PHILMONT HIGH ADVENTURE EXPEDITIONS DETAILS YOU SHOULD KNOW... RESERVATION PROCEDURE... A CONTINUOUS PREPARATION PLAN... PREPARATION OF BUDGET... TRANSPORTATION... OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE PHILMONT AREA... PHILMONT PARENT RALLY... RISK ADVISORY... PHYSICAL PREPARATION... SUGGESTED CONDITIONING PROGRAM... FOOD SUBSTITUTIONS... PHILMONT GLOSSARY... PRESERVING THE PHILMONT WILDERNESS...
PHILMONT HIGH ADVENTURE EXPEDITIONS DETAILS YOU SHOULD KNOW A Philmont High Adventure Expedtion is a twelve day backpacking trek through Philmont's high mountain wilderness. An expedition begins with lunch on the day of arrival (Day 1) and ends with breakfast on the day of departure (Day 13). The Philmont fee covers thirty-six meals and twelve nights lodging. Prorating for missed meals is not available. If it is necessary for your group to layover at Philmont, the fee will be $3.00 per person per meal and $3.00 per person per overnight. An expedition may be either a local council or district (provisionally recruited) group or regularly chartered Boy Scout troop, Varsity Scout Team or Explorer Post. Chartered coed Explorer Posts are requried to provide their own coed leadership enroute to Philmont and while hiking the trails of Philmont. ADULT LEADERSHIP - BSA POLICY * The best available adult leadership should be recruited to accompany each crew. In keeping with the policy of the Boy Scouts of America there are no gender restrictions for adult leadership at Philmont except that each coed Explorer crew must have coed adult leaders. Each adult must be a registered Scouter and must be physically fit. * Each Philmont Expedition or group must have at least two BSA registered adult advisors for Scout groups, one of the advisors must be at least 21 years of age; the second advisor must be at least 18 years of age. For Exploring units both advisors must be at least 21 years of age. Each crew is required to have a majority of youth participants. * Coed Explorer Posts and Varsity or Venture crews with female youth guests are required to provide their own coed leadership while en route to Philmont and while hiking the trails of Philmont. A coed Explorer crew must have at least one male advisor and at least one female advisor, each of whom must be at least 21 years of age. Male and female youth participants will not share the same sleeping facility. Male and female advisors are required to have separate sleeping facilities. Married couples serving as adult advisors may share the same quarters if appropriate facilities are available. Female advisors must be responsible for the female participants; male advisors must be responsible for the male participants. * Expedition advisors must be physically capable of hiking and camping in Philmont's high mountains for the twelve day length of an expedition. Each expedition advisor is expected to reflect high moral standards established by custom, traditional values and religious teaching. PARTICIPANTS PHILMONT EXPEDITION PARTICIPANTS MUST BE AT LEAST 13 BY JANUARY 1 OF THE PARTICIPATION YEAR. TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT... REQUIREMENTS FOR PHILMONT PARTICIPATION CANNOT BE RELAXED... PLEASE DO NOT REQUEST OR EXPECT EXCEPTIONS! In keeping with the policies of the Boy Scouts of America, rules for participation are the same for everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex or handicap.
There are three ways Scouts or Explorers may participate in a Philmont expedition. (1) As members of a chartered unit - a Scout Troop, Varsity Team, Venture Crew or Explorer post (2) As members of a council contingent or district contingent with required leadership. (3) As individuals in the Philmont Mountain MenIWomen, Rayado MenIWomen or Trail Crew programs. OTHER REQUIREMENTS HEALTH AND MEDICAL RECORD Every camper and advisor is required to have a medical evaluation within the past twelve (12) months by your family doctor. The Philmont Scout Ranch Health and Medical Record or the BSA Health and Medical Record Form-Class 3 should be used. Each person is also required to have a tetanus shot or booster within ten year. If these services must be performed at Philmont, you will be charged accordingly. Advisors should review each participant's medical form to be familiar with any health restrictions. Advisors sho~~ld collect and hold the forms and turn them in to the Health Lodge upon arrival at Philmont. IMMUNIZATION FOR MEASLES RECOMMENDED Outbreaks of measles have occurred in many parts of the country during the past several years. Anyone born before 1957 is immune due to exposure to the disease. Early vaccinations, which began in 1963, were not always effective and the immunity may have waned over time. Forty-two percent of people contracting measles in recent years were vaccinated. Young people have the highest risk. The incidence of death from measles is approximately 1 in 1000 cases, with higher risk to adults than children. It is quite likely that someone who has the measles will come to Philmont this summer. If this occurs, the New Mexico Department of Human Services will probably mandate measles vaccinations for everyone exposed. Therefore, Philmont recommends that anyone born since 1957 get a current vaccination.
