From: Chris Summers (chrisinhouston@kingwoodcable.com)
Date: Sat Jan 05 2002 - 09:46:36 CST
Several List members have contacted me and asked if I have an electronic or
printed version of the syllabus our Council (SHAC) uses for training for
Philmont bound Scouts and adults. Well the answer is not as of yet, but I am
rectifying the situation.
Let me explain a little about the courses we offer hear in Sam Houston Area
Council. All this came about around 6 years ago. At that time I was a member
of our Council High Adventure Committee who's purpose is to promote aspects
of high adventure including trips to our National H.A. bases. We started by
offering a course at our University of Scouting training (like a Pow Wow for
all levels of Scouting), held in late January or early February, called
"Preparing for Philmont". We also offered 2 different weekend trainings at
our Texas Hill Country camp, Camp Hammon, near Bandera Texas. The classroom
course was developed by a good friend of mine and one time Co-advisor, who
had been a Ranger in his younger days. His 2 hour course consisted of
information based on his personal experiences, a slide show of useful
images, and a rundown of equipment he recommended. I took over the weekend
based courses and basically we mix training with rugged hiking in the rugged
west Texas hills. As time passed we added a another training in October as
well. SHAC sends a lot of Scouts to Philmont (68 crews last year alone!) so
we feel this is a great opportunity for teaching and learning.
Basically the weekend courses consist of the following and anyone could come
up with something similar:
Participants arrive at camp between 6 and midnight on Friday night (it's a
4+ hour drive from Houston!) and check in and set up camp in the adjoining
field. Next morning everyone breaks camp and meets at our main pavilion at 8
am and is instructed to make a pack line which for most is the first time
and it's amusing to watch some of the Scouts arguing over whose pack should
go first or last. We spend about 2 hours going over various types of
suggested gear based on the Philmont recommendations and the trainer's
experiences. We try to have a Philmont tent and rain fly set up as an
example of what to expect. Usually we see attendees pulling extra gear such
as large heavy flash lights, etc after the session is over
After the 2 hour session and a short question answer session, the
participants get a brief run-through on basic navigation, compass work and
the trails of the camp. This camp is great for Philmont training because
many of the trails are old jeep roads and poorly marked, so they really need
to use map and compass or they may end up back at base camp or somewhere
else. They put on their packs and head up the trail at which time I (or
another trainer) drive around the ranch and hike up a short utility easement
where the crews are met (after an hour of hard hiking). Usually the response
is something like "Hey, how'd you get here before us?" as they see us
sitting comfortably in a camp chair at this stop. At this station, which is
a good time for a packs off break, we discuss foot and boot care (also a
great time to check for hotspots) and cover rain gear. The crews seem to
trickle in at an even pace giving the trainers enough time to complete
talking to a crew or 2 before the next group arrives. After all the crews
have passed by the trainer moves on and the crews make it to our Ranch House
by about noon, at which time we discuss stoves and fuel safety and are shown
samples of the Philmont meal packs and a typical cook kit. They can eat
lunch and get water at this stop and then they are off to the camp area
(another hour hike). In the afternoon we visit the camp (thankfully by 4
wheel drive jeep) and answer any questions that we can. When the
participants leave on Sunday we have Philmont maps and Trek books handy and
try to answer any questions about particular treks or camps.
I should add that this camp adjoins a state park and participants have the
opportunity to hike as much as they want. Some of our Philmont bound crews
come back a to our second Spring course and skip the sessions and just hike
the terrain. Also included in the price each crew receives 3 Philmont meal
packets which they may use that weekend or take back to try on a later
shakedown.
Hope this helps, if I ever get a printed or e-paper version of our syllibus
I will post it or make it available.
YOF
Chris in Houston
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