Planning an expedition to Philmont has many moving parts and can only be successful if everyone in the crew takes part. To that end we put this document together to help us plan our trip. We hope you find the information useful. If you have a question on anything you've read please contact Scoutmaster Zedan.

Preparing to become a “Trailmaster”

Lets start by going over 6 key items.

1. The July 22nd C&O canal hike will be our first official Philmont activity The day hike will be about 10+ miles long and will be a moderate difficulty hike. We'll brief you on your options for the trip to Philmont.
   
   
2. Philmont Schedule over the course of the summer we will create a listing of our preparation activities. Plan your life around them.
   
   
3. Need for participation: Our shakedowns are important. We have to work out all the kinks on physical and mental conditioning, backpacking skills-including the Philmont Method, in our gear and equipment. Most importantly, we have to build the team. Shakedowns are not like troop meetings or camping trips, everybody has a contribution to make and every trip has a purpose. You really need to be there. The better you become, the better the crew becomes.
   
   
4. Physical conditioning Philmont can be tough. The mountains are tall and on occasion steep. We may trek close to 100 miles with 25-30% of our body weight as a load. Our shakedowns will start moderate and work their way to super strenuous. You'll soon learn if your normal level of activity provides you the lungs, heart and legs you need. Consider extra walking, running, biking, swimming, weight lifting to get in better shape-you will be glad you did.
   
   
5. Mental conditioning OK gentlemen, you are the big dogs now. The younger scouts, although they will never let you know it, stand in awe of you as Philmont trekers. They dream of doing what you are about to do. You are about to make some profound memories. Get ready. When we get to Philmont we'll also be the best crew there.
   
   
6. Money matters - Remember this trip will set each of us back around $1200. So keep stashing that money aside. In the very near future we will send out a schedule for paying the Troop Treasurer for the trip.