[Philmont] autumn adventure problems

Matching up partial crews from different areas of the country can be an exciting feature of an Autumn trek. In 2001, with the assistance of this list and Commissioner Dave, a few of us from New Jersey linked up with a few from Oregon for a trek. In 2003, when we decided to return to the Ranch, the Oregon Scouters were the first persons contacted for another trek.

The all adult nature of the trek makes teamwork (in my experience) so much easier than trying to get youth who don't know each other to cooperate. For instance, we have never felt the need for a duty roster on one of our treks, as everyone just pitched in naturally (your mileage may vary).

Keep in mind that each half of the crew needs its own National Tour Permit, if travelling over 500 miles. Unlike the Local Tour permit,which is sent to council and then back to you, the National Permit must be sent to council, approved and sent to Regional, then approved and sent to you. Get this process in motion asap.

Also, get your hands on some Philmont Medical forms. If you call the Ranch, they will send them out pronto. As you know, it is a six page form which incorporates Class III requirements as well as giving the examining physician a good dose of "heads up" information as to what a trek is all about as well as requirements germane to Philmont that would not apply to the typical Scout camp physical.

You will need one or more CPR cards in your crew. Bring them along.

Autumn treks are accomplished with a crew of 7 to 12, plus an Autumn Adventure Guide. Larger groups are split into two crews.

I wish you luck in forming a crew. Once the personnel is set. I strongly recommend taking a good look at the maps at home and doing a lot of discussing among the crew to make sure everyone's on the same page. Because autumn adventure will accommodate those who wish to set up a static camp and fish or birdwatch as well, through those who want to dayhike through those who want a backpacking trek like those in the summer, it is best to plan ahead.

A half crew with its heart set on backpacking may go stir crazy paired with a half crew that wants only to set up lounge chairs within view of the Tooth. A crew member or members who expected car camping may not even bring a backpack, or hiking boots, essential gear for those who want to trek. There are only a limited number of starting and ending points, so keep that in mind. Some spots are more amenable to day hiking than others (if a camp is at the intersection of 5 or 6 trails, you have 5 or six choices. If there's only 1 or two trails in, day hiking options are limited.

The Autumn Adventure coordinator is very available and helpful by phone before your trek. Take advantage of this. He or she is also on Mountain time, so 4 pm at the ranch is 6 pm in the East.

If you're going to backpack, get your crew into some intensive aerobics (hiking with packs, etc) right away. Also, set your hikes in the do-able range. We're not as fit as the youth of the summer treks, and this is supposed to be a vacation.

Have a good trek.

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

-------------------------------------------------------
Scouting E-mail Discussion Lists @ usscouts.org
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
-------------------------------------------------------
To Unsubscribe send text email to:

     To: listserv@troop47.com
     Subject: unsubscribe
     Body: unsubscribe philmont@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 Sat Sep 2 09:15:44 2006