[Philmont] Conditioning

In 1965 a number of the members of our Explorer Post went to Philmont.
The Post specialised in high adventure backpacking so those who went to
Philmont in that summer of 1965 had already done quite a bit of backpacking.

Arriving at Philmont we learned that backpacking at high altitudes was a
real
challenge and no cakewalk compared to the backpacking we had done previously
at lower altitudes. But we all made it. There was a good ethic at work
that we
should all make it together. We took rest breaks at scenic points to take
the
time, catch our breath and enjoy the sights we were seeing. The trek we
took was considered
typical for that era in South Country, and not the "super strenuous"
variety, but it was a real
challenge nevertheless. We met that challenge. As the sign at Philmont
says,
"We All Made It".

In 1978 I was advisor to a crew that took a typical itinerary through North
Country.
This go around I was far less physically prepared, as I was Scoutmaster to a
troop
that did a gentle mix of hiking and backpacking. This was because the troop
was
made up mostly of younger Scouts. The crew I was advisor to was a Council
contingent of older boys, who were all in good physical shape. This group
also had a good ethic to work and
stay together. We met the challenge of our trek. "We All Made It"

On both of these treks it definitely helped that we "eased" our way into our
treks. Early on we set a good pace but took time to get used to the
altitude. Later we were able
to hike more briskly.

You are well advised to be sure that you have some hiking and backpacking
experience before
taking on Philmont. How much and how often will vary widely from person to
person.
A practice hike or backpacking experience should be an interesting Scout
outing on its own
merits. To be prepared for Philmont this practice or shakedown should be
comparable in miles
to a leg of a Philmont trek.

In general, though, most boys and men will be able to meet the challenge of
Philmont. Both
times I was there I saw boys and men with widely varying degrees of physical
aptitude and capability.
Both times, I was pleased to see some great groups of boys and men who were
living the Scout
Promise and Law, working well together as teams and succeeding at meeting
the Philmont challenge.

Joe Jansen
JAJansenJr@gmail.com
Philmont 1965; 1978

>From: "Stephen Readett" <spreadett@hotmail.com>
>Reply-To: philmont@troop47.com
>To: "Philmont List Member" <Philmont@troop47.com>
>Subject: [Philmont] Conditioning
>Date: Fri, 08 Sep 2006 15:07:14 -0400
>
>Would anyone care to report on the success or failure of their preparations
>for Philmont.
>
>Specifically, should you have better prepared for the physical demands?
>
>Steve R.
>Preparing for '07.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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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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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 Fri Sep 8 18:28:34 2006