Cradle of Liberty Council Boy Scouts of America. High Adventure Training Committee. Scout and Advisor Philmont Crew Training Guide 3 rd Edition

Transcription

1 Cradle f Liberty Cuncil By Scuts f America High Adventure Training Cmmittee Scut and Advisr Philmnt Crew Training Guide 3 rd Editin Revised January 2017 Originally Prepared by: Tm Cannn, Franz Fruewald and Fran Talarwski

2 Cntents Intrductin... 3 What Is Philmnt?... 4 Hw is Philmnt Organized?... 5 The Cntingent and The Crew... 6 The Rle f the Cuncil in Supprting the Advisrs... 7 Trek Selectin... 8 Travel t Philmnt... 9 Base Camp Prcedures Base Camp Arrival Base Camp Return The Philmnt Ranger Individual Gear Needs Packs Bts Rain Gear Sleeping Bags Other Gear Crew Gear Needs Stves Cking Gear Philmnt Supplied vs. Crew Supplied Tents Ck Sets Dining Fly Philmnt Prcedures Bear Bag Prcedures Cking Outline Appendix A: 2016 First Aid Training Requirements fr Philmnt Crews Appendix B: Training Hike Opprtunities Clse t Hme Overnight Hikes Day Hikes Page 2 f 25

3 Intrductin The purpse f this intrductry guide is t prvide Philmnt crew advisrs and crews sme basic infrmatin abut Philmnt, what yu shuld expect as a crew, and hw the Cradle f Liberty Cuncil manages its cntingent f crews as we prepare and eventually embark n ur great Philmnt adventures. We have included infrmatin abut sme f the Philmnt prcedures t help give yu an idea f hw Philmnt perates. Every crew member will als want t read thrugh the Philmnt Guidebk t Adventure, published by the Philmnt Scut Ranch (als available n the Philmnt website). This bklet prvides a cnsiderable amunt f additinal detail abut Philmnt. The Cradle f Liberty Cuncil rganizes a cntingent f crews (7 t 12 members each) and arranges all details f the trip t Philmnt. Cntingent sizes have ranged frm abut 100 t 160 members. Crews perate as teams, preparing themselves fr a great experience. It takes cnsiderable preparatin as a team fr the extended, high altitude camping experience. It is the hpe f the Cradle f Liberty Cuncil High Adventure Cmmittee, that we have dne ur best t supprt each crew in preparing fr this trip, that yur crew will have a memrable and rewarding experience, and that yu have a safe trip. The High Adventure Cmmittee cnducts a series f training sessins fr crew advisrs, crew leaders, and the crews thrughut the year leading up t the Philmnt trip. These sessins are staffed by ur team f very experienced staff, mst f wh have been t Philmnt a number f times. We are available t share ur experiences with yu as yu wrk t prepare fr yur trip. Page 3 f 25

4 What Is Philmnt? Philmnt Histry/Backgrund Size 137,493 acres/215 sq. miles Lcatin N. E. crner f New Mexic Sangre de Crist Muntain Range Peaks/Elevatin Base Camp (6696 ft) vs. Baldy/Phillips (12,441 & 11,736 ft) vs. Philadelphia (under 1000 ft) Mre than 20,000 Hikers per seasn practicing Leave-n-Trace camping Dnated and endwed by Waite Phillips Wh was he? Phillips Petrleum Legacy f Philmnt Waite Phillips' "Summer Getaway" Fish Camp/Hunting Ldge/Villa Philmnte Philturn Rcky Muntain Scut Camp Endwment Philtwer Office Building in Tulsa, OK. Philmnt Gegraphy/Envirnment Nrthwest Baldy Cuntry and Nrth (Valle Vidal area) Elevatin: 8,400' - 12,550' Weather: Cl t cld nights - (30-40 F) Warm dry days Sme rapidly mving thunderstrms Water Supply: Very gd Nrth Pnil Cuntry Elevatin: 6,700' - 9,200' Weather: Cl t warm nights Warm t ht dry days Sme rapidly mving thunderstrms rare flash flds in valleys Water Supply: Staffed camps - gd, fair n trail Central Cimarrn Cuntry Elevatin: 6,600' - 9,400' Weather: Cl t warm nights Warm t ht dry days Sme rapidly mving thunderstrms Water Supply: Staff camps - gd, fair/pr n trail Suth Rayad Cuntry Elevatin: 6,500' - 11,711' Weather: Cld t warm nights Warm t ht dry days Sme rapidly mving thunderstrms Water Supply: Very gd Page 4 f 25

5 Hw is Philmnt Organized? Over 30 prgrams in ttal are ffered, e.g. rck climbing, shtgun shting, blacksmithing, etc. Treks will differ with respect t the prgrams ffered and the extent t which prgrams are ffered. Prgrams ffered are detailed in the Philmnt Itinerary Guide. Yu are als nt guaranteed that prgrams will be available when yur crew reaches camp as prgrams are generally run n a first-cme, first-served basis. Certain prgrams such as hrseback riding, burr packing, and Chuck Wagn Breakfast/Dinner can be scheduled in advance, hwever being scheduled fr an activity des nt guarantee participatin. i.e. Yu cannt arrive 2 hurs late fr a Chuck Wagn dinner and expect the staff t save yu stew! 35 Defined Trek Itineraries which can change year t year thrugh the additin/deletin f new treks as well as changes t existing treks. Trek itineraries require that crews be camped each night in the lcatin specified in their itinerary; hwever side hikes and rute taken t and frm each camp are up t each individual crew. Crews may pick up additinal prgrams en rute t their final destinatins. Treks vary in their degree f difficulty and length f trek (frm apprximately 51 t 106 miles) and in the degree f elevatin change. Factrs t cnsider in selecting trek are the age, size, and maturity f Scuts in crew. Keep in mind that trek lengths d nt include side-hikes and additinal prgram ptins. Mst crews tend t hike 25-33% mre miles than riginally thught. The selectin prcess Each crew will need t evaluate the itineraries ffered and rank the tp 5 itineraries in which they wuld like t participate. Each crew advisr will receive a Philmnt Itinerary Guide, usually in March f the expeditin year, frm which the crew will be required t submit their 5 tp selectins and submit it t Philmnt Scut Ranch via their website reservatin system. Trek selectins will be made n a first cmefirst served basis. The Philmnt website prvides cpies f the prir year s Guide t assist in advance planning/selectin. We recmmend using this as a reference, but remember that trek numbers and prgrams can change frm ne year t the next. Always duble-check the Itinerary Guide fr the trek year befre registering yur trek ptins. Please see Page 8 f this guide fr mre details. Yu are nt guaranteed yur trek. Smetimes circumstances may arise such as the 2002, 92,000 acre Pnil Fire which caused many f the treks slated fr the Nrth sectin f the Ranch t be diverted t the Suth sectin and cmparable treks prvided. In 2013, a number f fires near, but nt n, the Philmnt prperty caused changes t itineraries and clsure t certain parts f camp. Althugh Philmnt des its best t match crews with selected prgrams in these emergencies, participants shuld be flexible and willing t accept changes as necessary. The maximum number f crews departing base camp each day that may be n a specific trek is limited t tw. Since the Cradle f Liberty Cuncil typically has abut 1/3 f the crews ging ut n their specific departure date, yur crew may very well be cmpeting with ther Cradle f Liberty crews fr a specific trek. Fr mre infrmatin n Philmnt Trek Itineraries, please g t: BSA s fficial Philmnt site ( Page 5 f 25

