There are four museum sites at Philmont Scout Ranch: the NSM-PSR, the Villa Philmonté, the Historic Chase Ranch Museum, and the Kit Carson at Rayado. The 2024 museum docent program is only available at the NSM-PSR facility.
This docent program is managed by one of our Museum Program Specialists. If you have any questions or would like to receive additional information about the 2024 NSM Docent program, please email us at: Philmont.museums@scouting.org. Please use the phrase “Docent Program” in the subject line.
We are currently accepting docents for assignments between May 18 – August 17, 2024.
Below are a few important items you need to be aware of in regard to the Docent program.
- All docents must be currently registered as a BSA Adult.
- The NSM Docent program’s primary function is to assist our visitors personally while they are in the museum’s exhibit galleries, library, and public areas. Exhibit subjects include everything from BSA and OA history to Native American culture, western expansion, fire ecology, and even artwork. Docents need not “know it all”, but a basic understanding of BSA history is valuable.
- Philmont can host two to four docents at a time; however, docents interested in helping with collections work may be able to come during special times, based on tenting at PTC.
- Docents are asked to be on-site a minimum of 7 days in a row but no more than 15.
- Check-in and check-out will be done on Saturdays. There are very limited opportunities to arrive early or stay past a Saturday. Please do not presume these requests will be accommodated.
- Docents will be provided with housing and meals while volunteering in the docent program at Philmont.
- Housing will be a tent at PTC. Roofed housing is subject to participant load at PTC and is not guaranteed.
- PTC tents hold two adults and come with two beds, a small double locker, a light bulb, and an electrical outlet.
- Meals are primarily taken at the PTC dining hall.
- Docents must fulfill all of the same requirements as our seasonal summer staff including:
- Submitting a Philmont job application (please list job preference as “Museum Docent”) Please submit your application as early as possible to allow for time to process your application and complete your background check. Background checks can take longer than expected, depending on where you live.
- Staff Applications can be filled out and submitted at: http://www.philmontscoutranch.org/Jobs.aspx
- Complete Philmont Medical form
- Current BSA Adult membership
- Current YPT
- Background check
- A field uniform/PSR Staff uniform and Philmont name tag must be worn while on duty and during meals.
- Please note that all Docents are held to the same policies and rules as our Philmont staff. These are outlined in the 2024 Staff Guidebook, which will be available online in a PDF format.
- Submitting a Philmont job application (please list job preference as “Museum Docent”) Please submit your application as early as possible to allow for time to process your application and complete your background check. Background checks can take longer than expected, depending on where you live.