Its purpose is to promote, through cooperation with other agencies, the ability of youth to do things for themselves and others, and to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance and kindred virtues. In achieving this purpose, emphasis is placed upon its educational program and the oaths, promises and codes for character development, citizenship training, and mental and physical fitness.

Mission Statement - Philmont Scout Ranch

The mission of Philmont Scout Ranch is to achieve the purpose of the Boy Scouts of America and to serve local councils by providing an outstanding High Adventure, training or family program experience to older Scouts, Scouters and family members.

This mission is achieved through the combined efforts of the Camping, Training, Ranching and Administrative departments of Philmont.

Philmont Magic

There is a magic spell at Philmont. Long ago the Indians felt it. Later, Kit Carson, Lucien Maxwell and other mountain men were captivated by Philmont Country. A century later, the late Mr. Waite Phillips found himself under its spell. Nearly half a century ago, his son, Elliott and his cousins found it almost a necessity to return to Philmont during their high school and college summer vacations.

Location and Terrain

Philmont Scout Ranch is a national camping area, owned and operated by the Boy Scouts of America. Philmont is large, comprising 137,493 acres or about 215 square miles of rugged mountain wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ) range of the Rockies. Thirty-two staffed camps and fifty unstaffed camps are operated by the ranch. Philmont has high mountains which dominate rough terrain with an elevation ranging from 6,600 to 12,441 feet.

History

Philmont has a unique history of ancient Indians who chiseled writings into canyon walls . . . Spanish conquistadors who explored the Southwest long before the first colonists arrived on the Atlantic coast. . . the rugged breed of mountain men like Kit Carson who blazed trails across this land . . . the great land barons like Lucien Maxwell who built ranches along the Santa Fe Trail, and miners, loggers, and cowboys. All these people left their mark on Philmont.

Wildlife

Philmont is abundant with wildlife deer, elk, coyote, antelope, mountain lion, buffalo, beaver, wild turkey, bear, and others. Its hills and canyons teem with birds and its streams abound with fish. Its cool mountains harbor a wilderness of botany--trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses.

Beauty

Philmont is rich in nature beauty, including the soaring Tooth of Time . . . sunrise from lofty Mount Waite Phillips...the blue water of Cimarroncito Reservoir. . . the panoramic sweep of the plains from Urraca Mesa. . . and sunlight filtering through aspen along the rippling Rayado.

Program

Philmont provides an unforgettable adventure in sky-high backpacking country along hundreds of miles of rugged, rocky trails. Program features combine the best of the old West--horseback riding, burro packing, gold panning, chuck wagon dinners, and interpretive history, with exciting challenges for today--rock climbing, burro racing, and .30-06 rifle shooting--in an unbeatable recipe for fast-moving fun and outdoors.

Fellowship

Philmont means camping with your own unit as well as meeting and sharing experiences with other crews from all over America and from other countries. This is an opportunity for fellowship and understanding unequalled anywhere in America.

Staff

Philmont has the finest staff in America. Each man and woman on the large seasonal staff is carefully selected and trained. Scouting spirit, knowledge of camping skills, keen interest in their respective program specialties, and a love for Philmont make the staff dedicated to seeing that you have a rewarding and memorable experience.

When you come to Philmont, take advantage of these opportunities. It is one of the best investments you will make--the returns are great!

Who May Participate?

Philmont In keeping with the policies of the Boy Scouts of America, rules for participation are the same for everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, or special needs. Participants must be registered members of the BSA who will be at least age 14 by January 1 of the participation year or have completed the eighth grade prior to attendance. Some special programs allow for individual person registration and participation. A crew must have a majority of its members under age 21. Each participant must be capable of participating in the backpacking or horseback riding trek.