Troop 571 & 5749

Cavalcade 2025 – Know Before You Go

July 24 – August 3, 2025

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

Important Dates

• March 24: Group meet up/ Planning and Horsemanship MB work – 6pm @ MQP
• March 28: Blue Sky Adventures – Great Wolf Adventure balance due https://blueskyadventures.wetravel.com/trips/colorado-great-wolf-adventure-troop-571-blue-sky-adventures-43257175
• April 16: Horsemanship workshop at NWNHC, 10am–2pm with a break for lunch** https://groupme.com/join_event/104832079/2c39055b35a7446cae8df1de8bd27a46/kn4BpMEd
• May 1: Flight payment due ($503.83) https://troop571.info/product/2025-cavalcade-flight/
• May 3: Horsemanship workshop at NWNHC, 1-5pm** https://groupme.com/join_event/104832079/6e80fedc621c497e867276befb523d5f/kn4BpMEd

**Both workshops have the same content, so you only need to attend one. Max group size of 7. $90 per scout. Please sign up in GroupMe and send payment to Karen Blue @karen-blue-7 to hold your spot.

Please RSVP for meetings & workshops in GroupMe. If you cannot attend, contact Karen Blue or Bobbie Jo Foster to make other arrangements.

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
•  

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.

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