Philmont Training Dates & Info (click here)
June 19 - 28, 2025
Philmont Information
Emails are added to this page as Andy sends them. Newest emails at the bottom.
Payment Info
Mr. Jones will book the travel arrangements following our meeting on 8/15, including both airfare and ground transportation. A $50 airfare deposit, $100 ground transportation deposit, and a $592.50 trek payment are due by September 15. In total, that is $742.50 per person - due Sept 15th. Please pay Mr. Nate Sharp via cash, check, or credit card (additional fees apply).
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Upcoming payments
(update email 12/6/24)
Just a reminder, there is a payment due Feb 13 in the amount of $700 and the final payment due March 20 in the amount of $992. Feel free to combine both in the Feb payment if you feel so inclined. The Feb payment covers the remainder of the trek cost plus crew gear and custom trek shirt. The March payment covers the remainder of the cost of airfare and Blue Sky's services.
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DATES
Please save these dates in your calendars!
T-Shirt Order Form (Deadline March 13)
8/15/24 - Calling all Philmont participants! We will be meeting at the Hut from 6:30 - 8:30 to discuss Philmont.
4/27/2025 - Final Parent Meeting, Sunday, April 27th at 1:00-3:00 at the HUT
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Training Trips
These training trips will be very important to prepare our crew for the rigors of the trek. The more training we do (both as a group and individually) the more enjoyable the trip will be.
Everyone going on the trek will have the opportunity to earn the backpacking merit badge. To complete the merit badge, scouts need to be involved in the training trip planning process. We will discuss this in further detail at a future meeting.
Training weekends
(Troop backpacking trip)
Oct 18-20, 2024 Uwharrie State Park
Nov 23-24, 2024 Hanging Rock (1 night)
Dec 21, 2024 Pilot Mnt (Day hike with full pack)
Feb 22, 2025 (Day hike with full pack) Doughton Rec Area
March 28 - 30, 2025
May 2 - 4, 2025 Art Loeb Trail
May 23-25, 2025
June 20-28, 2025 Philmont!
Hanging Rock Training Weekend Nov. 23 - 24 Information:
When: November 23-24, 2024 (1 night stay on Saturday night)
Where: Hanging Rock State Park, Danbury, NC
Details: The plan is to meet at the Scout Hut early Saturday morning, carpool to the Hanging Rock Visitor's Center, hike to the Primitive Group Campsite, camp overnight, hike back to the visitor's center Sunday, then return home. This will be about 6 miles each way with a fair bit more elevation change than what we hiked this past weekend. I suggest that everyone take the time to practice walking up and down stairs with your pack prior to this shakedown trip.
We will introduce ourselves to Philmont-style meals on this trip as well. We will manage the costs of these shakedown trips the same as any other trip, where we split the cost of food and fuel. The cost of the Nov trip is $40, which includes food, transportation, and campsite expenses. Feel free to bring additional snacks/drink mixes/etc., but don't forget that the more you bring the more you have to carry!
Food Plan: The scouts on this Oct trip blindly drew meals from the 2024 Philmont meal menu to determine our food for the Nov trip. We will be eating as close as possible to the following:
Sat Breakfast: Not provided - bring your own or eat beforehand
Sat Lunch: Chicken in a Biskit Crackers, Sweet & Spicy Tune, Raspberry & Lemon Energy Bar, Cheezits, Sea Salt and Vinegar Peanuts, Fruit Punch Drink Mix
Sat Dinner: Mexican-Style Veggie Bowl with Rice and Beans, Jalapeno Pretzel Pieces, Honey Roasted Peanuts, Cinnamon Graham Goldfish,
Sun Breakfast: Pepperoni Sticks, Mixed Dried Fruit, Blueberry Protein Energy Bar, Blueberry Lemon Bar, Chocolate Granola
Sun Lunch: Sea Salt Pita Chips, Smoked Gouda Cheese Cup, Strawberry Energy Chews, Pepperoni Sticks, Salted Peanuts, Orange Drink Mix
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Update emailed on 12/6/24
December 21 training hike
We will do a day hike at Pilot Mountain. The hike will start at the bottom of the mountain, go up and circle the knob, then back down to the parking area. Total distance of 7-8 miles. Bring your fully-loaded pack with at least 4 liters of water and extra weight (via water, rocks, whatever) as needed to reach your 'Philmont pack weight'. You should target 35-40 lbs pack weight. We will not distribute crew gear or food. BRING YOUR OWN FOOD FOR LUNCH & SNACKS.
Meet at the Hut at 8am. We'll carpool there and back. Plan to pick up at the Hut around 4pm.
