Troop 571 & 5749

Cavalcade 2025 – Know Before You Go

July 24 – August 3, 2025

Crew name: 726-CX | Itinerary/Route: N-2A

Important Dates

• June 21st 10am – 12pm – Gear Shakedown #1
• July 12th – Med Forms Philmont A, B & C Due 
• July 13th 9:30am – Fly Horseshoe Ranch Cle Elum (Optional Ride)
• TBD – Final Shakedown | Gear lock-in – Week of July 20th
  • No modifications after this point. 
  • Includes Crew Gear

Join the GroupMe Chat: https://groupme.com/join_group/104832079/kn4BpMEd

Travel Details

Payment Requirements

Requirements & Policies

Cavalcade Horseback Riding Policy — NEW in 2025

To ensure the safety and well-being of riders and horses, Philmont Scout Ranch has established height-to-weight guidelines for all horseback riding activities. Riders must:

• Meet the specified height and maximum weight limits (see chart below)
• Demonstrate the ability to independently mount and dismount a horse

Medical Requirements

• Current Annual Health and Medical Record with physical evaluation – You must have a current Annual Health and Medical Record completed before departing for Philmont. Physical evaluations by a physician are valid through the end of the 12th month from the date it was administered by your medical provider.
• Tetanus shot/booster within 10 years
• Current measles vaccination highly recommended
• Emergency medications (inhalers, EpiPens) in original containers

Where to Buy Boots

It is highly recommended that boots are purchased early and broken in. See the Philmont Cavalcade Video for boot specifications.

• Beth West – Monroe (Has good selection)
• Tractor Supply – Multiple locations
• Coastal Boots – Marysville
• Boot Barn in Fife
• The Grange – Limited stock, but can make brand recommendations (Ariat) and confirm sizes

Knot Knowledge

All participants should become familiar with these knots. Use www.animatedknots.com as a resource.

• →    Sheet Bend: Used to attach a halter to a horse’s head
• →Quick Release: Used to tie a horse to a fence post or tree
• →Square Knot: To secure saddle bags, jackets & feed bag to saddle
• →Clove Hitch: Used in the set-up of a dining fly
• →   Taut Line Hitch: Used in the set-up of a dining fly
• →Lark’s Head: Used to hang bear bags
• →Daisy Chain: Used to consolidate the trail of rope securing the crew gear to a pack horse
• →Diamond Hitch: Used to secure crew gear to a pack horse
• →Half Hitch: Used to secure crew gear to a pack horse

Additional Resources

• • →Horsemanship Merit Badge workbook
    • → Philmont Cavalcade Seminar
    • →Additional Philmont Preparation Seminars
    • →Itinerary-Guidebook – 2025 Itinerary Guidebook
    • Itinerary/Route: N-2A – Our route separated out
    • →
    • Guidebook To Adventure – Answer your gear and program questions
    • →  Cavalcade menu for the week    

Fitness Preparation

Cavalcade requires specific physical preparation! This high-altitude adventure demands cardiovascular fitness, strength, endurance, balance, and mental fortitude. Prepare with:

• Cardiovascular Training: 30-45 minutes of walking, running, swimming, or cycling 3-5 times weekly
• Strength Exercises: Focus on leg strength (squats, lunges), upper body (rows, push-ups), and core stability (planks) 2-3 times weekly
• Balance Training: Practice yoga or single-leg exercises to improve stability in the saddle
• Altitude Preparation: Be aware that Philmont elevations range from 6,500-12,500 feet—stay hydrated and pace yourself
• Mental Preparation: Build resilience for the long days through consistent practice and challenges

Remember: The more time spent on horseback before the trip, the better prepared you’ll be. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new fitness program.

