Training for Philmont

[CapXK]

My troop has 2 crews going to Philmont in 2007. I already have a rough training schedule for this year and next to prepare the Scouts (and especially the Scouters) for the trek. Does anyone have any ideas on what we can do to improve our acclimation to the altitude? The Dallas area is only 550 ft. above sea level. We just returned from a summer camp near Philmont and we spent the whole week huffing and puffing (we had fast recovery times, but we still felt it). Any and all suggestions are welcome.

[616kayak]

Spend time in the area before the trip. Getting used to the thinner air shouldn’t take a whole week at camp. I only “huffed and puffed” the first half of day 1 on the AT. I come from South Fl so I’m at sea level.

I would think Cardio would help. Out of the people in my crew the ones who don’t exercise as much took longer to acclimate.