[Philmont] training treks

Ed - I'm not Coop, but I have some comments. First, the NCAC Philmont
training has very little in the way on hands-on training in advanced
backcountry (or backpacking) training. Its focus is on admin matters,
and the training tends to be more show and tell, with plenty of advice
and suggestions. Usually each year there is an Advisor's day-hike or
rarely a single overnight, basically intro backpacking training for
novices or a training hike for FOGs (like me). The real training is
done at the Crew level, with advice and counsel as needed from the
Planemasters/Busmasters.

The Hike-O-Ree - I've been to about 8 or 9 of them, but not recently -
is much more about learning how to backpack and hike, in moderately
challenging venues (Shenandoah National Park and nearby locales). By
"moderately challenging" I am not referring to physical challenge; some
of the hikes will knock the starch out of anyone, esp. with a full
backpack on (which is how my Crews usually did them). Rather,
moderately challenging in that the trails are well marked and easily
followed, and the camping is all done on a large field at the Hike-o-Ree
HQs (the 4-H Center in Front Royal). Nonetheless, this is a "real"
training course, and well worthwhile for anyone getting into more
serious backpacking.

Advanced stuff. Well, most Councils (including NCAC) offer some form of
Leave No Trace, Trek Safely, and (increasingly) Wilderness First Aid. I
believe NCAC just offered a WFA course about 3 weeks ago, and I think
they're offering it twice more over the next few months. There may also
be some useful courses at the upcoming University of Scouting, or at
this summer's Powderhorn course.

Beyond that, if you're looking for really hard-core, I would first ask
the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) about their courses, many of
which are "In the Woods". PATC seems to do everything from diaper-hikes
to Hikes for Octogenarians. Some of their events involve camping, and I
know I've seen some upper level backcountry training offered in years
past - not sure about lately - that's another newsletter I don't get
anymore. A similar source are the various courses offered by REI, which
include (for a few examples among many) Through-Hiking the AT, Alpine
Climbing (up to Denali and Everest levels), Winter Camping, Desert
Camping, Leave-No-Trace, GPS, and much more. I believe (but don't know
for sure) that EMS and HTO offer similar courses.

Last but not least, remember that advanced training may be as close as
the nearest Troop. Old Dominion District has a Newsletter on Yahoo
groups - one of the first things I do is make a general solicitation
there, and see what pops up. You never know who might pop up.

- Dr. Bob

Phillips, Ed CIV NAVYIPO wrote:
> Coop - Ed Phillips here, sorry to bother you but don't have another
> resource.
>
> As the Old Dominion HAC rep I've received a question from someone who's
> looking for advanced backcountry type training. Thought I'd turn him on
> to the NCAC Philmont prep training for advisors but not sure that's what
> he's looking for. Any suggestions? Thanks. Ed
>
>
> Ed Phillips
> Navy IPO
> 703.601.9767 DSN 329 Fax 9776
>

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Received on Tue Dec 18 17:16:31 2007