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Camps and Programs

Abreu

Staff members portray the Abreu family in 1912 as they lived on this homestead. The Abreu family has lived in northern New Mexico since the 1700s and purchased this ranch from Lucien Maxwell in 1911. Learn what life on a New Mexican homestead was like and try your hand at various the various tasks and skills needed to thrive.

Program Theme: Abreu Family Homestead
Potential Activities: Adobe Brick-making, Animal Husbandry, Cabin/House Tour, Crafting, Fishing (self-guided), Food/Cooking Demos
Other Features: Abreu Family Dinner

Apache Springs

Discover the Jicarilla Apache way of life at Apache Springs! The Jicarilla called this area home through the mid 1800s, and crews can learn about their way of life from knowledgeable staff. Crews can also visit the trading post for special backcountry souvenirs and other necessities.

Program Theme: Jicarilla Apache Ethnology
Potential Activities: 3D Archery, Aerial Archery, Flint Knapping, Sweat Lodge, Sunset Hike
Other Features: Commissary, Sunset Hike

Baldy Town

This mining town was founded in the late 1860s to serve the goldminers and prospectors on Baldy Mountain. Explore the museum to learn about the famous Aztec-Ponil mine and stamp-mill and what life was like in this gold town. Prepare to summit Baldy Mountain and discover the unique geology of this place.

Program Theme: Historic Baldy Town
Potential Activities: Assaying, Geology, Gold Panning, Mining History
Other Features: Commissary, Showers, Trading Post

Beaubien

Step into the heart of life on a ranch at the hub of the South Country! Beaubien boasts one of the largest meadows at Philmont so enjoy the sweeping views and stunning stars once the sun sets. Crews can learn about ranching in this area and enjoy a rousing campfire show each evening.

Program Theme: Western Lore
Potential Activities: Branding, Horse Rides, Roping
Other Features: Campfire Show, Chuckwagon Dinner, Showers

Black Mountain

Discover life in a post-Civil War encampment where former soldiers and inhabitants of Fort Union teach the skills needed to live in the mountains. Black Mountain is one of the oldest staffed camps on Philmont property, the main cabin was constructed in the 1890s by a pair of brothers looking for gold in the North Fork Urraca. This camp is one of the most remote at Philmont so prepare for an unforgettable experience.

Program Theme: Post Civil War Encampment
Potential Activities: Animal Husbandry, Blacksmithing, Muzzleloader Shooting
Other Features: N/A

Cimarroncita

Formerly a girls’ camp from 1931 to 1995, Cimarroncita was acquired by Philmont in 2015. Located at the edge of the 2018 Ute Park Fire Recovery Zone, it opened in 2021 and serves as a starting point for crews hiking into Central Country. Treks can learn about fire ecology and test their archery skills.

Program Theme: Archery & Fire Ecology
Potential Activities: 3D Archery, Field Archery, Fire Ecology Program
Other Features: N/A

Cimarroncito

One of three climbing camps, Cimarroncito is located in Philmont’s Central Country. Crews can learn climbing and rappelling skills and see the beautiful ecology of the Fire Recovery Zone.

Program Theme: Rock Climbing
Potential Activities: Bouldering Gym, Rappelling, Rock Climbing
Other Features: Showers

Clarks Fork

Experience ranching in the 1950s at Clarks Fork. Staff demonstrate life as a cowboy in these parts and crews can hone their skills in various ranching activities. Learn about the various bands used across Philmont and potentially get your items branded! End the evening with a fun campfire show.

Program Theme: Western Lore
Potential Activities: Branding, Horse Rides, Roping
Other Features: Campfire Show, Showers

Clear Creek

Step back in time to when fur trappers roamed this area looking for coveted beaver furs in the early 1830s. Learn what the daily life of a trapper was like and some of the skills they needed to survive in the wilderness far from civilization. Standing at 10,400 ft and located at the foot of the beautiful Mt. Phillips, Clear Creek is sure to be an unforgettable stop for any passing crew.

Program Theme: Rocky Mountain Fur Company
Potential Activities: Cabin/House Tour, Muzzleloader Shooting, Tomahawk Throwing
Other Features: N/A

Crater Lake

Discover the lives of loggers at the southern branch of the Continental Tie & Lumber company. Staff portray life in a logging camp during the Great War and visiting treks are brought on as green loggers-in-training. Discover if you have the skills to succeed in the various jobs these men and women performed on a daily basis.

