Bear Creek is Back-Philmont Prep in Full Swing
Bear Creek Scout Reservation, nestled in the rugged Texas Hill Country near Hunt, spans nearly 1,200 acres of scenic wilderness-a perfect backdrop for adventure and preparation. My previous visits, always in the sweltering July heat as a Cub Scout parent, left a lasting impression-especially the summer of 2018 when temperatures soared to 110 degrees. I swore I’d never return. Yet, here I was again, joining our Philmont crew for a crucial training weekend at the end of April.
Philmont Training Weekend Highlights
Our crew spent the weekend honing essential backcountry skills. We navigated Bear Creek’s trails using only a map and compass and spent a morning with experienced Philmont counselors. These counselors guided us through hands-on stations focused on cooking on the trail, first aid, and the infamous Bear Bag routine. While actual bear or mountain lion encounters at Bear Creek are rare, we practiced strict campsite protocols: setting up tents, gear, and the Bear Bag in a triangle, with the bag hung high between trees to keep food and scented items safe from wildlife.
Key Lessons Learned
Backpack Organization: We discovered the importance of keeping daily-use items-like trail snacks and water-easily accessible at the top of our packs.
Learning Through Experience: Allowing the scouts to make and learn from mistakes proved vital for building a more cohesive crew.
Navigation Challenges: Our first hike included a wrong turn due to unclear maps and overgrown trails, adding a couple of unexpected miles. This led to a valuable discussion about communication and teamwork-scouts learned to speak up, and adults learned to trust but verify.
The day ended on a sweet note, thanks to Bear Creek staff who treated us to delicious cobblers.
Continued Prep and Family Support
Our training continues with weekend hikes, including a recent four-miler at Comanche Park, where we carried full packs-mine weighed in at 47 pounds. My wife’s support has been invaluable; she’s joined us on several hikes and encourages me to keep up with neighborhood walks during the week.
Gear Updates and Final Preparations
As our Philmont departure approaches, we’re fine-tuning our gear to manage weight. Our goal: keep individual packs (including personal gear) at 25 pounds, with an additional 20–25 pounds for shared crew items, for a total of around 50 pounds per person. I recently swapped my hiking shoes for a larger size at REI after my toes took a beating from the extra weight. The exchange process was quick and easy. I also invested in a lightweight, cold-weather sleeping bag-under 1.5 lbs and waterproof-proving that with some searching, quality doesn’t always mean breaking the bank.
With each hike and training session, our crew grows stronger and more prepared. Bear Creek has once again proven to be an ideal training ground as we look forward to the challenges and adventures that await at Philmont.
Amaury