6 The Cntingent and The Crew (A.K.A. All fr One, One fr All) The Cntingent (cmpsed f all Cuncil crews traveling tgether) supprts each crew in whatever way necessary t ensure a safe and successful trip fr the Scuts. In ding s, each crew must als supprt and assist the Cntingent t ensure a safe and successful trip fr the Scuts. The Cradle f Liberty Cuncil perates the Cntingent based n ver 30 years f successful expeditins t Philmnt Scut Ranch. Over thse years, we ve changed transprtatin methds (n lnger week-lng train trips), tur stps (whitewater rafting is a current favrite), and rganizatin (a few vlunteer High Adventure Cmmittee members travel as cntingent leaders with the grup). After every trip, we ask fr detailed input frm all crews (yuth and adult participants) n training and travel s we can imprve ur methds and prvide the best quality fr all future Scuts. Althugh we understand and appreciate that every crew and unit has their wn style and persnality, there are certain expectatins the Cuncil has fr all participants. Participants must: be prepared with prper paperwrk (specifically medical and release frms) befre the annual training weekend and subsequent arrival at Philmnt. fllw all Cuncil and Philmnt plicies, prcedures and directins. Specific t this pint, Advisrs mentr and guide the crew leader, while allwing them t lead the crew. Additinally, the Philmnt Ranger is cnsidered the resurce fr all Philmnt plicies and prcedures (such as bear bag and campsite setup, and strm safety prcedures). If there is a disagreement between Advisrs and a Ranger, the Advisr shuld step-aside with the Ranger and nt discuss these disagreements in frnt f the crew. wear unifrms at all times during travel. Cntingent leaders may decide t allw Class B (Cntingent t-shirt) unifrms during certain activities. All participants will be given tw Class B Cntingent t-shirts prir t departure. Any crew-specific t-shirts shuld nt be wrn until crews reach base camp r are n the trail. refrain frm any and all vcal r physical threats (including nn-cnstructive discipline) t ther participants. These are taken very seriusly and it is a vilatin f Yuth Prtectin t have such an altercatin. train and prepare as a crew and individually as needed based n guidelines frm the Cuncil and Philmnt. The High Adventure Cmmittee cnstantly lks fr ways t imprve the verall experience fr Scuts participating in the Philmnt Cntingent. Please share yur ideas befre, during and after yur expeditin! Page 6 f 25

7 The Rle f the Cuncil in Supprting the Advisrs Nte: Philmnt cnsiders ALL adults (whether first time dads r veteran Scutmasters) Advisrs and as such shuld be familiar with all plicies and prcedures and plan t attend all advisr training sessins. As the Adult members f the crews, advisrs must keep tw ften cnflicting ideas in mind at all times: Yu are respnsible fr the health and safety f the members f yur crew. Yu are n vacatin and the Crew Leader shuld be the persn wh leads the crew. Prir t yur arrival at Philmnt Scut Ranch, Advisrs shuld: Train their crew fr the rigrs f Philmnt Establish a schedule f crew meetings and training hikes (see hike ideas in Appendix B) Set the expectatin that EVERYONE make all crew activities. The crew must be able t functin as a unit at Philmnt. Make certain that everyne is in prper physical and emtinal shape t handle Philmnt Crews will have t rise early, break camp and hit the trail efficiently every day, rain r shine, fr 10 cnsecutive days. Crews will have t arrive at camp at a reasnable time t establish camp and prepare and clean-up dinner every day fr 10 cnsecutive days. Make certain that everyne has the prper equipment and knws hw t use it. Training hikes are the time t stress individuals and their equipment Learn what wrks and what desn't Discver what equipment needs t be replaced and replace it early Becme aware f the characteristics f the individual members f the crew and the crew as a whle. Advisrs must knw hw t read the members f the crew Learn t recgnize when smene is stressed and when smene is just being lazy Be aware f the medical and emtinal histries f the crew (speak t parents). Wh has dietary restrictins? Fd allergies? Wh has ADHD r ADD? (Philmnt may nt be the time fr these individuals t g ff their medicatins fr the summer.) Wrk with Cuncil t ensure that all fees are paid n time. Be certain that every adult (crew member 18 years r lder at the time f the trek) has BSA Yuth Prtectin Training, prper clearances as per PA state law and that every crew has at least ne participant with current certificatin in Wilderness First Aid and CPR. (Please see Appendix A fr current requirements.) The Crew Leader must lead. BSA is a by-led rganizatin. The Crew Leader is the yuth leader f the crew. He is the persn wh interacts with Philmnt staff in the backcuntry and with the Ranger in an "fficial" capacity. If a training schedule is set up prperly, the Crew Leader will knw what t d and will d what the advisrs wuld have dne. All will have much mre fun, t. The High Adventure Cmmittee runs a required training sessin fr all Crew Leaders in the Cuncil Cntingent prir t yur trek. Advisrs shuld have fun, they re n vacatin! Page 7 f 25

