I've had two requests for information on the Hike-o-ree so I thought that it might be worthwhile to post it on the Philmont list.
The Hike-o-ree started fourteen years ago after Wally Feurtado and I returned from treks at Philmont and were thinking of ways that we could encourage other units to try high adventure. Both of us had become disillusioned with the typical camporee where units came loaded down with chuck boxes, coolers, lanterns and big stoves. We also felt that BSA's training program really did not provide a glimpse at high adventure. Wood Badge was plop camping at its best.
We decided to put together an event that would provide a non threatening introduction to high adventure to allow units to give this style of camping a try. First we needed some good wilderness trails. With the Shenandoah National Park in our backyard, that was easy. Then we set out and developed a listing of day hikes, all 10 miles in length, but ranging in difficulty from super strenuous to routine. We wanted our units to be challenged, but not defeated in their hike. Finally, we found a location located very near the park, where the units could set up a base camp for the weekend.
Units come in on Friday night carrying all their gear on their backs; no lanterns, no chuckboxes, no coolers, no big propane tanks. Each unit sets up their camp Philmont. We encourage the units to develop one pot meals menues. For those units with little backpacking experience, we will provide an experienced adult who will work with the crew to get them ready.
On Friday night we have a welcoming program where we have one unit that has done a "do it yourself" high adventure trek the previous summer, gives a slide or video show of their trek. The idea is to let folks know that there are lots of opportunities for high adventure other than Philmont as well as getting everyone excited about the treks on Saturday. Following the welcoming program, we hold a crew leaders and advisors meeting to go over the administrative and safety guidelines for the Hike-o-ree.
The next morning we rouse the camp with music from Dances With Wolves or Aaron Copeland (its awesome to see their faces when they come out of their tents to Copeland's Theme to the Common Man"). Everyone has a quick breakfast, makes their trail lunches, fills up water bottles and heads out by vehicle to the trailhead. The majority of the hikes are circuits which means the crews are really on their own. They all have maps with trail instructions.
That evening after all the crews are back and supper is over, we hold church services immediately followed by a High Advneture rally given by our council's high adventure committee on the opportunities for high adventure, both local and National. We typically have a slide show of Philmont at the end put to music that will bring tears to a veteran Phil trekkers eyes. Immedidately after the rally, we have a crackerbarrel so rookie advisors and crew leaders can meet with seasoned veterans.
On Sunday after another wakeup to music (like Simple Gifts or Amazing Grace), crews perform a service project for the campground and head home. This event is unlike most Scouting events. First, there is music, not us old guys music, but what the kids are listening to playing at the main pavillion and when the units head for the amphitheater. Second, it is co-ed. We have co-ed Venturing crews as well as Girl Scout troops participating. Third, you won't see any uniforms. You show up in trail clothes and hike in trail clothes. Finally, we don't have a patch, we have t-shirts whose design changes year to year. The back of the shirt features some outdoor scene with a quote from John Muir or Helen Keller or Waite Phillips.
We hold the Hike-o-ree in November so units will begin thinking about what they want to do in the way of high adventure for the following summer. Many Philmont bound units will use the Hike-o-ree as their first shakedown hike. At our first Hike-o-ree we had just over 100 participants. At our last, we had over 600. It seems to be an event that older youth like, because it is designed especially for them.
Hope this was of some help generating ideas to get more Scouts into the outdoors. By the way, if you are close to Northern Virgina, come join us Nov 5-7 at the 4-H Center in Front Royal for the 15th Annual V3 Hike-o-ree.
Cooper Wright
Co-author of the Philmont Advisor's Guide
Associate Advisor, Crew 1519
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Received on Sat Oct 2 14:07:02 2004
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