ATTENTION! FIRST AID AND CPR CERTIFICATION ARE ESSENTIAL!! Philmont strongly recommends that at least one person, either an advisor or a youth participant in every crew be currently certified in American Red Cross Standard First Aid and CPR from the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross or the equivalent. Several hours may be required for Philmont staff to reach a remote backcountry location after a message is delivered to the nearest staffed camp. First aid and CPR training will result in proper and prompt attention being given to injuries and/or illnesses. Please bring your card with you to verify your certification. ORGANIZE YOUR CREW A well qualified Scout or Explorer should be selected as crew leader before training begins. The crew leader. is a key person for a successful Philmont expedition and the advisor must work closely with this person. The crew leader provides leadership for: * making itinerary selections based upon the desires of the crew * choosing routes during the trek based upon the capability of the crew * setting up and breaking camp * establishing a duty roster * seeing that "smellables" are properly stored * making sure that the Philmont Wilderness Pledge is upheld and that every campsite and fire pit is left clean If a crew member has earned a religious award in Scouting, consider asking him to serve as Chaplain's aid. A kit of wnrship resources will be provided for use along the trail. CREW SIZE - 12 MAXIMUM - 7 MINIMUM Experience has proven that the best numercial size for a Philmont crew is 7 to 12 persons, including adult advisors. The itineraries included have been developed for this number. YOLI will find hiking easier, food distribution best, program opportunities greater and campsites that comfortably accommodate a maximum of 12 persons. Seven persons (two adults and five campers) is the minimum size for a crew. The ideal size is 7 to 10 persons for efficiently handling crew chores, and keepng the crew together on the trail. Council contingents and other large groups should organize their crews according to hiking and camping abilities. Each crew can then choose an itinerary that corresponds to its ability, and travel at its own pace.
Philmont will operate from June 13 to August 22, 1994. Refer to the current brochure for exact dates and prices. Reservations for the following year are accepted in March of the current year. High Adventure Expeditions of shorter duration (7 to 10 days) may be scheduled between August 8 and August 15. The short expedition fee is computed at a price of $28.00 per day. Confirmation of reservations must be made on the Philmont application and reservation form and must be processed and approved by the local council. A reservation fee of $25.00 per camper, including adult leaders, is required to hold an arrival date and the number of spaces requested. Philmont urges all councils and units to be factual and objective in making reservations for High Adventure expeditions. Excessive reservations can adversely affect other councils and units who desire space on a particular*arrival date. Additional reservations will be accepted as long as space is available on the desired arrival day. FEE PAYMENT POLICY The fee is charged for every participant including adult advisors. A council contingent or unit may elect to adjust its local fee so that adult leaders attend without charge. A reservation fee of $25.00 per participant, including adult leaders, is required to hold an arrival date. Each group is billed for one half fee payment due in November, based upon the group's arrivai date at Philmont. The balance of fees is due in May. FEE PAYMENT SCHEDULE BE SURE TO USE THE APPLICATION AND RESERVATION FORM WITH THE INITIAL FEE PAYMENT. TRANSM lltal AMOUNT DUE DUE NUlMBER EXPEDITIONS DATE --- - 1 $25.00 With Reservation 2 130.00 Due November 3 130.00 Due May $285.00 Per Camper
ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE TO THE BALANCE OF FEES IN EVENT OF CANCELLATION. BE CAUTIOUS OF MAKING RESERVATIONS OR PAYING FEES FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT MADE A FINANCIAL COMMITMENT. By February 15, Philmont must commit financial resources to employ staff, purchase food and supplies and prepare for summer operations. Participants are, therefore, also required to make a financial commit- ment to attend. **Expedition statement indicates that fee payment is due. SEND REGISTRATION FEES AND APPLICATION TO CAMPING REGISTRAR. PHILMONT SCOUT RANCH. P. 0. BOX 268, CIMARRON, NM 87714. IMPORTANT Should your registration decrease by one crew or more, it is imperative that you notify Philmont before January 1 so your unused reservation space can be utilized by others. SCHOLARSHIPS If you have young people who need financial assistance to attend Philmont, check with your local Scout service center about the availability of scholarship money. Allocations are usually made in January by the region to the local councils. EXPEDITION TRAINING - To insure the success and enjoyment of a Philmont trek, each expedition should be thoroughly trained for the trek. Each crew should carry out several pack trips to prepare each member physically and mentally and to mold the unit into an efficient camping crew. EXPEDITION ADVISOR'S KIT - Medical forms are sent early in the year to allow time for physical fitness training. In mid-march, each registered Philmont expedition advisor will be sent a kit of materials for his crew. Included will be set of Philmont itineraries (the PEAKS book), individual Guidebook to Adventure, a Philmont map, insurance pamphlet, Tour Permit application, and Trip Planner/Postmaster cards. The expedition advisor's kit contains all information needed for full preparation of a Philmont expedition.
A Continuous Preparation Plan WHEN A SUGGESTED PLAN YOUR CHECKLIST MARCH Select 5 top choices of arrival dates and mail reservation request card to Philmont by April 1. APR l L SUMMER Recruit Scouting youth participants and confirm reservations for next year with $25.00 per person non-refundable deposit. Use Philmont application and reservation form.... Conduct critique with this year's expedition advisors. Select District Philmont Chairman. Council Philmont Kick-off. Determine objective for council and districts. Establish schedules for mailings, meetings, promotion. Confirm two deep leadership with at least one alternate. SEPTEMBER Council Service Center receiveddistributes Council and Unit Planning Guides and individual program flyers. Announce details in Council bulletin. Share Philmont plans-promotion Camping committee. Promote Philmont at Roundtables.
