[Philmont]: Scouts minimum weight requirement

Michael Casey writes...

We have a scout considering Philmont in 2005 who is 5' 7" or 5' 8" but very
slender (i.e. skinny). I have read what the Philmont Planning Guide says
regarding weight mins and maxs and that no scout 20 lbs over or under is
allowed out.

It sounds like if you or less than 20 lbs over or under (which is our case)
it is up to the Philmont medical team.

Can some of you that have been there tell me how this is generally handled?
Are there hard and fast rules? etc.

Comment...

That's not exactly what the Medical Form says, which in italics and bold is:

"The Philmont physicians will use their best professional judgment in
determining participation in a Philmont trek by individuals under 21 years
of age who exceed the maximum acceptable weight for height. Participants
under 21 years of age are strongly encouraged to meet the weight limit for
their height, and exceptions are not made automatically and the maximum
allowable exception will be 20 lbs. Discussion in advance with Philmont
regarding any exception to the weight limit for persons under 21 year of age
is required, whether it is over or under."

followed by, just in bold:

"Under no circumstances will any individual over 295 lbs. be allowed to
participate regardless of height or age."

(Hope my proof-reading is good..) So the hard and fast rules are:

1. No exceptions for anyone 21 and over for being OVER the maximum weight
for their height.

2. An exception for someone UNDER 21 who is at most 20 lbs. over the
maximum weight for their height MAY (or may not) be made.

3. Philmont requires discussion IN ADVANCE about for any person under 21
who is UNDER the lower end of the recommended weight range or OVER the
maximum weight for their height.

4. No one over 295 lbs. will be allowed to participate.

Another line on the form says "Philmont recommends that participants carry a
pack weighing no more than 25-30% of their body weight." My experience has
been that some Rangers are very particular about this recommendation, and
others less so.

My experience is also that while Philmont checks the blood pressure of every
adult, everyone does not necessarily step on a scale. Not that for a moment
I am suggesting someone invest the time and effort to prepare for Philmont
in the hopes that they will not be asked to step on a scale during their
medical recheck. If you are over the upper end of recommended weight range,
make the effort to get down to it. If you are under, concentrate on
reducing the weight of your gear, and spend more time with that pack on your
back getting used to it.

 - Al Thomson, Troop 236, Schooley's Mountain NJ
Advisor '99, '01, and '03
Autumn Adventure '00, '02 and '04

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Received on Wed Sep 15 22:09:08 2004