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: