Troop 1154/Crew 1154 Philmont 2015

Dave Mihelcic

Advisor Venturing Crew 1154

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

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

• 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

NORTH

VALLE VIDAL

CENTRAL

SOUTH

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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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Philmont fees $855

Crew shirt $25

Crew supplies $25

Additional night at Philmont $25

Airfare & bus transportation $570 to $770

Total (biggest variable is transportation) $1500 to $1700

Projected Expenses

• 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 Philmont in January 2008!

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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) – Follow your doctor’s advice

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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

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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Philmont Weight Limits

Height Recommended Weight Max. Limit

5’5” 114-162 195

5’8” 125-178 214

6’0” 140-199 239

6’3” 152-216 260

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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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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

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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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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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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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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 let’s hit the trail !