:
– Travel Attire – BSA Field Uniform
– Large duffle bag to hold pack during air travel
– Soap/Deodorant (for shower at pre/post trek)
– Money for snacks / gifts (Suggest $100.00)
Optional
– Camera, Sun Screen and Bug Repellent, Lip balm (at least SPF 25), (not chap stick - melts)
– Sunglasses and case, Watch, Postcards (stamped),
Rubber bands (large, for packing),
– Powder (e.g. Gold Bond), Baby Wipes in a Ziploc bag, Pillow
– If you get cold easily:
• Lightweight sweater (wool/fleece), Stocking cap (wool/polypro), Glove liners (lightweight)

10. Physical Fitness (Primarily an Issue for Adults)
To enjoy a Philmont experience, participants must be prepared to carry a 35-50lb pack
Philmont has it’s own Medical (Physical) form– They do not accept BSA Camp Physicals
Areas of concern include, but are not limited to:
– heart disease, high blood pressure, insulin dependent diabetes, excessive weight, seizure disorder, asthma, recent musculoskeletal injuries/surgery, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, & psychological/emotional difficulties (blood pressure, without medication must be less than 150/95 for any hiker)
A regular program of physical conditioning for at least 6 months prior to a trek is essential
– Plan to exercise 3 to 5 times a week for 30 to 60 minutes
– Do not underestimate the importance of physical conditioning, especially for advisors
There are several aspects of proper “Philmont” fitness training:
– Aerobic training & Leg strengthening (focused on hiking muscles and altitude conditioning)
– Feet and hips conditioning
Backpacking is the best way to prepare for a Philmont trek
– Troop 603 will conduct 6 “Shakedown” Hikes on the Appalachian Trail
– Scouts/Leaders must attend at least 4 of the scheduled hikes

11. Trek Preparation - Shakedowns
The purpose is not just to go backpacking
–Learn and practice “Leave No Trace Behind” skills
–Begin the team building process & Identify crew leadership
–Check on physical fitness
Each Trek will follow the Appalachian trail starting no later than May of 2008
–Length will vary from about 10 to 22 miles.
–Treks will be scheduled for May, June, September (2008); then March, April, and May (2009)
–Each Trek with have a crew leader and co-leader, who will be responsible for crew assignments, hike progress, equipment assignments, pack checks, camp setup & tear-down, crew responsibilities, trip reports
Additional meetings will be required for
–Shakedown Preparation & Equipment Training
–Crew Leader & Trek selection
–Final Trip Logistics (for Parents)
–Crew Gear Assignments & Pack Check (just prior to departure)

12. Skills Training
“Leave No Trace Behind” camping skills are practiced at Philmont
Philmont is a special place - pristine area, despite heavy use
All hikers adopt a special reverence for this land, and protect it
The following skills & teamwork must be mastered:
–Hiking Techniques
–First Aid
–Campsite Setup & Operations
–Smellables and Bears
–Operation of white-gas backpacking stoves
–Cooking and Cleaning
–Personal Hygiene & Sanitation
–Food & Trash Handling
–Map & Compass
–Water Treatment & Conservation
Adults must complete Youth Protection, CPR, & Wilderness First Aid
–Scouts may attend

13. Sample Philmont Code of Conduct
1. I recognize that the Troop program leadership is responsible for the supervision of its members in respect to maintaining discipline, safety, and security, while upholding the Philmont Contingent Code of Conduct.
2. I understand that the Troop program leadership is responsible for maintaining and ensuring that the policies and procedures for the trip are followed. I agree to abide by these policies and procedures.
3. I understand that the Troop program leadership has final selection on crew assignments, but that every effort will be made to place the scout with friends. In addition, I understand that the total needs of the crew have priority, including adjustments in buddy arrangements. Adjustments are at the discretion of the Lead advisor.
4. I will set a good example by keeping myself neatly dressed and presentable. (The official Scout uniform and crew identifying items are the only acceptable apparel at designated times)
5. I will attend all scheduled programs/training and participate in cooperation with other unit members and leadership.
6. I understand that advisors must complete Youth Protection Training, CPR, and Wilderness First Aid.
7. I understand that no one will separate from the crew during the trip. We will travel together, stay together while en-route and return together. The buddy system will be employed at all times.
8. I understand I am expected to use/carry the crew gear provided and will carry personal items as listed in the personal equipment list.
9. I will be guided by the Scout Oath and Law; and must obey all U.S., local and state laws as well as the relevant policies of the Boy Scouts of America.
10.Serious/ or repetitive behavior violations by youth and adults including use of alcohol, drugs (including the ownership of drug paraphernalia), stealing, dishonesty, fighting, withholding information to the above violations, and inappropriate language may result in expulsion from the crew, departure from Philmont (at the participant’s own expense and without refund of any fees) or other serious disciplinary action including loss of privileges
Troop 603 will issue a similar Code of Conduct and ask each boy/parent/leader to sign

14. Should I Go to Philmont?

15. Reality Check When is a Scout Ready for Philmont?
Desire and commitment
Financial Resources
Physical & Emotional Readiness
Maturity
Will they eat the food and drink the water?
Can they self-medicate?
Will they practice personal hygiene?
Can they work within the patrol method?

16. A Sample of Resources Philmont Scout Ranch PhilSearch–
PhilSearch –
Seldon’s Philmont pages –
Philmont listservers & bulletin boards
– (unOfficial site) –
Philmont Trading Post –

20. Funding the Trip Write a check? Fundraisers? How Many? What Kind?
Participation Requirements?

21. Fundraiser Dates February 9th: March 29th: April 19th: May 10th:
June 21st:

22. There are no bad treks at Philmont!
The Final Word
There are no bad treks at Philmont!