In view of the great demand for high adventuring at Philmont Ranch in the recent years the following guidelines have been adopted by the Detroit Area Council High Adventure Committee and are endorsed by the Camping Committee.

We will continue to take reservations on a first come, first serve basis. A unit will be restricted to 1 crew of 12 Scouts (youth) and Advisors (adults).

Each crew must have a minimum of 3 adult advisors. This allows for backup in case an advisor unexpectedly drops out, doesn't make the medical re-check or gets hurt.

No unit will be given crews in two (2) consecutive years.

The High Adventure Committee will notify the lead advisor in July before the year of the trip of the required payment.

A $100 deposit per crewmember must be made by September 1st of the year prior to the trip. If a crew fails to meet the deadline the crew slot can be given to the next unit on the waiting list. The deposit is refundable provided the crew slot is accepted by another unit on the waiting list.

Units will be required to pay the Philmont fee for 12 crewmembers even if they are not filled.

The High Adventure Committee has flexibility to place scouts and scouters wanting to go to Philmont into crews that are not filled to capacity.

Other Philmont programs often have openings. Ask them about Rayado, ROCS (Roving Outdoor Conservation School), Order of the Arrow Trail Crew  and NJLIC (National Junior Leader Instructor Course). Call Philmont at 505-376-2281 to inquire about these programs.      

Consider the other Council high adventure contingents:

• Northern Tier – BSA’s premiere wilderness canoeing, Boundary Waters, MN
• Sea Base – BSA’s premiere sailing, snorkeling and SCUBA diving, FL
• Isle Royale – Michigan’s premiere island wilderness

DAC-Philmont News

2.29.2008

The annual lottery for the Detroit Area Council Philmont contingent will be held Thursday March 27th at the DAC Camping Committee meeting. This drawing is for a trek in year 2010 (yes, 2010).

DAC can take up to five, 12-person crews to Philmont in 2010. If you want to go, or go back, this is an incredible opportunity. Currently there are over 17,000 scouts on Philmont’s waiting list. Just fill out the attached reservation form and send it in by 12:00 pm on Thursday, March 27th . It’s never been easier, and your chances have never been better.

Here’s what you need to know: Philmont is BSA’s premiere, 2-week, high adventure, backpacking expedition through New Mexico’s Sangre de Christo mountains. We request (and usually get) the last week in June, first week in July. Cost is estimated at $1,300 per crewmember. As always, any Troop or Venture crew can enter the lottery. If you’re interested in leading a provisional crew, contact contingent leader Steve Lagreca, at 248-787-7957 for details. There’s a high probability of camperships for financially deserving scouts. To be eligible, your unit cannot have attended Philmont in 2009 (yes, 2009).

9.21.2007

There's an old saying that "Philmont is a magic place". Have you ever wondered what that means? This year Detroit Area Council sponsored the 4th "Philmont Photo and Essay Contest," with the elusive goal of trying to capture a bit of the high adventure spirit in general and the Philmont magic in particular. Congratulations to the winners! >> See the 2007 Contest Winners