[Philmont] philmont alternatives

Keith asks about summer camps which offer high adventure programs for the older youth as well as a standard summer camp experience for the younger boys. Since he is from Texas, I don't have any first-hand experience with camps within his driving radius.

At my urging, my troop instituted a three year rotation among three such camps in the Northeast. Knowing where you're going three years out makes it easy to make sure you're not going to get closed out when popular programs fill up. You're not going to the same place year after year, yet are familiar enough with each camp and its programs to get the most out of them. And, should any camp not live up to expectations, you've got a couple of years to find a new one to plug into the rotation.

We just returned from Sabattis Adventure Camp (Patriot's Path Council) in the Adirondacks. Next year is Blue Ridge Mountain (Blue Ridge Mountain Council) and the year after is Ten Mile River (Greater New York Councils). I know Calvin Grey has led a number of trips from down your way to Blue Ridge Mountain, which has about 8 different programs.

I recommend you go to your Council Service Center and get the publication "Passport to High Adventure", which lists council High Adventure offerings. It is unfortunately not up to date, but is a good start, as well as giving you a soup to nuts guide to setting up your own high adventure expedition. Also, check council websites in areas that look high adventurish.

We really like the convenience of transporting the entire troop, including the troop trailer, to summer camp, and have the high adventure guys split off from there for the week.

Hope this helps.

Bill Sheehan, ASM
Troop 55, Pitman, NJ
Philmont '70,'72,Autumn Adventure '01,'03,'05,'07

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Received on Tue Aug 21 14:49:51 2007