Pecos Packer and Pecos Hiker are demanding programs that require prior preparation. First you should decide if your scouts and scouters are ready for this challenge or if there is some other program (resident camp or day camp) that may be more suitable. Many of the scouters tell me that they have attended resident camp before and their boys are interested in a different challenge. Others look to Pecos Packer as an alternative to Philmont. Whatever your motivation, several tasks should be accomplished before you get to Tres Ritos. This preparation can be broken down into areas of paperwork, physical conditioning, obtaining equipment, and mental preparation.
Like all camps we have paperwork. Each boy and scouter must have an annual class three physical (since Pecos Packer / EXTreme is a high adventure program). We have individual release forms for troops that will be rock climbing or rafting. Reservations and deposits are required for each group. You need to identify (on your registration form) the number of scouts and adults that will be participating. This will ensure that we have adequate staff and provisions.
The altitude and the weight of the backpack make this a challenging program. Therefore, your group should embark on a fitness program at least 6-8 weeks prior to camp. The Boy Scout Handbook (chapter 16), the Fieldbook, and Backpacking for Venture Crews all contain advice on a conditioning program. Also an article "Fit for the Trail" in the Mar-Apr 97' Scouting Magazine, gives some tips on conditioning. One of our more successfully groups in 1997, frequently climbed the bleachers at their high school football stadium. This training with full packs was very effective in preparing for hiking up the steep trails. A few weekend hikes in the months prior to Pecos Packer / EXTreme will give you an idea of where you stand.
Each person will need their own backpack and hiking boots. Hiking boots should be broken in prior to camp and they should also be waterproofed. Scouts do not need to buy the latest or greatest equipment. However, some equipment that is suitable for camping is just to bulky or heavy for backpacking. Not every boy needs every piece of backpacking equipment, for example one backpacking stove will be used by four boys. A sharp eye at local garage sales may yield some true values. Sharing is a wonderful thing.
A scout and scouter will need all his outdoor skills during Pecos Packer. Discussions on first aid, low impact camping, and survival are just some of the topics that should be covered prior to camp. Even though we will cover many of these topics during Pecos Packers / Extreme, it is best to start the training prior to camp. Every boy should read chapters 2 through 9 in the Boy Scout Handbook to understand equipment, and backpacking. Pecos Packer or Pecos Packers EXTreme are great opportunities to complete requirements for merit badges. However several merit badges have requirements that cannot be completed at camp (example the backpacking Merit Badge has a requirement for several hikes not just one).
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