Philmont Opportunity August 2009

 

Every Scout should go to Philmont if they have the opportunity.  It is the high point of a Scouting career for most Scouts.  Talk to anyone who has been and they always have great things to say about it.

 

Venture Crew 71 has a slot for 2 Crews at Philmont in 2009.  The Crews are for 7 to 12 crewmembers each with a max of 4 adults but there must be more Scouts than adults.  Youth must a 1^st Class Scout if in a Troop and be 14 by January the 1^st of 2009 or completed the 8^th grade.  Everyone must pass the Philmont physical to go.  The arrival date is July the 31^st and the departure date is August 12^th.  Two or three days will be needed to be added for traveling before and after these dates depending on the method we choose.  Troop 71 also got a slot which is also late in the season with an arrival date of August 1^st.  We are choosing to go with the Crew as we have some girls in the Crew who are interested in going.  A unit is only allowed to go to Philmont every two years.  Canceling our slot with the Troop will possibly allow the Troop to go in 2010.  Scouts in the Troop can join the Crew and it only cost a $1 per year.  The Crew is pay as you go therefore no dues. 

 

Philmont is all about being prepared.  There will be several tune ups planned; 1 or 2 in the fall of 2008 and 3 or 4 in the spring/summer of 2009.  Our first trip in the fall of 2008 will be close to the cars so only regular camping gear is required.  This will give the new backpackers a chance to see what kind of equipment they need or want to get.  The idea is to see what others have and be able to ask questions about backpacking equipment.  Hopefully you then can avoid spending a lot of money on things which you do not need or will not work for you.  Also it might help with the Crewmember’s Christmas list.  The following trips will have increasingly more miles and tougher terrain. 

 

The cost of the trip will be approximately $1,100.  This could vary some depending on the travel method which we choose and if we do anything extra while traveling.  Meals while traveling will not be covered except possibly the first meal after we leave Philmont.  Also personal purchases will not be covered like snacks or souvenirs like at Philmont’s Tooth of Time Traders. 

 

The payment schedule and amounts will be approximately:

January the 29^th 2008            $100            Philmont deposit                 (This must be sent in to hold our slots!)

September 2008                     $300            Philmont payment

December 2008                      $100            Transportation deposit

February 2009                         $300            Philmont payment

May/June 2009                        $300            Transportation balance           

 

Every effort will be made to ensure a refund if for some reason you need to drop out.  However there is not a guarantee of getting any money back which has been paid out.  If you must drop out it is up to you to find a replacement and collect the money from them.  Full Crews are the best way to protect your investment; so recruit.

 

I will be the primary leader for the trip.  This does not mean I will not be asking for help.  If there is a parent who wants to go with their son or daughter I am willing to give up my slot for them.  However if I am not going someone else will need to assume the primary leadership position.

 

Questions please contact me.

 

Irv