New Requirement for Philmont Treks in 2008

[FRUSTRATED SCOUTMASTER]

I was recently informed at a Council Commssioner Meeting that there is a new requirement for a Philmont Trek in 2008.
It is that 1 person MUST be trained in Wilderness First Aid.
How many of you have heard of this new requirement and what are your Councils doing to help units meet this new requirement?
Our Council has scheduled a week-end session for certification in March through the American Red Cross.

Bob Klimas
Concord, N.C.
Central N.C. Council

[WB Bear]

Actually there was talk of it being a requirement this past year. But from what I understand there weren’t many Red Cross chapters that offered it so BSA put if off until next year.

[ScoutmasterJerry]

The good news is that there are plenty of places to get "Trained" In Wilderness First Aid.
Locally (in the Portland, OR area) Next Adventure (http://www.nextadventure.net/) sporting goods store offers classes as well as the Community College.
They were talking about that during the last Powderhorn Course also and as all good Scouters do.. they network.
It is looking like they are going to get a "Group from Council" to attend a "Special" training session hosted by either Next Adventure or the college.

There are lots of places to pick up the training.. Google Wilderness First Aid (http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=t&ie=UTF-8&rls=DKUS,DKUS:2006-40,DKUS:en&q=Wilderness+First+Aid)and see what you come up with.

Hope that helps too.
Happy Scouting!

[WB Bear]

There are many more areas where it’s being offered now, thank goodness, but it is still in somewhat limited areas though. As one of the very few instructors in a large area, geographically speaking, I can attest to that. What I might suggest also, if it’s not being offered near you have your First Aid trainers contact your local Red Cross Chapter and to look into becoming an instructor.