Future training schedule update
Spring is a busy season and we had some back-to-back-to-back scouting weekends. We decided to cancel the April 25th Philmont-specific trip in order to combine it with the May 2 troop backpacking trip. We will do a Philmont-specific route on the May 2nd trip. The training trip in late May will stay the same.
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Update Email 2/4/2025
Philmont Crew! It's time to HIKE!
This training hike will be the same format as the previous day hike at Pilot Mountain, but more challenging. We will hike at the Doughton Recreation Area on the Cedar Ridge Trail, up to Brinegar Cabin. Total distance of 8.7 miles. Bring your fully-loaded pack with at least 4 liters of water and extra weight (via water, rocks, whatever) as needed to reach your 'Philmont pack weight'. You should target a 40 lbs pack weight.
We will not distribute crew gear or food. Bring your own meals and snacks. This will be a strenuous hike, so make sure you eat or bring breakfast (and bring lunch), bring electrolyte drink mixes, wear proper clothing layers and footwear, and bring a personal first aid kit (and actually know what's in it). Bring something to eat on the way home (you can leave this in the car while we hike).
Meet at the Hut at 8am. We'll carpool there and back. Parents plan to pick up at the Hut around 5:30-6pm. I'll send an update as usual once we get on the road back home.
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Update Email 2/17/2025
Hey Crew 621-7D!
Our itinerary selection is IN! We have been awarded trek 7-12!
This is going to be an AWESOME trek that culminates with our crew summiting the Tooth of Time and hiking into base camp on the last day. It's 39 miles, so if you haven't already, start increasing those fitness levels through a regular exercise program and/or sport. You can see the daily mileage and elevation change in the chart below.
Program activities include everyone's favorite - HORSEBACK RIDING! In addition, we'll have the opportunity to do rifle and shotgun shooting, gold panning and a mine tour, blacksmithing, and western lore - branding and roping.
Over the last few training hikes, we're going to focus on working together as a crew and practice hiking efficiently. I look forward to seeing you out on the trail. :D
-Andy (aka Mr. Jones)
Check out the map here
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Email update sent 3/2/25
March Shakedown Stone Mnt
3/28 - 30
Hi 621-7D Crew!
RSVP HERE
Once again this is a long email, but hang in there and read the whole thing. The crew did great on the February trip and I hope you each learned something that will help you prepare for Philmont. I was particularly impressed how the crew embraced the challenge of minimizing stops and developing a 'flow' throughout the hike.
I'm sure you'll all be glad to hear that we won't be carrying any more weight plates for the rest of our training :D. The next three trips will challenge you in other ways as we focus on practicing Philmont-specific skills. We will transition the training trips to be scout-led so that you all can get some experience with the work tasks that will take place everyday and learn how to do them efficiently together. We will carry and use all the crew gear on this and the remaining trips. There is some new gear that everyone needs to acquire and bring - see gear notes below.
Details for the March shakedown trip
When: March 28-30, 2025 (2 nights, Friday to Sunday)
Where: Stone Mountain State Park, Roaring Gap, NC
Cost: $50/person. Cost includes all food and campsite reservation costs. Please pay Mr. Sharp. Request an electronic invoice in the RSVP to pay online if desired.
Details: The plan is to meet at the Scout Hut at 5:30pm Friday evening, conduct a gear review, carpool to the Stone Mtn campground, camp overnight (sites 30 & 31 Loop A), hike to the primitive campsites to camp Saturday night, then return hike for an arrival back at the Scout Hut mid-afternoon (targeting around 3pm). This hike will be about 8 miles each way. We will eat Philmont-style meals on this trip (see menu below), practice camp setup and cooking procedures, and let our Scout Crew Leadership get some practice in their roles.
Crew Leader: Lucy MacDonald
Chaplain's Aide: Abby Weeks
Wilderness Pledge Guia: Olivia Warren
Gear Notes w/ highlighted changes: THIS IS IMPORTANT. Make sure you bring the appropriate clothing layers, including clean wool socks. There will be no cotton clothing allowed on these trips. Cotton will not keep you warm and could lead to hypothermia! This will be checked during the gear review before we leave and if you have cotton clothing, you will not be allowed to participate until this is corrected. This is for your safety and for the safety of the crew. Acceptable materials are synthetics (polyester, spandex, polypropylene, nylon, etc), wool (go for the Merino wool to avoid the itch), fleece, synthetic or down-filled jackets, etc).
Every scout will have a tent buddy. Your tent buddy will also be your food buddy. You may only use your own tent if it is a 'backpacking'-style tent with a rainfly that goes to the ground. You may (and I would recommend) you use a troop tent. If you do, please double check that all the parts are there when you get it and when you put it back in the gear closet. Philmont requires you to bring your own tent ground cloth and tent stakes. NEW: Every crew member needs to bring 5 tent stakes and each tent buddy pair needs to bring 1 - 5 ft x 7ft ground sheet. The ground sheet could be a tarp or plastic sheet. On the training trips, bring these in addition to the stakes and ground sheet that come with the troop tents.
We will use crew stoves and pots to cook. You do not need your own stove/cook pot unless you want to bring one to make a personal beverage. NEW: We will use crew plates, you do not need to bring your own bowl/plate. You DO need to bring your own eating utensil(s). Don't forget to bring a spoon!
NEW: Everyone MUST bring a personal first aid kit. It should include items to treat blisters, minor cuts, insect bites, over the counter medicine for aches and pains (tylenol/advil), over the counter allergy medicine and/or antihistamine (claritin/zyrtec/benadryl), and any other treatments needed for expected or previously experience issues while on the trail.
You need to carry 4 LITERS of water. Yes, this is a lot of water. I guarantee that none of you drink enough water on a backpacking trip. You'll have to drink more water at Philmont than you can imagine because of the climate. Philmont REQUIRES that you carry 4 liters of water, minimum. You can use water bottles, Camelbak/water pouches, or any combination of the two. Keep in mind that any container that you put drink mix into must go into the bear bag at night. I plan to bring 4-1L water bottles and will use 1 of them for drink mixes.
Write your name on all your stuff with a Sharpie! Our food/toiletries/water bottles/food-stained clothing will all end up in bear bags and we need to be able to quickly sort out what belongs to whom.
Food Plan: The plan for each meal is below. Some substitutions from the Philmont menu have been made due to cost or availability, which you can see in the table below. We will pass out the food and crew gear Friday evening at the Scout Hut. You're on your own for Friday dinner. You may bring extra food to supplement the menu below, if desired. I do recommend that everyone bring extra electrolyte drink mixes.
Menu:
Sat Breakfast #3
Cajun Bison Jerky Jack Links Beef Stick, Apples Cinnamon Instant Oatmeal, Waffle - Salted Caramel, Fig Newtons, Dried Cranberries Cranberry and Mango Dried Fruit, Hot Cocoa Mix
Sat Lunch #10
Club Crackers, Pepper Jack Cheese Wedges, Beef Salami Slices, Raspberry or Orange Energy Shots, Salt and Vinegar Flavored, Corn, Fruit Punch Drink Mix
Sat Dinner #5
Chicken Curry, Nut & Chocolate Trail Mix, Hot Buffalo Wings Surprise Flavor Pretzel Pieces, Cinnamon Graham Goldfish Teddy Grahams
Sun Breakfast #5
Honey Brown Sugar Turkey Ends & Curls stick, Fig Newtons, Whole Berry Blast Meal Bar, Granola Bites, Fruit Gummies, Lemon Lime Drink Mix
Sunday Lunch #3
Original Triscuit Crackers, Original (Cheddar) Cheese Wedges, Caramel Almond & Sea Salt Bar, Spam, Chili Lime Peanuts, Strawberry Banana Drink Mix
Thanks everyone! Let's have fun!
Andy
p.s. We'll have 2 more shakedown trips after this one. May 2-4 (coincides with troop backpacking trip) on the Art Loeb trail, and May 23-25 (on the AT at Roan Mtn). We will have a Crew Packing Party (parents and scouts) on Saturday June 14th at 9:30 SHARP as a final check to make sure we're all good to go on gear and paperwork. Expect one final group meeting for parents and scouts to discuss travel plans and answer any questions.
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Email sent 3/17/25
Dear Philmont Crew and Crew Parents,
We're only a few short months away from our Philmont trek! This is a short email kindly requesting that you complete the following action items (if you haven't already):
Final payment is due THIS THURSDAY! If you haven't made this payment yet, please come early to the CoH to pay the final $922 to Mr. Sharp before the CoH starts.
Everyone should have received an email with a shirt survey. I need your response also by THIS THURSDAY so I can place the order on Friday. If I don't have your feedback, I'll guess at your size and hope for the best. Don't make me guess!
The next shake down trip is March 28-30 at Stone Mountain. The cost is $50. Pay Mr. Sharpe by the 3/27 meeting if you haven't already.
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Email Update Sent 4/7/2025
Hey Crew and Crew Parents!
We're nearing the end of our Philmont preparations and I trust everyone is getting excited about the trip. There are some very important trip details that we need to review with both crew members AND parents. We will hold our final "Parent Rally" (aka meeting) on Sunday, April 27th at 1pm. This meeting will take place at the Scout Hut, or if weather permits, we may use the picnic shelter at the church.
