We’re lottery winners! Not the PowerBall lottery, but the Philmont lottery! And remember, this is for 2014, NOT 2013!

Philmont (http://www.philmontscoutranch.org/) is a life-changing experience centered on 10 days/nights of backpacking in Northern New Mexico. It is physically and mentally challenging, but anyone in good physical shape who prepares will enjoy it and remember it forever. You have two opportunities to attend  (July 16-30 and August 1-15, 2104) and to help us plan our attendance you must complete the online attendance survey by December 31, 2012. We have plenty of available space on both sets of dates.

**********************************************************************************************

*** Participation Survey Link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3993QSL ***

**********************************************************************************************

Taking the survey not only helps us plan, but enables us to return unused 12-person trek slots to Philmont so other Scouts whose Troop or Crew are on the waiting list can attend. Some Scouts have been on the waiting list for up to three years! A SCOUT IS KIND AND THRIFTY when it comes to holding winning Philmont lottery tickets!

We will host an optional, but recommended information session at 7 PM Monday, December 17, 2012 at BPC. Official sign-up and your initial $250 deposit are due by January 14, 2013.

Philmont requires early commitment and extensive preparations, including equipment, individual physical training and participation in crew hikes and overnight backpacking treks. The Philmont trek occurs between 6,600 and 12,500 feet above sea level and participants must acclimate to the altitude for a couple of days prior to the start of the trek. Philmont is not a “just show up and enjoy” event. Wikipedia has a great article and lots of links at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philmont.

TREK PARTICIPATION INFORMATION

A Trek Crew consists of 10-12 participants of 8-10 Youth and 2-4 Adults. We have plenty of space available.

Trek Options:

• July 18 – July 30, 2014; travel dates July 16 – July 30 (limited to Male Youth; open to Male and Female Adults)
• August 3 – August 15, 2014; travel dates August 1 – August 15 (open to Male and Female Venturers and Adults)

Youth Participation REQUIREMENTS (current 7^th-graders and above would be eligible):

• Be age 14 or older by the start of the trip OR be age 13 and have completed the 8^th grade by the start of the trip
• Do not turn age 21 before the end of the trip
• Be a registered BSA youth
• Meet the physical requirements, including those for height and weight (http://www.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/part_d.pdf)
• Participate in crew preparation activities, including prep hikes and overnight trips

Adult Participation REQUIREMENTS:

• Be age 21 or older by the start of the trip
• Be a registered BSA adult
• Meet the physical requirements, including those for height and weight (http://www.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/part_d.pdf)
• Complete required online training, including Youth Protection training
• Complete basic First Aid and CPR training (one adult in each Crew must also be certified in Wilderness First Aid)
• Participate in crew preparation activities, including prep hikes and overnight trips

TREK COST INFORMATION

Trek Cost is $1600-1800 per person and includes:

• The base Philmont Fee of $800 per person
• Airfare (typically to Denver, Colorado Springs or Albuquerque)
• Transportation on the ground
• Meals, lodging and activities enroute to Philmont
• Crew equipment and First Aid supplies (crew uniform and personal equipment are the responsibility of the participant)

NOTE: Fees, once paid to Philmont, are non-refundable and non-transferrable to the balance of our Philmont account. We will do our best to minimize the financial impact of participation changes, but refunds are not guaranteed. See http://www.philmontscoutranch.org/filestore/philmont/pdf/UnitRegistrationPkt.pdf if you want detailed information about the trek lottery and payment process (not recommended for the faint of interpretive reading).

Draft Payment Schedule:

1. January 21, 2013:  $250
2. May 20, 2013:  $250
3. September 23, 2013:  $250
4. November 18, 2013:  $250
5. January 20, 2014:  $250
6. March 24, 2014:  $250
7. May 19, 2014:  Remaining Balance