2025 Philmont Seminar: Health and Safety
This page includes notes from the health and safety seminar, supplementing the information on our 2025 Philmont page.
(Return to the main Philmont Page)
Seminar Resources
CLICK HERE for more information such as:
- Seminar recordings
- Helpful videos
- Shakedown guides
- Backcountry Skills
- Health & Safety Info
- Weather
- Gear
- Leadership Info
- Food & Cooking
Reminders for Our Troop
Expect the following during the next month:
- We need to establish the roster for each of our two crews
- A link will be shared that will allow parents to upload health forms and other health-related documents
- Each crew needs to select their top 5 desired treks (Info will be provided soon)
- Our preparation schedule will be increased (practice hikes, shakedowns, overnight hikes, etc.)
- Each individual needs to ensure that you have and are following an exercise plan that will help you prepare for this event.
Meeting Notes
The following is a highlight of the information provided during the seminar.
Ways To Prepare
- Schedule regular preparation activities such as hikes, stair climbs, and other activities to ensure everyone is physically ready for the event. (You should also be doing these on your own!)
- Practice packing, setting up camp, cooking, and other activities that will be done at Philmont.
- Hold activities (such as the above and others) that will give everyone an opportunity to practice working together as a crew.
- Read the Advisor’s Guidebook, which should have been mailed to all attendees.
Tips and Suggestions
- Try to keep your pack weight at or below 25-30% of your body weight.
- Pack items that must be kept dry (like a personal first aid kit) in waterproof bags (like zipper storage bags).
- Be sure to check the Philmont website for suggestions on what to bring and how to prepare.
Crew/Individual Requirements
Click here for the Health and Medical Record page on Philmont’s site, which includes health form links and other documents on managing chronic conditions at Philmont.
- At least 3 people (youth or adults) in each crew must have completed Wilderness First Aid and CPR training
- Full BSA Health Forms (parts A/B/C) are required
- Emergency contacts (People who are NOT on the trek)
- A copy of your insurance card
- Any vaccination information (They are especially interested in the date of your last tetanus shot)
- Turn in everything at least 30 days prior to the trek
- While Philmont does not need physical copies of the health forms, crews are suggested to bring copies for times when not at Philmont (during travel)
- Make sure medications are not expired
- Bring medications in their original containers (They can be placed in something else after check-in)
- Be sure to review the height/weight guidelines – These are enforced
Common Hazards
- Altitude sickness
- Severe weather
- Flash floods
- Mudslides
- Wildfires
- Wildlife
- Crew getting separated from one another
Ways To Mitigate Risks
- Stay together as a crew during the entire trek
- Follow the itinerary
- Start early each day
- Pay close attention to hydration
- Wear proper clothing (stay dry)
First Aid Kits
These items are recommended for crews and individuals. Keep in mind that there are opportunities to restock at the various basecamp, so it is not necessary to over-pack.
- About 25 different band-aids
- Blister kit
- Gause pads
- Medical tape
- Alcohol prep pads
- Elastic bandages
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Antibiotic ointment
- Tylenol/Ibuprofen
- Benadryl
- Antacids
- Small scissors
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers
- Triangular bandages
- Gloves
- Bag for disposing items
- CPR face shield