[Philmont]: philmont sector maps

Don Roberts writes to offer his used sector maps as he is planning to update his when the new maps come out.

As a confirmed believer in the Autumn Adventure program, I highly recommend that all Philmont participants keep a full set of sector maps in their library for future reference. Just as the old Sears Christmas Catalog was dubbed "The Wish Book", these maps are invaluable for dreaming of a future Autumn trek, where there are no pre-planned itineraries and you are free to go wherever your dreams and your abilities can take you.

For those who don't know, Autumn treks generally start at the very end of August or first thing in September and continue through October and into November. Cost, including a Philmont Guide and all food (including mid-trek food drop-offs) was $40 per day in 2005. Crew size is 7-12 and you may make it as leisurely or as strenuous as you desire, even setting up at a backcountry camp and birdwatching or taking day hikes. There is also an Autumn Program which emphasizes expedition planning for those taking a summer trek in the future.

Your crew can include youth, as in the summer. However, Autumn Adventure is the only Philmont program which allows all-adult crews. All must be registered BSA, but this can include Committee Members, Institutional Reps, or even Merit Badge Counselors, as all of these volunteers must fill out the BSA adult leader application.

Philmont requests that "all-adult" crews use the trek experience to enhance the Scouting program in their home councils. I can't begin to describe the many ways that my three Autumn treks have added to my knowledge of backcountry techniques (practice makes perfect-you can't learn it all from a book) and how that has translated to encouraging the youth in my troop to reach out for these type of expeditions, including the Council Philmont treks. What a way to recharge your Scouting batteries! The Ranch always has that effect on me as, I expect, it has had on many of you.

You can arrive and leave any day during Autumn Adventure (except for the week reserved for game management hunting on the Ranch). You can have as short or as long a trek as you desire.

Backcountry camps are closed, and chlorinated water supplies not functioning. Plan to use streams and the MP1 tablets (supplied by the Ranch) or filters (you bring them). As the promotional brochure states: "Autumn is the best time to camp at Philmont". Plan to have the place to yourself. (you might see one crew in a week-or none at all).

The staffed camp of the summer becomes the trail camp of the autumn. In many cases this is an unexpected improvement, as you can enjoy the beauty of these fine camps without the hustle and bustle.

For those frustrated by the lottery, waitlisting, how fast you can get your trek selection in, etc., etc., etc., there is none of this in Autumn Adventure. I have had no problem advising the Ranch in August of a September arrival (hope this post doesn't ruin a good thing). I wonder why more scouts and Scouters in the New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas area (i.e. within driving distance) don't take more advantage of this program for a long weekend.

You can't get a better western vacation than Philmont at $40 per day!

Well, that's my Autumn Adventure sales pitch.

YIS,

Bill Sheehan, ASM
Troop 55, Pitman, NJ
Philmont '70, ''72, Autumn Adventure '01,'03,'05 and hopefully '06

-------------------------------------------------------
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 Sun Mar 26 12:19:09 2006