Individual Scout Opportunities

(7 days)

Philmont Scout Ranch is offering you an opportunity to join other Scouters in giving meaningful service, the formation of lasting friendship, and development of your leadership skills on the beautiful trails of Philmont Scout Ranch. Under the direction of experienced Philmont staff members, you will take part in a week-long service-based program.

This program is a "spring break" program that was started in the spring of 2003.  At Philbreak, participants perform conservation service, in 2003 this was in the area damaged in the fires that burned the Philmont North Country and Valle Vidal. 

The program is a seven-day experience. E ach day you will be providing Philmont with valuable service, from base camp to the far reaches of the backcountry and everywhere in between.  The program is not simply service though, the program will also challenge you mentally, physically, and spiritually.

The work will be strenuous. You will be expected to work eight or nine hour days in all types of conditions.  It will be imperative that you work with great diligence, as your time to make a positive impact on Philmont will be limited.

In 2003, the work days were followed by snow skiing at Angel Fire Ski Area.
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(14 days)

The first week focuses on trail construction and maintenance under the guidance of Philmont trail crew foremen.  The second week is a seven day backpacking trek that is designed by the participants.  The program is not simply building trail and hiking, the OA Trail Crew is ultimately a journey that challenges Scouts mentally, physically, and spiritually.
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(16 days)

After your eight day work session, the Ranch Hands crew will gather together and embark on an eight day Cavalcade under the leadership of a Horseman and Wrangler. You will ride the trails through some of the most beautiful country in America. Each night you will be in a different Philmont camp where the program may be Rock Climbing, Archaeology, Mountain Man Rendezvous, or Homesteading. The final afternoon of your Cavalcade features a horseback gymkhana in the arena at Ponil Camp.
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(20 days)

Some individual seek a variety of extraordinary challenges.  For some, wilderness has a special appeal; for some leadership is an integral skill; for some, self-reliance and teamwork go hand in hand.

Do you aspire to stand atop soaring mountains, scanning peaks and valleys?  Does an extended wilderness experience appeal to you?  Would you like to meet and work with a diverse group of Scouts and Venturers from across the country?

If you choose to accept this challenge, Rayado will bring to you a new appreciation for nature, a voyage of self-discovery, and instruction in advanced wilderness skills.  You will climb Philmont's highest summits, climb rock faces, and take the most challenging trails.   Each participant will learn skills needed to be looked upon  as an accomplished backpacker and effective leader.  Two Philmont Rangers will help you achieve more than you ever thought possible.
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(21 days)

The Roving Outdoor Conservation School is an exciting program at Philmont Scout Ranch for Scouts and Venturers who have an interest in conservation and natural resource management.  Participants will enjoy a 21-day trek throughout Philmont’s 137,493 acres of rugged mountain wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rocky Mountains of northeastern New Mexico.

The School will offer each participant in-depth experiences in Conservation and Environmental Science. As the crew hikes the ranch, they will camp in many of the different forest types and participate in activities in the following areas: forestry, fire ecology, insects, fisheries management, wildlife management, geology, plant identification and dendrology, watershed management and range management. In addition part of the trek will practice “Leave No Trace” and “Tread Lightly” techniques.

During the R.O.C.S. trek each crew will spend several days building new trails and rebuilding some of the existing trails. The crew will also practice recreation management by improving trail and staff camps in the backcountry. The experience of trail construction and campsite improvements will provide some great skills that will be useful in projects at local council camps or recreation areas throughout America when the participant returns home.

R.O.C.S. participants will work and hike in crews under the leadership of trained guides. Crews will be composed of young men or young women (not coed) from all over the United States. All crew equipment such as tents, cooking gear and tools, will be provided by Philmont and all participants will be covered by campers’ insurance.

The program is not simply working on various conservation projects and hiking, R.O.C.S. is ultimately a journey that challenges Scouts and Venturers in education, in service, and in adventure.
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Philmont has numerous staff positions available each summer.  These opportunities are open to Scouts 18 years of age or older.  Positions include:

• Basecamp - Food service, office support, store/trading post, security, photography, maintenance, activities/evening programs, equipment and food issue, logistics, health clinic.
• Backcountry - Program counselors (rock climbing, challenge events, shooting sports, and many more!), conservation/trail construction and maintenance, wranglers and horsemen, ranger/trek guide.
• Training Center - age group leaders, craft lodge, ropes course, maintenance, museum guides, and clerks.

The fun of the summer does not stop at Philmont.  Your days off are just as fun as working on the ranch and are part of the Philmont Staff experience.  You will have the opportunity to see and do things that you never had before.  Whether it be kayaking down the Rio Grande, climbing your first fourteener in Colorado, seeing the Grand Canyon, or the White Sands of New Mexico, these memories will carry with you.

The experiences and friendships that you make at Philmont will last a lifetime.  If you are interested in becoming part of the Philmont team, please contact Philmont Seasonal Personnel and send in your application as soon as possible.  What a great way to spend a summer!
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