Re: [Philmont]: Height & Weight

Comments concerning Adults only.

 From comments made on this list and bowline.org over the recent past,
and my personal observations, Adults who are trying to get down to the
Philmont maximum usually don't make it. The target weight should be
well under the maximum - how far under is between the Advisor and
his/her physician. I would suggest at least 10 pounds, so that there's
some wiggle room during the trip out (most people gain weight during
travel). Obviously, lower than 10 pounds under is better if you can
manage it. If you're still starving yourself to make weight when you're
stepping on the plane/train/bus, even if you make it you're going to be
a kitten on the trail, meowing after a bunch of lions. That is not much
fun.

I have not seen this year's letter regarding weights and the numbers of
trekkers sent home from Basecamp or after a few days on the trail.
Usually those numbers are rather startling, and should serve as a very
stark warning. Furthermore, what is not mentioned in those numbers are
how many Adults dropped out before attending, knowing they had no chance
of being allowed onto the trail (for Crews with only two Advisors, this
is an instant crisis). Philmont is not just another summer camp, but
many seem to think it is, against all logic. If memory serves, there
were reports of four Advisor heart attacks at Philmont last season, two
of which were fatal. That may or may not sound like much among six
thousand or so Advisors, but again, those numbers do not reflect people
who suffered heart attacks, strokes, or other catastrophic injuries
getting ready for Philmont using an ill-advised crash program, or within
a month of coming back from Philmont, completely depleted of their
reserves (I have heard a fair number of anecdotal reports of both,
through the years).

The bottom line is easy - get in shape, regardless of your weight. And
if you're over or near the Philmont maximum, do NOT treat that maximum
weight as your goal. That is the road to a crushing disappointment.

- Dr. Bob

-------------------------------------------------------
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 Sat Mar 27 09:05:13 2004