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Home > Guidebook to Adventure > Sharpen your Hiking and Camping Skills
Sharpen your Hiking and Camping Skills

A Philmont expedition begins at home. Months before arriving at Philmont you should begin planning and training. The best mountaineers and backpackers lay careful plans well in advance of their treks. Several details must be completed when your advisor receives the "expedition advisor's kit." Plan for your crew to look sharp while traveling to and from Philmont by wearing the BSA uniform or an appropriate crew uniform.

Your Philmont Itinerary

The first step in preparing for Philmont is for your crew to select your itinerary. An itinerary is a hiking plan that describes camps and program features for each day on the trail. Crews are to make five top choices of itineraries and submit them to Philmont before May 1 . Philmont will confirm one of your selections on a first come first served basis. Complete information about itineraries is contained in the booklet PEAKS (Philmont Expedition Adventure Key to Superactivities) which your advisor now has.

Medical Record and Physical Evaluation

You must fill out a Health and Medical Record and have a physical evaluation performed by your doctor before departing for Philmont. Physical evaluations are valid for 1 year from the date of examination. You are required to have had a tetanus shot or booster within 10 years. A current measles vaccination is highly recommended. Give your completed medic al form to your advisor to present to the Philmont Health Lodge. A fee is charged for evaluations of campers who fail to get one at home or forget to bring the medical form. An additional charge is made for required tetanus shots when given by the camp physician.

Know Your Expedition Number!

Your expedition number is assigned by Philmont. It is determined by your expected arrival date. For example, if your contingent is to arrive July 14, your expedition number will begin with 714, which signifies 7th month and 14th day. Since many contingents arrive each day, letters distinguish different contingents (for example, 714-A or B, C, etc.) If your contingent consists of several crews, numbers are used to designate each one. Thus, your crew's complete expedition number may by 714-A-2. If you don't know your crew's expedition number, be sure to find out what it is.

My expedition number is:  714-A

Your Philmont Address and Mail

Your complete expedition number is essential for mail delivery at Philmont. Incoming mail may be picked up only by your expedition advisor at the Philmont Post Office when your crew arrives at Philmont and when you return to Camping Headquarters from the trail. But, you may send mail from any staffed camp.

Philmont address:

Your name
Expedition 714-A
Cimarron, NM 87714

Emergency Telephone Number at Philmont

Telephone calls to you are restricted to extreme emergencies only Since Philmont comprises 215 square miles of rugged mountain wilderness, it may require several hours to transport you from some camps to return an emergency phone call. In those cases, it will speed contact when the caller has your full name and expedition number (714-A).

 (505) 376-2281

Physical Training

A Philmont trek is physically demanding. Even if you are able to pass a physical examination with flying colors, you will need to get in shape for Philmont. Steep, rocky trails with 1,000-foot climbs are typical. Also, there is 20 to 35 percent less oxygen at Philmont elevations than at sea level. And remember, you will be carrying a pack that weighs 35 to 50 pounds. Breathing will be labored, especially at the start of your trek. 

A program of regular aerobic exercise, started three months or more before you come to Philmont is highly recommended. Exercise for at least 30 minutes 3 to 4 times a week at an intensity that boosts your heart rate about 75% of your maximum. An average maximum heart rate is 220 minus your age. If you are older than 40, or have not been very active, consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program. 

Jogging, hiking uphill or up long flights of stairs, and hiking with a full pack are excellent preparation. Other aerobic exercises such as swimming, bicycling, and aerobic exercise classes can be used to supplement your training. Start slowly and gradually increase the duration of your exercise. 

Exercise individually or with other members of your crew. Set aside regular periods of time to do it. Plan to be in top physical shape when you arrive at Philmont. You will enjoy your experience more and be less likely to have a medical problem. 

Harassment

Philmont and the Boy Scouts of America prohibit language or behavior that belittles or puts down members of the opposite sex, unwelcome advances, racial slurs, chastisement for religious or other beliefs or any other actions or comments that are derogatory of people. We need to lift people up for the good things they do and refrain from putting them down for mistakes or poor judgement.

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