Program Theme: Continental Tie & Lumber Company
Potential Activities: Crosscut & Tie Making, Spar Pole Climbing
Other Features: Campfire Show

Crooked Creek

Learn what life is like on a remote homestead in the mid 1800s. Staff dressed in period clothing teach the various skills necessary for living so far from the nearest town. Lend a hand with daily chores and special projects the staff are working on. Keep an eye out for cows throughout the season!

Program Theme: Pioneer Homestead
Potential Activities: Animal Husbandry, Cabin/House Tour, Cabin Restoration, Crafting, Food/Cooking Demos
Other Features: N/A

Cyphers Mine

There’s gold in these hills! Join the miners who worked for Charlie Cypher during the early 1900s and learn what the search for gold entailed. Discover the rich history of these mountains and get ready to join in at the Stomp show!

Program Theme: Mining History
Potential Activities: Blacksmithing, Geology, Gold Panning, Mine Tour, Mining History
Other Features: Campfire Show

Dan Beard

Named after one of the original National Scout Commissioners and a founder of Scouting in America Daniel Carter Beard, this camp offers crews the chance to participate in COPE challenges. Test your cooperation and teamwork skills to accomplish your goals.

Program Theme: COPE
Potential Activities: Initiative Games, Low Challenge Course
Other Features: N/A

Dean Cow

Newly reopened for the 2025 season, Dean Cow is located in the 2018 Ute Park burn scar. Crews have the opportunity to learn about rock climbing and rappelling before testing their skills.

Program Theme: Rock Climbing
Potential Activities: Rappelling, Rock Climbing
Other Features: N/A

French Henry

Named after Henry Buruel who discovered the mine in 1869, French Henry is the site of one of the gold mines in the beautiful Baldy Country. Learn about the rich mining history of this area from staff portraying miners in the early 1900s. Gold can still be found in the creek running through camp!

Program Theme: Prospecting
Potential Activities: Blacksmithing, Geology, Gold Panning, Mining History
Other Features: N/A

Harlan

Harlan is located in the Ute Park Fire Recovery Zone and reopened in 2024 after a six-year closure. Crews have the unique opportunity to reload and shoot 12-gauge shotguns. Enjoy this wonderful camp and the distinct ecology of the Fire Recovery Zone offers

Program Theme: Shotgun Shooting
Potential Activities: Shotshell Reloading, Shotgun Shooting
Other Features: N/A

Head of Dean

Work together as a crew to complete staff led COPE activities. Learn the strength of teamwork and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges. Reflect on all you have learned while enjoying one of the prettiest sunsets in the North Country.

Program Theme: COPE
Potential Activities: Initiative Games, Low Challenge Course
Other Features: Sunset Hike

Indian Writings

Ancient petroglyphs and recovered artifacts give a peek into the Ancestral Puebloan culture that inhabited this region long ago. Talk with staff and visiting archeologists to learn more about the people who lived here before the pioneers arrived.

Program Theme: Ancestral Puebloan Archaeology
Potential Activities: Archaeology, Atlatl (spear) Throwing, Museum Tour, Petroglyph Tour
Other Features: Showers, Sunset Hike

Metcalf Station

Discover the Pride and Glory of the North Ponil branch of the Cimarron & Northwestern Railway at Metcalf Station. Echos of laying track and blacksmith hammers will take you back to the days when the railroad ran through this canyon. Learn about what it takes to build the rail and enjoy a toe tapping evening show!

Program Theme: Cimarron & Northwestern Railway
Potential Activities: Blacksmithing, Museum Tour, Pump Car Rides, Railroad Construction
Other Features: Campfire Show

Miners Park

Climbing is the name of the game at Miners Park. Crews have the opportunity to test what they learn at various rock-climbing routes. Bring your water and lace up your shoes to take on the beauty of Philmont’s geology.

Program Theme: Rock Climbing
Potential Activities: Bouldering Gym, Climbing Wall, Crate Stacking, Rappelling, Rock Climbing
Other Features: Commissary, Showers

Miranda

Experience a Trappers’ Rendezvous as it might have been in the early 1800s. Fur trappers were among the first Europeans to explore this area, and the beaver fur trade served as an important first step into opening the west up to later settlement. Learn how these pioneers lived and, if you are lucky, they might even share some tales of their adventures!

