Contingent Travel Rules

 

The following recommendations are not meant to put a damper on your trip, just the opposite.  These methods have been tried, tested, and updated annually since 1974 to ensure that all members of the contingent have the most memorable trip of their Scouting career.  We are representing the Boy Scouts of America.  We are expected to act in everything we do and say as scouts, while traveling. The trip is designed to create life long memories, with patience and a scout spirit those memories will happen. Let the tenants of the scout oath and law do its job and the trip will be successful.

 

In addition to the following rules, all Scouts and leaders should remember to conduct themselves in accordance with the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.  You are expected to look, act, and speak like Scouts at all times. ABOVE ALL USE COMMON SENSE.

   

**NOTE TO PARENTS:** IF A SCOUT, IN THE OPINION OF THE CONTINGENT LEADER, THE ADULT CREW ADVISORS, AND THE PHILMONT CHAPLIN, IS CAUSING ANY SERIOUS PROBLEMS OR KNOWINGLY DISOBEYING ANY OF THE RULES SET FORTH, THE PARENTS WILL BE NOTIFIED AND THE SCOUT WILL BE SENT HOME AT THE PARENTS’ EXPENSE.  THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS.

DRESS CODE (WHILE TRAVELING):

 

We are a uniformed organization, representing the Boy Scouts of America.

 ALL PERSONS going on this trip are required to wear a complete uniform.

NO EXCEPTIONS.THIS INCLUDES ALLADULTS.

The public has a perception and expectation of scouts that we are expected to uphold

 

AMTRAK RULES:

 

• The contingent coordinator or designee is the person who will communicate with AMTRAK personnel. To avoid conflicting instructions, please defer to the contingent coordinator for communication to the conductor and station personnel.

 

• Scouts’ carry on bags and packs may be searched at any time by the adult crew advisors or AMTRAK TSA.

 

• The contingent leader will board first to meet with the conductor and obtain seating information

 

• We are traveling via public transportation. Behavior should be adjusted accordingly.  Be polite to others when entering or leaving the train. Keep noise levels reasonable.  Do not throw trash on the floor. Crew leaders will be held responsible for trash pickup.

 

• Weather and natural disasters sometimes affect the train schedule. Philmont will adjust to our arrival if it is delayed. Your experience in the back country will not be limited by train delays.

 

• All backpacks will be placed either in the baggage car or lower train storage at the discretion of the train manager

 

• Crews should try to sit close to each other and board as a crew.

 

• When walking about the train you do not need permission and do not need a buddy, if your leader is asleep let him sleep.

 

• When we board in Sandusky it will be early AM please remember to be considerate of other passengers who will be sleeping.

 

• From Sanduskyto Chicago the conductor may place scouts next to non-scout travelers please place an adult in those seats before a scout.

 

• After participants have found their seats on the train, seating will not change.  Each member will maintain the same seat throughout the entire trip.

 

• At all train stops, all participants will be in full uniform and will be informed when to be back on the train.  Be prompt at all stops.  Make sure you are in your seat on time. Lead advisors for each crew are responsible to count their members. 

 

• Scouts need to remember that other passengers will be sharing the dining cars ect. Please be courteous and allow others to use the view cars and dining/snack car

 

• Yes you may bring games and snacks on the train, there are card tables and viewing seats toward the front of the train. We are not using sleeping cars but the seats are comfortable and recline for sleeping. You may want to bring a pillow and fleece.

 

• Please wear shoes when moving about the train

 

• Do not leave valuables where they can be seen. 

 

• We cannot anticipate every possible situation, therefore if you think the scout oath and law wouldn’t approve of a given action or situation, then don’t do it.  

 

• One of the most irreplaceable items you will be taking is your boots. Wear them on the train so you don’t loose them. You can replace all of your gear at camp but not your boots.

 

•  No yelling, whistling, or making loud noises

 

• No standing on seats or armrests to reach baggage racks

 

• All trash and paper must go in garbage bag before leaving train

 

• Yes you may bring electronics for the train ride.

 

• Yes board games and cards may be brought on the train if they fit in your carry on.

 

• Packs do not need to be placed in a duffel, however please secure all items inside the pack.

 

• Fuel bottles must be empty  

 

You may or may not have access to your pack please prepare accordingly.                 

                                                          

CHICAGO:

• Crews must remain together at all times while touring Chicago.
• Chicago’s arrival and departure procedures change constantly and can be extremely confusing, instructions often over ridden by various station personnel, please be patient.
• Do not arrive late for your train they won’t hold it for you. Our goal is Philmont, sight seeing may be cut short due to train schedules.

Adults please have your cell phone on in case the conductor calls us to load early

 

MEALS:

• All meals in the dining car will be eaten in full uniform, unless otherwise announced.

• Snack car is class “B.”

• The train meals are offered in both a snack and dining car and are your responsibility.

• HYDRATE OFTEN DURING THE TRAIN RIDE to prepare for the elevation.

DRESS CODE (at base camp)

You are allowed to change into class “B” (in good taste) at base camp.  Be neat at all times.  Acceptable clothing consists of the following:

 

• No earrings or body piercing jewelry will be permitted in public or on the trail at Philmont.   

• Use of alcohol and tobacco for leaders is prohibited.

• No chains hanging from belts or pockets will be permitted, even if it’s on your wallet.  Leave them at home.

• All hair must be kept neat at all times.  If you have long hair it must be pulled back and tied in “ponytail”.

• No electronics while at base camp.

 

PERSONAL GEAR: 

• All campers will take a pack with gear as outlined in your Philmont guidebook.

• Do not pack your hiking boots on the outside of your pack.  Wear them.

• If you are renting a pack at Philmont, all items needed on the trail are to be packed in one large duffel bag with a luggage nametag attached.

• All clothes and personal items must have your name and crew number marked with a permanent magic marker.

• All backpacks will be placed either in the baggage car or lower train storage at the discretion of the train manager; you may or may not have access to them.

 

PERSONAL GEAR (EXTRAS):

• Extra pair of glasses or contacts in case of breakage or loss.  Know your optometrist’s phone number or have your prescription written down in case of an emergency.

• Wrist watch (leave expensive one at home). You might need an alarm.

• Each crew leader and adult advisor should bring paper and pen/pencil for taking notes on the way to and from Philmont and while at Philmont.

• 1 permanent magic marker for personal clothing items and souvenirs per crew.

• Cameras, extra batteries, in camera bag with a luggage nametag attached.  (Test and use camera prior to trip).  

 

CONTINGENT ISSUED TRAIN BAG

• Luggage nametag or name written on bag (Mandatory) NO DUCT TAPE

• Contingent jacket.

• Toilet items (soap, shampoo, deodorant, shaving kit, toothbrush & paste, etc.)

• Camera and batteries (camera bag with nametag)

• Extra Scout shirt (Optional)

• Small MP3 player with headsets are permitted. 

• DO NOT PUT A BOOKBAG INSIDE THE CARRY ON BAG.

• DO NOT OVERPACK THE CARRY ON BAG OR THERE WILL NOT BE ENOUGH ROOM IN THE OVERHEAD FOR OTHER PARTICIPANTS’ ITEMS.

• You may pack food and snacks in your carry on bag.

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