8 Trek Selectin Chsing yur crew s Philmnt Trek Itinerary can be ne f the mst difficult decisins yur crew will have t make. With s many great prgram fferings, hw d yu balance the desire t see the prperty with the excitement f s many staff camp experiences? In additin t the High Adventure Cmmittee s in-persn training, use this infrmatin as a guide t help yur crew make the best chice fr them. Detailed infrmatin n the specific selectin prcess will be reviewed with all advisrs prir t Philmnt deadlines. The mst imprtant thing t remember is that every crew must make this decisin n their wn; dn t assume yur trek will be the same as anther crew just because they ve dne a certain itinerary in the past. First f all, the itinerary must be the yuth s decisin! The tp five chices must meet all crew members physical abilities and all crew members shuld be willing t accept any f these chices. Every itinerary ffers a full Philmnt experience. Yuth participants are usually fully capable f mastering the challenge. Many adults wh lead sedentary lifestyles have great difficulty and culd ptentially be placing themselves in harm s way. ITINERARY DISTANCES Mileage distance fr each trek is calculated frm the GIS map shwn fr the itinerary. Be aware that this distance is measured frm camp t camp and des nt include side hikes (except fr Baldy Mt. and the Tth f Time), ging t r frm cnservatin sites, r hiking t prgram areas (ften significant distances). Because f this, mst crews can expect t actually cver 25% t 33% mre mileage than is shwn. Philmnt prvides mileages t give a cnsistent, cmparable distance between itineraries. SELECTING YOUR ITINERARY The three tls yur crew needs t make their five (5) tp itinerary chices are: 1. The Philmnt wall map - after yur crew receives itinerary cnfirmatin, they shuld purchase the sectinal map suggested fr their itinerary fr mre accurate navigatin planning. 2. The Guidebk t Adventure which gives a brief descriptin f the available prgrams. 3. The PHILMONT TREKS Itinerary Guide. Available Spring 2016 nline and distributed by High Adventure Cmmittee t advisrs. A 2015 guide can be used fr preparatin, hwever treks may change year t year. Many crews determine their wn unique methd f chsing their tp five (5) itinerary chices hwever sme tried and true methds are: 1. Based n yur cnditining prgram, determine the level f difficulty that best suits the crew. 2. Have each crew member select their five (5) favrite prgrams. 3. Tally the vtes fr each prgram. The descriptin page fr each itinerary, lcated ppsite the sketch map and elevatin graph in the Itinerary Guide, lists the mst cmmn prgrams available fr that itinerary. Crews are nt required t participate in each and every ne as sme may nt interest yur crew, r weather may hinder participatin. Just because a prgram is shwn as being available at a camp, des nt insure yur crew that they will be able t take advantage f it particularly if yu arrive at the camp late in the day. A few prgrams such as the chuck wagn dinner, hrse rides and the use f burrs fr equipment packing, require scheduling when the crew leader and Advisrs meet with their trip planner in lgistics at base camp. TYPICALLY HORSE-BACK RIDING, BURRO PACKING, OR CHUCK WAGON PROGRAMS WILL ONLY BE GIVEN TO CREWS WITH THAT PROGRAM ON THEIR ITINERARY. Page 8 f 25

9 Travel t Philmnt The Cradle f Liberty Cuncil arranges and crdinates the cntingent grup travel t and frm Philmnt. The fllwing brief utline shuld give yu an idea f hw this wrks. We are nt a travel agency, but ur gals are t lead a well-trained cntingent t Philmnt Scut Ranch, while wrking t help ensure the safety and security f ur scuts and their belngings. We will travel by air frm Philadelphia t Denver. We usually can fly nn-stp, althugh a plane change may be necessary. We ften split the cntingent fr airline travel, but travel by cach bus as full cntingent upn landing. We have als traditinally included tw days f turing in the Clrad/New Mexic area as we travel frm Denver t Philmnt lcated in Cimarrn, New Mexic. We have High Adventure Cmmittee members designated as cntingent leaders wh versee and manage the trip, the turing, and the return trip. Because we are travelling as a grup f well ver 125, we have a number f prcedures in place t ensure the safety and success f the trip. The Cntingent Leaders are the traveling liaisns f the High Adventure Cmmittee and therefre the Cradle f Liberty Cuncil. All scuts and leaders travel in class A unifrm (Official Scut shrts and shrt sleeve shirt, scks, bts, cntingent neckerchief r bl, hat & backpack. N individual hats, jackets, etc). When permitted t walk abut the airprt and all ther public areas, scuts must be in GROUPS OF FOUR OR MORE (Philmnt buddy system). This includes rest rms, restaurants, gift shps and any ther area. Nte: Punctuality and rder is a cnstant cncern with a large grup we are very strict n this. Airplanes d nt wait fr anyne and mving a large grup quickly frm place t place is very imprtant. Cntingent day packs are given t all participants fr day-t-day activity needs and as a carry-n bag. These are the nly bags allwed as carry-n. When directed by the Cntingent Leaders, participants may dress in class B unifrm - cntingent T-shirt - and nt scut shrt sleeve unifrm shirt and neckerchief. During the trip frm Denver t Philmnt Scut Ranch, we will be spending the nights in htel rm accmmdatins. Althugh participants will have full access t their packs at this time, nly necessary equipment fr the night shuld be unpacked. In the mrning they will have t quickly pack and be prepared t depart, s they shuld nt unpack mre than abslutely necessary. The specific itinerary changes frm year t year, s a detailed letter will be sent ut prir t the trip. This letter will include emergency cntact infrmatin fr parents and daily activity schedule. Page 9 f 25