Program Theme: Rocky Mountain Fur Company
Potential Activities: Fur Trapper Rendezvous, Muzzleloader Shooting, Tomahawk Throwing
Other Features: Burro Pens

Ponil

The Wild West beckons at Ponil. From 1938 to 1941, Ponil served as Base Camp for Philturn Rocky Mountain Scout Camp due to its location at the intersection of several canyons. While Ponil no longer serves as Philmont’s base camp today, it is still one of the major hubs of the Philmont North Country. Learn about western lore and grab a cold root beer at the Cantina!

Program Theme: Western Lore
Potential Activities: Branding, Cowboy Action Shooting, Horse Rides, Roping
Other Features: Burro Pens, Cantina, Chuckwagon Dinner, Showers, Trading Post

Phillips Junction

Phillips Junction, affectionately called PJ, serves as an important stop for many crews traversing the South Country. Constructed in 1974 as a commissary camp, crews can also visit the trading post to stock up on necessities and backcountry souvenirs. Staff may even have special fun opportunities for crews passing through!

Program Theme: Commissary
Potential Activities: Fishing (self-guided)
Other Features: Commissary, Showerhouse, Trading Post

Pueblano

The Continental Tie and Lumber Company logged these canyons from the 1870s through the mid 1900s. Staff portray life in a logging camp during the Great War and visiting treks are brought on as green loggers-in-training. Discover if you have the skills to succeed in the various jobs these men and women performed on a daily basis.

Program Theme: Continental Tie & Lumber Company
Potential Activities: Crosscut & Tie Making, Spar Pole Climbing
Other Features: Campfire Show

Rich Cabins

The Rich family welcomes you to their homestead located in the neighboring Greenwood Tract. The cabins were originally built by the Rich family who resided here from the late 1890s into the 1920s. Help the staff out with various homesteading activities and unwind at the nightly family gathering.

Program Theme: Rich Family Homestead
Potential Activities: Animal Husbandry, Cabin/House Tour, Crafting, Food/Cooking Demos
Other Features: Campfire Show, Commissary, Low Impact Camp (UU Bar)

Ring Place

Located in the beautiful Valle Vidal, Ring Place was home to Timothy Ring and his family from 1897 to 1906. Many of the existing buildings are original to the Ring homestead. When the skies are clear, enjoy the view of the stars as staff teach you about the various constellations. Keep an eye out for shooting stars!

Program Theme: Ring Family Homestead
Potential Activities: Astronomy, Crafting, Folks Weather Forecasting
Other Features: Commissary, Low Impact Camp (Valle Vidal)

Sawmill

Marksmanship is the name of the game at Sawmill. Crews learn the fundamentals of shooting and reloading for 30.06 rifles. A lesser-known perk of staying the night at Sawmill is watching the beautiful sunrise over the prairie from the porch.

Program Theme: Rifle Shooting
Potential Activities: Cartridge Reloading, Rifle Shooting
Other Features: N/A

Urraca

Located atop the impressive Urraca Mesa, crews have the opportunity to test themselves in staff-led COPE challenges. Early risers can take in the beautiful sunrise and daring scouts might just hear a ghost tale or two. Be sure to keep an eye out for many different types of wildlife, including the magpie after which the mesa is named.

Program Theme: COPE
Potential Activities: Initiative Games, Low Challenge Course
Other Features: Sunrise Hike

Ute Gulch

Reopened as of the 2025 season, Ute Gulch serves as a commissary/food pickup for crews traveling through the 2018 Ute Park burn scar. Challenge your crew as you hike through the Fire Recovery Zone.

Program Theme: Commissary
Potential Activities: N/A
Other Features: Commissary, Trading Post

Whiteman Vega

Located in the Valle Vidal, crews have the opportunity to experience mountain biking on the trails around Whiteman Vega. Enjoy the challenge of low-impact camping and enjoy this unique area.

Program Theme: Mountain Biking
Potential Activities: Bike Maintenance, Mountain Biking
Other Features: Low Impact Camp (Valle Vidal)

Backcountry Program Features

Each itinerary is carefully developed to give your crew the maximum enjoyment of hiking and camping in the high mountains of the Sangre de Cristos. Itineraries also include certain staffed camps where you will pick up food and participate in program features. Although programs are not compulsory, they are recommended to get the most benefit from your Philmont experience.

