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Check out these Websites for information and games - Then check out the Scouts in your neighborhood.

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Each of these sites include a "unit locator" to help you find a pack, troop, team, crew, or ship holding meetings close to you. All you need is your ZIP code! Try it out right now and join the adventure.

You can also contact us at 412-325-7940 or visit the Council Service Center at 1275 Bedford Avenue, Pitsburgh, PA

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You are invited to travel with the Greater Pittsburgh Council
2009 contingent to...

 

 Philmont Scout Ranch
Cimmarron, New Mexico

 

 

LOCATION AND TERRAIN: A national camping area owned and operated by the Boy Scouts of America.  Philmont is large...comprising 137,493 acres, or about 215 square miles of rugged mountain wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rockies.

HISTORY: A unique history of ancient indians who chiseled writing into canyon walls...Spanish conquistadors who explored the Southwest long before the first colonists arrived on the Atlantic Coast...the rugged breed of mountainmen like Kit Carson, who blazed trails across this land...the great land barons like Lucien Maxwell who built ranches along the Santa Fe Trail, and gold miners seeking fortunes.  All these men left their mark on Philmont.       

 

WILDLIFE:  Abundant deer, elk, coyote, antelope, mountain lion, buffalo, beaver, wild turkey, bear, and others.  Its hills and canyons teem with birds and its streams abound with fish.  Its cool mountains harbor a wilderness of unusual  trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses.

 

PROGRAM:  Provides an unforgettable adventure in the sky-high backpacking country along hundreds of miles of rugged, rocky trails.  Program features will be fitted to each "12 member crew" based on ability level combining the best of the old west:  horseback riding, burro packing, gold panning, chuck wagon dinners, interpretive history, and wilderness survival...with the most exciting challenges today... rock climbing, burro racing, 30.06 rifle, and mountain search and rescue...an unbeatable recipe for fast-moving fun and outdoor experiences.


 

In response to the high level of interest for the Greater Pittsburgh Council’s 2009 trip to Philmont, the council’s National High adventure Promotion Committee has established procedures for selection to the 2009 Contingent:

1. All those with interest in joining the 2009 Contingent must complete the “Application for Consideration to Philmont Contingent.” In addition, each Application for Consideration must include a refundable deposit of $250, please make checks payable to GPC-BSA. The average cost of the contingent is $1,250 (airfare will determine final cost) which includes health and accident insurance coverage, a pre-trip training weekend, all ground and air transportation and expedition camp fees at Philmont.

2. Applicants also need to complete a Personal Resource Questionnaire with the deposit.

3. All applications and deposits must be received by September 15, 2008. The High Adventure Promotion Committee will review all the applications received and will select the 2009 Contingent members based upon age and overall participation/experience in Scouting. The committee will notify those selected (and alternates) by September 30, 2008.

4. Those selected for the 2009 Contingent will be asked to return a signed letter of confirmation, along with an additional payment of $250 by November 1, 2008. All fees paid are non-refundable after November 1, 2008.

Please note that all participants must be 14 years of age by January 1, 2009 - Philmont will allow no exceptions. Copies of the Philmont Risk Advisory are available upon request - applicants should be aware that the Philmont Experience is very demanding, both physically and emotionally. The Risk Advisory specifies Philmont policies on chronic illness, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, weight, asthma, emotional difficulties, etc. Each participant must be prepared to carry a 35-50 pound pack over steep, rocky trails at elevations ranging from 6,500 to 12,500 feet. A regular program of physical conditioning for at least three (3) to six (6) months prior the trip is essential. A longer period is recommended for those unaccustomed to physical exercise.

 

Contact Bruce McDowell at 412-325-7924 for more information