10 Base Camp Prcedures Base Camp Arrival In general, nce the cntingent arrives at Philmnt, we stp functining as a cntingent f several crews and begin functining independently. The cntingent leaders have a few business items t address (e.g., letting the staff in the Welcme Center knw we have arrived, cmpleting paperwrk at Administratin, paying the bill), but frm this pint until we bard the buses fr the return trip t Denver in 2 weeks, yur crew will wrk with yur Ranger t negtiate Base Camp. Please nte that the exact prcess may change frm year t year (see the current Guidebk t Adventure given t all participants fr updated infrmatin). The basics remain unchanged. Yur Ranger will guide yu thrugh the prcess. It is imprtant t realize that yu shuld remain flexible thrughut the check-in prcess. Yu, yur crew and yur Ranger all want t hit the trail tmrrw, but sme things must be dealt with first. The Welcme Center The Crew Advisr and Crew Leader frm each crew will check in at the Welcme Center. While this is happening, the welcme center staff will supervise the unlading f packs frm the buses and the frmatin f pack lines just beynd the welcme center. Yu will meet yur Ranger here and receive yur Trail- Bund Tent City assignments fr tnight. Administrative Services The cntingent leaders will cllect rsters and certificatin cpies prir t arrival at base camp. They will use these items t check in the entire cntingent at nce at the administrative ffices. Advisrs can rder extra cpies f yur crew pht at check-in time (everyne gets a "free" cpy.) Dn t frget t get yur lunch ticket (if needed) fr the final day in base camp. Yur Ranger will generally guide yu thrugh the fllwing prcedures (in n particular rder) between Mnday arrival and the time yu hit the trail n Tuesday. Crew Phts Every crew has its pht taken. This pht will be a valued suvenir f yur trek fr years t cme, but als serves as yur ID phts in case Philmnt has t send ut its search and rescue (PhilSAR) t lk fr yu r any members f yur crew. The Pht area (at the far end f tent city) clses daily at abut 11:30 AM. Trail-Bund Tent City Yu will be assigned wall tents, 2 t a tent. Stw yur gear here as sn as yu can. Always keep valuables ut f sight and yur tent flaps secured. Strms can pp up in secnds. Lgistics Lead Advisr and Crew Leader will cnfirm yur itinerary. They ll check the water bard fr the latest infrmatin abut water surces alng yur rute, find ut abut trail cnditins, reserve yur time slts fr varius back cuntry activities (e.g., hrseback riding, rck climbing, pack mules). If yu return t Base Camp by bus, they will als receive yur pick-up time dn't be late!! Pst Office Pick up stves and fuel bttle yur crew shipped ahead f time, alng with mail fr participants that may have arrived. The Cntingent Leaders will discuss stve shipment in spring f yur departure year. Quartermaster and Fd Services Check ut Philmnt equipment fr back cuntry (ck sets, utensils, dining fly, tents, water purificatin tablets, sump frisbee, "yum-yum" bags, bear bags, bear bag rpe, fd fr yur first several days n the trail). If yu are using Philmnt's tents (PhilTents), they are free-standing and require 6-8 tent pegs which yur crew prvides; the dining fly (PhilFly) requires abut 10 tent pegs which yur crew prvides. If yu are using Philmnt's tents and fly, plan n each crew member bringing abut 5 tent pegs fr use n the tents and fly. The crew will als need t purchase fuel fr yur stves as they were shipped empty. Medical Re-Check Each crew member will meet with a member f Philmnt's medical staff t review yur medical frm, check yur height, weight and bld pressure. Philmnt is serius abut this. If yur weight exceeds the guidelines fr yur height (i.e., if yu are t shrt fr yur weight), yu will be sent hme. Participants 21 years r lder wh are ver their maximum acceptable weight will be sent hme at their expense. Participants under 21 Page 10 f 25

11 years ld wh are up t 20 lbs ver their maximum acceptable weight shuld discuss a POSSIBLE exceptin with Philmnt physicians PRIOR t arrival. N participant ver 295 lbs is allwed n the trail. N participant ver 200 lbs may ride hrses. If yur bld pressure is t high ver 150/95 yu will be kept ff the trail until it drps t an acceptable level, r sent hme if it des nt drp. The medical staff becmes cncerned if yur bld pressure is ver 135/85. Bring yur medicatins t Medical Re-Check. Thse using inhalers shuld bring new inhalers (i.e., still sealed in the riginal cntainer) -- Philmnt wants t be certain that yu have enugh medicatin fr tw weeks with yu. Shake-Dwn Yur Ranger will have the entire crew g thrugh everything yu intend t bring n the trail. This is a time t decide what t leave in the lcker, what can be shared (tth paste, sap, flashlights, pcketknives, maps, cmpasses) and what cannt (sleeping bags, bts). Yur Ranger will have ideas and suggestins abut which items yu may want t leave behind. Listen t yur Ranger's suggestins, but use gd judgment based n yur training hikes. Meet with Cntingent Leaders Advisrs pick up final items (such as mney fr return breakfast at airprt) frm Cntingent leaders immediately fllwing dinner Mnday night. Yur Ranger will tell yur crew leader and advisrs abut these things that need t be dne, but yur crew will generally be n yur wn t accmplish them. Advisrs' Meeting A 30-minute meeting with all advisrs. Sme imprtant health and safety reminders. Gd infrmatin abut the Chaplains and hw they can be f assistance in the back cuntry. Crew Leaders' Meeting Similar t the Crew Advisr's meeting, but with a fcus n the by leader's respnsibilities in the back cuntry. Meals Yu will have Lunch and Dinner in the Dining Hall n Mnday, Breakfast (and Lunch, depending upn when yu hit the trail) n Tuesday. Yur crew shuld be in "Class A" ur travel unifrm - fr Mnday dinner. After that, yu are n yur wn. Please be in "Class A" fr Dinner n Friday (after returning frm the trail). Wrship Base Camp shuts dwn frm 7 PM t 8 PM daily fr Wrship. There are daily Jewish, Cathlic, Prtestant and LDS wrship services at that time. The twelfth pint f the Scut Law is "A Scut is Reverent." All members f the cntingent are expected t attend wrship n Mnday and Friday evening. Opening Campfire Starts shrtly after the cnclusin f evening wrship. This is the stry f Philmnt, the peple wh lived here and hw Philmnt Scut Ranch came int being. Page 11 f 25

12 Lckers Each crew is assigned 1 (smetimes 2 ask fr a secnd if yu are assigned nly 1) lcker in which t stre items yu brught t Philmnt that yu will nt be taking int the backcuntry. (Lckers are nly 2x2x2 ft, s d nt bring much mre than yu will take n the trail.) Yur clean unifrms, cntingent day packs, travel pack bags, etc. will be stred here. As these get VERY ht during the day, d nt stre anything that is heat sensitive (fd, electrnics at yur discretin). Als, as there is n ventilatin t speak f in the lckers, d nt stre anything wet r damp, as the arma will be verpwering upn yur return t Base Camp. Check-Out frm Trail-Bund Tent City Yu will have t sweep ut yur tents n Tuesday (usually by breakfast). These tents will be assigned t crews arriving n Tuesday. Brms are always stred in the washhuses. Laundry There is a cin perated laundry available. It is a gd idea t wash and dry unifrms n Mnday night s they will be ready fr the trip hme in 2 weeks. Security An envelpe fr keeping cash, credit cards, ID s and the keys r cmbinatin t yur lcker while yu are n the trail will be handed in here. (Wallets and larger items will be kept in a strage lcker (r 2) while yu are n the trail.) Starting Yur Trek Yur Ranger will arrange fr a departure time n Tuesday. Arrive abut 30 minutes early; there are always last minute details the crew has frgtten (such as filling water bttles). Treks depart by bus frm the Welcme Center. Fllw yur Ranger's directins abut lading the packs n the bus they have dne this mre than a few times and have a clear idea f what needs t be dne. Base Camp Return Yu will get back t Base Camp n Friday ne f tw ways: yu will hike in r yu will be bussed in. Either way, nce yu arrive in Base Camp, there will be a number f things yur crew must accmplish. Prir t hitting the trail, the lead advisr will receive a checklist f things t d nce yu return t Base Camp they shuld keep this in a safe place readily accessible upn yur return. It is ESSENTIAL t cmplete all f yur business with General Services (QM), Administrative Services and the PstOffice prir t 5 PM n Friday. Yu will nt be able t d any f this n Saturday, as we will be leaving befre any ffices pen that day! Check-In at Welcme Center This lets Philmnt knw that yu are back in camp. Yu will get yur Hme-Bund Tent City tent assignments. General Services Crew will return all Philmnt gear, CLEAN and DRY. They will pay fr any missing r brken items. Any unused fuel frm yur stves will need t be returned prir t shipping hme. Lckers Get yur stwed gear. Yu may have t g here befre returning gear if yu stred prtins f yur ck set while n the trail. Shwers Need I say mre? Administrative Services Return yur wildlife survey, cllect yur crew phts and Arrwhead patches Security Cllect yur valuables, check Lst and Fund fr any items yur crew may have lst in the backcuntry. Pst Office Wash, rinse and take yur fuel bttles and stves t the pst ffice fr airing ut and shipping hme. Pick up any Crew mail. Page 12 f 25

13 Dinner Optinal, many crews head int Cimarrn fr "real fd" t celebrate the cmpletin f their trek. Philmnt has a shuttle bus between Base Camp and dwntwn Cimarrn (fr abut $5 each) check schedule at Welcme Center. Wrship All shuld attend. Clsing Campfire A great celebratin f yur adventure. Check-Out frm Hme-Bund Tent City Sweep ut yur tents prir t checking ut at the Welcme Center. As ur flights hme usually leave in the early mrning frm Denver (rughly 3.5 t 4 hurs nrth f Cimarrn, we will be departing Philmnt early. Smetimes this means abut 3 AM. Be prepared!) Page 13 f 25

14 The Philmnt Ranger Prvides n-site training/gear shakedwn Will train the crew in: Prper safety prcedures such as bear bag prcedures, stve usage prcedures, tenting prcedures, etc. Prper cking and clean-up prcedures Prper use f tilet facilities in backcuntry Ranger will schedule a "gear shakedwn" t g ver bth persnal and crew gear and recmmend that certain gear g r nt g n trail. Will walk with crew thrugh base camp prcessing Rangers are pre-assigned t crews and will meet immediately with crews upn registratin at the Welcme Pavilin upn arrival at Philmnt. Rangers will wrk with and thrugh Crew Leaders. The Crew Advisr is t accmpany the Ranger and the Crew Leader thrugh the prcessing but is t let the Crew Leader try t lead as much as pssible Yur Ranger will hike with the crew fr tw days and leave n the mrning f the third day. Is the Ranger a gd? As it pertains t safety prcedures, the Ranger is a deity. The Ranger has been instructed by Philmnt t ensure that Scuts and Adult leaders understand the necessity f prperly fllwing safety prcedures while at Philmnt. Sme Rangers by their physical presence will easily cmmand respect and adherence t these prcedures. In ther cases, Adult Crew Advisrs shuld ensure thrugh the Crew Leader that the crew prvides the Ranger with prper respect and the Ranger's message gets acrss t the crew. As it relates t nn-safety related prcedures such as cking, please discuss these with yur Ranger and decide whether t fllw his/her recmmendatins r nt. Advisrs and Crew Leader shuld nt publicly argue with a Philmnt Ranger in frnt f crew. The intent f ur training is, hpefully, t mirrr the instructin that yu will receive frm yur Philmnt Ranger. Page 14 f 25

15 Individual Gear Needs Althugh Cradle f Liberty Cuncil and Philmnt Scut Ranch due all they can t keep the trip cst dwn, there are certain essential gear needs that may be abve and beynd the quted cst f the expeditin. We strngly recmmend brrwing and renting gear t ensure all crew members are fully prepared. Althugh yu need nt buy tp f the line r name-brand gear, yur equipment must withstand the rigrs f a 10 day expeditin and cnstant use. This guide shuld be used t assist scuts and leaders with chsing the prper gear fr Philmnt, hwever training and practice is REQUIRED t prperly make decisins n gear. Review the Philmnt Guidebk t Adventure and ther resurces thrughut the Philmnt website. Packs A sturdy pack and frame are essential fr backpacking at Philmnt. All f yur persnal gear, plus yur share f fd and crew equipment, must fit inside yur pack. Althugh a gd pack and frame may be expensive, cheap mdels tend t tear at the seams and crack at the welded jints. If yu already wn a pack and frame, be certain there are n cracks in the welded jints r unraveling seams n yur pack. Smetimes a 30 year ld pack is just as capable as a brand new ne, but be sure t use yur practice hikes and detailed inspectin as gauges f this. A padded hip strap is essential fr yur pack. A hip strap allws yu t take the weight frm yur shulders and put it n yur hips, which can supprt mre weight than yur shulders. Often a hip belt can be replaced/upgraded fr a better and mre cmfrtable fit. Check with a lcal reputable surce (such as EMS r REI) fr recmmendatins. T keep yur pack dry at night and while hiking in the rain, a nyln cver is recmmended. All items in yur pack shuld be neatly rganized and packed in plastic bags. Additinal bags may be used t carry small packages f fd r t rganize miscellaneus items. A base weight (prir t fd) f lbs is preferred. A fully laded pack shuld generally be 25-30% f yur bdy weight. If yu d nt have a gd pack and frame with padded hip strap, r d nt expect t use them after yur trek, yu are encuraged t rent a pack at Philmnt fr abut $18. Bts Bts are ne f the mst imprtant investments that yu will make fr Philmnt; cnsider these factrs: Cmfrt. Pick a brand that best fits yur ft. Try bts n with tw pairs f scks (liner and hiker) r a pair f thick hiking scks. Bts shuld feel snug but nt restrict circulatin. Remember t accunt fr grwth in a scut s ft ver the cming mnths. Thin nyln r plyester liner scks shuld be wrn under hiking scks t wick misture and prevent blisters. Never use cttn scks. Dn t be afraid t try n bts built fr the ppsite sex if necessary t get a cmfrtable fit. Ft and ankle supprt. Philmnt hiking will invlve rugged and rigrus hiking, s it is imperative t select a bt that prvides sufficient ft and ankle supprt. T see if a bt prvides adequate supprt, try bending the tp f the bt sideways and if it bends easily, it des nt prvide adequate supprt. As many bts d nt cme with a high quality insle, we recmmend spending a few extra dllars fr an insle that best supprts the arch and ft bed. Weight. Althugh a heavy bt may appear t have better supprt, thse extra punds will be very bvius after many trail miles. On the ther hand, a bt that is t light may nt have the rigidity necessary t prvide yur feet with the required supprt fr heavy backpacking. Durability. Lk fr bts that are sturdy and well-made. Leather bts tend t utlast ther types f bts, hwever Crdura and ther new materials als have a prven track-recrd. Very ften leather bts can be resled fr cntinuing use. Cmfrt shuld be f higher cncern than any ne specific material. Page 15 f 25