Ancestral Puebloan Archaeology

The Ponil country in the northern section is rich in the prehistoric background of the Ancestral Puebloan people. Your crew can help reconstruct Philmont history while participating in this fascinating program and learning about those who inhabited this area.

An educated archaeologist and staff explain and supervise the program in the North Ponil Canyon at Indian Writings camp. Activities may include assisting with excavations or preparing specimens and artifacts.

PLEASE NOTE: You can assist the archaeology program by being observant as you hike the trails. You may discover an artifact that will lead to further discoveries. Philmont’s antiquities rightfully belong to Philmont and are most meaningful when left where found. Others can then share the benefit of your discovery. Please report all finds to one of the staff archaeologists at Indian Writings, the Philmont Museum, or Camping Headquarters.

Camps: Indian Writings

Archery

Camps: Apache Springs, Cimarroncita

Astronomy

Camps: Ring Place

Beaubien

At Beaubien and Clarks Fork, the focus is on the Old West with its songs and stories and true cowboy atmosphere. Ponil offers a nightly Old West Cantina Show.

Black Mountain

Experience life as it was soon after the Civil War at this rustic settelement. Shoot .58 caliber muzzle-loading rifles, learn to do blacksmithing and meet former Fort Union soldiers. Black Mountain is one of Philmont’s very popular living history theme camps.

Blacksmithing

The ring of hammer striking iron echoes through the mountains. Here staff blacksmiths will acquaint you with a working forge, blower, leg vice and hardie, and an array of tongs used to grip red-hot iron. They will discuss and demonstrate techniques for firing the forge, working metal, and tempering the finished product.

Camps: Black Mountain, Cyphers Mine, French Henry, Metcalf Station

Branding

Camps: Beaubien, Clarks Fork, Ponil

Burro Packing

No animal is more closely associated with the colorful history of the Southwest than the burro. Burro packing methods are explained and demonstrated at Ponil and Miranda. Your tents and food may be packed on burros using a diamond hitch.

Burros are available for use on the trail in the northern portion of the ranch, starting or ending at Ponil and Miranda. Burro traps (holding pens for overnight stops) are located at Ponil, Pueblano, Miranda, Elkhorn, Flume Canyon, Head of Dean, and Baldy Skyline. Hay for feeding is provided at these camps. If your itinerary provides for packing burros, take advantage of this unique opportunity to pack them just as the miners once did.

Camps: Miranda, Ponil

Cantina

Order our thirst-quenching root beer in a Mexican or Western-style cantina. You can buy root beer for your whole crew or a cup for yourself.

Camp: Abreu, Ponil

Challenge Events/COPE

A series of activities that will test the teamwork, skill, and resourcefulness of your crew awaits you. While the challenges can be met by every crew, the real contest is with yourself. Did you do your best? How would you do better next time?

Camps: Dan Beard, Head of Dean, Urraca

Chase Ranch

The Chase Ranch is located along the Ponil Creek adjacent to Philmont Scout Ranch. It was founded by Manly and Teresa Chase in 1867 and has been operated through four generations of family members. Beginning in November 2013, Philmont Scout Ranch through a special use permit with the Chase Foundation, began operation of the Historic Chase Ranch.

A turnaround to begin and end treks is located near the Main House at the Chase Ranch. Tours will be offered of the 1871 house and surrounding grounds. Several itineraries will cross portions of the Chase Ranch and two low-impact camps have been designated in Chase Canyon.

Commissary/Food-Pickup

Camps: Apache Springs, Baldy Town, Cimarroncita, Miners Park, Phillips Junction, Rich Cabins, Ring Place, Ute Gultch

Conservation

Philmont offers opportunities for involvement, participation, and observation of conservation practices. Most conservation projects involve trail construction or repair, which is very important in controlling erosion.

Three hours of conservation work under the supervision of a Philmont Conservationist is expected of each camper to earn the Arrowhead Award. Ten hours of conservation work is a requirement for the 50-Miler Award. The 3 hours earned at Philmont can be applied—the other 7 may be acquired back home. Some crews elect to complete more hours during their trek. Some crews complete all 10 hours at Philmont.

Philmont has a number of conservationists on its staff, each located strategically throughout the backcountry. Logistics will identify the best location for your crew to do your 3-hour project under the supervision of one of the conservationists who will help you qualify for both the Arrowhead Award and the partial of the 50-Miler Award.

Should your itinerary not provide for an area with a conservation site, Logistics will identify an alternate project or a Camp Director at a staff camp can outline an alternative project.

Continental Tie and Lumber Company

The exciting legend of the loggers with the Continental Tie and Lumber Company will come to life through the staff at Pueblano and Crater Lake. They will share their skills of spartree “pole” climbing and the use of wood tools and instruments. Competition in exciting logging events such as log toss, cross-cut sawing, and log tong races will challenge your crew.

Camps: Crater Lake, Pueblano

Crew Fires

Conducting your own campfire can be equally stimulating, whether you are camping at Visto Grande, Wild Horse, New Dean, or another trail camp. You and your friends will enjoy the camaraderie that radiates from the warmth of a Scouting campfire. (Fire restrictions may prevent building an actual fire.)

Cyphers Mine

At Cyphers Mine the story of gold will become memorable as an interpreter relates the life and adventures of miners of yesteryear at the nightly “STOMP”.

Demonstration Forest

Between Hunting Lodge and Clarks Fork, near Cito Reservoir, a Demonstration Forest has been developed with the support of the American Tree Farm Organization. Be sure your crew takes time to learn about the forests and various forest practices taking place at Philmont. A visiting Forester will be available to visit with crews.

Environmental Awareness

Become acquainted with some of the western birds, wildflowers, mammals, lizards, snakes, and insects in this natural outdoor wonderland. Discover what wildlife passed through camp by observing tracks and other signs—view how plant and animal species change as you climb higher into the mountains, and learn why these changes occur—walk past the timberline and observe the life that survives the rigors of this high-altitude environment.

Across the Ranch, Backcountry Staff will offer a program of environmental awareness. The program is called BEEP=Backcountry Environmental Education Program. It will help you know and understand Philmont’s flora, fauna, geology, and life zones; and how you can be a part of maintaining the natural order of things so others that follow may enjoy them too.

A Philmont Field Guide is available at the Tooth of Time Traders. It will enhance your environmental awareness during your trek.

Fly Tying and Fishing

The Rayado and Agua Fria streams in the south, as well as the Cimmaroncito Reservoir, offer excellent trout fishing. Though not large, these trout are wary and exciting to catch. Fly rods for catch and release fishing may be checked out at Hunting Lodge, Fish Camp, and Abreu.

If you don’t know how to remove the hook from your fish, a program counselor will demonstrate the correct methods.

At Fish Camp a program counselor with material and equipment will show you how to tie your own trout flies. The thrill of catching a trout on a fly you have tied is hard to beat. A tour of Waite Phillips’ fishing lodge, including a narrative of area history, is also offered. All fishermen are required to have a current New Mexico state fishing license.

Camps: Fish Camp

Geology

Philmont and private sector geologists have teamed up to provide an exciting and educational program of geology and mining technology at the sites where history comes alive –

Camps: Baldy Camp, Cyphers Mine, French Henry

Gold Mining and Panning

Gold is still found in almost all streams on Philmont, which was once the scene of lucrative gold-mining operations. Mine shafts, sluice boxes, and placer mines dot the mountainsides and valleys. If your itinerary takes you to Cyphers Mine or French Henry you will tour a real gold mine. Not working now, the mines are carefully shored so you can tour the mine tunnel. Bring your jacket and flashlight for the tour. Learn about adventures that were experienced during the fascinating and colorful past as determined miners sought their fortunes in these historic mountains. When you find some “color,” ask one of the staff miners for some cellophane tape so you can take your discovery home to show others your success. Gold pans are available for you to use at Cyphers Mine, and French Henry.

Camps: Cyphers Mine, French Henry

Homesteading

Your crew will visit a working homestead. The staff will help you learn early day skills such as railsplitting, shingle making, primitive farming, log structure construction and care of farmyard animals. In keeping with the southwestern spirit of the program, you will be instructed in preparing a special Mexican meal at Abreu.

Camps: Abreu, Crooked Creek, Rich Cabins

Horse Rides

Philmont owns and maintains a remuda of 300 western horses with strings offering exhilarating mountain horse rides at times noted on crew itinerary. Be prompt for your scheduled ride. Reservations are made at Logistics on a first-come, first-served basis upon arrival at Philmont.

(Confirm times at Logistics) Philmont wranglers are courteous but strict. They make certain everyone stays in line and maintains the pace to avoid endangering members of your crew. Even skilled riders cannot be permitted to ride at a different pace or away from the group. Please cooperate with the wranglers by following instructions for a safe and enjoyable ride. For your personal safety you will wear a helmet, which will be provided. Ponchos and maps should not be taken since they may frighten the horses. Wear long trousers on your horse ride to protect your legs. Persons weighing over 200 pounds will not be permitted to ride.

