Trek Preparation

The Watchu Experience was featured
in the May/June 2005 issue of
Scouting magazine. Click on the
image to open.

This page contains links to documents and Web sites that will help crews get the most out of their Philmont trek.

Many documents on this site are PDFs that require Adobe Reader. You can download the free software by clicking on the Adobe icon below.

What is Philmont? – a short history of Philmont
Philmont Nomenclature - definitions of terms used at Philmont and during the Watchu Experience
"It's Not Just A Hike" - article from the Philmont High Country magazine, June 2004
"Getting Ready for High Adventure" - article from Scouting magazine, May-June 2005
Manitou Prayer - "Oh, thou great Manitou..."
Philmont Grace - "For food, for raiment..."
Philmont Hymn - "Silver on the sage"
Awards and Recognitions - available to Philmont participants

Philmont Medical Form - print and fill out if a preprinted copy is not available
Philmont Medical Form Tips - a guide for filling out the medical form
Immunization Exemption Request - request an exemption due to medical or religious reasons
Philmont memo on Medical forms and requirements
Medical Handout provided by the Philmont Health Lodge with recommended treatments for common problems
Wilderness First Aid training requirements and approved certifications
Philmont Weight Limits - determine acceptable participant weight for height limits
Philmont Trail Food Menu - trail meals, with lists of all ingredients
Special Food Needs while on the trail
Heat Index / Urine Color Charts - how hot it feels and level of dehydration based on urine color
"Fit for the Trail" - article from Scouting magazine, March-April 1997

Advisor Briefing presentations:
- An Introduction to Philmont (October) - the land and its history
- Selecting a Great Trek (January) - a suggested process and on-line tools to get an early start before the March mailing arrives
- Online Trek Selection Process (January) - learn how to manage the final steps after the Philmont mailing arrives
- Trail Planning (May Watchu Mountain Adventure) - a staff member will review your assigned trek to help optimize your crew's Philmont experience
Trek Selection tools:
- Outdoor Adventure History - survey your crew for outdoor experience
- 2021 Guidebook to Adventure - includes descriptions of the programs offered at the staffed camps
- 2021 TREKS Itinerary Guide - includes specific details for each available itinerary
- Overall Philmont Map, North and South segments- determine where camps are located and the trails that connect them. Caution! large files
- PhilSearch - an online trek comparison tool, maps, photos and much more
- Philmont News Group - join in the online discussions devoted to Philmont
- Trek Selection Ballot - use this sample form to vote for your favorite programs
- Itinerary Selection Worksheet - complete before starting the on-line registration process
- Philmont Tooth Of Time Traders - Philmont's trading post for ordering Philmont maps online or by calling 575-376-2281

Women at Philmont - ladies should e-mail Chief Watchu for a link to a page devoted just to women
Document Checklist - for administrative check-in and medical rechecks
Crew Reports - read trek reports and news articles from past years
Philmont Water Purification Memo - procedures for the new (in 2005) use of Micropur tablets
Bear Procedures - how to be safe in the backcountry
Philmont Cell Phone Use - procedures for reporting an emergency by cell phone
Rendezvous - locate other crews from PPC you may meet on the trail at Philmont (available in April)
Philmont GPS Waypoint file s - to be programmed or downloaded to your GPS
Awards and Recognitions - available to Philmont participants

Philmont Preparation Resources - descriptions of the documents issued by Philmont
Philmont Document Archive - past issues of the Philmont TREKS/PEAKS, Guidebook to Adventure and other documents

Content 8