Crew Postions

1. Crew Leader: Dawson & Stella – Youth Leader responsible for organizing the crew, assigning duties, making decisions, and recognizing the capabilities of each crew member. He/she leads by example and practices servant leadership to allow the crew to have an enjoyable and successful trek.
2. Chaplain’s Aide: Owen – Responsible for leading the crew in following the 12th point of the Scout Law. Leads grace. They help the crew earn the Duty to God Award and lead daily devotionals from the Eagles Soaring High Booklet as well as facilitating Roses, Thorns, and Buds each night. 
3. Crew Quartermaster: Emily – Ensures the crew has the proper gear for the trek and that it is in good shape. Ensures everyone is familiar with the gear. Managing all pre-trip equipment planning, including outfitting all crew gear, building the mandatory personal gear lists, holding our pre-trip gear inspections, and assigning crew gear carry assignments on the trail, distributing group gear in the mornings as/if needed.
4. Wilderness Pledge Guia: Hollis – Responsible for helping the crew understand and follow the principles of the Philmont Wilderness Pledge and Leave No Trace. They help the crew earn the Wilderness Pledge Achievement Award with the help of the Ranger. They also help enforce Philmont’s bear procedures.
5. Lead Advisor: Karen Blue & Bobbie Jo Foster – Principal Adult Advisor responsible for coordinating a successful Philmont experience for each member of the crew. All adults support the Lead Advisor. Advisors’ main role is to coach, mentor, and support the Crew Leader, Chaplain’s Aide, and Wilderness Pledge Guia. Advisors also help foster positive crew dynamics, help settle disputes between members of the crew, assist with administering proper discipline if required, and ensure that the crew operates following all youth protection guidelines. The lead advisor should include ALL advisors in making any needed decisions concerning the crew
6. Crew Medic: Dawson – Scout responsible for treating minor injuries. (Must have FA Merit badge, Red Cross First Aid Nice to have)
7. Adult Medic: David Bader – Responsible for treating major injuries (We hope not) and dispensing medications.
8. Crew Shakedown Coach: Antonio – Scout responsible for planning Shakedown activities
9. Crew Trainer: Gopika – Scout responsible for coordinating horse familiarization and trail rides
10. Head Chef: Aline – Scout responsible for coordinating the on-trail assignments of group cooking, cleanup, and water treatment.

Our Duty Roster

• We build a duty roster that includes responsibility for each participant each day
• The Duty Roster is the Law
• Lists all daily crew duties (some are by role)
• Everyone has a job (probably more than 1)
• For example:
  • Navigator
  • Weather watch
  • Fire watch
  • Waste wrangler
  • Bear Bag Team (4)
  • Water master (2)
  • Cook (2)
  • KP(2)

Code of Conduct

1. I am here because I want to go to Philmont
2. I recognize that the Troop program leadership is responsible for supervision, maintaining discipline, safety, and security.
3. I understand that the Crew Leader is in charge and will abide by their decisions and will do as requested of me.
4. I understand that the Troop program leadership is responsible for maintaining and ensuring that the policies and procedures for the trip are followed.
5. I will set a good example by keeping myself neatly dressed and presentable.
6. I will attend all scheduled programs/training and participate in cooperation with other unit members and leadership.
7. I understand that advisors must complete Youth Protection Training, CPR, and Wilderness First Aid.
8. I understand that no one will separate from the crew during the trip. We will travel together, stay together while en-route and return together. The buddy system will be employed at all times.
9. I understand I am expected to use/carry the crew gear provided and will carry personal items as listed in the personal equipment list. I understand that my gear will be reviewed and sequestered prior to the trip.
10. I understand that every scout will be assigned responsibilities on the duty roster and will do my part.
11. I will work as part of a team.
12. I understand that this Trek will be physically and mentally challenging and am up to the task.
13. I will be guided by the Scout Oath and Law; and must obey all U.S., local and state laws as well as the relevant policies of the Boy Scouts of America.
14. I will take proper care of equipment and pack properly.
15. I understand that behavior violations may result in expulsion from the crew, departure from Philmont (at the participant’s own expense and without refund of any fees) or other serious disciplinary action including loss of privileges.

Contact Information