Philmont

Philmont Scout Ranch- the Boy Scouts of America's premier high-adventure base—challenges Scouts and Venturers with more than 200 square miles of rugged New Mexico wilderness. Backpacking treks, horseback cavalcades, and training and service programs offer young people many ways to experience this legendary country.

About Philmont- Born in 1938 as Philturn Rocky Mountain Scout Camp, today's Philmont Scout Ranch is a bustling center for high adventure and training. Youth and adults take advantage of the ranch's camping, training, and work programs. Most activity takes place during the summer, but Philmont also offers its Fall Adventure and Kanik winter program. More than 700,000 Scouts, Venturers, and leaders have experienced the adventure of Philmont since the first camping season in 1939. Throughout its existence, conscientious attention to low-impact camping techniques have helped maintain the ranch's wilderness flavor. The area surrounding the ranch is rich with history, from the Native Americans who made this arid land their home to the land barons of the 19th century. The town of Cimarron boasts a number of historical buildings, including the St. James Hotel.

Camping and Adventure- Philmont Scout Ranch provides an unforgettable adventure along its 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, mountain biking, and rifle shooting—in an unbeatable recipe for fast-moving, outdoor fun. But there's a lot more to Philmont than backpacking. Other programs include horseback expeditions called Cavalcades; extended expeditions called Rayado Treks, a 20-day advanced backpacking trek; R.O.C.S., the 21-day Roving Outdoor Conservation School; Order of the Arrow Trail Crew, a 14-day trail-building and hiking program; and Ranch Hands, a 16-day program in which participants work with the Horse Department and experience a Cavalcade.

Facilities and Activities- Since Philmont's first camping season in 1939, more than 700,000 Scouts, Venturers, and their leaders have participated in the rugged challenge of its backpacking program. Base camp isn't quite so rugged, offering the luxuries of a dining hall, showers, platform tents, and a trading post. A medical center is available, as are chapels for different religious faiths. The ranch and surrounding area offer many places to go and things to do. The Kit Carson and Philmont museums and the Seton Memorial Library are well worth visiting before or after your trek. Nearby towns such as Cimarron and Springer are windows to the region's rich history.

Participant Requirements:

Participants must be at least age 14 by January 1, 2009 OR have completed the 8th grade AND be at least age 13 prior to participation. The participant requirements are not waiverable.

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