Philmont is a magnificent wilderness camping area with an immense network of trails and camps tied together by service roads designed for service and protection of both campers and land.

In its 59 years of operation, thousands of young people have enjoyed the great scenic beauty of Philmont's mountain terrain and experienced the unique and memorable programs of its staffed camps. However, in the past, a number of inconsiderate and impolite Scout campers, employing improper camping methods have marred certain areas of this magnificent land. Consequently, Philmont asks all campers and their advisors to commit themselves to good Scout camping and genuine wilderness understanding.

Each camper and advisor will be asked to sign the Philmont Wilderness Pledge, which declares that he or she will do everything possible to preserve the beauty and wonder of the Philmont wilderness and its facilities through good Scout camping. It is expected that Philmont campers will carry this pledge to all camping areas that they might visit throughout America.

The major areas of emphasis involved in the Philmont Wilderness Pledge are:

Litter
Each camper should make sure that all trails and campsites are left neat and clean. Camping Headquarters, including shower and tent areas, should he left in a like manner.

Graffiti
Graffiti is a "litter" more offensive than paper It is unfortunate that some of your camping predecessors have left their "marks" on the walls of Philmont facilities. Not only is graffiti defacing, but it is also degrading and is contrary to all that Scouting stands for. Make sure that neither you nor the members of your crew add to this offensive practice.

Water
Remember, you are in a land where water is scarce and very precious. Conservation and wise use of water has been practiced since the first person entered this land. Use water properly; never bathe or do laundry or dishes in or near a spring or stream. Do not disturb or throw rocks in springs, or touch any solar pumps. They are easily damaged and the flow of water can be disrupted. Everyone needs water, and you should leave each spring and stream as clean as you found it.

Trails
Pledge yourself to respect all trails of Philmont. Do not cut green boughs or trees, or mark on them. Do not cut across switchbacks, and do not alter or change trail signs.

Campsites

Each crew is responsible for leaving a neat and orderly campsite, whether it be in Camping Headquarters, staffed camps, or non-staffed camps. Your campsite should be left litter-free with its latrine and sump clean. Fires, if permitted, must be left DEAD OUT and then c leaned of debris before you leave. Do not trench tents; pitch them on high ground. You should respect the feelings of those crews camping near you and those that will come after you.

Philmont serves over 18,000 Scouts, Explorers, and their advisors each year. Consequently, some trails and camps are subjected to heavy use. Nevertheless it is not the wear of so many pairs of boots that mars Philmont. It is the carelessness and thoughtlessness of inconsiderate campers. It is our sincere hope that through your commitment to the Philmont Wilderness Pledge, Philmont will always remain a beautiful and clean place to enjoy high adventure. Please dedicate yourself with us to the fulfillment of this goal.

Report Artifacts

Philmont is a natural outdoor biological, geological, archaeological, and historical laboratory and museum. Countless varieties of rock, plants, and animals are found here, as well as abundant evidence of past human habitation from prehistoric Indians (arrowheads, pot shards, grinding stones, etc.) to old mining camps (bottles, cans, equipment, cabins, etc.) Specimens of plants, animals, or artifacts, such as mentioned above, are to be observed and left where you discover them, not collected and removed from Philmont. Reports of discoveries are helpful in reconstructing Philmont's archaeological and historical past. These should be put in writing and left at the Philmont Museum.