16 Sle qualities and tread. Sles are t sft if yu can press in the sle with yur thumb r twist the sles. Lk fr bts that have a hard plastic r steel shank in sle f the bt t prvide supprt fr yur ft. Waterprf. Select waterprf fabric bts r leather bts that can be waterprfed with Sn-seal, beeswax, r ther waterprfing slutins. If a nn-waterprf fabric bt prvides the best fit, a Gre-Tex sck insert can be bught. Recmmend strngly that bts be purchased frm reputable utdr gear supply stres like REI, EMS, Cabela s, etc. Althugh nline retailers can be a great bargain, we STRONGLY RECOMMEND trying bts n in a stre setting befre purchasing nline. A prper fit is key and nt every manufacturer s size chart will match up. Always break bts in befre ging n an extended hike (this means walking and hiking n varius terrain prir t yur trek). Gre-Tex fabric bts tend t break in quicker than leather bts. Take care f bts. Bts shuld be cleaned after use and waterprfed (if applicable) peridically. Rain Gear T be cmfrtable and dry during rain, a gd quality rain suit (jacket and pants) is essential. A lightweight, packable style wrks best. Inexpensive vinyl rain suits r pnchs will nt hld up under extended use. A PONCHO IS NOT ADEQUATE, nr will yur Ranger allw yu t take it n the trail. Sleeping Bags Yur sleeping bag shuld be warm (suitable fr temperatures dwn t 25 degrees) but nt bulky r heavy (mummy-style bags wrk best). If yur sleeping bag may nt be warm enugh, lng underwear and a stcking cap will increase yur cmfrt n cld nights. When yur sleeping bag is packed, it shuld be n mre than 20 inches lng and 10 inches in diameter, and it shuld weigh five punds r less. Use a waterprf sack t stre yur sleeping bag and line the sack with a heavy-duty (4 t 6 mil) plastic bag safely secured t keep yur sleeping bag dry even in wet weather. Always stuff yur sleeping bag (rather than rll) t ensure n cld spts are created. Other Gear Be prepared fr extremes f weather at Philmnt. Afternn temperatures in lw valleys can be 100 degrees r mre, and night temperatures high in the muntains may be cld enugh t freeze a thin crust f ice n water. Philmnt can be dry as a desert and then a sudden dwnpur will sak everything. Prlnged perids f rain lasting several days ccur frequently. Frtunately, New Mexic's lw humidity allws wet clthing and gear t dry quickly after the rain stps. Rain ccurs mst frequently in the afternn and may last an hur, all night, r several days. Small hail r sleet ften accmpanies rain. Snw is pssible, even during the summer. Weather cnditins vary frm ne area f the ranch t anther depending upn elevatin, terrain, and irregular weather patterns. Yu shuld be prepared fr all f these weather cnditins. Clthing During cld perids, it is especially imprtant t stay dry because wet clthing lses much f its insulating value (90 percent r mre). Several light layers f clthing are better than ne heavy layer since air trapped between layers f clthing prvides a high degree f insulatin. Keep in mind that wl and plyprpylene insulate when wet. Dwn and cttn lse mst insulating value when wet. Cttn layers such as sweatshirts and sweatpants drain bdy heat when wet and dry very slwly. Lng pants are recmmended fr cld nights and are required fr hrseback riding, ple climbing at lgging camps, cnservatin prjects and pssibly ther activities. Shrts and shrt-sleeved shirts will generally be sufficient during the day; hwever, a sweater r warm jacket is necessary fr cld mrnings and evenings and frequent dwnpurs f rain r hail. Page 16 f 25

17 When deciding what equipment t bring t Philmnt, always cnsider each item's usefulness, durability, weight, and bulk. It's always best t travel light and carry multi-functin items. i.e. A rain-jacket can be used t stay warmer n cld mrnings/nights. Remember that yu are nly packing fr 10 days n the trail. It has been said that "An unce in the mrning is a pund at night." Items Prhibited Dedrant Radis MP3 Players Vide Game Devices Hammcks Review the packing list included in the Philmnt Guidebk t Adventure fr mre helpful tips and infrmatin. Be aware that this list is all-inclusive and includes many items that may r may nt be necessary fr yu as an individual. Practice hikes are the best way t determine yur style and needs, hwever Philmnt hiking peratins are NOT the same as trp based trips n the east cast. Page 17 f 25

