| PHILMONT SCOUT RANCH August 3-15 2008 |
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Day 1: Leaving Edison Park Station.
After saying goodbye to family, the crew set off towards Union Station. Thank
goodness Mr. Oulvey knew his way around down town because the crew, who was
walking the busy streets of Chicago with forty-pound packs, found Union Station
quickly. We relaxed for a few hours, watched some television and ate all the last
good tasting food we could before eating dehydrated hiking meals. After boarding
the train, we awaited our 22-hour Amtrak ride.
After saying goodbye to family, the crew set off towards Union Station. Thank
goodness Mr. Oulvey knew his way around down town because the crew, who was
walking the busy streets of Chicago with forty-pound packs, found Union Station
quickly. We relaxed for a few hours, watched some television and ate all the last
good tasting food we could before eating dehydrated hiking meals. After boarding
the train, we awaited our 22-hour Amtrak ride.
Day 2: Arrival at New Mexico/ First Day in Philmont Base Camp
Activities: Opening Campfire, Mass
The crew kept busy during the long train ride. We played cards, met other Boy
Scouts and enjoyed the scenery. From the train, we bussed to the Philmont Scout
Ranch Base Camp. We check in, organized gear and met our ranger, James. He
went over our trek on the map and helped us get situated. The crew was able to eat
at the dining hall for dinner and browse through the gift shop after having Mass.
That night, we attended the opening campfire ceremony, which informed us about
the history of Philmont. The staff members performed a skit and all crew leaders
gathered at the front stage for special recognition. Willy received the American flag,
which he attached to his pack throughout the entire trek.
Activities: Opening Campfire, Mass
The crew kept busy during the long train ride. We played cards, met other Boy
Scouts and enjoyed the scenery. From the train, we bussed to the Philmont Scout
Ranch Base Camp. We check in, organized gear and met our ranger, James. He
went over our trek on the map and helped us get situated. The crew was able to eat
at the dining hall for dinner and browse through the gift shop after having Mass.
That night, we attended the opening campfire ceremony, which informed us about
the history of Philmont. The staff members performed a skit and all crew leaders
gathered at the front stage for special recognition. Willy received the American flag,
which he attached to his pack throughout the entire trek.
Day 3: Zastrow Point to Rimrock: 2 Miles/ 7,000 ft. Max. Elevation
Activities: Tour Villa Phillmonte, Ranger Training, Trek Begins
After lunch, we took a tour of a nearby villa that was owned by the founder of
Philmont Ranch. This tour was very informative about the camp’s origins. Going
inside every room, we admired the beautiful architecture. Tim even had the chance
to show off his musical talent on the antique-and of course out of tune-piano in the
living room. The crew enjoyed the luxury of base camp until the late afternoon where
we were bussed out to Zastrow Point. The early evening was cool and a light rain
shower came down during the short hike. The rain stopped when we arrived at
Rimrock; this made our first time setting up camp a lot easier. We hung all of our
equipment and food on preexisting pack lines for protection from wild animals.
While sitting over a warm dinner of spaghetti and mash potatoes, unfortunately
mixed together in one bowl, James became more relaxed around the crew.
Activities: Tour Villa Phillmonte, Ranger Training, Trek Begins
After lunch, we took a tour of a nearby villa that was owned by the founder of
Philmont Ranch. This tour was very informative about the camp’s origins. Going
inside every room, we admired the beautiful architecture. Tim even had the chance
to show off his musical talent on the antique-and of course out of tune-piano in the
living room. The crew enjoyed the luxury of base camp until the late afternoon where
we were bussed out to Zastrow Point. The early evening was cool and a light rain
shower came down during the short hike. The rain stopped when we arrived at
Rimrock; this made our first time setting up camp a lot easier. We hung all of our
equipment and food on preexisting pack lines for protection from wild animals.
While sitting over a warm dinner of spaghetti and mash potatoes, unfortunately
mixed together in one bowl, James became more relaxed around the crew.
Day 4: Rimrock to Urraca: 4 miles/ 8,200 ft. Max. Elevation
Activities: Challenge Events, Evening Campfire
As soon as the crew left camp, we encountered a large bear about ten feet from us.
Ranger James assured us to remain calm and the bear went on his way with no harm
done. We saw deer on the hike as well. This hike was the steepest incline the crew
had to face with full packs, about 35-55 pounds each. When reaching Urraca, we
met with a wacky staff member wearing a leather vest and a yellow bandana; he had
us set up camp and begin crew challenges. This consisted of team building activities
that tested us physically and mentally; one activity in particular challenged our
communication skills.
Activities: Challenge Events, Evening Campfire
As soon as the crew left camp, we encountered a large bear about ten feet from us.
Ranger James assured us to remain calm and the bear went on his way with no harm
done. We saw deer on the hike as well. This hike was the steepest incline the crew
had to face with full packs, about 35-55 pounds each. When reaching Urraca, we
met with a wacky staff member wearing a leather vest and a yellow bandana; he had
us set up camp and begin crew challenges. This consisted of team building activities
that tested us physically and mentally; one activity in particular challenged our
communication skills.
Half of the crew was blind-folded and their objective was to throuw balls at
opponents to eliminate them. Each person had a teammate who could watch the
battle, but had to guide their partner in moving around and aiming the “ammunition”
through only verbal communication. We also swung on ropes and climbed twelve-
foot walls. The wacky staff member informed us that our crew completed the wall
challenge in the second fastest time that summer. Later that night, Ranger James
surprised us with pound cake for desert before going to the evening campfire.
While it was still light outside, our crew dominated in a game of kick ball, but
unfortunately one of us deflated the only ball at camp. What can we say; our leg
muscles are huge after six months of training. We played Ultimate Frisbee and
hackie-sack at dusk. When dark, the staff members sang songs, told ghost stories
and explained the history behind camp Urraca around the campfire.
opponents to eliminate them. Each person had a teammate who could watch the
battle, but had to guide their partner in moving around and aiming the “ammunition”
through only verbal communication. We also swung on ropes and climbed twelve-
foot walls. The wacky staff member informed us that our crew completed the wall
challenge in the second fastest time that summer. Later that night, Ranger James
surprised us with pound cake for desert before going to the evening campfire.
While it was still light outside, our crew dominated in a game of kick ball, but
unfortunately one of us deflated the only ball at camp. What can we say; our leg
muscles are huge after six months of training. We played Ultimate Frisbee and
hackie-sack at dusk. When dark, the staff members sang songs, told ghost stories
and explained the history behind camp Urraca around the campfire.