Philmont In a Kilt

**James MacMillan** · 2nd July 08, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by souzaphone711

Thank you for the advice everyone, but considering the fact i need to be an example for the younger scouts on my trip I'm going to pass on taking it on the hike. I do plan to wear it on the way home though. I figure after 12 days of hiking, a little comfort is in order for the ride home.

You seem to have made your choice. I don't agree, but that's what makes the world go around. Wouldn't it be a boring life in deed, if everyone always agreed with each other.

Looking back on my days at Philmont, I could only wish that I had a nice tan Utilikilt or clone to hike the hills again. I also think that if you wore the kilt neatly and with respect to yourself and the Scottish tradition, that it would be a fine example to the younger Scouts.

Have a good time, take sturdy, well broken-in hiking boots, and a digital camera with a huge memory chip and spare batteries, because you will be well away from a place to charge up. Listen to the Rangers, they all were Campers first, and have been exactly where you are before.

Philmont is a wonderful Scouting tradition, I could only hope to be young and going again for my first time.

**thescot** · 2nd July 08, 09:22 AM

Congratulations on the Eagle badge, but even more so on your willingness to do what you think is right.

Helping other people at all times is a good thing to do. I don't know about whether you would set a less than exemplary example by wearing a kilt--that's for others to determine since I've been away from scouting for about 30 years--but your willingness to follow your conscience is commendable.

Good show and congratualtions from one of your neighbors in Conyers.

**tomcherv** · 2nd July 08, 09:32 AM

Congratulations on your Eagle. I've been watching the scouts in my son's troop, and some of them have spent a lot of time working toward Eagle.

I hope you enjoy Philmont - we have a crew going late July / early August. I look forward to hearing their stories. Please post your experiences for us to read - I'm sure you'll have some memorable moments.

As far as the kilt, is sounds like you'd must decided what you feel is best: for you, for your patrol, for the trek. That is the sign of a leader - thinking of others and supporting the group.

Best of luck and look forward to hearing from you about your trek.

**cavscout** · 2nd July 08, 09:39 AM

As an Eagle Scout, I'd wear the kilt. Some of the best parts of scouting were going on campouts with other scouts and seeing the tricks they used to make their time in the outdoors more comfortable and efficient. One guy carried a small piece of 1/8" luan wrapped in wax paper to use as a cutting board and meal prep area, another guy carried a small vile of Clorox bleach and a syringe for treating his water rather than a pump. I think a kilt would be another good trick to share with campers in how they can be more comfortable in the outdoors.

**attworth** · 2nd July 08, 09:56 AM

I wish I would have stayed in scouts. It was hard to keep up with it since my family moved almost every year when I was a child.

Congratulations - It's not an easy feat to get that far.

**Mark Keeney** · 2nd July 08, 09:57 AM

I think you made the best choice of wearing it on the trip too and from and shorts on the trek. The only thing I would have to add is the fact the kilt is much heavier than a pair of shorts and every oz. adds up, especially on the final days.

**KGCTJ** · 2nd July 08, 11:21 AM

I am a commissioner and woodbadge 21st Century NE-II-146 Camp freedom Germany, and OA Black Eagle Lodge and was Arrow of Light

WEAR YOUR KILT as you please there are no rules against it I am aware of
tell them I said So
Seamus

**souzaphone711** · 2nd July 08, 02:35 PM

Wow, I have to say, the response here has been spectacular, as it has been in the past. I will gladly post pictures here as i can. I've got a digital camera I intend to take and I'll back it up with a couple of disposables. I'll make sure to take a picture in the classic "Hamish Pose" at base camp. I am truly excited with how awesome the experience will be.

One last note: I'm going to run the Atlanta Peachtree Road Race on Friday kilted!!!

**BonnieT100** · 3rd July 08, 05:37 AM

I'm an Eagle as well as a Brotherhood member of the Black Eagle Lodge (well, back in 1994 - moved since then). I think that hiking Philmont in a kilt would be great. We went in '92 - from England. You want to talk about a task on par with a military operation minus the budget... Anyway, Philmont is very dry - one thing I remember very well is the remarkable level of non-sweating. On the trail, the kilt would be great, just make sure you have some shorts handy for those days around camp, especially if you go to the horse camp (the names escape me right now). I still have my Philmont boots with the "bar PS" and the "slash crazy-S" brands on them. They are Nike if I recall correctly. Good, sturdy, light-weight boots are the key - and breaking them in. Ones built like tennis shoes beat the ones built like work boots. Watch out for the lady bugs on the hill (this memory failure things is killing me) before the Tooth of Time - they draw blood. Have fun, listen to the Rangers, and take lots of pictures. I really wish digital cameras existed back then.

**MacKay71** · 3rd July 08, 10:20 AM

This is my first post here so bear with me. Ihave been a Troop Scoutmaster or Ventiring Advisor for the last 10 years. I am also a climbing and COPE director in the southeast reigion and a brotherhood member of OA.

I have done many activities in by black UK over the years. The only time I would not advise to wear your kilt is when ther are requierments to wear a dress or "class A" uniform. In my troops we required a "class A" uniform while traveling as well as during meetings.

As long as you feel as though you are following the rules as well as the Scout Oath and Scout Law, do what you feel is right and have a great time!