2010 Philmont Trek Crew 801-G

Introduction

Introduction (Top)

Eligible Scouts must be fourteen years-old (14) by January 1, 2010; or have completed the eight grade and be thirteen by July 31, 2010. 

We will receive our information packet in January. This packet will include information on fees, due dates, medical forms, etc. We will provide this information ass soon as it is available.  A rough estimate on costs is $1,000 per person; $620 Philmont fees, $300 for transportation and $100 for travel meals and souvenirs, and there will be expenses for gear. There will be discussions and information on gear and different options so you can purchase items on sale or even borrow items, such as a backpack.

Philmont fees are paid in three parts. An initial deposit of $50 per person to secure the reservation will be due in January or February (I will know the exact date once we receive the information packet). Then half of the remaining balance next October and the remainder in March of 2010. ALL PHILMONT FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. I you must drop out for any reason, you are responsible for securing a replacement crew member or forfeit your fees paid to that date.  There will be several troop fund raisers between now and the payment dates so I encourage all crew members to participate and build up their Scout accounts to pay for their high adventure.

More information for crew members and their parents will be posted here as soon as it's available.

Crew Information & Photos (Top)

Troop 149 has a reservation for a High Adventure backpacking trek at Philmont Scout Ranch in the summer of 2010. Our crew will consist of 12 members, up to 8-9 scouts and 4-3 adults over 21. The cost for the trip is estimated at $800 -$1,000, $590/person for Philmont plus transportation, travel meals, lodging (if needed) and gear. A better estimate will be made once travel arrangements are finalized. A $50 non-refundable deposit for Philmont will be due at the January 20 troop meeting where we hold a mandatory meeting for both parents and scouts. A second payment of approximately $270.00 will be due at the September 15, 2009 meeting, and a final payment of approximately $270.00 is due February 16, 2010. The Philmont fees for 2010 have not been announced yet so the amount may be slightly higher if they raise the fees. Payments are your responsibility. Due to the cost of this event once a deposit is made, the individual is then responsible for the entire payment. If you must drop out, you will not be refunded moneys paid to date unless you find a qualified replacement who will reimburse your money and take over remaining payments. Payments for transportation and any other miscellaneous costs, such as crew t-shirts and shake down hikes, will be set as arrangements and costs are finalized.

Age & Weight Restrictions

There are age and weight restrictions for participation. Scouts must be 14 by January 1, 2010 or have complete eighth grade and be at least 13 prior to the trek. The weight restriction is dependent upon your height and applies to both youth and adults. Check the attached Risk Advisory and weight chart for your height/weight limit. There are no exceptions. Refunds are not given to individuals who do not meet these requirements.

Commitment

The single most important factor in having an excellent Philmont experience is proper crew development here in McHenry long before we leave for New Mexico. This is accomplished through participation in shakedown training events and Crew meetings. All participants are required to make all shakedown events and all crew meetings. The only exemptions to this policy will be EXCUSED ABSENCES (by me) for PLAYOFF sporting events (not practices or regular season games), priority academic events (SAT's or High School Entrance Exams), or illnesses. I will make every effort to consider participants schedules in advance of scheduling shakedowns and crew meetings. Failure to attend an activity without an approved excused will be grounds for immediate termination, with replacement from the waiting list. In short, we will not take your son's Philmont experience any more seriously than he does. If you or your son are unable or unwilling to make these commitments, withdraw immediately! - none of us needs the aggravation. Below is a commitment form ( sign up document) that you and your son MUST sign and return along with your first payment on January 20; failure to do so will be considered an automatic withdrawal from the trek.

Summary

I can relate to you from my own experience that Philmont is indeed an experience of a lifetime. It does require a significant commitment but those who are willing to make that commitment will be rewarded. The requirements stated above as well as the Commitment Form on the next page may seem extreme, but again I can relate to you from my experience that it’s necessary to better ensure a safe and quality trek for all participants. The Adult Advisors on this trek will be dedicating many hours of their time and significant effort to provide this opportunity. It’s not too much to ask that the Scouts demonstrate a high level of commitment to the trek as well. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions regarding the dates, trek selection, requirements or even Philmont in general.
 

Crew Roster

Trek Selection

Trek Information (Top)

Good news!  Crew 801-G has been assigned their first choice, trek 14.  

More information will be added as I get it.

Trek 14 Calendar (back)

The Routes (back)

Trek 14 Camp & Program Information (back)

Trek 14 Links (back)

Coming soon

The Philmont Way (Top)

Here's an archive of tips and techniques used at Philmont.  Some are from former Philmont trekkers or staff.  Others are articles recommended by them.  These are all in Adobe Acrobat format.

Gear Info & Reviews (Top)

Shopping Links (Top)

Here are some internet links to places for purchasing your gear.  The companies are listed in alphabetical order. 

Philmont Links (Top)

Troop 149 Sites

General Sites

Preparation Sites (back)

Sites with Trek Information (back)

Troops that have visited Philmont (back)

Travel Information (Top)

The crew will use three modes of transportation;

Approximate Transportation costs

Schedule (Top)

The time table below is estimated. Actual times will be updated once final reservations are confirmed. Also, Amtrak often runs late so actual arrival times may vary. A calling tree will be established for the return leg so that all families are updated on delays and can plan accordingly.