Preparation Plan (Cont.) WHEN A SUGGESTED PLAN YOUR CHECKLIST OCTOBER CONDUCT PHILMONT PARENT'S RALLY... Sign up 100% of quota by November 2.... Invite prospects and parents.... Make program exciting.... Share risk advisory statement with parents.... Send reminder for one-half payment.... NOVEMBER Transmit to Philmont one-half fee payment (non-refundable) for each camper reservation.... Continue Philmont updates in Council bulletin noting leadership, participation, trip details, age requirement.... Arrange transportation and overnight accommodations to and from Philmont.... DECEMBER Philmont Committee meets with all selected expedition leaders and review plans.... Make plans for training and parent's meeting.... Receive health and medical records from Ph ilmont.... JANUARY Schedule medical exams.... Continue updating Philmont news in Council bulletin.... FEBRUARY Develop physical training plan.... MARCH Develop plans for following summer.... Receive Advisor's kits including PEAKS book, Guidebook to Adventure and map from Philmont.
Preparation Plan (Cont.) WHEN A SUGGESTED PLAN YOUR CHECKLIST Each crew conducts series of training experiences. Start easy and wind up with a tough one with several days of camping and hiking with full packs. Submit tour permit application through council. APRIL Before May 1 - send itinerary selections card to Philmont. Send reminder for final fee payment. MAY Share accident and sickness insurance information, expedition number, Philmont address and emergency telephone number with parents. Submit final fee payments to Philmont. Complete details. Confirm travel plans in writing. Prepare and release "Story" to news media. JUNE This year's expedition is all set to go! AUGUST Bring completed trip planner postmaster cards (alphabetical), health and medical records, approved tour permit, itinerary confirmation card, and crew roster to Philmont. Evaluate Philmont trek and preparations - prepare for next High Adventure Experience.
Preparation of Budget TOTAL COSTS PHILMONT FEE $.... PER CAPITA COSTS... Covers all meals at Philmont, tents, cooking gear, program resources, leader's kits, medical care, chaplaincy service, use of horses and burros, Philmont patch, etc. All Philmont participants are charged the same fee. TRANSPORTATION... Transportation costs to and from Philmont; may or may not include meals. Be sure to check insurance coverage on packs and gear in transit. MEALS AND LODGING All meals and lodging en route to and from Philmont. Use of military bases helps cut down expenses. Air Force and Army liaison officers can help on this. Include gratuities and occasional "treats" along the way.... TRAINING Meals and other incidental costs for weekend training events. PROMOTION Council costs for promotion including production of all material, postage, etc., including hats and/or T-shirts.... INSURANCE Campers accident and sickness insurance is included- in camper fees. PAID EQUIPMENT - PURCHASE OR RENTAL Include purchase or rental of any equipment or supplies required by expedition. Expeditions are encouraged to bring backpacking stoves.... SIDE TRIPS AND TOURS En route to and from Philmont. CONTINGENCY... Allowance for any contingency during trip that may require unexpected expenditures. Refund at end of trip if unused. SU B-TOTAL... PHILMONT SCHOLARSHIP... Deduct if you have a young person whose family cannot afford a Philmont trek, inquire about a scholarship from the council service center. TOTAL:
Traveling to and from Philmont is an important part of the "high adventure." Most contingents will find transportation the largest expense in the budget. Study the various modes of travel before making the final decision. Choose the one that has the greatest appeal and is affordable. Philmont Expeditions in the past have found public carriers to be the safest and most reliable forms of transportation to the ranch. Consult the passenger department of any of the following carriers for scheduling information and costs. Your local travel agency can also render this service. Airlines to Denver (270 miles from Philmont), Albuquerque (220 miles), Colorado Springs (200 miles) and Pueblo (150 miles) - obtain chartered bus directly to Philmont, TNM&O Coaches to Cimarron or Raton, or chartered service. Charter bus service arranged at home direct to Philmont. (Bus drivers may choose to stay in Cimarron or at Philmont.) Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma (TNM&O) Coaches make a bus trip from Denver and Albuquerque directly to Cimarron, New Mexico. TNM&O Coaches, Inc. are offering a special transportation arrangement from Albuquerque to Philmont and return. A regularly scheduled bus departs Albuquerque at 6:45 a.m. and arrives in Cimarron at 10:50 a.m. TNM&O will arrange an early morning pickup at Kirtland Air Force Base or any other overnight accommodation in Albuquerque to the bus depot in time for the 6:45 a.m. departure. If at least 35 people sign up, a special bus can be arranged that departs Philmont at 11:OO a.m. and arrives in Albuquerque by 3:00 p.m. TNM&O will also charter buses to and from Philmont. To make arrangements for this service contact Mr. Robert Keene, Charter Coach Agent, at Texas-New Mexico and Oklahoma Coaches, Inc., 300 Second Street, SW, Albuquerque, N M 87 102-3394 (505-242-4998). Amtrak Train (800-872-7245) to Raton - Philmont bus to/from Raton. There is no ticket agent in Raton, but the train does stop for ticketed passengers. Amtrak Train to Denver - obtain chartered bus directly to Philmont, TNM&O Coaches to Cimarron or Raton, or chartered service. Inquire of airlines reservations personnel about supplemental chartered airline services offering package plans with reduced groups rates. Some charter bus services to Philmont include the following: Adventure Trails, Inc. (800-435-4511) provides bus transportation for 12 or more passengers to and from Denver or Colorado Springs. Discounted fares are available for most eastern and central states. Chaffee Transit (800-288-1375 or 719-539-3935) has vans and small buses (20-25 passengers) to provide transportation to and from Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Albuquerque. Herrera Coaches, Inc., (505-242-1108) provides bus transportation for 20 or more passengers inter or intrastate. Long's Transportation (719-456-2300) provides bus transportation to and from Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo and La Junta.