Camps: Beaubien, Clarks Fork, Ponil

Jicarilla Apache Ethnology

This unique program featuring the lifestyle of the Jicarilla Apache. You will see how the Jicarillas worked and played. A replica Jicarilla village has been erected for this program. Tepees are furnished with realistic fireplaces, back rests, robes, hides, and baskets for you to see.

3D and sporting arrows programs will also be offered. After that you can enjoy a “Jicarilla sauna” in a sweat lodge (subject to fire restrictions), followed by a dousing with cold water.

Camps: Apache Springs

Low Impact Camping

Wildland ethics depend upon attitude and awareness rather than on rules and regulations. While at Dan Beard, Rich Cabins and other entry points into the Valle Vidal, you will have the opportunity to learn how to enjoy wildland with respect; to hike, camp, eat meals, and dispose of trash without leaving a scar or trace. You will also receive future “Leave No Trace” training at Whiteman Vega, Ring Place, and Seally Canyon. Your Wilderness Pledge Guia will also help you learn the techniques of Leave No Trace.

Metcalf Station

At Metcalf Station experience what it was like to build a railroad in the early 1900’s. The sounds of mauls driving spikes, the “tick tick” of the telegraph, combined with the smell of coal burning in the blacksmith’s forge will fill the air just like it did in 1907. Be ready for an exciting campfire to end the day at Philmont’s newest staffed camp.

Mountain Biking

Enjoy one of America’s fastest growing sports at Whiteman Vega as your crew takes a wilderness mountain bike ride into the most remote areas of the beautiful Valle Vidal section of the Carson National Forest. You will learn bike care and maintenance, riding techniques, and bike trail construction.

Mountaineering

Although not a staff-sponsored program feature, mountaineering can be as fun and exciting as any. Restless adventurers seek challenges, comradeship, spectacular views, fields of delicate wildflowers, stimulating exercise, and solace by climbing high mountains. You can fulfill these urges at Philmont, where many challenging mountains await you. Mount Waite Phillips, nearly 12,000 feet high, towers over the beautiful southwest section of Philmont country. This peak is a rugged climb with fabulous views of Eagle Nest Lake, Wheeler Peak (highest mountain in New Mexico at 13,161 feet elevation) and most of Philmont.

Mountains

Baldy Mountain
(Elevation 12,441 ft) “Old Baldy,”” named for its rocky, barren top, is a favorite climb for those who camp in the Baldy Town vicinity. Dotted with old gold mines, Baldy Mountain is the highest peak on Philmont—12,441 feet. The view from its top is unobstructed and spectacular.

Little Costilla
(Elevation 12,585 ft)

Mount Phillips
(Elevation 11,721 ft)

Black Mountain
(Elevation 10,875 ft)

Tooth of Time
(Elevation 9,003 ft)The Tooth of Time, the 9,003-foot high Philmont incisor, rises abruptly 2,500 feet from the valley floor. A landmark along the old Santa Fe Trail, the Tooth will give you a memorable view of Philmont.

Big Red
(Elevation 11,020 ft)

Muzzle-Loading Rifles

You will use powder, patch, ball, ramrod, and cap to actually load and shoot a .50 or .58- caliber muzzle-loading rifle in this exciting, historic program.

Camps: Black Mountain, Clear Creek, Miranda

Other Peaks

Hart Peak, Lookout Peak, Trail Peak, and many other peaks will test your stamina and give you breathtaking views of surrounding terrain. Little Costilla Peak at 12,584 feet is located in the Valle Vidal. Many false peaks will keep you guessing as you work to reach the summit.

Philmont Campfires

Throughout the backcountry, various staffed camps conduct special evening campfires and programs. Urraca, Pueblano, and Crater Lake campfires relate to tales of the Old West, logging, and the history of the land. Facts about the Beaubien-Miranda Land Grant come alive, and the influence of Waite Phillips and his gift of Philmont to Scouting America provides for a special inspiration.

