Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID CIMARRON NM Permit 8

17 DEER RUN ROAD CIMARRON NM 87714

Mission The Philmont Staff Association (PSA) unites check us out! the Philmont staff—past and present— www.philstaff.com for the purpose of serving the adventure, heritage and experience of Philmont Ranch and the . Our Mission J high countrY une T 2015 e h

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V A S S olume a i c o 38,N t n o i umber

® 3 ® High Country®—Volume 38, Number 3 June 2015 in this issue Ed Pease, Editor from the president Mark Dierker, Layout Editor columns Randy Saunders, Associate Editor Bill Cass, Copy Editor The year moves on and sometimes continuing the great traditions of high Dave Kenneke, Staff Contributor 3 from the prez Kevin “Levi” Thomas, Cartoonist we (I am guilty, too!) take for granted adventure found at Philmont. 4 from the editor all the preparation and hard work by Here is how you can step up your Contributing Editors: Robert Birkby, David Caffey, 13 ranch roundup - dowling Ranch Management and Staff to get support for the PSA as we point to the Bill Cass, Gregory Hobbs, Warren Smith , Mark Stinnett, Mary Stuever, Stephen Zimmer 14 ranch roundup - philmont @ noac ready for the 23,000 Scouts and Scout- future: ers who will pass through the gates and ontributing riters athy ubbard ee uckstep 15 ranch roundup - heirloom orchards C W : C H L H head for the trails this summer. Making STAY ACTIVE - Renew your mem- Colleen Lester Jason Mascitti Dan Miller Larry Murphy Mark Stinnett 16 ranch roundup - rocs and tct sure the , Base bership and encourage others to do the 19 next generation Camp and all the Backcountry camps same. Recruit your friends to join. © 2015, The Philmont Staff Association, Inc. are cleaned, stocked, staffed and ready gET INVOLVED - Join in on PSA All rights reserved. High Country® is the official 26 mort’s gorp magazine of the Philmont Staff Association® is a huge undertaking. The complex Reunions and Regional Events. Become year-round operation of the Ranch re- part of a PSA committee. articles quires hours of planning, training and SUPPORT PHILMONT - The Santa Philmont Staff Association® execution. Fe Trail Campaign, one of the most Board Of Directors 6 psa news - rayado & rocs As current and former staffers, we important expansions ever at the Ranch John Murphy, President 9 psa news - at the summit have each played an important role in is under way. Philmont has asked the Colleen Nutter, Vice President, Membership building Philmont to be the best place PSA to join them and help raise funds Tim Rosseisen, Vice President, Service 11 psa news - summer reunion Warren Smith, Vice President, Development it can be. Making a difference! Leaving for this project. Adam Fromm, Secretary 20 chope phillips 1918 - 2015 your mark! It is fun to look back and Matt Lindsey, Treasurer 25 staff amigos reflect on our times there, but it is just The Santa Fe Trail Campaign will National Directors: Amy Boyle, Ken Davis, Bryan as important to look to the future. I had include expansion for the Philmont Delaney, Catherine Hubbard, Lee Huckstep, Dr. 28 psa merchandise Dan Miller, Steve Rick 30 philmont history the pleasure of being at the Ranch in Museum and Seton Memorial Library Regional Directors: Northeast - Kathleen Seitz, April to see Kevin Dowling announced building, new parking, the PSA Service Rick Touchette 32 a time below the tooth Central - Mitch Standard, Phil Winegardner as the new General Manager. Let me Center, and the Service Southern - Anne Marie Pinkenburg, Doug Wahl 35 ptc 2016 tell you, Philmont is in great hands. Of Station replica and historic vehicle col- Western - Nancy Stickelman, Michael Waggoner 36 ptc - plc course, it was bittersweet as we had to lection. This project will create an Edu- Jim lynch, Immediate Past President wish John and Janice Clark well as they cational Center and new arrival point Mark Anderson, Philmont Staff Advisor move on. We definitely will miss them, for visitors to the Ranch. More impor- Ex Officio Members: Emery Corley, Legal Advisor, other but know both they and Philmont have tantly, it will highlight the location of Douglas Fasching, Technology Manager great times ahead. one of the most important collections Randy Saunders, Executive Director 5 bulletin board Speaking of the future, while I was of books, documents, artifacts and re- Dollie O’Niell, Office Manager 25 87714 pride there in April, Mark Anderson showed search of Northern New Mexico culture 37 trail talk our Board of Directors the new staked and history. As we move forward with location for the Seton Museum and our portion of the campaign in the com- PSA® FELLOWS 39 rangering Bob Harvey Fellow Library expansion which includes a ing months, be thinking about how you PAUL and MARY JANE HARVEY Cover art by Alan Polt new location for the PSA. YES! We will can join in with the PSA and continue Glenn A. Fowler Fellow be moving our office to become part being a significant part of the future of BRUCE BARNES of the expanded Philmont Educational Philmont. George A. Bullock Fellow Members Only Access WILLIAM D. BRYCE Center!! Moving here will increase our

