- Autumn Adventure
Autumn Adventure is the autumn camping program of
Philmont Scout Ranch , the most well-known of the three National High Adventure Bases operated by the National Council of theBoy Scouts of America (BSA). Autumn Adventure is considered as one of Philmont's two second season programs; the other beingKanik .Attending Autumn Adventure
Sessions for the Autumn Adventure program are available from September 7 to October 31. Crew sizes range from 7 to 12 accompanied by an Autumn Adventure guide. Larger groups are organized into multiple crews. Unlike Philmont's other programs, all adult crews are allowed to participate in Autumn Adventure. However, in crews with youth, a minimum ratio of adult leaders to youth of 2 to 10 is required.
Program options
Each Autumn Adventure group plans its own itinerary with the assistance of a Philmont guide. The itinerary can be as strenuous or leisurely as desired depending upon the physical condition, training, and preparation of the group. Unlike during the traditional summer treks, a Philmont guide accompanies each group through its entire Autumn Adventure trek. Autumn Adventure groups arriving in the evening stay in Philmont's Camping Headquarters Tent City on their first night, but groups arriving in the morning may get into the Philmont backcounty that same day. Upon departure, groups are given the option to come off the trail and leave the same day or arrange to stay in Camping Headquarters that night. All Autumn Adventure groups must camp in the backcountry. Groups may elect to take day hikes from their backcountry site or camp in different sites each night. Opportunities are provided for program options including photography, trout fishing, mountain climbing, gazing at wildlife, learning about the flora and fauna of the area, visiting historical sites, and relaxing in the backcountry.
Awards
Each participant on an Autumn Adventure trek is awarded a distinctive patch as a remembrance of Philmont Autumn Adventure. Much like the famous Philmont arrowhead patch awarded after the completion of a Philmont summer trek and service project, the Autumn Adventure patch can only be earned. It is a recognized symbol of participation in a Philmont autumn trek.
External links
* [http://www.scouter.com/Archives/Scouts-L/199810/0227.asp Scouter Network- Philmont Autumn Adventure Discussion]
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