RE: [Philmont]: How tough is it?

I was in REI a few days ago and saw a scout (and parents) buying boots.
I bet the scout has a trek in 2-3 weeks at the most although I did not
talk to him or his folks. The scout was around 16 and athletic looking
and will likely make out fine, but his prep is not the best.

A few minutes later I talked with another scout. He was standing behind
a cart with a new pack and a stack of gear. His Mom was off chasing
another piece of gear on the list with an experienced REI staffer.

"What trek are you going on?" I asked. "Uh, Philmont" he said. "What
is your trek number?" I asked and he shook his head. "When are you
leaving?" I asked and he said next week. I asked him about his crew's
training and he told me that most of their training events had been
cancelled for one reason or another, but they had been on a few hikes.

This scout was younger and smaller than the "boot" scout, but he will
probably make out OK. Both scouts will make lifetime memories.

I am most concerned about their advisors. If the advisors have not
encouraged and expected physical and mental training from the crew, the
crew is probably not well prepared either. The advisors live at sea
level and probably live the typical sedentary American lifestyle. They
will soon be engaged in strenuous backpacking at 7500 to 12400 foot
altitudes. They will probably make it thru the trek as well, but that is
not a given for old guys. As advisors they have not given their crew
the best chances of success at PSR.

My hat is off to you advisors who spend the time and energy to really
prepare crews for Philmont. It's a lot of effort to get ready for
Philmont. The experience in leadership, the teamwork, the HIKE, the
FUN, the VIEW from the top, and so much more make it worthwhile.
Training is serious business and for me it is fun.

Larry Sims
'65, '02, '04, no immediate prospects but still lookin

-------------------------------------------------------
Scouting E-mail Discussion Lists @ usscouts.org
Subscribe/Unsubscribe at http://usscouts.org/lists/
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
-------------------------------------------------------
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 Jun 1 07:48:14 2005