Camps: Beaubien, Clarks Fork, Crater Lake, Cyphers Mine, Metcalf Station, Ponil, Pueblano, Rich Cabins, Urraca

Rendezvous

Catch some of the flavor of a mountain man rendezvous while at Miranda. Find out why rendezvous were held and what went on. See demonstrations of the mountain man way of life and participate in some of these skills and contests such as “hawk” throwing and muzzle-loading rifle.

Ring Ranch

Visit the historic Ring family home at Ring Place and learn about their way of life during the early years. Astronomy is featured each night. Gaze through a professional quality telescope to see the rings of Saturn, distant stars and moons. Learn how to predict the weather in a wilderness setting.

Rock Climbing

This fascinating and challenging sport is a favorite of all Philmont campers. You’ll scale a steep pitch and rappel down a sheer cliff. Philmont has carefully selected three areas to conduct this program where the rocks are safe and practical, but a distinct “Class Five” challenge. Under the supervision of expert climbers, you will climb using your hands and feet while protected by rope, carabiners, and helmet. Safety is always stressed and practiced.

Rock climbing at Philmont is restricted to the three locations: Miners Park, Cimarroncito, and Dean Cow, and is only done under the supervision of Philmont rock climbing staff.

Camps: Cimarroncito, Dean Cow, Miners Park

Rocky Mountain Fur Company

At Clear Creek several veteran trappers of the Rocky Mountain Fur Company (portrayed by Philmont staff members) have established an outpost camp. Trapping was their way of life, however, it is not practiced at Philmont today. See traps like those they used to catch beaver, muskrat, raccoon, and bear. Hear about how they cured the hides and see trade goods which they used to purchase food and supplies.

Camps: Clear Creek, Miranda

Shooting Sports

.30-06 Rifle Shooting
This program offers a review of firearms and tips for successful and safe shooting. Wildlife conservation and game management are discussed. Metallic silhouette targets provide a challenging experience at Sawmill’s .30-06 rifle range. Each participant will reload and fire 3 rounds; additional rounds may be purchased at 3 for $1.00.

12 Gauge Shotgun Shooting
Shooting trap takes skill, but with some instruction and practice you may find that you can hit clay birds. Each participant at Harlan will reload and fire 3 rounds; additional rounds may be purchased at 3 for $1.00.

Cowboy Action Shooting
Cowboy Action Shooting will be conducted at Ponil. This program will bring the “Old West” to life in this exciting shooting sports activity. Participants will shoot .38 special pistols, lever action rifles and coach shotguns in this program.

Camps: Harlan, Ponil, Sawmill

Special Trail Meals

The programs at Clarks Fork, Ponil, and Beaubien include a special chuck wagon dinner. A Mexican meal is included at Abreu. Members of your crew will help prepare these meals.

Camps: Abreu, Beaubien, Clarks Fork, Ponil

STEM

Philmont has incorporated STEM (Science, Technology, Education, and Math) activities at many of the Backcountry Staff Camps. The STEM activities will provide interesting information and insights that will allow you to obtain a deeper understanding of the programs that you participate in. Watch for these fun experiences along your trek. For example, at Cimarroncito you will learn about the strength of climbing rope. The information will help you determine what ropes should be used in climbing activities.

Western Lore

Philmont is an operating western cattle ranch. Cowboys still watch over cattle on horseback and drive them from their winter pasture on the plains to high mountain meadows for summer grazing. While you hike the trails, look for the white-face Hereford cattle. Though not wild, they are best observed from a distance. A cow with a calf may become dangerous if she feels her calf is threatened. To chase or attempt to rope these animals is foolish and can result in serious injury. Watch and photograph them if you wish.

An organized western lore program is offered at Beaubien, Ponil and Clarks Fork. Horse riding, campfires, and branding are all part of the western lore program. Philmont cowboys will tell you about New Mexico’s cattle industry. Using authentic western lariats, they will show you how to rope. The cowboy’s garb and equipment will be named and their uses explained. After a hearty chuck wagon dinner which you help prepare, you’ll gather around a campfire under the western sky for an evening of songs, guitar playing, and stories of the Old West at Beaubien or Clarks Fork. Ponil campers may gather at the cantina.

Wilderness Medicine/Search and Rescue

This exciting informative program at Seally Canyon and Carson Meadows will enable your crew to “Be Prepared” to meet emergency first aid needs in a true wilderness environment. Every year many people become lost in the outdoors. Scouts are often called upon to help search for these people. Your crew will enjoy learning how to correctly conduct an organized search.The staff will share highlights of the new Search and Rescue Merit Badge.