Philmont Information
Philmont is the pinnacle of the scouting experience. Philmont, New Mexico, is where 25,000 scouts descend every summer for 10 days of backpacking, bonding, and beautiful views. For the official Philmont information, please visit https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/.
Troop 539 went for the first time in history in 2022. We plan to trek there every other year. Our next adventure to Philmont is July 2-14, 2024 (which means you leave the bay area on July 1, returning July 15).
To get an idea of the Troop 539 trek, please visit the 2022 Philmont slide deck.
Preparation
This is a physically demanding experience. If you do not prepare, you will be miserable and may make the rest of your crew miserable too.
Physical training starts in earnest Jan 1, 2024. However, we highly recommend doing hiking, running, weight training, or any kind of physical fitness so you are not starting from scratch.
Steep rocky terrain is usual. You'll need to be capable of carrying 1/3 of your body weight on your back. You will have to train with the crew and carry a backpack to prepare.
Two "shakedown" trips are mandatory to attend with the crew. These shakedown trips are 1 or 2-night backpacking trips within a 3-hr drive to test out gear, processes, team formation, team responsibilities, leadership roles, etc. These trips will be in March/April and Memorial Day weekend. Plan ahead!
Gear
Gear is a hot and complex topic. You will need to have tested and tried your gear on the shakdown hikes prior to the trek (that's one of the purposes of the shakedown trips!). There are plenty of packing lists available and many opinions. From January 2024 through June 2024, as a crew, we'll help each other figure out what you need. Backpacking tents are required and shared (2 boys to a tent). Rain gear is essential. Good, broken in hiking boots are required. The official Philmont link above has a packing list.
Costs
Total fees to attend Philmont are approximately $2500.
The backpacking portion of Philmont is $1575 per scout, 50% paid in October, 50% paid by March 1 2024.
Flights to/from Denver, CO are approximately $400 per person.
Lodging (one night in a hotel before we check into the trek), transportation (rented van from Denver airport), and 3 meals approx $400 per person
Any gear or souvenirs to purchase would be in addition to these expenses.
Meals during the trek are included and your lodging is free (with or without bears!).
Experience
It's like no other. See photos from 2022.