[Philmont] training treks

Ed - As you already know, one person's "advanced backcountry skills" is
another man's "introduction to backpacking." Hard to know what they
really want until they spell it out in detail.

Coop reminded me also that I had spaced an excellent training course
that is offered here, that being BCOLS - Back Country Outdoor Leadership
Skills. For those who are well versed at the Hike-o-Ree level, and
looking to move up to the next level.

- Dr. Bob

Phillips, Ed CIV NAVYIPO wrote:
> Thanks.
>
> I'm not sure what exactly he's looking for, believe it's fairly
> fundamental.
>
> My experience w/ the Philmont Advisor training, at least the fall
> course, was great - I'd been to Philmont as a scout and benefited from
> the update on packing, hiking technique (caterpillar?) etc. I believe
> that level of detail is more than sufficient for his needs.
>
> There is a website, at least one of hundreds, GORP, that is a great
> starting place as well. I forwarded Coop's NCAC suggestion and if he
> needs more spoon feeding will attempt to provide.
>
> Have a great Christmas and New Year's. Thanks again. Ed
>
>
> Ed Phillips
> Navy IPO
> 703.601.9767 DSN 329 Fax 9776
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Philmont@troop47.com [mailto:Philmont@troop47.com] On Behalf Of
> Dr. Bob Klein
> Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2007 17:53
> To: Philmont List Member
> Subject: [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
>>

-------------------------------------------------------
Scouting E-mail Discussion Lists @ usscouts.org
Listserv Commands at http://usscouts.org/lists/lc.asp
-------------------------------------------------------
Send listserv commands to: listserv@troop47.com
Send postings to: philmont@troop47.com
List FAQ found at: http://usscouts.org/lists/faq.asp
List Administrator: philmont_owner@troop47.com
-------------------------------------------------------
To Unsubscribe send text email to:

     To: listserv@troop47.com
     Subject: unsubscribe
     Body: unsubscribe philmont@troop47.com
-------------------------------------------------------

As you gather around this virtual campfire with fellow
Scouts and Scouters, do your best to be trustworthy,
loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
-------------------------------------------------------

 
Received on Wed Dec 19 16:23:03 2007