18 Crew Gear Needs This guide shuld be used t assist scuts and leaders with chsing the prper gear fr Philmnt, hwever training and practice is REQUIRED t prperly make decisins n gear. Review the Philmnt Guidebk t Adventure and ther resurces thrughut the Philmnt website. Stves Fires are nt always permitted in the backcuntry at Philmnt (Natinal Frest Service makes final call). All crew cking will be dne n backpacking stves. A variety f quality stves are available. Be certain that every member f the crew is familiar with stve prcedures, maintenance and stve safety. Philmnt sells stves at the trading pst, The Tth f Time Traders, but dn't rely upn the trading pst fr yur stves unless an emergency replacement. Fuel is available at base camp and at the back cuntry cmmissaries. The MSR Dragnfly and MSR WhisperLite stves (amng thers) use white gas, which is readily available in the backcuntry. Please cntact Philmnt directly if yu re unsure if yur fuel will be available. Other types f stves requiring isbutane fuel canisters (i.e. Gaz stves) wrk well. Fuel fr many (but nt all) f these stves may be available in the backcuntry but all empty canisters must be packed ut. Isbutane is nt as effective at high altitude. Check with Philmnt directly if yu plan t use these stves. Small persnal stves (such as Jetbil) are nt sufficient fr patrl methd cking and are generally nt stable enugh fr the pt size needed fr yur crew cking needs. Bifuel stves are nt permitted fr use at Philmnt due t the desert climate in many areas. Plan t ship yur stves and empty, dry fuel bttles t Philmnt via UPS Grund at least a week prir t ur arrival. When yu return t Base Camp, yu will need t pack yur stves and bttles t be sent hme via UPS Grund (please have prepaid shipping label). The cuncil will prvide the latest prcedures fr stve shipping. Mst crews bring three stves: tw fr use day t day and ne as a backup. (1 stve per 4 peple) Cking Gear Unless yur crew needs cffee t jump start it in the mrning, very little is needed in the way f cking gear. The crew will need t bil water fr cking the dinner meal each day, abut 12 cups f water per meal. Yu can use Philmnt-issued ck sets r bring yur wn. Tw pts and lids are all yu will need n the trail alng with cking utensils (large spns, spatulas) and clean up supplies (Camp Suds, scrubbing pads, plastic trash bags). These items will als be issued t yu at base camp and can be replenished at cmmissary lcatins. Yur crew may decide t bring their wn ckware, but mst crews find the Philmnt issued supplies sufficient. *If yu use Philmnt's ckware, yu will be able t chse the prper pieces fr yur crew (based n number f crew members). Yur main cking pt must be 8 qt size n matter hw many crew members yu have. This allws washing f dishes in the pt. Page 18 f 25

19 Philmnt Supplied vs. Crew Supplied Tents Tents must be carried and used while at Philmnt (n hammcks r under the stars allwed). Sudden dwnpurs and gusty winds require apprpriate shelter. Every member f yur crew shuld knw hw t pitch, strike and fld a backpacking tent. Philmnt has begun issuing a new free-standing tent designed in cnjunctin with MSR and Cascade Design. (Ftprint 5.5x7.5 ft, apprximate weight 5 lbs 13 z) If yu bring yur wn tent it must be a 2 persn tent. The High Adventure Cmmittee has a sample f Philmnt supplied gear available during their training sessins. Philmnt will allw a single persn tent in the event f an dd numbered crew (preferably advisr r crew leader sleeps alne). NO BIVEY SACKS ALLOWED. A 6x8 ft nyln, plastic r Tyvek grund clth shuld be used under yur Philmnt tent. Tent mates can share the tent pieces t spread the weight. N fd r smellables are ever allwed in tents (including practice hikes at hme). We strngly recmmend using the Philmnt supplied tents fr multiple reasns: If smething breaks in the backcuntry, spare parts are easily available at staff camps r cmmissaries. Wear and tear is placed n the Philmnt gear, rather than persnal. Less gear must be checked n the plane and carried thrugh the travel days. Ck Sets Yur crew may decide t bring their wn ckware, but mst crews find the Philmnt issued items sufficient (and it reduces wear and tear n persnal gear). All participants will need an individual bwl, spn and cup. Dining Fly All crews must carry a backpacking dining fly fr shelter in pr weather and emergency situatins. Philmnt issues a nyln 12x12 ft dining fly (abut 4 lbs) and 2 cllapsible ples (abut 1.5 lbs). Many crews chse t use the Philmnt fly and tw persnal hiking sticks frm a crew member. Mst crews find the issued dining fly sufficient; hwever yu may chse t bring yur wn. Please be sure t practice with any/all crew gear yu plan t bring (Rangers are familiar with all Philmnt gear, but may nt knw hw yur persnal gear wrks). Page 19 f 25

20 Philmnt Prcedures Bear Bag Prcedures Bear bags are used t hld any fd r smellable item that the crew has, e.g fd packs, tiletries, film, garbage, water bttles that have ever been filled with anything ther than water, clthing that has incurred spills, medicine, duct tape, etc. (The list gets lnger each year, depending upn the experiences f the previus seasn.) Each crew member shuld have a ditty bag fr persnal items. Bears are a serius cncern at Philmnt with a few, scattered attacks ver the years. Bear bags must be hung at all times except when retrieving fd r smellable items r hiking. Bear bag cables are prvided in each camping area and cables are generally shared by multiple campsites (except in the Valle Vidal regin, where mst sites d nt have cables and require special prcedures). Tw lines are t be used t hist and hld bear bags with each line tied ff t a different tree t ensure that if a bear manages t cut ne line, the bear bag will still stay alft. A separate "last minute bag" (ps bag) which can be histed and lwered independently f any bear bags fr any items that need t g up in the bear bag at the last minute will als be hung. Water bttles shuld be kept underneath the dining fly tarp r in the fire ring as bears have started recgnizing water bttles as smellables and pssible fd surces. Yur ranger will fill yu in mre n this prcedure. In case yu were hping t save a bit f weight by using high-tech crding, nly Philmnt issued bear rpes are allwed in t be used in the back cuntry. NOT FOLLOWING BEAR BAG PROCEDURES MAY GET A CREW THROWN OUT OF PHILMONT. IN STAFFED CAMPS, THERE ARE BEAR BAG PATROLS THAT WILL COME INTO CAMPSITES OVERNIGHT AND ENSURE THAT ALL FOOD AND SMELLABLES HAVE BEEN APPROPRIATELY PUT UP IN BEAR BAGS. THEY HAVE NO PROBLEM WAKING A CREW AT 3 AM TO HAVE THEM FIX A PROBLEM. Page 20 f 25

21 Cking Outline Preparatin Cks rinse hands at sump, with minimal water. Cks sanitize hands with hand sanitizer. Wrk ver empty bear bag NO 2-Piece trash!! Pre-Cking Read instructins n fd packages Pur required water int ck pt Estimate water a bit shrt Yu can always add mre later Start stves Can put metal spn in water t speed up biling While biling the water, empty cntents f fd packs in the secnd pt TURKEY BAG COOKING METHODS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT PHILMONT Sanitize mess kits Gather persnal bwls, drinking cups, persnal spns and serving spn Sanitize items in biling water fr 3 secnds Set aside t air dry while cking Cking Fllw directins n package, these will vary frm meal t meal Add biling water t the fd pt and allw t rehydrate fr the required time Serve everything pssible frm cking pt, scrape it clean Practice ne-pt-meal methd t avid extra dishes and use f additinal gas Clean-up Sump yur wn dish Scrape ff and eat all large pieces f fd Lick bwl clean, if pssible Add small amunt f water t bwl Use spn t clean any fd stuck t bwl Drink water and fd debris Repeat as necessary, until bwl is clean Bil cleanup water in the clean pt, then pur half that water in the dirty pt Add 2 drps f Camp Suds t cking pt Wash all items Rinse in clean pt Let dishes dry at sump Dispsal f wash and rinse water at sump Pur wash water int sump thrugh sump Frisbee Scrape any fd particles n Frisbee int yum-yum bag Sump spatula may be used t "push" water thrugh sump screen Pur "clean" rinse water int wash (cking) pt Empty wash (cking) pt int sump, rtating t rinse all surfaces Sprinkle a bit f water ver sump screen Scrape any bit f fd n sump screen int "yum-yum" bag Tap edge f sump with sump spatula t break up any water drplets remaining n screen Nw is the time and place t brush teeth d it at the sump after the dishes are cleaned up Page 21 f 25

