[philmont] Why go to Philmont?

Below is the "sales" approach I use.

YiS,

-- 
Calvin H. Gray
Scoutmaster, Troop 405
Associate Advisor, Venturing Crew 405
Georgetown, Texas
I used to be an Owl (WM-62-2-98 @ Philmont)
http://www.troop405.org/
_________________________________
We are fortunate to have received a Philmont crew for 2007 in Philmont's
automated "lottery."  Many other troops were not successful in the lottery
and over 1,500 potential crews are on a waiting list.
A Philmont trek is a VERY INTENSIVE 12-day backpacking adventure covering
at least 50 miles at the Philmont Scout Ranch in the Sangre de Christo
Mountains in northeastern New Mexico.  Adequate size and stamina to carry
a 40+ lb. backpack is required.   A Philmont trek is the ultimate high
adventure, and one that I highly recommend for Scouts and adults serious
and willing to get ready for the Philmont experience.  See below.
Arrival date at Philmont: July 23, 2007
Departure date from Philmont: August 4, 2007
Philmont fee: $540 per person (scholarships to cover a portion of the fee
are available)
To take part in this trip, Scouts will have to be at least age 14 by
January 1, 2007, or have completed the 8th grade by arrival at Philmont.
We will need at least 7 people (including 2 adults) to "make" the crew
happen.
Scouts and adults interested in taking part in this trip should contact me
as soon as possible.
--
Calvin
The Philmont Experience
By Calvin Gray
During my 27+ years in Scouting, I’ve had the opportunity to take part in
27 summer camp trips and quite a few high adventure experiences.  I’ve
canoed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota, sailed the
Florida Keys and the Bahamas, backpacked the Colorado Trail, gone down the
Arkansas River in a white water raft, spent two weeks with Scouts in
Hawaii, explored Washington D.C., camped in the Blue Ridge Mountains of
Virginia and taken part in fourteen Philmont activities.
If someone asked me to select the highlight experience of my Scouting
career, I would definitely select the 1989 and 1995 Philmont backpacking
treks in which Linda and I participated.  I think most Scouts fortunate
enough to have taken part in a Philmont trek would say something similar. 
I know I continue to hear this answer given by Scouts during Eagle Boards
of Reviews when they are asked to tell the Board of Review members about
their top camping or outdoor experience.
A 12-day backpacking trip at Philmont is a very challenging adventure. 
Not all Scouts want to take part in an experience of this type and I
respect this.  However, those who elect not to visit Philmont are missing
out on Scouting’s greatest adventure, at least in my opinion.  Philmont
develops character like no other Scouting experience I’ve seen.  I’ve
witnessed Scouts go to Philmont as boys and come back as young men.  There
is something very special about spending 12 days/nights in the wilderness
with a crew that must depend upon each member in order to be successful.
Young people who will be age 14 by January 1, 2007 or will have completed
the 8th grade by arrival at Philmont have an opportunity to take part in
the wonderful adventure in 2007.  Remember that we will have several
fundraisers coming up in 2006 (barbecue, popcorn and the wreath sale)
during which young people may earn money to help with the cost of
attending Philmont.
I sincerely hope Scouts and adults will give serious consideration to
signing up for the 2007 Philmont trip.  My advice is to take advantage of
this opportunity if at all possible as this opportunity may not present
itself again.
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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.
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