Joe Davis Fellow USER NAME: FLUMECANYON visibility and put us in a better posi- John Murphy BILL CASS tion to support the Ranch. I could not PSA President John A. Maxbauer, Jr. Fellow Password: ponilcamp ANONYMOUS be more excited as we look forward to

Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 2 from the prez 3 from the editor same position for several years. But the earliest seasonal staffer to eventually in- vade the ranks of management was Bob Knox, who worked summers at Philmont For the great majority of our members, providing. Our response has been to in the late 1940s. After various stints back at the ranch, he eventually served as High Country magazine is the Philmont increase the number of pages per issue Ranch Superintendent in the 1970s. Staff Association. While the PSA has (from 32 to 40 over the last five years), Philmont is a better place because of the service each provided. dramatically broadened its reach and to add limited special edition online- the scope of its service through the only issues (covering writing and years, most of us maintain our primary photography by the seasonal staff), and contact with the Ranch by way of the to add occasional single-issue special BULLETIN BOARD little magazine that has over time be- editions which allow us to address Upcoming PSA® Events come central to Philmont communica- a particular subject in much greater tion and the PSA brand. depth. PSA Weekend at the Summit – June 19-20, 2015 So, those of us who make up the With this issue, you will note design Summit Bechtel Reserve, Beckley, WV Contact Lee Huckstep at [email protected] or Dan Miller at [email protected] PSA’s Publications Committee are very changes which have been on the discus- careful whenever we consider changes sion table for some time. Their intent PSA Summer Reunion – July 10-12, 2015 in the magazine. We survey our read- is twofold: to give High Country a fresh ers (and occasionally our non-readers) look without substantially changing its about the content, the format, the “look distinctive feel, and to “buy” ourselves PSA Summer Trek – July 12-18, 2015 Philmont Scout Ranch and feel” of High Country. We consider another page for content by condensing new content ideas, add new writ- much of the material formerly found PSA Fall Phestival – October 2-4, 2015 ers, shift some columns and/or other in the masthead and on the Table of Des Moines, IA material from the magazine to the PSA Contents page. Contact: Jason Mascitti at [email protected] website, and all very carefully. We think we held on to our tradi- PSA Autumn Adventure Trek – October 11-16, 2015 Our surveys show broad support tion and moved us forward at the same Philmont Scout Ranch for both the content and the layout of time. We hope that you agree. Please Contact: Steven & Cynthia Truemper at [email protected] the magazine – and while the commit- let us know, and please continue send- tee takes satisfaction in the approval, ing us your ideas for the future. Many the very satisfaction causes us to be of you will already have recognized perhaps even more cautious in consid- ideas you sent us through the years ering modifications. About the only incorporated into the pages of our *THE SUMMER OF ’65* message for change that we received favorite little magazine. Thank you for consistently was that our readers your continuing help and support. Request for Articles wanted more of what we were already The August 2015 issue of High Country will focus on Philmont’s “Summer of ‘65.” And while that season is most remembered for the flooding Phil-Trivia Correction at Fish Camp, the impact was felt throughout the Ranch. If you have a story – flood-related or otherwise – about the “Summer of ’65,” we’d like to see it. If In our last issue, we reported that Dave Kenneke, Philmont’s new Facilities Super- you don’t yet have it written, but would like to submit a concept for intendent, is the third person to rise from the ranks of the seasonal staff to one of consideration, we’d welcome that also. And if you don’t have either, but have the top four ranch management positions reporting to the general manager. He’s a high quality, interesting photo, we’ll give it a look, too! actually the sixth.

