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 Before they are allowed to start their hike, some tasks will have
to be completed. Philmont Headquarters is a staffed location, with
rangers that the young men will meet and work with in the future.
To go on the hike, the Scouts, as well as their adult leaders, have
been advised to condition themselves for what lies ahead. They have
been required to have a physical exam and to bring that exam report
with them to camp.
One big event today will be their weigh-in for youth as well as the
adults. As an example, a five-feet-tall Scout should weigh between
97 and 138 pounds. The maximum weight that will be permitted is 166
pounds. A six-feet-tall scout’s optimum weight should be between 140
and 199 pounds. The maximum acceptable weight shall be no more than
239 pounds. For members under the age of 21, the camp physicians may
make exceptions to the weight restrictions depending on their
professional opinion of the hiker’s health and the level of
difficulty in the itinerary.
For the adults age 21 and over, there are no exceptions. If any of
the five in attendance from Troop 102 exceed their weight-to-height
ratio, they will not be permitted to hike.
 In order to be in shape for this trip, members of Troop 102 have
been working out and hiking for the past six months, as recommended
by Philmont.
Scout Blake Hermes noted that he had walked with a full backpack
several miles a day, every day to be prepared. Carter McCraith said
he prepared by swimming over the winter, playing tennis and running
this spring. He also noted that the troop went on a 20-mile practice
hike in April. Zachary Craig also hiked with a loaded backpack, plus
he chose to participate in a workout routine at Anytime Fitness in
Lincoln.
The adult leaders also spent plenty of time getting prepared
physically. Leader David Smith noted what he did to prepare. “I
started walking four miles a day over a year ago and pushing myself
to walk at a four mile per hour pace and to be as active as
possible. Late winter this year I began to backpack and worked over
a month carrying a 50-pound pack and pushed myself to a 3 1/2 mph
pace. Over the last month, I have gone out to the Lincoln Rec Center
and worked out on the Stair Climbers and the Elliptical and pushed
myself hard on a cardio workout.” Even though the members are
physically fit, they will still face some physical challenges. Not
the least of these will be the change in altitude. Lincoln is
recorded as 590 feet above sea level. According to the camp
itinerary, the lowest elevation the scouts will be at in New Mexico
is 7,100 feet above sea level at the Base Camp. Therefore, on day
one, some of them will notice the change in how they breathe, and
they will fatigue at a quicker pace than here at home.
For Friday, in addition to meeting the physical requirements for the
trip, the scout will meet the rangers who work at the camp. The
Philmont guide book explains the role of the ranger in the success
of the troop hike:
“Trail wise and well
versed in the latest camping and hiking techniques and Philmont
lore, these hardy young men, and women play a vital role in helping
your crew be successful on the trail. Rangers are trained to show
respect to the Advisors - they deserve the same as they coach the
Crew Leader and crew on Philmont’s backcountry hiking and camping
procedures. They come from some of the best Scout Troops and
Venturing Crews in America. A mark of a well prepared crew is when
the Ranger can stay in the background while assisting the crew. Your
Ranger will be a great friend and mentor. He or she will remain with
the crew for the first three days at Philmont.”
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There will also be mandatory meetings for the Advisors or adult leaders, the
Crew Leader, Chaplain’s Aide, and the Wilderness Pledge Guia (Spanish for
Guide). The guide book states:
“The Advisors get last minute
information (all adults should attend the advisors orientation); the Crew Leader
learns crew organization skills; the Chaplain’s Aide becomes the crew motivator,
and the Wilderness Pledge Guia learns responsibilities for helping the crew
achieve wilderness ethics standards.
“By 6:45 p.m., everyone is back together and off to Chapel Services conducted
each evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Catholic, Jewish, Protestant, and LDS
traditions. The Tooth of Time Traders and all Base Camp functions close so as
not to interfere with religious services.”
The troop will also learn about the Wilderness Pledge, and one member of the
crew will become the Wilderness Pledge Guia. As such, that scout will assure
that the crew maintains safe practices that do not harm the environment, and
will show respect for future hikers by leaving the land as they found it.
The pledge is very specific:
The Wilderness Pledge
LITTER and GRAFFITI — Each camper should make sure that all trails and campsites
are left neat and clean. Camping Headquarters should be left in a like manner.
WILDLIFE — Respect Philmont's wildlife, including livestock. Follow all
guidelines regarding food handling and trash disposal. Never feed or harass wild
animals.
WATER — You are in a land where water is scarce and very precious. Conservation
and wise use of water has been practiced since the first man entered this land.
You must continue this proper use. You should never bathe, do laundry, or dishes
in or near springs or streams. Everyone needs water, and you should always leave
springs and streams as clean as you found them.
TRAILS — Pledge yourself to respect all trails of Philmont. Do not cut green
boughs or trees, or mark on them. Do not cut across switchbacks and do not alter
or change trail signs.
CAMPSITES — Camp only in sites designated with a numbered wood block sign. Each
crew is responsible for leaving a neat and orderly campsite, whether it is in
Camping Headquarters, staffed camps, or trail camps. Your campsite must be left
litter free with its latrine and sumps clean. Carry out all trash. Fires must be
left DEAD OUT and then cleaned of debris before you depart. Leave a courtesy
woodpile when possible. You should respect the feelings of those crews camping
near you and those that will come after you.
Leave No Trace camping is practiced on Philmont and all neighboring properties
utilized by Philmont. These techniques along with the Wilderness Pledge keep
Philmont pristine and natural.
At the end of the day, the troop will join other scouts from around the country
who are at Philmont for the Opening Campfire event.
[Nila Smith / Photo taken from internet] |