Pacesetter (800-877-6001 or 303-289-5637) provides bus transportation to and from Albuquerque. Rocky Mo~~ntain Coaches (303-287-7433) provides bus transportation to and from Denver. Sanchez Southwest (505-345-7821) provides bus transportation to and from Albuquerque. PRIVATE VEHICLES - This method of transportation should be used only with full assurance vehicles are safe and drivers are reliable. Make sure there is adequate insurance coverage. Adhere rigidly to the Tour Permit requirements. TOURS AND EXPEDITIONS - This brochure is a useful reference book for planning your trip to Philmont. It is available at your local council service center (No. 3734). NATIONAL TOUR PERMIT - The ideal time to arrive at Philmont is prior to lunch. That enables your crew to process and outfit in Camping Headquarter and to depart for the trail the following day. The Arrival Plans card found in the Philmont PEAKS book must be received from you at least three weeks prior to your departure for Philmont to schedule your meals and transportation. Please inform Philmont if you are delayed enroute by telephoning 505-376-2281. Ask for the transportation manager. Your arrival time will determine your first meal at Philmont. Meals are served at the following times: Regular Breakfast Lunch Supper 6:30-7:30 a.m. 12:00-1:00 p.m. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Each Philmont expedition concludes after breakfast on its day thirteen. On the departure day, Philmont can offer either a continental breakfast at 5:45 a.m. or a regular breakfast at 7:00 an. INSURANCE - The Philmont camper fee includes insurance coverage for health, accident and sickness enroute to and while hiking the trails of Philmont. This policy is secondary to a Family Policy that might be in effect. Name and Policy Number of your Family Policy should be noted on your medical form. PHJLMONT BUS SERVICE - Philmont provides round trip bus transportation to and from the bus and train stations in Raton, New Mexico, at a cost of $15.00 per person (subject to change). Round trip bus transportation to Cimarron costs $5.00 per person (subject to change). Arriving Amtrak passengers should plan to eat in Raton. Philmont buses are scheduled upon receipt of an Arrival Plans card which is included in the PEAKS itinerary book that is distributed in mid-march. TOUR DIRECTOR Contingents may want to supplement their adult leadership with a tour director who has the following responsibilities: (1) This person is a Scouter who has th? responsibility for the transportation of the contingent to and from Philmont, and is the liaison between the contingent and Philmont. (2) The tour director handles all fiscal arrangements en route to and at Philmont. Examples are: bus schedules, overnight stops, lodging and meals, tours, final settlement with Philmont Camping Registrar and communications with the local council. (3) Preferably this person should be physically fit, capable of and willing to assume leadership of a crew on the trail in the event an advisor becomes incapacitated. Ideally, when the contingent hits the trail, the tour director accompanies one of the crews as an additional advisor.
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE PHILMONT AREA These agencies offer low cost, overnight accommodations for groups traveling to Philmont. Sleeping bags are required at most of them and tents are required for some. Meals are available at most of the military bases. Contact the agency directly for more information. Phone No. Agency and Address Location Miles to Philmont 505-672-386 1 Bandalier National Monument HCR 1, Box 1, Suite 15 Los Alamos, N M 87544-970 1 Los Alamos, NM 160 Miles 806-372-2347 Cal Farley's Boys Ranch and Girls Town P.O. Box 1890 Amarillo, TX 79174-0001 Amarillo, TX 200 Miles 505-784-7656 DSN 68 1-7656 (Toll Free) SSG Mike Stallcup Cannon AFB - 110 E. Sextant Ave., Suite 1050 Clovis, NM 88103-5323 Clovis, NM 225 Miles 505-278-2921 Capulin Camp Hwy 87, Box 53 Capulin, NM 88414 Capulin, NM 75 Miles 505-758-6200 Carson National Forest P.O. Box 558-208 Cruz Alta Rd. Taos, NM 87571 Taos, NM 60 Miles No Phone No. Charette Lake State Park No contact necessary - offers overnight camping, latrines and fires are permitted. Exit 9 miles south of Springer on NM Hwy 569 and drive 14 miles to the lakes. 