Philmont Tip #2 - Get Fit, Earn a Patch

It is vitally important to be in good physical condition before attempting a Philmont Trek. As long as you have to exercise anyway, you may as well earn a patch for it. The BSA has just the thing with the Scout Strong Presidential Active Lifestyle Award. To earn this award, go to

 www.scouting.org/SCOUTStrongPALA.aspx

Go to the tab that allows you to select your state or location and choose it. Select the BSA Council you belong to and then start the PALA challenge. You can then create or login to your account which allows you to keep up with your progress. In order to qualify for the award, an adult must take part in 30 minutes of physical activity at least five days a week for 6 out of 8 weeks. This activity can be almost anything, from yard work to running a triathlon. Youth participants must log 60 minutes of activity five days a week for 6 out of 8 weeks. There are also recommendations for helping to stay on a healthy diet during the program. After successfully completing the program you receive a congratulatory email from the PALA program which you should print and present to your Troop's advancement chairperson to receive the patch.

This award should be easy for anyone going to Philmont. This should be the minimum amount of conditioning you are doing to get ready.