Blacksmithing
The ring of hammer striking iron echoes through the mountains around French Henry, Black Mountain, and Cypher's Mine camps. Here a staff blacksmith will acquaint you with a working forge, blower, leg vice and hardie, and an array of tongs used to grip red-hot iron. I le will discuss and demonstrate techniques for firing the forge, working metal, and tempering the finished product.

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, and Miranda. 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.

Burro Racing
Thrills galore await you in catching, packing, and racing a burro in competition with other crews. At Harlan and Abreu this activity provides a memorable experience. In keeping with the southwestern spirit of the program, you will be instructed in preparing a special Mexican meal at Abreu.

Cantina
Ponil and Abreu offer the opportunity for a thirst-quenching root beer in a Mexican or Western-style cantina. You can buy a pitcher of root beer for your whole crew or a cup for yourself

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.

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 them who will help you qualify for both the Arrowhead Award and the partial on the 50-Miler Award.

Should your itinerary not provide for an area with a trail construction site, Logistics will identify an alternate project that can be done under the leadership of your advisor

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 spar tree "pole" climbing and the use of wood tools and instruments. Competition in exciting logging events such as log toss, cross-cut sawing, and log tongs races will challenge your crew.

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.

At Cimarroncito, Miner's Park, Ring Place, and Dean Cow, a program of environmental awareness will be given to 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.

Fly Tying and Fishing
The Rayado and Agua Fria streams in the south and Ponil stream in the north offer excellent trout fishing. Though not large, these trout are wary and exciting to catch. A little time and skill spent along these streams may yield you a delicious trout supper or breakfast. Fly rods may be checked out at Fish Camp, Phillips Junction, Abreu, and Ponil.

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. Near Fish Camp and Abreu a catch and release program is in effect. If you don't know how to remove the hook from your fish or how to c lean it, a program counselor will demonstrate the correct methods. Your crew may also participate in Philmont's fish habitat improvement project and satisfy a portion of your conservation requirements. 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.

Geology
Philmont and the Bureau of Land Management have teamed up to provide an exciting and educational program of geology, mining technology and history at the sites where history comes alive--Baldy Camp and Cypher’s Mine Camp.

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 Cypher's French or Mine Henry you will tour a real gold mine. Not working now, the mine is 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 Cypher's Mine, Baldy Camp, and French Henry.

Homesteading
At Crooked Creek and Rich Cabins your crew will visit a working homestead. The staff will help you learn early day skills such as rail splitting, shingle making, primitive farming, log structure construction and care of farmyard animals.

Horse Rides
Philmont owns and maintains a remuda of 250 western horses with strings located at Beaubien, Clark's Fork, and Ponil. All three camps offer exhilarating mountain horse rides at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Be prompt for your scheduled ride. Reservations are made at Logistics Services on a first-come, first-served basis upon arrival at Philmont.

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.

Jicarilla Apache Life
Apache Springs offers a 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.

Learn how to make arrowheads by knapping (chipping) rock with deer antlers. You may also grind corn using a mano and metate formed from smooth rocks. After that you can enjoy a "Jicarilla sauna" in a sweat lodge, followed by a dousing with cold water.

Mountain Biking
Enjoy one of America's fastest growing sports at Iris Park Camp 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.

Mountain Livin'
This interpretive program is based upon skills utilized by the people who lived in this area years ago. Blacksmithing, candle making, fashioning furniture and utensils from native materials, and making soap are typical early homestead crafts you will learn and do. The only access to Black Mountain camp is on horse or foot; it is a perfect setting for this unique program

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.

"Old Baldy," named for its rocky, barren top, is a favorite climb for those who camp in the Baldy Camp vicinity. Dotted with old gold mines, Baldy is the highest peak on Philmont--12,441 feet. The view from its top is unobstructed and spectacular.

The Tooth of Time, the 9,003-foot high Philmont molar, 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, Black Mountain, Hart Peak, Lookout Peak, Trail Peak, and many other peaks will test your stamina and give you breathtaking views of surrounding terrain.

Always carry water, rain gear, jacket and other essentials when mountaineering.

No Trace Camping
Wildland ethic depends upon attitude and awareness rather than on rules and regulations. While at Dan Beard 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.

Philmont Campfires
Throughout the backcountry, various staffed camps conduct special evening campfires and programs.