Former PSA president Don Wilson, after serving on the seasonal staff and then becoming a professional Scouter, joined the Philmont permanent staff in 1967 Please send articles/proposals to Randy Saunders at and became its Business Services Manager (then one of the top positions) in 1968. [email protected]. Thank you! After he left that post in 1971, former seasonal staffer Jimmie Goldstein filled the

Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 4 from the editor bulletin board 5 ® psa news Philmont Service Scholarship STEM Trek Scholarships: Margaret McCulloch, Trophy Club, TX , TX Philmont Service Scholarship Rayado & ROCS Scholarships Awarded $400 Zachary Nylin, Rogers, MN by PSA Mid-America Council, NE ROCS Scholarships: $425 Congratulations to the following outstanding young people who have been se- Trey Jones Memorial Scholarship Editor’s note: Rayado and ROCS schol- lected as the 2015 recipients of the PSA’s Rayado and ROCS scholarships Evan Wilson, Tallahassee, FL arships are awarded annually by the Suwannee River Council, FL Philmont Staff Association on recommen- Rayado Scholarships $525 dation of the PSA Scholarship Committee Joe Davis Scholarship to deserving young people with financial Chuck Morales Memorial Scholarship Brady Mullis, Charlotte, NC Philmont Service Scholarship need. The PSA has an endowed fund set Jenna Trione, Burlington, WI Mecklenburg County Council, NC Nicholas Kishaga, San Diego, CA aside to pay for these scholarships, which , WI $500 San Diego Imperial Council, CA are paid each year from the interest on $600 $400 the endowment only, never invading the John Sanders Memorial Scholarship endowment corpus. If you are interested Chuck Morales Memorial Scholarship Marie Montague, Pittsburg, KS PSA ROCS Scholarship in supporting this program, please contact Justyn Beckham, El Cajon, CA Ozark Trails Council, MO Garnie Bolling, Austin, TX Executive Director Randy Saunders at San Diego Imperial Council, CA $500 Capitol Area Council, TX [email protected] for further $625 $275 information. Ross Stillwell Memorial Scholarship David Terrey Memorial Scholarship Ruben Tang, Houston, TX Arizona Duff, Oregon City, OR Sam Houston Area Council, TX Cascade Pacific Council, OR $450 $675 Paisley Memorial Scholarship John Vogt Memorial Scholarship Skyler Zunk, Moseley, VA New PSA Belt Buckle Available! Kathleen Blanch, Kansas City, MO Heart of Virginia Council, VA Heart of America Council, MO $575 The theme for this year’s buckle is the $425 100th anniversary of the Order of the Paisley Memorial Scholarship Arrow. All proceeds from sales go to Kelly Reese Memorial Scholarship Austin Preiss, Lubbock, TX the PSA Staff Scholarship Fund. Dakota Fugate, Beecher, IL Council, TX Council, IL $100 Crafted by a local artist, buckles will $450 be available in the following metals: Walter Hudson Memorial Scholarship Nick Pisor Memorial Scholarship Stephen Johnson, Fairfax, VA Pewter - $25 retail Mason Massey, Lucas, TX National Capital Area Council, MD Bronze - $30 retail Order online at philstaff.com or by Circle Ten Council, TX $350 Two-tone - $65 retail calling the PSA office at 575-376-1138. $100

6 psa news Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 psa news 7 PSA Weekend at The Summit Save the Date

Dear PSA member: PSA Fall Phestival-Des Moines 2015 Summer is fast approaching, and When: October 2-4, 2015 with it comes the PSA Weekend at the Summit, June 19-20, near Beckley, West Virginia. Where: Sheraton West Des Moines, Des Moines, Iowa This event is open not only to PSA members but their and Visit the birthplace of Waite and Genevieve Phillips. See the friends as well. BSA membership is not Phillips family towns of Creston, Bedford and Conway, Iowa, in required, and the only medical docu- their fall splendor. ment required is a short form you fill • Sustainability Treehouse – a five story out yourself. The only age requirement treehouse highlighting the principles of is that you be at least 11 years old for Friday night-reminiscing, local dining, spend time in the hotel living a sustainable lifestyle Summit activities and 12 years old for lounge. whitewater rafting. • John Gottschalk Boardwalk and Go- This is your best opportunity to in- odrich Lake Wetlands Saturday-breakfast buffet, bus tour to southern Iowa to visit troduce your non- friends and various Phillips fam- family members to BSA High Adven- • Scott Visitors Center – home of the ily homesteads and ture. Summit Trading Post and Guest Ser- cemetery and other Pricing depends upon the activities vices. historic sites, cocktail in which you want to participate: On Friday, June 19, you will have • CONSOL Energy – check out the dramatic bridge with observation hour, dinner, evening a choice of two whitewater rafting op- decks above and below deck. concert. tions: • Action Point Hiking Trail – take a • Rafting full day, $85. This includes walk through the scenic forest sur- Contact: Randy Saun- lunch on river. rounding Action Point. This trail also ders at the PSA office provides a close-up view of the Jared • Rafting half day, $65. Harvey Mountain Bike Trails, the Ac- (575) 376-1138 or psa- tion Point Canopy Tours and a great [email protected] You purchase your rafting from the view of CONSOL Energy Bridge from or Jason Mascitti at PSA. See below. below.

