Hiking around your neighborhood wearing a brick-filled backpack is a good way to get your body in shape for Philmont. But what about your mind? That’s where the Philmont Advisor Skills School and Philmont Advisor Workshop really shine. These courses — offered both at Philmont and in a city near you — are designed for adult advisors signed up to take a Philmont trek in 2017 or 2018. But, really, anyone interested in learning more about Philmont is invited. If you’re committed to making your Philmont trek a great experience for the guys and girls in your troop or crew, you really should make plans to attend. Successful Philmont crews begin regular planning meetings and practice hikes more than a year before their trek, and these courses focus your efforts with information straight from the source. Last year, more than 1,100 people attended. This year, that number will be even higher. There are three flavors of courses, which I categorize as good, better and best.

What: Two-hour evening workshops covering the basics about gear, conditioning and crew leadership Where: Cities across the country. When: The first course is Sept. 7. The final course is Nov. 10. Website: Learn more, see dates and cities, and register at this link. What: One-day (eight-hour) courses that go in depth on backcountry and logistical fundamentals of Philmont. You even get to try a Philmont-style trail lunch and dinner — so you know what kind of food you can expect. When: The first course is Sept. 10. The final course is Nov. 13. What: Four-day, three-night courses offering the ultimate guide to a Philmont trek. Because people learn best by doing, participants at PSR–PASS head into the Philmont backcountry for an overnight experience that will prepare them for their actual trek. Where: Philmont Scout Ranch in Northern New Mexico. When: These weekends (all are Friday to Monday) Website: Learn more and register at this link.

Prefer your information in video form? Philmont has you covered:You are using a web browser we don't support. Please use the latest version of one of these browsers. Adjustable harness fits 15 - 19 in. torsos and lets the pack grow with your young backpacker; highly visible increment markers make it quick and easy to dial in the fit Contoured, padded shoulder straps, hipbelt and molded foam back panel with breathable mesh provide carrying comfort and great ventilation Dual aluminum stays stabilize the load and shift pack weight to the hips Precurved hipbelt comfortably wraps around the hips and can be extended to provide an additional 2 in. of circumference as your child grows Hipbelt webbing tightens with an ergonomic forward pull for easy adjustment Top-loading main compartment features side zip access, making it easy to retrieve deeply buried items Adjustable sternum strap features a safety whistle built into the buckle Organize your gear in top-loading main compartment, sleeping bag compartment, front essentials zip pocket and 2 pockets in the top lid pocket

Floating top lid extends to accommodate large loads; lid detaches and can be used as a lumbar pack for side trips and day hikes Elastic cord crisscrosses the front of the pack and creates an ideal spot to stash a jacket or pack towelgmc backpack blower Pack bottom features sleeping pad straps with quick-release buckles; backpack festive sandvich2 zippered mesh pockets on the hipbelt keep snacks and other small essentials close at handbackpack stores at metrotown Water-repellent zippers help keep contents dry and eliminate the need for fabric zipper flapspeli progear u105 urban laptop backpack

Hydration-ready design allows a reservoir's drink tube to be routed over either shoulder (hydration reservoir sold separately) Ice axe loops and dual daisy chains provide external attachment points for tools and other gear; maddie ziegler backpackdual side pockets hold water bottles or other compact itemsunlimited backpack space borderlands Side compression straps let you cinch down loads for jostle-free carryingayacucho backpack review The REI Passage 65 pack is designed and sized to fit kids ages 11 years and up View all REI Co-op Backpacking Packs Gear Capacity (cu. in.) 4 lbs. 9 oz. 15 - 19 inches 28 - 42 inches Suspended Mesh Back Panel Number of Exterior Pockets

6 + main compartment We stand behind everything we sell. Silent Auction at the Annual Reunion At each PSA reunion, we hold a silent auction to raise money in support of the annual fund campaign. It’s a lot of fun and we get to send you home with some wonderful mementos of your time spent at Philmont. We’re asking each PSA reunion participant (or family) to bring something for the auction. It doesn’t have to be anything big (but we won’t complain if it is). Just bring something if you can! Below are some general guidelines, but don’t let these stifle your creativity. If you have an item to donate, please ship it as soon as possible to: Philmont Staff Association 17 Deer Run Road Cimarron NM 87714 It would be great to have it ahead of time so we can prepare a silent auction bid sheet for the item, but if you can’t please bring it with you when you check in for the reunion. If you have any questions about your donation please contact the PTC office.

Likely quite similar to previous years. It can be new or used, as long as it’s in good condition. For example, if your “friend” doesn’t ever get around to using that perfectly good backpack he has, donate it! Or, if you’re still a gear geek who has to have the newest stuff, even though the old stuff it still perfectly usable, donate the old stuff and you’ll finally be able to rationalize buying the new. It can be worth 50 cents, $5.00 or $500.00, and anything over, under and in-between. You can ask for donations from area merchants and organizations. Please feel free to show them this letter and have the merchant or organization contact Denny DuBois at dennisdubois@comcast.net, or Randy Saunders at 575-376-1138, if they want more information about the organization. Also, have them call Randy if they want the PSA’s charitable organization tax ID number or a copy of the letter. Many people have the best luck asking from donations from their place of employment.