23 Miles S. and W. of Springer, NM 50 Miles 505-485-2424 Chicosa Lake State Park General Delivery Roy, NM 87743 Roy, NM 65 Miles 505-377-627 1 Cimarron Canyon State Park P.O. Box 147 Ute Park, NM 87749 Ute Park, NM 20 Miles 505-374-8808 Charles Jordan Clayton Lake State Park Star Route Seneca, NM 88437 Clayton, NM 120 Miles 505-868-2270 Conchas Lake State Park P.O. Box 976 Conchas Dam. NM 88416 34 miles NW of Tucumcari, NM 175 Miles 7 19-579-3546 or 7 19-579-2680 Fort Carson Scout Liaison, Bldg. 6049 Colorado Springs, CO 80913 Colorado Springs, CO 180 Miles
Phone No. Agency and Address Location Miles to Philmont 505-846-1 068 or 505-846-1 893 Kirtland Air Force Base West G y m Albuquerque, NM 871 17-5000 Albuquerque, NM 220 Miles 7 1 9-384-44 1 1 Koshare Indian Museum P.O. Box 580 La Junta, CO 81050 La Junta, CO 140 Miles 303-529-4465 Mesa Verde National Park P.O. Box 8 Mesa Verde National Parks, CO 81330 Cortez-Durango, CO 340 Miles 505-445-3382 New Mexico Army National Guard Battery A, 6th Battalion 200th ADA HCR 62 Box 20 Raton, NM 87740 SW of Raton, NM 35 Miles 505-483-2462 New Mexico Army National Guard P.O. Box 457 Springer, NM 87747 West of Springer, NM 25 Miles 806-488-2227 Palo Duro Canyon State Park Route 2 Box 285 Canyon, TX 79015 South of Amarillo, TX 260 Miles 806-885-3867 Lt. Johnson 35th FTS F Flight Reese AFB, TX 79489-5000 Hurlwood, TX 315 Miles No Phone No. Springer Lake State Park Springer, NM 87747 No contact necessary - offers overnight camping and latrines, but open fires are not permitted 4 Miles NW of Springer, NM 25 Miles 505-425-7278 Storrie Lake State Park P.O. Box 3157 Las Vegas, NM 8770 1 Las Vegas, NM 100 Miles 505-445-5607 Sugarite Canyon State Park HCR 62, Box 386 Raton, NM 87740 55 Miles 806-372-5332 Texas Army National Guard Attn: Sgt. Holland Co. A 2nd Battalion 142nd infantry - 2904 Tee Anchor Blvd. Amarillo, TX 79104-2538 Amarillo, TX 240 Miles 7 19-472-229 1 United States Air Force Academy Commander Youth Relations Rep. HQ USAFAIPLDM US Air Force Academy, CO 80840-5671 Colorado Springs, CO 200 Miles 505-487-2284 Ute Lake State Park P.O. Box 52 Logan, NM 88426 27 Miles NE of Tucumcari, NM 135 Miles
Philmont Parent's Rally A SUGGESTED PROGRAM PURPOSE OF MEETING To acquaint parents and youth with Philrnont and the risk advisory (included in this booklet). To share with them the calendar of events leading up to departure for Philmont. To inform them of procedures regarding payment of fees, Philrnont medical forms, equipment needs, plan enroute to and from Philmont, age requirement. To have parents meet the leaders of the expeditions. Opening Philmont maps posted on wall with photos of previous trips. Table with snapshots, souvenirs, mementos from Philmont, etc. Display personal equipment needed and have a backpacking demonstration. Meeting Welcome and Introductions What is Philmont? A talk by a boy or advisor who has been to Philmont and/or show slides, "Philmont Scouting Paradise" and slides of previous expeditions or one of Philmont's VCR presentations, "Philmont Magic". Keep this fast-paced and limited to 30 minutes. Read and/or distribute copies of risk advisory to parents. Administrative details Explain budget and items within budget (use flip chart or hand-outs). Reminder of fee payments -emphasize deadline dates. Travel plans - instructions Uniform Pack - for those items needed at Philmont. Recommend the official RSA Pack and frame. It has been successfully tested at Philrnont. Mention rental opportunity of pack and frame at Philmont for those who do not want to invest in equipment. Small carrying bag - for items essential while traveling. Boots for hiking light-weight, comfortable and well broken in. Guide for spending money - how much? Review organization of crews. Review plansfor shakedown hike and camp. Distribute application forms and collect the $...reservation fee. Question and answer period. Closing Philmont Hymn suggested. NOTE: Additional organization meetings may be necessary. Suggestions for Subsequent Meetings: Plan a cookout using dehydrated and freeze-dried menus and invite parents.