jason.mascitti@gmail. On Saturday, June 20, at the Scott Sum- com --Action Pass, $55, offers everything mit Center, you have a choice of two included in the Visitor’s pass, and options: much more:

Visitors Pass, $25, offers the follow- • Summit Center Ziplines (our favorite) ing:

Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 8 psa news psa news 9 Saturday lunch at the Summit will be 2015 PSA Summer Reunion provided by your PSA, and the dinner meals available for your purchase are The summer of 1965 was one that left as follows: its mark on Philmont history. The June flood washed away Fish Camp and --Friday night, barbecue dinner at Buf- wrecked the Rayado Canyon. There flers, $26 for adults, $13 for kids under are many heroic tales as a result of this • Canopy Tours – series of ziplines 14. This is all you can eat. Beer and natural disaster. Come to the Philmont through tree canopy (another favorite) wine available for additional charge. Training Center for the PSA’s summer --Saturday night, gourmet dinner at reunion to meet some of the 1965 staff • Challenge Courses – a series of high Smokey’s, $36 for adults, $18 for kids ropes challenges to solve and hear their stories as we commemo- under 14. This is all you can eat, with a rate 50 years since that epic summer. million dollar view of the river thrown • BMX Race Tracks –two BMX race The Philmont Staff Association’s in for free. (See attached photo.) Full tracks 2015 Summer Reunion will be held bar service is available for additional on the weekend of July 10-12 at the • Skateboard Plaza charge. Philmont Training Center (PTC). You You purchase your meals from the and your family are invited to partici- • Archery Range PSA. (See paragraph below) Denny Dubois. pate in a weekend of activities, service, The cut-off date for purchasing The Rabbi Zeke Palnick Porch Talk fellowship, and sharing memories. The • Tomahawk Throw rafting and meals is June 13. To reg- and ice cream social will be on Friday Philmont Training Center is the perfect ister, go to www.philstaff.com Under evening. The PSA’s Annual Busi- venue for our reunion. The facilities • Sporting arrows – trap shooting with “Announcements” in the center of the ness Meeting will be on the Saturday bow and arrow at PTC are first class. Tents are large website, click on “PSA Weekend at schedule. The Philmont Training Center two-person wall canvas on wooden or Summit”. Down near the end of the staff will offer programs for children as • Powder ball challenge – paint ball concrete floors with electricity, light- article you will be able to purchase the part of the reunion. There will be pony guns with powder in pellets shooting ing, a wardrobe, and two twin beds. activities and meals you want. On the rides, shooting sports, crafts, games, flying discs Each tent city has restrooms and family other hand, you can send a check to the and more for our future Philstaffers shower houses with hot water. There is • Harvey Mountain Bike Trails – short PSA office at 17 Deer Run Road, Cimar- to do while adults participate in other also a Laundromat on the PTC campus. trails to introduce the sport of moun- ron, NM 87714. activities. So, bring to the reunion as tain biking A hotel block with preferred pricing Registration fees for the reunion are: part of your summer vacation. is available. Details are included in the $100 per adult and youth ages 12 and Some of the activities for the week- • Climbing website article described above. older, and $30 per child up to age 12. end include: day hikes (including the If you’ve read all this, you’ve done This is the best value available to expe- • Rappelling ), a conservation service the hard part. Simply make your pur- rience Philmont, our HOmE. Check-in project, campfire programs, tours of the chases and join us in West Virginia. For will begin on Friday at 1:00pm. There • Bouldering , talks from members of further information, contact: will be activities available to partici- the 1965 staff about the flood, and the pants on Friday afternoon. So, plan to You purchase your Summit pass at the Silent Auction. The Philmont Museum Lee Huckstep, [email protected] arrive Friday early afternoon. Summit, so you don’t need to decide will be open and a “must see” on your Dan Miller, [email protected] Registration for the Summer Re- now. weekend agenda. There will also be a Randy Saunders, Psadirector@phil- union is now available on our website, reception for 1965 Rangers, hosted by www.philstaff.com. As for meals… staff.com

Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 10 psa news Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 psa news 11 ranch roundup

AUCTION! AUCTION! Kevin Dowling Selected as new General Support Seasonal Staff Scholarships! Manager of Philmont Scout Ranch

Saturday, July 11, 2015 The national council of the Boy Scouts joined the staff of the Morris-Sussex of America has announced the selection Area Council in Denville, New Jersey At the PSA reunion, we hold a silent auc4on to raise money in support of Seasonal Staff Scholarships. It’s of Kevin Dowling as the new General as a camp . In 1997 he re-entered a lot of fun and we get to send you home with some wonderful mementos of your 4me spent at Philmont. Manager of Philmont Scout Ranch ef- his professional career as the Camp- fective June 1, 2015. ing/Property Director. He continued We’re asking each PSA reunion and trek parFcipant (or family) to . bring something for the aucFon In fact, all members are invited to donate something to our auc4on even if you are not a@ending the Kevin served as a camp ranger in this position through the council summer ac4vi4es at Philmont. It doesn’t have to be anything big. Just bring something if you can! before he began his professional career consolidation that formed the Patriot’s Below are some general guidelines, but don’t let these s4fle your crea4vity. in 1981 as an Associate District Execu- Path Council in Mountainside, New 1) It can be new or used, as long as . it’s in good condiFon For example, if your “friend” doesn’t tive in the Baltimore Area Council. He Jersey. Kevin then transferred to the ever get around to using that perfectly good backpack he has, donate it! Or, if you’re s4ll a gear continued in that Council as a District Greater Pittsburgh Council, serving as geek who has to have the newest stuff, even though the old stuff it s4ll perfectly usable, donate the old stuff and you’ll finally be able to ra4onalize buying the new. Executive and Senior District Executive. the Director of Support Services, where He left the BSA in 1986 to work in the his responsibilities included managing 2) It can be worth 50 cents, , $5.00 or $500.00 and anything over, under and in-­‐between. personnel and safety management field. six camping operations, 11 full-time 3) You can ask for donaFons from area merchants and organizaFons. Please feel free to show In 1989 Kevin returned to the BSA and employees and 130 seasonal staff who them this le@er and have the merchant or organiza4on contact Randy Saunders at 575-­‐376-­‐1138 if they want more informa4on about the organiza4on. Also, have them call Randy if they want the PSA’s charitable organiza4on tax ID number or a copy of the le@er.

4) Many people have the best luck asking for donaFons from their place of employment. Many of you probably work for companies that produce some sort of product. Employers are o[en willing to make dona4ons to organiza4ons close to the hearts of their employees.

5) Show us your talent! If you’re an ar4st, bring or send a piece of your work. Few things are as special as something you’ve created. It’s wonderful to see how talented our Philmont alumni are!

If you have an item to donate, please send it as soon possible to:

Philmont Staff Associa4on 17 Deer Run Road Cimarron NM 87714

It would be great to have it ahead of 4me so we can prepare a silent auc4on bid sheet for the item, but if you can’t please bring it with you when you check in for the reunion.

The Silent Auc4on will take place on Saturday, July 11th.

New Philmont General Manager Kevin Dowling with his wife Carol.

