Philmont Newsletter #8

Philmont 1998, Crew 704-H

Newsletter #8, 6/29/98

Greetings to All;

This is our final pre-trek letter, and covers a number of issues; please read carefully, and discuss with your sons/parents.

1) Missing Forms - the following individuals have not turned in their Philmont Medical Forms - Tim A., Matt C., Dan Hu., Brad J., Nathan K., Brendan M., Jay P. and Matt S. Please do not forget that all Scout Medical Forms require three signatures - Scout, Parent and Physician.

Remember - No Philmont Medical Form - you stay here!

2) Phone Contacts, ONE - The Itinerary lists certain phone numbers for places we will be. These should be utilized for emergencies only, not routine matters. Note that it may be a full day before we get your message during our pre-trek activities, so don't be hanging on the phone waiting for a response. ...and on the Ranch itself, it may be up to three full days before you hear back from us, depending on where we are and how easily the Ranger Staff can track us down (at 450 square miles, not always an easy task!)

3) Phone contacts, TWO - If desired by any parent, I will call ONE DESIGNATED PERSON each available day for routine messages. This person then becomes the phone contact for all other parents in the crew. "Each available day" means July 1st through the 4^th , and July 15^th and 16^th; that's it. This person will also act as our teletree contact for our return on the 16^th. I need a volunteer; please let me know if you're willing to act in this capacity. I need both home and work numbers for this person.

4) Mail - We can pick up mail on July 4^th and July 15^th - there are no mail deliveries in the back-country. If you wish to send a letter, the address is as follows: Scout's Name / Expedition 704-H / Philmont Scout Ranch / Cimarron, NM 87714. As always, do not send money or food, and include a return address in case we don't get it before departing on the 16^th. Mail takes at least 3 full days to arrive at the Ranch - plan accordingly.

5) Equipment, continued - By now, everyone should have their complete array of trail gear, all properly packed inside their backpacks. You should also have a LOT of extra room in your packs for crew gear, which we will be loading in this Tuesday night.

Final reminders -

A) you need THREE LITERS/quarts of water capacity - the Ranch has been extremely dry again this month, and I would not be surprised if they're in a drought situation again.

B) Do NOT forget your boots!!! - They are the single most forgotten item when packing for Philmont, because you're usually already wearing them when going backpacking here.

C) Pack in plastic bags, and roll clothing to reduce bulk.

D) Use the side pockets to your advantage - and keep the main compartment as free as possible!

E) Keep crushable items (like canteens) inside the pack, not in the side pockets, for the trip out.

F) Fight for every last ounce; you're gonna need it.

On the carry-on side, don't forget to bring a pair of "Croakies" if you wear glasses, for the whitewater rafting trip; note that this is NOT included in my carry-on list, so you'll need to write it down on the list yourself. Contact lense wearers, remember, SMALL fluid bottles, and TWO SETS of each! Medications takers, remember, TWO SETS of each!, and have the minimum number of pills (don't bring a 60 day supply out on the trail!)

Keep the maximum size restriction for carry-on in mind; the airlines have been very strict on this issue this past year.

6) Scout Uniforms - FULL CLASS A's are REQUIRED for the trip out and back, and for arrival/departure from basecamp. Please wear your uniform tomorrow night (at the loading session) in order for me to do a last second check.

7) Loading session - will start at 7pm Tuesday night - please be on time. One parent must attend early on in order to sign the three release forms we have for each Scout (but can then leave.) We will also be re-formulating our final crew rosters. This meeting may last up to 2 full hours, and maybe longer, depending on how efficient the Scouts are in getting everything done.

8) Merit Badges - I will attempt to let the Scouts who do not have the MB's do some of the paperwork on the return trip. Depending on how fried they are, they may or may not get anything done - we'll see.

9) Final physical prep - remember to closely trim nails - especially toenails - before departing. A haircut is also a good idea for those sporting dreadlocks right now. Caffeine (soda or coffeee) addicts need to start cutting down NOW - withdrawal on the trail is not a happy experience. Everyone should start drinking water as their main fluid intake, all this week.

10) Review the Memorabilia Handout and decide on how much money your son will be taking, and whether or not you want the banker (Rick) to hold it for him. Money will be collected at the loading session. Remember, CASH ONLY - no checks; we have no-where to cash your checks out west.

See you tomorrow night at 7pm - Bob

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29 June 1998