This document provides information about Philmont Scout Ranch, a high adventure camp in New Mexico, and outlines the plans and preparations for Troop 1154/Crew 1154 to attend in June 2015. It details the Philmont experience, the contingent's itinerary, expected costs, gear requirements, physical fitness expectations, and objectives for preparatory training hikes. Participants are expected to commit, participate fully in activities and meetings, obtain medical clearance, condition themselves, and properly outfit themselves for the backcountry trek.
2. What is Philmont?
One of the four National High Adventure Bases
operated by the Boy Scouts of America
More than 215 square miles (137,600 Acres) of
Northern New Mexico wilderness donated to the
BSA by Waite Phillips
Over 20,000 Venturers, Scouts, and Scouters
from all over the world attend Philmont each
summer
3. The Philmont Experience
Backcountry camps offer various
unique program opportunities
A chance to meet other Scouts
from around the country and
the world
Personal development
50-Miler award
Potential for satisfying Venturing
Outdoor/Ranger Award
requirements
4. VALLE VIDAL
NORTH
CENTRAL
SOUTH
The Ranch is
divided into four
sections: South,
Central, North and
Valle Vidal
Each dot on this
map represents a
staffed camp where
programs are
offered
5. Troop/Crew 1154
Philmont 2015 Basics
Contingent of up to 4 crews of 12 youth/adults
BSA Troop 1154 & Venturing Crew 1154 will participate
Each crew requires minimum of 2 adult advisors
Co-ed or all female crews require at least 1 female advisor
Itinerary
June 26, 2015: Depart
Note: Possibility of departing one day earlier on 25 June to allow for
touring and altitude acclimation
June 26: Arrive Philmont
June 27 Trip prep at Basecamp
June 28-July 8: Philmont trek (on the trail)
July 8: Return to Basecamp, clean up, closing campfire
July 9: Return home
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6. Projected Expenses
Philmont fees
Crew shirt
Crew supplies
Additional night at Philmont
Airfare & bus transportation
Total (biggest variable is transportation)
$855
$25
$25
$25
$570 to $770
$1500 to $1700
Payments
$100 due 2/15/14
$500 due 9/5/14
$500 due 1/5/15
Balance due 3/5/15
We must make a non-refundable commitment to
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Philmont in January 2008!
7. Expectations
Expedition contract
Sign and return with $100 deposit
Participation
Shakedowns
Anticipate 5-7 starting this spring
Advisor must approve absence in advance
Must participate in at least 75%
Expedition meetings (when called)
Wilderness First Aid & CPR certification (two per crew)
Payments
In full and on schedule
Conditioning
Exercise: at least 3 times per week
Diet: determined by need
Medical Examination
As required by Philmont (no later than 31 March 2015)
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Follow your doctors advice
8. Objectives of Shakedowns
Build endurance, stamina, confidence
Outdoor Classrooms
Learning the skills needed to survive
Backpacking
Primitive Camping and camp cooking skills
First Aid
Land Navigation and Compass Skills
Learning the skills needed to have a great time
Testing gear: personal and Crew
Teamwork: Turning individuals into a Crew
Gives the Crews an opportunity to develop & evaluate their own
teamwork and leadership
Gives Advisor an opportunity to judge Crew readiness
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9. Physical Fitness
MEDICAL EVALUATION
Full medical evaluation within the last 12 months by Doctor
Must be completed no later than 31 March 2015
Must use Philmont health & medical record form
Must have Tetanus or Booster within the last 10 years
Medical re-check upon arrival
Records (chronic illness, medications)
Blood pressure
Weight
Please note any medical or allergic conditions
CONDITIONING
Cannot rely only on Shakedowns!
Aerobic Exercise: Endurance and cardiovascular exercise
Hiking, running, biking, swimming
At least 3 times per week
Strength Exercise: Weight training focusing on
Thighs
Calves
Upper body
Hiking with Backpack
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11. Your Personal Gear: Boots
MOST IMPORTANT PERSONAL ITEM
Basic criteria
Above ankle support
Leather or synthetic (~$125 $250)
Buy boots that fit
Try-on with socks likely to be worn on trail
Buy from reputable dealer
Buy late in day when feet are slightly swollen
Check for fit (e.g.; wiggle toes, minimal movement)
If your feet are still growing, wait till early spring 2009 to buy
Gortex is a MUST!
Apply external waterproofing to maximize life
Add insole if needed
Break them (and your feet) in by hiking!
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12. Your Personal Gear: Backpack
Carries personal gear, crew gear, food, water
Next most important item after boots
Typical trail weight: 30-50 lb (goal ~25% body weight)
Types
External frame (4000 cu in recommended) (~ $100 $200)
Internal frame (4500 cu in recommended) (~ $150 $300)
Critical feature: padded hip belt
Rain cover essential (~ $10 - $20)
Decide what features you want, look at several, try out with
weight
Buy on sale or a from discount outfitter (Campmor, Sierra
Trading Post)
Get fitted at a reputable outdoor store (REI)
Load for Philmont and practice with your own pack!
Rentals available at Philmont if necessary 12
13. Your Personal Gear: Sleeping
Sleeping bag
Less than 4 lbs, min 20 degrees
Type/shape:
Mummy
Rectangular
Wide-mummy/Semi-rectangular
Fill material:
Down (light, tightly packable, warm when dry) (~$150 - $300)
Synthetic (less expensive, heavier, dries quickly when wet) (~ $50 - $150)
Waterproof stuff sack (or sack with garbage bag)
Sleeping pad
Foam (~$15 $25)
Self-inflating (~$30 $80)
Sleeping clothes
T-shirt, running shorts, knit hat
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14. Your Personal Gear: Etc...
Trail clothes
2 pair synthetic/wicking T-Shirts and underwear (DuoFold, Coolmax) (~$10-20
ea)
1 pair hiking synthetic shorts(~$20) and 1 pair zip-offs (~$50)
2 pair wool/synthetic hiking socks (~$10-$15 ea)
3 pair polypro/coolmax liner socks (~$5 ea)
Light fleece
Wide brim hat
Rain jacket
Water bottles (3-4 quarts)
Nalgene bottles (~$10 each)
Empty Gator-Aid bottle for drink mixes
Mess kit
Lexan bowl and spoon
Treking poles
WELL worth the money ($50-$75) and the weight
Personal first aid kit
Personal grooming items
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15. Crew Gear
Provided by Troop & Crew
Stoves and fuel
First Aid Kit
Compass
Repair kit
Etc...
Provided by Philmont
Cook kit
Bear bags
Food
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16. Summary
Lots to do, plenty of time if we start now
Commitment is essential
Preparation needed for success
Maximum participation required
Yes, everyone is really busy
The reward is the trip of a lifetime
So lets hit the trail !
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