[philmont] tooth of time traders

A couple of days ago, I received my latest order from Tooth of Time Traders. I felt like a kid at Christmastime. Included in the order was a set of the newest section maps. In previous posts I have extolled the virtues of ordering the maps ahead of time and poring over them, both alone and with your crew. Since I don't expect to return to the Ranch before 2008, that's a lot of poring.

Some of you may be aware that I am an avid patch collector, and have been since the 1969 Jamboree. I also ordered a complete set of camp patches. Each Philmont staff camp has its own patch, which references the program features available at that camp in its design. They are quite handsome. At $4.00 a pop, it's a bit of an investment to buy all of them.

I plan to use a display of the patches for recruiting purposes, both within my troop and for the council contingent. When I display my patches, my purpose is not to turn each Scout into a patch collector. I really don't think that's possible unless a Scout attends a Jamboree or a NOAC. Rather, I try to teach the idea that Scouting is a national movement, and there are Scouts in every state doing the same things we do in South Jersey. And, hopefully, all aiming to attend the Summit of Scouting, Philmont Scout Ranch.

I have a theory that if each Scout aims for Philmont (just as if he aims for Eagle), and he falls a little short, he still has gotten a great deal out of the Scouting program. For instance, if he learns leave no trace, learns to backpack and goes on one or more extended backpacking or canoe treks, even if he never gets to the Ranch, he has accomplished more than most of his peers. Also, if you learn how to backpack, you also know how to car camp, but not vice versa. Camping can be a lifetime avocation, if instilled early. If a Scout learns to teach camping skills, he can bring non-scouts along on his future trips, such as the wife and kids, the neighbors and their kids. Aiming high is never a bad idea.

Putting all the camp patches together does give some impression of how big the Ranch is, if it has that many staff camps, not to mention trail camps. Illustrating the program features also quickens the pulse.

Google Tooth of Time Traders to get to its web site. Go to patches, then Camp patches. They're sort of neat.

I also got another Philmont keychain whistle. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. You will not find a louder or more compact whistle for safety on the trail. And it says "Philmont" on the side. They're right next to the cash register at TOT Traders. Don't fail to pick one up.

Well, all for now. Have a great day.

Bill Sheehan, ASM
Troop 55, Pitman, NJ
Philmont '70,'72, Autumn Adventure '01,'03,'05

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As you gather around this virtual campfire with fellow
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Received on Thu Apr 5 07:35:47 2007