RE: [Philmont]: Cell Phones at Philmont

OK, safety may be a justification for bringing one on the trail.

Our troop had 2 crews at Philmont last summer and both lead advisors
(myself and the Scoutmaster) had cell phones that were left at base camp
(so little reception anyway in the backcountry). They were very valuable
in base camp for making arrangements and on our pre-trek activities but
when we hit the trail we left home without them. Never even came close to
needing one, even when one of our scouts sprained his back.....we all
pitched in and carried his gear until we reached a staffed camp. It wasn't
a macho thing just self reliance and the knowledge that we needed to handle
it. I think the boys learned some things and had some character building
that would have been missed if technology had been there.

Never thought about needing to call home from the pristine wilderness and I
would have been disappointed to be standing on the top of Baldy with my two
sons and hearing a 'hi how you doing' conversation with someone back home.
Seems like it would take something away from the experience we worked so
hard to have and shared together. Take pictures and write a journal to
share later....so the stories to tell after returning.

A cell phone might help in extreme situations but I wouldn't want to rely
on it. As Philmont directs send the group to a staffed camp with the
necessary information. If you do have a cell phone in an emergency give it
a try but don't delay with sending for help.

Brent Steiner
Troop 141
Philmont 2002

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Received on Tue Apr 29 16:29:13 2003