The agenda will include, but be not limited to, the following topics:
- Airfare and transportation details
- What to expect before and after the trail
- What to pack for before and after the trail
- Personal hygiene on the trail
- Medication management
- Forms check
- Lessons learned so far and areas for improvement
- Final activities update - 2 training hikes and details for the "packing party"
Expect this meeting to last a short 1.5-2 hours. Bring a water bottle, a notebook, and a pen. There will be a lot of information and a lot of little details shared that will directly help Scouts (and Parents) to have the most memorable trek possible.
Finally, THANK YOU Parents for supporting your Scouts on these preparations. Know that we "Advisors" are proud of each of them and the effort they (and you!) have put in so far. Preparing for Philmont is a lot of "work", but I also know it will all be worth it when we're standing on top of a 10,000 foot mountain watching the sun peek out from the horizon while chowing down on our breakfast jerky sticks and granola bars. :D
See you there,
Andy (aka Mr. Jones)
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Email Update Sent 5/13/2025
Hi 621-7D Crew!
The crew did great on the last trip (and dang fast!) and I hope you each learned something new that will help you prepare for Philmont. The weather really solidified my clothing choices, as we got to use our kits with the low's being in the high-30's, which I think will be very similar to Philmont. We also had the opportunity to try out our rain gear. We also learned that 12 people don't fit under 1 dining fly in wind-blown rain. ha!
This trip, we're going to go back to Roan Mountain (for the views, of course!) but we're going to thru-hike a 16 mile section from Carvers Gap to Mountain Harbor B&B. This will be a new experience for everyone because we've never used a shuttle and thru-hiked any trail sections as a troop. I think you will all like it a lot more than an out-n-back.
Details for the May shakedown trip RSVP HERE
When: May 23-25, 2025 (2 nights, Friday to Sunday)
Where: Appalachian Trail, Roan Mountain, TN
Cost: $70/person. Cost includes all food except Sunday lunch, campsite reservation, shuttle service, and parking costs. Please pay Mr. Sharp. Request an electronic invoice in the RSVP to pay online if desired.
Details: The plan is to meet at the Scout Hut no later than 5:30pm Friday evening, distribute the crew gear, and carpool to the Mountain Harbor B&B. We will tent camp overnight at the B&B, then take a ride in the B&B shuttle to the Carvers Gap trailhead. From there, it's a 10 mile hike to our Saturday night campsite. Sunday will be the remaining 6 miles to arrive at our cars, which we'll leave parked at the B&B. We will eat Philmont-style meals again on this trip (see menu below), except for Sunday lunch. For Sunday lunch, we'll stop at Wendy's OR McD's, depending on which way our Crew Leader can sway the crew members. :-) We should be back to the Hut around 2:30-3pm.
Things we will specifically practice for this trip: the actual philmont cooking and cleaning procedures, testing our Fossil eating bowls, and setting up the dining flys.
Gear Notes: This is your last chance to test any new clothing or gear! Make the most of it. Don't forget your 5 extra tent stakes, we will need them for the dining flys. We will not use the 2L hydration bladders on this trip. We will use the Bear Vaults instead of the bear bags.
Everyone MUST bring a personal first aid kit. It should include items to treat blisters, minor cuts, insect bites, over the counter medicine for aches and pains (tylenol/advil), over the counter allergy medicine and/or antihistamine (claritin/zyrtec/benadryl), and any other treatments needed for expected or previously experience issues while on the trail. Mrs. Scott will manage any prescription meds as needed.
Write your name on all your stuff with a Sharpie! Our food/toiletries/water bottles/food-stained clothing will all end up in bear bags and we need to be able to quickly sort out what belongs to whom.
Food Plan: The plan for each meal is below. Some substitutions from the Philmont menu may be made due to cost or availability. We will pass out the food and crew gear Friday evening at the Scout Hut. You're on your own for Friday dinner. You may bring extra food to supplement the menu below, if desired. I do recommend that everyone bring extra electrolyte drink mixes.
Sat Breakfast: Dark Chocolate Sunflower Seed Butter, Blueberry Breakfast Biscuits, BBQ Beef Bites, Chocolate Sea Salt Energy Bar, Chocolate Granola, Cran-Raspberry Drink Mix
Sat Lunch
Ritz Crackers, Jalapeno Cheese Sauce, Chocolate Coconut Energy Bar, Beef Sausage Mini Bites, Hot and Spicy Corn, Grape Drink Mix
Sat Dinner
3-Cheese Macaroni & Cheese with Maple Bacon Jerky, Goldfish Pretzel, Assorted Peanuts, Grahams Cookies
Sun Breakfast
Jalapeno Cheddar Bison Jerky, Raisins, Animal Crackers, Assorted Clif Bars, Cinnamon Granola
Thanks everyone! Let's have fun!
June 2026