Order Of The Arrow Trail Crew Trek

14 days and nights
Fee: $495 (2025)
Register: By individual
Season: Summer
Age: 16 years old by the start date and not yet 21 by the end date
Crew Size: Provisional Crew will be organized by Philmont
Leadership: 2 adult leaders provided by Philmont
Registration: Anytime

Join a crew of Arrowmen dedicated to cheerful service on this 14-day adventure. Experienced Philmont Conservation Department staff with strong OA backgrounds will lead participants on the two-week program. The first week focuses on leaving a tangible legacy through trail construction and maintenance. The second week is a seven-day backpacking trek through Philmont’s backcountry, designed by participants. Prepare to be challenged mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Apply Now for 2025!

Scholarship Application

Overview

Constructed with the ideals of the Order of the Arrow at its center, the OA Trail Crew focuses on personal growth through cheerful service and challenging outdoor experiences. The first week participants will build trail at a remote backcountry worksite and will learn skills needed to successfully trek through Philmont their second week at the ranch. Crew members are expected to work with diligence, and as a reward they have the privilege of helping to design their own trek week.

2024 Session Dates

Session 1: June 8-22 (Coed Crew)

Session 2: June 15-29 (Coed Crew)

Session 3: June 22 – July 6 (Coed Crew)

Session 4: June 29 – July 13 (Coed Crew)

Session 5: July 6-20 (Coed Crew)

Session 6: July 13-27 (Coed Crew)

Participant Requirements

To be able to participate in the Order of the Arrow Trail Crew program, participants must meet the following requirements:

Be at least 16 years old by the date the program begins and not yet 21 by the date it ends.
Be a registered member of both the Boy Scouts of America and a local Order of the Arrow Lodge.
Be in excellent physical condition, able to hike 10 or more miles with a 50-pound backpack and able to lift and handle materials up to 75 pounds.
Complete a BSA Annual Health and Medical Record. Philmont height and weight requirements will be strictly enforced.
To comply with the BSA Youth Protection requirements, each session must have a minimum of two participants from the same gender attend. Individual youth participants may register without a buddy of the same gender, however, if no other youth participants of the same gender register, your session date may need to change or be canceled to comply with BSA Youth Protection requirements.

Scouts from the same unit, or otherwise acquainted, will be placed in separate crews.

Program Fee/Scholarships

The fee for Order of the Arrow Trail Crew is $495 in 2025. A $50 deposit is required with this application with the remaining balance due at the time of acceptance into the program. Additional expenses, including travel to and from Philmont, as well as miscellaneous purchases, are the responsibility of the participant. Scholarships from Philmont are available on a limited basis. To apply, complete the scholarship application linked above. Scholarships are also available within the Order of the Arrow at the local levels. Most sections have scholarship funds, and your lodge chief should be able to put you in contact with someone in your area who will know more.