Philmont Expedition

What is Philmont?

Philmont is 137,493 acres of challenging Scout adventure set in among the mountains and mesas of northeastern New Mexico.  Explore the Philmont high-country on a 12-day and over 70 mile backpacking expedition.  Experience the thrill of climbing mountains over two miles high.  Learn technical rock climbing, archaeological excavation techniques, and blacksmithing.  Relive the by-gone days of the Old West as you ride a western saddle horse, learn the ways of the mountain man, pack burros, and pan for gold in a clear mountain stream.    Discover the wonder of Scouting’s Paradise as over 650,000 Scouts, Explorers, and leaders have since 1939.  Philmont Scout Ranch is located in the beautiful and rugged Sangre de Christo Range of Northeastern New Mexico near Cimarron. 

When is it?

The council currently has reservations July 25th – August 6, 2006.  We will be planning a pre-trip itinerary, which will call for us to leave Marin on July 24th and return on August 6th.  So the entire adventure will cover 14 days from
July 24th to August 6th, 2006.

How many can go?

The Council currently has reservations for 2 crews, each crew will consist of 10 youth and 2 adult advisors for a total of 20 youth and 4 adults.  One crew will be reserved as a Coed crew, allowing Venturing crews and Exploring Posts to participate.

Who can attend?

Participants must be a registered member of BSA and be at least 14 by January 1, 2006, or have completed the 8th Grade AND be at least 13 years of age prior to the date of the trek.
Been active in your Troop or Crew, have the recommendation of your Scoutmaster or Crew Advisor, be willing to participate in at least two pre-treks (one can be an outing with your Troop or Crew)

Other desired experience: (although not required to participate) Have completed a 50 miler or equivalent backpacking experience.    Have earned the following merit badges by July 1, 2006: Swimming, First Aid, Orienteering and Camping and Backpacking or Wilderness Survival (or equivalent experience for crews).

Selection Criteria

Participants will be selected based on strength of application, backpacking experience, fitness, training, leadership, teamwork, age, recommendations and pre-trek participation.  Those that are not selected will receive a refund of any deposits.

Cost

The total cost will be approximately $1,400 which will include the following:

• Philmont Expedition fee
• Airfare to/from Albuquerque, NM
• Ground transportation to/from Philmont Scout Ranch
• All pre-trip expenses (lodging/meals)
• Training expenses (pre-treks)
• Administrative expenses
• Promotion
• Contingency fees

The final cost will be determined once the final arrangements have been confirmed.  A payment schedule will be determined to make sure all costs are covered and funds are available when needed to purchase air and other prearranged items.  We plan to do fundraising activities to defray some costs.

Refunds

All fees paid are not refundable unless a suitable replacement is found.  You are responsible for finding your replacement and the selection committee will make a determination if the replacement is suitable.

Travel

We will fly from San Francisco to Albuquerque, NM.  There we will rent vehicles and take a day to reach Philmont Scout Ranch.  All contingent members while traveling to and from Philmont will wear full field uniforms (Class A).

Training

To ensure the success and enjoyment of the Philmont Trek, we will institute a training program that will involve Crew and personal physical conditioning and several pre-trek backpacking experiences to prepare each member physically and mentally.  Participation in the conditioning and pre-treks is mandatory to mold the unit into an efficient camping crew.  Pre-treks will be scheduled in April, May, June and July 2006.  Physical conditioning will begin in Jan. 2006.

Medical Forms

Philmont Medical Forms will be received in March 2006.  You will need to schedule a physical exam to have this form completed by your physician.  This form is required to be filled out completely to be able to participate.  You must use the Philmont Special form provided.  Verification of Tetanus immunization is required within the last ten years.

Risk Advisory

Please review the Risk Advisory in detail to understand all risks and guidelines for health information.  All participants must not exceed the maximum acceptable weight limits for backpacking.  Please review carefully this section of the Risk Advisory.

This Philmont Trek will involve hiking with a 35-50 lbs. Backpack between 6,500 and 12,500-ft. elevations.  Philmont recommends that participants carry a pack weighing no more than 20-30 percent of their body weight.

Crew Development

Crews will elect a Crew leader and use the Patrol method to make decisions and share responsibility.  The Crew leader will represent the Crew at all Contingent meetings and Philmont experiences.  All pre-treks will try to simulate the Philmont experience allowing the Crew members to get a feel for one another and hone their skills on the trail.  The crews ability to work efficiently together to select and plan the trek, prepare and clean up meals, set a good pace on the trail, physically able to withstand the rigors of long miles and high elevation, and develop Crew Spirit will maximize their enjoyment of the entire experience. 

Equipment

We will use tents that are provided by Philmont.  They are light and easy to set up.  Philmont will issue other crew gear that will need to be shared among the crews.  Personal gear lists will be provided to ensure that everyone have the right equipment prior to the Philmont experience.  Boots are important.  Make sure you purchase any new boots allowing for critical break in periods to make sure they are comfortable during the Philmont trek.  We will determine how we will provide for items such as stoves as the crews are established.  It is assumed that participants will have packs, sleeping bags, sleeping pads and appropriate clothing.  If not, packs and sleeping bags can be rented at several locations in the Bay Area, as well as at Philmont.