[Philmont]: Training Hikes

PhilFolks,

I do not, usually, go on at length.   Please indulge me, especially since
there are new people on this list.   We had a local Scouter mention that they
were going to drive 2-3 hours to hike 20-40 miles on a practice hike.  My
co-advisors have commented on this "long practice hikes" thread before, and how we
think it is misguided.   New people may think that it is the norm.  Not
necessarily.  Your local scout camp probably offers what we think you need, and is
much closer.  To be fully honest, we always have chosen a Typical or Rugged trek
so our distance at Philmont is "reasonable."  Our boys are interested in the
activities, not hiking from dawn to dusk.   To each his own.   I still think
the following information will help anyone, and create a new thread for this
list.

Tooting our horn a little to make a point.   Our Rangers ('99, '01, '03) have
consistently told us that we had the best prepared crew they had seen so far.
  Not one of the best, THE best.   We also go late in the season, so they
have seen a number of crews by then.   (Bear with me.)

About practice hikes:
We think they are for Philmont training, not physical training.   Physical
training is up to each individual.

We work on (no particular order):
CAMP SELECTION AND SET UP.   It will often times be raining or going to.  
Very important.   We carry a rather large dining fly and we need practice to set
it up properly.  Tent clusters, Bearmuda triangle, etc.
CAMP TEAR DOWN. (We only had 2 scouts with Philmont experience, but we were
on the trail in under 45 minutes in 2003.   Best times ever!!!  Breakfast on
the trail after one hour.   We had to warn our Ranger in 2001 that we would
leave without him if he got up one hour after us.   Won a bet with him to boot!! 
No rushing, just teamwork and preparation.)
MAP WORK/MAP SYMBOLS/ROUTES
COMPASS SKILLS
TEAM BUILDING EXERCISES
FIRST AID
COOKING (Turkey Bags for us.   Check old posts on this list.   Working with
stoves, etc.)
TRAIL ETIQUETTE
PACK PACKING (What to take, and not to take.   How to pack.   Follow the
Philmont book)
EQUIPMENT CHECKS (We go through everyone's pack and talk about it.  We
discuss the crew gear and its uses.)
BEAR PRECAUTIONS/HANGING BEAR BAGS (We usually teach the Val method since we
don't have bear lines.  However, our Council has built a practice area with
bear lines.)

Yes, you should check how your pack rides on a hike.   Does it really need to
be 10 to 40 miles?   We have not found this to be true.   Yes, your boots
need to be broken in.   Mow the yard.   Wear them to school.   Wear them around
the house.   Wear them to summer camp.   Time is valuable.   Hiking is
important, but training is more important.   If you spend "X" amount of time hiking,
you must deduct that time from the training we think it takes to be successful
at Philmont.

We hike 2-4 miles in, and then 2-7 miles out.   The remainder of the time is
spent in training.   We cover 2 or 3 of the items on each practice hike.  
Last year, we even had the luxury of being able to call on veteran trekkers to
come back and teach the new ones how to do things.

Yes, I have 6 modern era (Ranger controlled) treks.   Yes, we were not well
prepared in our early treks.  (Yes, we had a great time anyway!!)  My
experience only makes it easier for the people around me.   For those of you who are
new, Coop's guide (and this list) will supply the needed info.

About elevation: We live at 600 feet, Fort Worth.  We arrive a couple of days
early to acclimate.   Have not found a need to do more.

Best advice:
Prepare well
Leave camp early (we had 5:30am alarms, it is light enough to safely hike by
6ish)
Drink lots of water
Go at a pace ALL can sustain
Have a GREAT TIME!!!

YIP X 6
IWTGBTP
Bruce

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Received on Mon Sep 22 19:42:27 2003