Re: [Philmont]: 2006 questions

Wow, lots of good questions.  I'm sure you are going to get a range of
different responses.  Everybody's trek at Philmont varies and everyone has different
opinions and experiences on the basic backcountry skills. 
 
Water Purification - Thanks to this list we found out that we received word
that Philmont will be issuing Katadyn MP1 Emergency Drinking Water Tablets this
summer instead of Polar Pure.  This is part of Philmont’s ongoing assessment
of backcountry protocols.  To find out more information about the Katadyn MP1
tablets, visit their website at www.katadyn.net/micropur.html.  We believe
that Philmont will issue these tablets, just like they did Polar Pure, even if
you bring your own filters. 
 
Tents - Some Philmont campsites are pretty small, so it helps if you use two
man tents, and only enough for your entire crew.  It is really up to the
father and son, whether or not they want to be tent mates.  Since I have never
taken a son to Philmont, I really can't comment.  Ten days can be a long time and
perhaps a father and son would like a little distance.  It just depends.  I
have always tented with another advisor.  It means we get to share the weight of
the tent and we set up one tent, instead of two.  It is just my way and yours
may differ. 
 
One Pot Meals - Again you are going to get a range of responses.  Some folks
like our crews use the pots to prepare the complete meals, veggies and all. 
Like another poster, when they have mashed potatoes, we did use two pots.  I
haven't used the oven bag cooking because cleaning one pot was not a big deal. 
Others just open the food bags and add hot water.  Again, it will be up to
your crew to decide how they want to handle meals. 
 
Your Ranger is going to show you the "Philmont way" as part of Ranger
training on the trail.  Listen to what he says and do what he says while he or she is
with you.  Should you decide to use oven bags or the actual food bags after
your Ranger leaves is up to you.  One other resource that you may want to use
is the Philmont Advisor's Guide.  This unofficial document was developed by
Wally Feurtado and myself after we returned from our first Philmont treks and
said "I wish I had known that".  It is available as a MS Word email attachment
for a $10 donation to Venturing Crew 1519.  Good luck and let me know if you
would like a copy of the Guide.

Think about doing a high adventure trek this summer at one of the many
council sponsored programs. Too many units come to Philmont with no high adventure
experience. High adventure activities should be an integral part of every
unit that wants to keep its older youth active and advancing. It can't be a one
time shot.
 
Cooper Wright
Associate Advisor, Crew 1519
Co-author of the Philmont Advisor's Guide

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Received on Tue Mar 29 20:26:02 2005