PHILMONT

Philmont Information and the Watchu Experience:  www.watchu.org

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THE HISTORY OF PHILMONT

Once inhabited by Jicarilla Apache and Moache Ute Indians, Philmont was the site of the first pioneer settlements in northeastern New Mexico. The present ranch is part of the original Beaubien and Miranda Land Grant, which was granted to Carlos Beaubien and Guadalupe Miranda by Mexican Government in 1841. Beaubien’s son-in-law, mountain man Lucien Maxwell, led the first settlers to the grant in 1848. With the help of his friend Kit Carson, Maxwell’s settlement on the Rayado River prospered, despite frequent Indian raids and harsh wilderness conditions.

In 1870, Maxwell sold his ranch to an English land company known as the Maxwell Land Grant Railroad Company. Several years later the ranch was sold in tracts for farms and ranches.

Oklahoma oilman, Waite Phillips, became interested in developing a ranch from the old land grant in 1922. Eventually he amassed over 300,000 acres of mountains and plains. He named the ranch Philmont, derived from the Spanish word for mountain.

Waite Philips believed in sharing his wealth, and in keeping with the spirit offered the Boy Scouts of American 35,857 acres in 1938 to serve as national wilderness camping area. The area was named Philturn Rocky mountain Scoutcamp, after the name of the ranch and the Scout slogan, “Do A Good Turn Daily”.
After observing the enthusiastic response of the first Scout campers, Mr. Phillips added to his original gift in 1941. The second gift was made so the “many, rather than few” could enjoy his rich and beautiful land. The property, now totaling 127,395 acres, was renamed “Philmont Scout Ranch”.

CAMPING
Since Philmont’s first camping season in 1939, more than 650,000 Scouts, Explorers and their leaders have participated in the rugged challenge of its backpacking program. Philmont’s camping season is from mid-June to late August. Scouts and Explorers must be in top physical condition. Organized into crews of 7-12, including at least two adult leaders, participants hike Philmont’s mountains, spending nights at various backcountry camps. At Philmont, you can participate in a number of programs as follows:

EXPEDITIONS
Explore the Philmont high-country on a 12-day backpack expedition. You can experience the thrill of climbing mountains over two miles high, learn rock climbing, or participate in any number of other exciting outdoor activities. You must be 14 by January 1st of the year you are going or have completed the eighth grade.

CAVALCADES
As a member of a Philmont Cavalcade, you will ride horseback over some of Philmont’s most scenic trails. Cavalcade participants acquire riding and packing skills long in use in the American West. You must be 14 by January 1st of the year you are going or have completed the eighth grade.

 

OTHER PHILMONT OPPORTUNITIES

RAYADO TREK
This program is for those older Scouts and Explorers who have mastered basic outdoor skills and want a challenging outdoor program. The Trek, lasting 20 days, explores more of Philmont’s backcountry and permits the participants to develop outdoor leadership and advanced wilderness skills. You must be 15 by January 1st of the year you are going or have completed the ninth grade.

TRAIL CREW
A select number of young men and women are accepted each year to carry out vital conservation projects and trail work. The Trail Crews spend 18 days at a backcountry work project and then participate in a regular 10-day Expedition. You must be 16 by the date of participation.

PHILMONT STAFF OPPORTUNITIES
Each season, Philmont employs over 800 staff members. A wide variety of positions are available, including ranger, backcountry program counselor, training center, and base camp support staff. Applicants must be 18 years old with previous Philmont or other high adventure experience a plus.

PHILMONT TRAINING CENTER
Opportunities for Scouters to attend various training sessions at Philmont Scout Ranch