22 Appendix A: 2016 First Aid Training Requirements fr Philmnt Crews FROM PHILMONT SCOUT RANCH COUNCIL AND UNIT PLANNING GUIDE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA Philmnt requires that at least tw peple, preferably mre, (either Advisr r yuth participant) in each crew be currently certified in Wilderness First Aid r the equivalent* and CPR frm the American Heart Assciatin, the American Red Crss r the equivalent*. Wilderness First Aid is the assessment f and treatment given t an ill r injured persn in a remte envirnment where definitive care f a physician and/r rapid transprt is nt readily available. Wilderness First Aid training is a sixteen hur curse. Several hurs may be required fr Philmnt staff t reach a remte backcuntry lcatin after a message is delivered t the nearest staffed camp. Wilderness First Aid and CPR training will result in prper and prmpt attentin being given t injuries and/r illnesses. Yu must present current certificatin cards upn checkin t verify this requirement. *Equivalent training can be btained frm the fllwing natinally-recgnized rganizatins: American Red Crss - American Safety and Health Institute - Emergency Care and Safety Institute - Natinal Outdr Leadership Schl (Wilderness Medicine Institute) - Natinal Safety Cuncil Natinal Ski Patrl Outdr Emergency Care - Stnehealth Open Learning Opprtunities (SOLO) The Muntaineers Wilderness Medical Assciates (WMA) - Wilderness Medical Sciety (WMS) - Wilderness Medicine Outfitters Wilderness Medicine Training Center Wilderness Safety Cuncil Wilderness Safety & Emergency Respnse (W.I.S.E.R.) The By Scuts f America and the American Red Crss and Emergency and Safety Institute (ECSI) have natinal agreements, the primary gal f which is t help cuncils becme self-sufficient teaching First Aid Curses. Wilderness First Aid is specified in these agreements. Visit with yur cuncil service center fr mre infrmatin abut the implementatin f the agreements that are wrking in yur cuncil. Philmnt will accept the fllwing advance levels f training and a cpy f the current license r certificatin must be shared with Philmnt during the registratin prcess: Wilderness First Respnder; Outdr Emergency Care/Ski Patrl; EMT Basic, Advanced, r Paramedic; Military Crpsman, Medic r Equivalent Medical Training; Registered Nurse; Licensed Nurse Practitiner; Licensed Physician s Assistant; Licensed Physician, MD r DO Page 22 f 25

23 Appendix B: Training Hike Opprtunities Clse t Hme Training in the field is the best training. These few training hike suggestins are prvided t help yu and yur crew develp skills t make yur Philmnt trip the best pssible and develp successful crew leaders and imprve teamwrk. They are nt meant t prvide individuals ging t Philmnt with adequate physical training and cnditining. A list f day hikes fr additinal physical cnditining is listed at the end f this sectin. Physical Cnditining Training Hike Gals Develp Crew Leaders Gain an appreciatin f the physical demands f backpacking Practice packing and carrying full-size packs Learn and practice quick and efficient camp setup/tear-dwn Practice lgistics, trail planning and map/cmpass navigatin Practice cking and cleanup Practice leave n trace principles Develp better persnal care n the trail health, hygiene Develp strng crew ties Test and practice crew and persnal gear use Have fun and enjy the great trails in the regin! The mst successful crews tend t have mre serius backpacking practice hikes under their belts. Weekend lng (ne r tw nights f camping) with shrt hikes n Friday evening and/r Sunday and day lng hike n Saturday wrk well. Make attendance mandatry n three r mre f these hikes. This will help the crew begin t jell and develp/practice critical utdr skills. Yu d nt learn this stuff in a classrm r frm a bk, nly by practice. Overnight Hikes A prgram f regular aerbic exercise is highly recmmended t becme physically cnditined fr Philmnt. Plan t exercise 30 t 60 minutes three t five times a week. Jgging, running uphill, climbing lng flights f stairs, walking alng abandned railrad tracks, and hiking with a full pack are all excellent preparatin. Hw fast yu run r hw far yu g is nt nearly s imprtant as regular exercise. Other aerbic exercises such as swimming, bicycling, statinary cycling, and aerbic exercise classes can supplement yur training. Start slwly and gradually increase the duratin and intensity f yur exercises. Start a jurnal t recrd yur prgress. If anyne has questins, have them cntact their family physician r exercise physilgist. 1. Resica Falls There are a multitude f hikes that can be planned n the Resica Falls Scut Reservatin. One can stay n the reservatin r venture nrth nt the Thunder Swamp Trail System: One suggested hike starts at the main parking lt n Friday evening, hike up Pine Muntain and set up camp n the shres f Lake Rger. Saturday s hike heads arund the lake, fllwing the White, Silver, and Red Trails t Lkut Pint; then hiking ut t Rute 402 fllwing the yellw trail t Signal Muntain fr lunch; finally the yellw and range trails up t Lake Ann and camping near the Firestne Explrer base n Saturday night. Return t the main parking lt n Sunday mrning. Ntes: Requires the bys t use map and cmpass and rute planning vs. hikes alng the Appalachian Trail (AT) which is very well blazed and can be easily fllwed. Water can easily be prcured frm the many spigts as yu pass by Big Springs, the Ranger Huse r up at Firestne (these surces are limited in cld mnths). In temperate mnths swimming is available at Cl Dip, Fssil Rck r Little Falls (fllw Safe Swim Defense). Car lgistics fr this lp hike means staging vehicles is nt needed. Backup is nearby in the event f emergency. Gd tpgraphic maps can be purchased at the camp stre r btained frm the High Adventure Cmmittee. Page 23 f 25