RISK ADVISORY PHILMONT SCOUT RANCH Philrnont has an excellent health and safety record with over 500,000 adults and young people having attended over the course of fifty years. Philmont strives to minimize risks to participants and advisors by emphasizing proper safety precautions. Most participants in Philmont programs do not experience injuries because they are prepared, are conscious of risks, and take safety precautions. If you decide to attend Philmont, you should be physically fit, have proper clothing and equipment, be willing to follow instructions and work as a team with your crew and take responsibility for your own health and safety. For further information please thoroughly read the Guidebook to Adventure which will be mailed to you in mid-march. Like other wilderness areas, Philmont is not risk free and you should be prepared to listen to safety instructions carefully, follow directions and take appropriate steps to safeguard yourself and others. Parents, guardians and potential participants in Philmont programs are advised that journeying to and from Philmont, and one's stay at Philmont, can involve exposure to accident, illness, and/or injury associated with a high elevation, physically demanding, high adventure program in a remote mountainous area. Campers may be exposed to occasional severe weather conditions &ch as lightning, hail, flash floods and heat. Other accidental possibilities include injuries from tripping and falling, motor vehicle accidents, asthma and diabetes related incidents, heart attacks, heat exhaustion and falls from horses. Wild animals such as bears, rattlesnakes and mountain lions are native and usually present little danger if proper precautions are taken. Please refer to the Guidebook to Adventure, speak with previous Philmont participants, or call Philrnont for further information concerning risks and measures which can be taken to avoid accidents. Philmont's staff is trained in preventing accidents, first aid and CPR and is prepared to assist in recognizing, reacting, and responding to accidents, injuries and illnesses. Medical and search and rescue services are provided by Philmont in response to an accident or emergency. RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING CHRONIC ILLNESSES Cardiac or Cardiovascular Disease Adults who have had any of the following should undergo a thorough evaluation by a physician before considering participation at Philmont. 1. Angina (chest pain caused by coronary artery disease or congenial Heart Disease) 2. Myocardial infaretion (heart attack) 3. Surgery or angioplasty to treat coronary artery disease 4. Stroke or transient ischemic attacks 5. Claudication (leg pain with exercise caused by hardening of the arteries) 6. Family history of heart disease under age 50 The altitude at Philmont and the physical exertion involved may cause either a heart attack or stroke in susceptible persons. Each adult who is 40 years of age or over or who has experienced any of the 6 obove conditions should have an exercise stress test with thallium within 3-6 months before the scheduled trek to assess the adequacy of the heart muscle blood supply. Philmont recommends that each adult who is over 40 years of age and who has not experienced any of the six above conditions have an ordinary stress test without thallium. Even if the stress test is normal, the results of testing done at lower elevations and without the backpacks carried at Philmont do not guarantee safety. If the test results are abnormal, the individual is advised not to participate. Hypertension (high blood pressure) The combination of stress and altitude appears to cause significant increase in blood pressure in many individuals hiking at Philmont. Occasionally hypertension reaches such a level that it no longer is safe to engage in strenuous activity. Persons whose blood pressures are increased mildly (greater than 135185) may benefit from being treated before coming to Philmont and
continuing on treatment while at Philmont. Those persons who are hypertensive before coming to Philmont (blood pressure greater than 150190) are urged strongly to be treated and to have a normal blood pressure (less than 135185) before coming. Medications should be continued while at Philmont. Those individuals with a blood pressure greater than 150190 will probably be kept off the trail until the blood pressure decreases. Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus Exercise and the type of food eaten affect insulin requirements. Any individual with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus should be able to monitor personal blood glucose and know how to adjust insulin doses based on these factors. The diabetic person also should know how to give a self injection. Both the diabetic person and one other person in the group should be able to recognize indications of excessively high blood sugar(hyperg1ycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis) and to recognize indications of excessively low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). The diabetic person and one other individual should know the appropriate initial responses for these conditions. It is recommended that the diabetic person and one other individual carry insulin on the trek (in case of accidents) and that a third vial be kept at the Health Lodge for backup. Insulin can be carried in a small thermos which can be resupplied with ice or cold water at most staffed camps. A diabetic-person who has had frequent hospitalizations for diabetic ketoacidosis or who has had frequent problems with hypoglycemia probably should not participate in a trek at Philmont until better control of the diabetes has been achieved. Call Philmont at 505-376-2281 to obtain permission from the chief medical officer for individuals hospitalized within the past year. Seizures (epilepsy) A seizure disorder or epilepsy does not exclude an individual from participating at Philmont. However, the seizure disorder should be well controlled by medications. A minimum one year seizure-free period is considered to be adequate control. Exceptions to this guideline may be considered by Philmont's chief medical officer and will be based on the specific type of seizure and the likely risks to the individual and to other members of the crew. The medical staff at the Health Lodge may place some restrictions on activities (e.g. rock climbing) for those individuals who are approved for participation but whose seizures are incompletely controlled. Asthma It is expected that the individual with asthma will have consulted with the physician in order to establish "good" control of it. The asthma should be controlled to essentially normal lung function with the use of oral and/or aerosol bronchodilators. The patient should bring ample supplies of medication to Philmont. Individuals undergoing allergic desensitization therapy who require injections while at Philmont should bring and store them in the Health Lodge on arrival. Asthmatic individuals whose exercise-induced asthma cannot be prevented with bronchodilator premedication; individuals requiring systemic corticosteroid therapy andlor who have required multiple hospitalizations for asthma should not attempt to participate in the strenuous activities encountered at Philmont. At least one other crew member should know how to recognize an asthma attack, how to recognize worsening of an attack, and how to administer bronchodilator therapy. Medications Each participant at Philmont who has a condition requiring medication should bring an appropriate supply. The pharmacy at the Health Lodge is limited and the identical medications may not be available. Emergency needs can be met through special orders with the consulting pharmacy in Raton, NM but delays can occur. In certain circurnatances duplicate or even triplicate supplies of vital medications are appropriate. An individual should always contact the family physician first and call Philmont at 505-376-2281 if there is a question about the advisability of participation. Philmont's chief medical officer and other medical staff of the Health Lodge reserve the right to make medical decisions regarding the participation of individuals at Philmont.
