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Philmont
Philmont is a great place to learn backpacking. I've
backpacked all over the world, and Philmont remains
perhaps the best place I have ever seen for learning.
As an environmentalist, one of the best things about
Philmont is the no-trace backpacking ethic.
The Boy Scouts of America has earned a reputation
over the years of having a rather slouchy no-trace
policy. Or, in some cases, it gets mixed in with right
wing politics where people become anti-environmentalists.
Just witness the "environmental whacko' language
used by some of the far right.
I was really impressed with the excellent no-trace
backpacking skills taught at Philmont. Really, better
than any other place I've seen.
Philmont
no-trace back-backing
Philmont
college-age rangers travel with your troop for a couple
days. By the end of it, the kids will even have learned
to eat part of the garbage. Quite impressive, I must
say.
I've taken a few troops of boys to Philmont over the
years. For the most part, they needed to learn backpacking.
And at Philmont, they did. In every case I think they
also had a lifetime experience. Many have since taken
up backpacking as lifetime sports. It's inevitible
they would also pick up care and concern for the outdoors
and wilderness areas. What better testimonial can
one have than that? None, I think.
On the following pages I'll give you a taste of what
to expect at Philmont. And I'll give you some
tips, such as what kind of backpacking gear you'll
need at Philmont. Good trekking.
Philmont
Backpacking
- a typical day, and what to expect. And also the
Boy
Scout Backpacking - the Lazy Life. And some comments
from our backpacking
chums.
Giardia
Club
4220 Brookside Dr
Rapid City, SD 57702
605-718-4567
Email
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