Preparing for Philmont

BEFORE GOING TO PHILMONT:

• Expedition Number: Philmont assigns our expedition number which is based on our arrival date.  For example 620-D and a number used with the expedition number. If you are in crew #4, your expedition number will be 620-D4 This number identifies each member of the crew and will be assigned the year you are going.  Put it on all identifiable items, carry-on bag, clothing, etc. DO NOT USE DUCT TAPE.
 

• All campers and advisors are required to have an original Philmont medical form completed within the past twelve (12) months by your family physician.  Each person is also required to have a tetanus shot or booster within ten years.  The medical form must be returned to your adult crew advisor by May 1.  Crew Advisors – when you receive the physical form, make sure it has all signatures and a copy of the medical insurance card attached.  (Parents—keep a copy).
 

• Every participant in a Philmont trek must not exceed the maximum acceptable weight limit for his/her height as per the chart shown on the physical form.   NO EXCEPTIONS!   Note: the Philmont medical staff will examine all members.  Anyone exceeding the weight limit or with high blood pressure will not be allowed on the trail and will be sent home at the participant’s expense and there will be no refund.
 

• If you do not have your physical when arriving at Philmont, you can be charged $100.00 or more by their staff to give you a new one.
 

• The medicals are good for one year and may be used at your local Scout camp for summer programs.      
  

• Philmont requires that at least one person, preferably two (either advisor or a youth participant) in each crew be currently certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR.
 

•   All adults must be trained in the BSA Youth Protection guidelines. You must present copies of current certification cards upon check in to verify this requirement.  Please make sure the tour director also has a copy of your certifications before arriving at PHILMONT.
 

• One person in each crew must have Wilderness First Aid training, no exceptions.                   

• Have hair, fingernails and toenails trimmed properly one week before departure.  Ingrown toenails are not fun when hiking 6-10 miles per day.
 

• The key to a successful experience at Philmont is to read your guidebook at least three times and keep it with you the entire trip.  Put your name in it.
 

• When packing gear, check off each item before packing.  Check and double check AND THEN CHECK AGAIN. Crew leaders must sign off the gear list.
 

• All Scouts must be no less than a First Class Scout.  All your skills up to and including First Class will be used at Philmont. Venturing excluded.
 

• Engage in some type of physical training.  Examples: walk 4-6 miles per day at least 4 days a week.  
 

Bike riding, basketball, etc., playing with the XBOX or Play Station 2 and computers will not get you into shape.
 

• Keep your skills sharp.  Continue camping with your troop.
 

• If your crew would like to have matching “Trail crew t-shirts”, the cost and design is the responsibility of each crew. 

 I would like to reiterate a few details regarding uniforms for travel.

- If an entire crew can find a close look alike all the same manufacturer same color as scout pants with zip off legs, they may be substituted for the official BSA pants. We will not be looking at tags, as long as the entire crew appears uniform. We understand and agree with the argument that the new pants don't have boot zips, which may make them difficult to use while hiking.

- Venturers who are wearing the green class "A" venturing shirt will follow the lead of Kathy Bodde, Venturing crew advisor, for uniform pants as the official venturing uniform pants don't work. Call or email Kathy for guidance.

- If the cost of uniform pants will cause a financial burden on the participant, I will defer to the lead advisor for that crew to make the decision. Anything substituted for this purpose must be green and have the zip off legs so we look close to uniform.

- It is preferable to stick with Official BSA pants if possible, but theses exceptions will work as long as we represent the organization properly.

-Old style cotton BSA pants may be worn for travel however they may not be used on the trail, as the trail apparel needs to be non-cotton.

We have not in the past and won't this trip do a uniform inspection. I trust the group to meet the standards that we as a group uphold

As stated in the rule book and at the March meeting class “A" shirts, with out neckerchief, must be worn while boarding the train and touring. Your class “A” may be removed while seated in your train car, but must be worn when going to the dinning car for meals. When not in your class “A” you must wear your philmont crew class “B”.