PHYSICAL PREPARATION FOR A PHILMONT TREK To enjoy a Philmont experience everyone who plans to take a trek must be physically prepared. At Philmont every person will carry a 30-40 Ib. pack over steep, rocky trails at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 12,441 feet. A regular program of physical conditioning for at least three to six months prior to taking a trek is essential. A longer period is required for those who are more than 25 Ibs, overweight and for those unaccustomed to physical exercise. The first step is to get a physical examination from your physician. Use the forms provided by Philmont which will be mailed in December. Complete the health history on page 1 and then schedule a time for a physical exam. Staff physicians at Philmont reserve the right to deny access to the trails to any adult or camper on the basis of the physical recheck at Philmont. All medical evaluation forms will be checked by Philmont medical staff. Areas of concern include, but are not limited to: heart disease, seizure disorder, sickle cell anemia and hemophilia. Blood pressure without medication must be less than 150190 for any participant to be permitted to hike on Philmont. Adults or youth participants who are more than 25 Ibs. overweight should begin a program of exercise and dieting at least six months prior to a Philmont trek. If there are any doubts after the individual has had a physical examination, contact Philmont. A program of regular aerobic exercise is highly recommended to become physically conditioned for Philmont. Plan to exercise for 30 to 60 minutes 3 to 5 times a week. Jogging, running uphill or long flights of stairs and hiking with a full pack are excellent preparation. How fast you run or how far you go is not nearly so important as regular exercise. Other aerobic exercises such as swimming, bicycling, stationery cycling and aerobic exercise classes can supplement your training. Start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your exercises. If anyone has questions contact the family physician. Backpacking is the best way to prepare for a Philmont trek. It is highly recommended that everyone in a Phil- ' mont crew fulfill the requirements for Backpacking merit badge. These include three 15 mile treks with two overnights each and one 5 day backpacking trek covering at least 30 miles. Fulfilling these requirements will enable you to enjoy a Philmont terk. The Venture batkpacking pamphlet also has some excellent tips for preparing for a Philmont trek. Be prepared! Select a hilly area for your training. Start with a short hike and a light pack. Increase the mileage and your pack weight as your training progresses. It is important to hike often enough while carrying a pack and wearing the boots which you will use at Philmont to toughen your feet and to be sure the boots are broken in.
SUGGESTED CONDITIONING PROGRAM MONTH JANUARY CONDITIONING Complete health history on individual medical forms and get parents approval (signa- ture). Be examined by a physician or osteopath. Call attention of the physician to the note on the medical form that describes the rigors of a Philmont trek and to the box that indicates areas of medical concern. Ask the physician about any special medical needs or areas of concern. If overweight, get physician's recommendation on how to lose weight through dieting and/or exercise. FEBRUARY Walk, jog in place, swim or pedal exercise bike indoors for 20 minutes or more at least 3-5 times a week. Gradually increase the length and the intensity of exercises. Purchase a pair of quality hiking boots. A pair of boots 6 to 8 inches high with sturdy soles are recommended. Lightweight hikinglrunning footwear is excellent for dry, rocky trails which are prevalent at Philmont. They are not recommended for people with weak ankles who need heavier leather boots. Wear your boots to school or work and when walking anywhere to break them in and to condition yourself. MARCH When weather permits jog, run or walk outdoors. Start with 20 minute sessions and gradually increase the length and the incline or speed. APRIL Continue exercising. Schedule a couple of 5-10 mile day hikes. Carry a full backpack on the second hike. MAY Continue exercising. Schedule at least two overnight back,packing treks of 10-20 miles. Plan the second trek to cover more rugged terrain or increase the mileage. Consider meeting the requirements for Backpacking Merit Badge which include a 3-three day backpacking treks of at least 15 miles each and 1-five day trek covering at least 30 miles. JUNEIJULY Continue exercising right up to the day you depart for Philmont. Come to Philmont in top physical and mental condition ready for backpacking a 30-35 pound pack over steep, rugged trails at high elevations (6,500 to 12,500 feet).
Food Substitutions For Individuals With Allergies Philmont trail food is by necessity a high carbohydrate, high caloric diet. If an individual is allergic to a specific trail food products such as milk, artificial coloringlflavoring, wheat products, sugar, peanuts, margarine, etc.; Philmont can make substitutions. Substitutions are arranged by an itinerary planner in Logistics after the group arrives at the ranch. Substitute trail food items will be delivered to backcountry commissaries where the crew will be issued trail food. If an individual crew member is allergic to two or more food products or requires a special diet, suitable trail food should be purchased at home and brought to Philmont. This ensures that the person will have the proper food. Lightweight and low bulk foods are recommended for backpacking. Package each days meals separately and write the person's name and expedition number on each package. Upon arrival at the ranch, take the food to Logistics where arrangements will be made to transport it to backcountry commissaries where the crew will be issued trail food. There is no fee reduction for individuals who bring their own food. Substitutions in the Camping Dining Hall for individuals with food allergies are made upon direct re- quest to the Food Service Manager. Appropriate substitutions can also be arranged for individuals who require Kosher food or other food due to religious belief. Philmont asks that food substitutions be requested only for medical (including allergies) or religious reasons. Your cooperation is appreciated. If there is any question about food substitutions, please con- tact Philmont by telephone (505-376-2281) or in writing.
PHILMONT GLOSSARY EXPEDITION NUMBER - The number assigned to a chartered unit expedition or council contingent expedition by the Philmont Camping Registrar to identify an expedition and its crews. A crew arriving at Philmont on June 20 will be assigned a 620 number along with a letter of the alphabet (e.g., 620-A, 620-0... 1. A multicrew expedition will be numbered further (e.g. 620-A-1, 620-A-2...I. Please use your correct expedition number in all correspondence with Philmont. ARRIVAL DATE - reservations made with Philmont designate the arrival date at Philmont. Each expedition hits the trail the day after its arrival and returns on its twelfth day. DEPARTURE DATE - operating daily with a 12-day cycle, departure from Philmont is on the morning of the thirteenth day. Arrival day is day one. COUNCIL CONTINGENT - a provisional expedition composed of Scouts or Explorers and leaders from a district or council. CHARTERED UNIT - an expedition composed of members from a chartered Boy Scout Troop or Explorer Post with its own registered leadership. CREW - a group varying in size from a minimum of 5 Scouts or Explorers and 2 adult advisors to a maximum of 10 Scouts or Explorers and 2 advisors. Crew size must be at least 7 and no more than 12 including adults. CO-ED CREW - An Explorer crew or Venture or Varsity crew with female youth guests and with male and female advisors. CREW LEADER - a member of a crew and elected by a crew to be its leader. This is the same relationship as patrol leader has to patrol, Ideally this young person will have attended council junior leader instructor training or Philrnont. ADULT ADVISOR - each crew is required to have at least two adult leaders, one of whom must be at least 21 years of age. The second adult must be at least 18 years of age. There are no gender restrictions for adult leadership. The advisors' leadership is primary coaching, counseling and advising the crew leader. During emergencies the advisor may assume direct leadership of the crew. TOUR DIRECTOR - he is the Scouter who is responsible for safely delivering an expedition with more than one crew to Philmont. He makes final financial settlement with the Philmont Registrar. A tour director should be capable of taking over a crew in the event one of his advisors becomes incapacitated. A tour director serves as the council's representative to Philmont. RANGER - upon arrival at Philmont, each crew will be met by a Philmont Ranger. The Ranger stays with the crew for three days serving as guide and trainer in camping skills. ITINERARY - each crew has an itinerary which is the hiking schedule for the 10 days on the trail. The itinerary outlines the trails to be taken and the crew's daily destination (either staffed or unstaffed camps). MOUNTAIN CAMPS - these may be camps with a staff (camp director and three or more program staff) or unstaffed trail camps. Dry camps are trail camps with no water. PROMOTIONAL HELPS Philmont has two VCR tapes: "Philmont Magic," and "Philmont Scouting Paradise." Check with your local Scout service center to borrow a copy of "Philmont Mag-ic," Philmont's newest video. Please limit your request to one audiovisual at a time. In addition, Philmont has available a Unit Planning Book which provides such useful information to the chartered unit as reservation procedures, expedition requirements and transportation possibilities. Your local council has copies of all Philmont printed material and the promotional brochure entitled "Think Adventure, Go Philmont".
PRESERVING THE PHILMONT WILDERNESS Philmont is a magnificent wilderness camping area with an immense network of trails and camps tied together by service roads designed for service and protection of both campers and land. Each camper and advisor is asked to sign the PHILMONT WILDERNESS PLEDGE which declares that he or she will do everything possible to preserve the beauty and wonder of the Philmont Wilderness through good Scout camping. It is expected that Philmont campers will carry this pledge to all camping areas that they might visit throughout America. The major areas of emphasis involved in the PHILMONT WILDERNESS PLEDGE are: LITTER - Each camper should make sure that all trails and campsites are left neat and clean. Camping Headquarters should be left in a like manner. GRAFFITI - Not only is graffiti defacing but it is also degrading and contrary to all that Scouting stands for. Don't add to this offensive practice. WATER - Remember, you are in a land where water is scarce and very precious. Conservation and wise use of water has been practiced since the first man entered this land. You should never bathe or do laundry or dishes in or near a spring or stream. Do not throw rocks in springs or touch any windmills. They are easily damaged and the flow of water can be disrupted. TRAILS - Pledge yourself to respect all trails of Philmont. Do not cut green boughs or trees, or mark them. Do not. cut across switchbacks, and do not alter or change trail signs. CAMPSITES - Each crew is responsible for leaving a neat and orderly campsite, whether it be in Camping Headquarters, staffed camps, or non-staffed camps. Your campsite should be left litter-free with its latrine and sump clean. Fires must be left DEAD OUT. Leave a courtesy woodpile when possible. Philmont serves between 16,000 and 18,000 Scouts, Explorers and their advisors each year. Consequently, some trails and camps, especially around commissaries, are subjected to heavy use. Nevertheless, it is not the wear of so many pairs of boots that mar Philmont. It is the carelessness and thoughtlessness of inconsiderate Scout Campers. It is our sincere hope that through your commitment to the PHILMONT WILDERNESS PLEDGE, Philmont will always remain a beautiful and clean place to enjoy high adventure. Director of Program... Ranger Coinciding with the wilderness pledge is a practice at Philmont called "low impact" camping. For Philmont to survive intense backcountry use year after year, each participant must make a personal commitment to the environment. The philosophy of low impact is that we leave minimum evidence of our passing in the wilderness. In other words, a conscientious camper should erase any sign of his camp. We realize that there will be some High Impact areas in Philmont's backcountry, due to the number of participants in our program each year. It is the genuine desire of the Philmont staff to instill the "low impact" philosophy into our participants. We hope they carry this way of camping into other primitive and delicate areas around the nation. "Take with you precious memories, leaving only footprints." (From the plaque at the Philmont Gateway.)