12 psa news Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 ranch roundup 13 served over 33,000 participants annu- nection to Philmont made possible by Heirloom Orchard Update ally. the Philmont Staff Association, a story The long-range plan to restore the In 2008 Kevin was selected to serve which we will tell in the August issue many heirloom varieties of fruit trees as the General Manger/Team Leader of High Country. (primarily apple, peach, and plum) for the Northern Tier High Adventure Kevin received his Bachelor of Arts at Philmont is picking up its pace. programs in Ely, Minnesota. This degree in Business Administration from Philmont veterans will remember the operation provides winter and summer Towson University in Maryland. He few (usually dying and deformed) re- high-adventure experience for over is an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor member maining trees from the Phillips era (and 6,000 annual participants. Northern and Founder’s Award recipient in the before) scattered around the ranch, Tier consists of the Charles L. Sommers . primarily at PTC and Rayado. DNA Canoe Base in Ely, Minnesota; Don- He and his wife, Carol, have four analysis of the approximately twenty ald Rogert Canoe Base in Atitkokan, children including two Eagle Scout remaining (from the hundreds at the Ontario and Northern Expeditions in sons. turn of the 19th/20th century) trees Bissett, Manitoba. He has a special con- show that there are several varieties at Philmont which exist in only one or Philmont at NOAC two other locations in the world, and years. some which exist only at Philmont. Pictured here is one of the last of Mr. The 2015 National Order of the Ar- and individual programs, working at A concerted effort by ranch manage- Phillips’ trees in full bloom this spring, row Conference will be August 3-8 Philmont, the Philmont Staff Associa- ment, with the invaluable assistance of and pictures of current Philmont staff at Michigan State University – and tion, the Philmont Training Center and former Philmont Staffer Gordon Tooley planting the latest graftings at Rayado Philmont will be front and center, high- much more. If you are already attend- and direction of current staffer Dave and the Chase Ranch (now managed in lighting the long relationship between ing NOAC (there is no more room for Kenneke, has taken grafts from the a long-term partnership by Philmont). these two premier programs of the additional registrants) and would like remaining heirloom trees, engrafting You can help support this program by BSA. Philmont will have a permanent to volunteer some time to help staff the them to current hardy stock, and plant- purchasing Chase Ranch Apple Butter presence in its own large tent and tent, please contact Randy Saunders for ing dozens of trees over the last three from the Tooth of Time Traders. will feature information about treks further information.

Philmont Ranger Hat

The Philmont Ranger hats are back! Based on two Ranger hats from the past, you may choose from a green cap with gold lettering or a tan cap with green lettering. Both have the words “Philmont Ranger” embroi- dered on the front and “Humble Pride” on the back. $20. Order online at philstaff.com or by calling the PSA office at 575-376-1138.

Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 14 ranch roundup ranch roundup 15 Openings for ROCS and TCT camping locations rarely visited by portance experience of my youth that other crews at Philmont. fueled my interest in natural resource Throughout the 3 weeks, a ROCS management. Now I am pursuing a crew will complete many conservation higher degree in conservation biology Editor’s Note. The many individual Roving Outdoor Conservation School projects in many places; one day might and I still think of my ROCS trek daily programs offered at Philmont are some of (ROCS) be spent clipping back young trees en- when I am in lecture or in the field.” the best-kept secrets of the ranch – ways for croaching on a adventurous young people to participate in Who: male and female Scouts, ages 16- meadow and “ROCS was especially challenging programs “on their 20; crews will be separated by gender stopping to an awesome own.” There is no need to be part of a unit and led by two Philmont Conservation study insects time with awe- or council contingent. Staff members living in that some people. I It is not too late to What/ meadow. An- got to learn a register for individual Why: The Roving other day you lot about sub- programs this summer Outdoor Conserva- may join two jects like ecol- and though there are tion School (ROCS) sessions of ogy and wildlife a few slots available is an experience Conservation biology and do in every program for individuals to work going on alongside 5 new offered (check out the explore natural at a perma- friends and 2 Philmont website for resource manage- nent work encouraging more details), there ment and conser- site, working and knowledge- are several each week vation practices TCT crew members find conservation projects wherever alongside they go and always have a tool at the ready. Photo by Carrie able instruc- in Roving Outdoor through hands-on other crews Anderson. tors.” Conservation School environmental and with trained staff members who (ROCS) and Trail science lessons and will teach you exciting techniques for “ROCS really does ROCK! I had so Crew Trek (TCT). If work projects. The designing and maintaining trails. much fun on the trail, I never wanted to you know of an ap- crew will have the When: All sessions are open! leave the Backcountry or the company of propriate candidate opportunity to in- my crew when it was over. I will definitely who could benefit from teract with resource • June 16 - July 7 be back for staff!” such programs (and manager profes- • June 23 - July 14 who wouldn’t?!), get sionals from pri- • June 30 - July 21 (Female Session) Trail Crew Trek (TCT) them online to the vate lands, federal • July 7 - 28 Ranch pronto. And and state agencies. • July 14 - Aug 4 Who: a co-ed adventure for male and in special cases, even Botany, aquatic female Scouts and Venturers, ages 16- though we’ve an- insects, mammals, Fee: $525 and scholarship assistance is 20; crews will be led by two Philmont nounced our scholar- forestry and habitat still available; see application form. Conservation staff members. ship recipients for A ROCS crew examines aquatic invertebrates management are swooped into their nets during a lunchtime What/Why: Trail Crew Trek is a this summer, the PSA lesson on the stream. several topics in- Quotes from former ROCS 14-day educational program focused on might still be able to cluded on this trek. participants: conservation and leadership develop- rustle up some scholarship funds to help During the 3 weeks, ROCS crews will ment. TCT involves 7 days of building young people with financial needs. For fur- practice “Leave No Trace” techniques “ROCS was the single-most im- trail followed by a 7-day trek through ther information, contact Randy Saunders. while experiencing unique vistas and

Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 16 rocs and tct rocs and tct 17 Philmont with your crew and fore- T. Hornaday Award, Trail Crew Trek next generation at HOmE men. Throughout both weeks there are participants will develop valuable con- incredible opportunities for hands-on servation skills, hone their leadership experience in a variety of conservation abilities, and expand their Backcountry The April 2015 issue of High Country project techniques and uses of tools knowledge: carried a brief story about Philkids as well as guest speakers involved in When: becoming Philstaff and included professional conservation and resource “then and now” photos of Michelle management fields. TCT provides a • Session 1 - June 14- 28; Stinnett. strong foundation for participants to • Session 2 - July 26-August 9 The first was Michelle at the PSA become involved in service through reunion at PTC in 2005; the second was conservation with the William T. Hor- Fee: $345 and scholarship assistance Michelle at the same location in 2014, naday Award. is still available; see application form. her second year on Philmont staff. We This award was initiated in 1914 to invited others to send us photos and stories, and then realized we already inspire Scouts to work proactively for Quotes from former TCT participants: the conservation of natural resources. The TCT Program emphasizes service “Going on TCT helped me learn how to had at least one in our own through conservation in conjunction be a project manager for my troop at home. files. with the William T. Hornaday Award. Now I can lead them in executing conserva- Here you see Ryan This award was initiated in 1914 to tion work in our local parks.” Corley, son of former inspire Scouts to work proactively for Philmont Ranger Emery the conservation of natural resources. “TCT was very fun for me because I got Corley, on a family cam- pout along the Rayado at Trail Crew Trek empowers participants to spend 2 weeks in the Backcountry mak- New Abreu, when he was to develop a plan for attaining the Wil- ing new friends, learning lots and picking five years old. And you liam T. Hornaday Silver Award upon up some new skills using tools to maintain also see, from the April returning home. This multi-year path awesome mountain biking trail.” 2015 issue of High Country, will include advancement require- Ranger Ryan Corley, in a ments and planning, leading, and As with other individual treks, the photo taken in the summer carrying out four significant projects Philmont fee will cover all crew gear, of 2014. that contribute to sound conservation food and participants will be covered High Country invites and environmental improvements in by campers’ insurance. Include with other former Philstaff to local ecosytems and communities. Only your application form a $50 deposit send us “then and now” about 1,100 individuals have achieved as well as a letter of recommendation photos of their Philkids the William T. Hornaday Silver Award that attests to the participant’s ability to who became Philstaff. We since its inception. By participating in travel and live in remote and primi- will publish them with the Philmont Trail Crew Trek, partici- tive conditions. Grab your application pride. pants develop the necessary education, package for ROCS & TCT here: http:// skills and leadership abilities to begin www.philmontscoutranch.org/Camp- working towards the oldest conserva- ing/IndividualPrograms.aspx tion award in America. In addition to creating a plan for attaining the William

Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 18 rocs and tct next generation 19 My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys… had this little ranch out in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He had some exotic animals on it and I was up there one time and Elliot W. “Chope” Phillips, 1918-2015 he had several camels and I said, “I wish we had one of those.” I didn’t really mean it, I was just talking. And by Mark Stinnett On the name Chope: dang if he didn’t send one out to the ranch. So we put it in the game pasture. Elliot Waite “Chope” Phillips, whose “My Dad had that ranch [Philmont] Dad had a game pasture there at the love of Philmont as a boy inspired his and I had some cousins that were ranch, down there by the headquarters father, Waite, to donate it to the Boy considerably older than I that worked with a big fence around it. There was Scouts of America, passed away April there as college kids. And they were probably 700 or 800 acres in it. This 26 at his home in Amarillo. He was 97. working on the ranch, and they had camel was in there with some elk and A lifelong friend and benefactor of cowboy-ed there for several years, and some other animals. We never did any- Philmont, Chope fell in love with the I was considerably younger than they. thing with it, but it was just an oddity.” mountains and the cowboy way of life When they’d come down, and I’d kid on multiple family trips to the ranch as with them, why they started calling me On his higher education: a youth. After college and service in “Chopo” which is a Spanish word. It’s Chope in 2006. the U.S. Army during World War II, he kind of a slang word for “Shorty” in photo by Phil Romans “I went to Culver, Indiana to mili- spurned the family oil business, mar- Spanish. We just shortened it to Chope. tary school. I graduated from Culver ried his sweetheart, Virginia, bought As far as I’m concerned, I am the only On his boyhood at Philmont: and then I went from there to Califor- his own ranch in New Mexico, and one in the world who has that name, nia. I was not ever a very good student. spent the next sixty years living his but it doesn’t mean much.” “Philmont. That was a place I liked I had some friends at Culver that were childhood dream of being a cowboy the most. He [Waite] kept adding to better students than I and a couple of and rancher. On living at Philbrook in Tulsa: that and he ended up with 300,000 them were California boys that went Throughout that time, he and acres on that ranch and he kept buying to Stanford. Well, I didn’t even try to Virginia remained involved with and “I didn’t stay in the house any more stuff that adjoined it. We ran quite a get into Stanford, cause I knew I didn’t connected to Philmont. Chope served than I had to. The house was just a few cattle and I went out on that ranch have good enough grades to get in on the Philmont Ranch Committee for place for me to sleep and I wasn’t crazy and when school was out I’d stay at the there. So I heard about, there was a years and frequently visited, as his about it. The house didn’t intrigue me cow camp with the cowboys for at least little junior college called Menlo that father had, to see firsthand how the very much. I’d have been just as happy a month or two. We’d be moving the was near Stanford, and I went there Philmont experience affected countless living in a log cabin, or happier prob- cattle from down below up to the high for two years, took certain courses and young people, just as it had with him. ably. country for summer pasture. I got in made a certain grade point average and To honor his memory and his “I would roller skate on the third on a lot of that. I loved horses and the transferred into Stanford.” legacy, High Country presents this story floor of the big house in Tulsa, at cowboys. Cowboys were my heroes.” of Chope’s life in his own words, taken Philbrook. Up there on the third floor On his try at the family oil business: from his interview in May 2009 with there was kind of an attic up there, and On the Philmont camel: the “Voices of Oklahoma” oral history it was sort of a paved place, and I roller “I always wanted to get into the project, now archived at the University skated up there some.” “My father’s older brother Frank ranching business and my father really of Tulsa. kind of wanted me to get into the oil

20 chope phillips Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 chope phillips 21 business. I had worked in the oil patch patch that I’d get the fever to come did. fine. I didn’t care about staying in the in Kansas for about two or three years. down and want to get into the oil busi- “He felt that I’d probably, if he’d BOQ [Bachelor Officer Quarters] at He {Waite] and a partner had some ness like he did. But our courses were have given me a part of that ranch he the base very much. I had to come in properties up there around Winfield, altogether different. I wasn’t trying to figured I’d probably stay there the rest there every once in a while and take a Kansas. And I worked up there for make a lot of money. I just wanted to of my life, and that’s all I would ever shower, that’s all I needed it for. But them for about two or three years as do what I wanted to do. And in his case want to do. And that’s exactly what I this Bivouac, it happened to be pretty a roustabout. And it was all right. I it was a little bit different. It might have would have done. And he didn’t want close to this Pantex where Virginia was didn’t mind it. It was kind of interest- been different with me if I hadn’t had me to do that.” working.” ing and I made some good friends opportunities to do some of the things Chope returned to Philmont in 1940 Chope had met his soul mate – a up there. But you know I just wasn’t I was doing, like go out on the ranch and assumed full charge of the acreage woman who shared his love of the land interested in drilling a lot of wells and and work cattle, which is what I really north of Cimarron. The onset of World and the ranching way of life. He and making a lot of money. That wasn’t liked.” War II and the donation to the BSA Virginia were married in 1947. the thing I wanted to do, I wanted to changed his plans. be ranching. And I knew there wasn’t On Waite’s donation of Philmont to On becoming a rancher in 1945: anything like the amount of money in the BSA: On his military service during World it but it wasn’t that I was interested in.” War II: “I was still thinking of owning a “That was all right. I thought that ranch all the time in my life, ‘cause I On Waite wanting him to be an was a great thing to do with it. By that “I thought well, if I can’t do what grew up working on my dad’s ranch oilman: time it was a 300,000-acre ranch. He I want to do I’ll go into the service, and my heroes were cowboys and I had didn’t give them the whole 300,000 which is what I did. And I went in as been a cowboy since I was 8 or 9 years “He always wanted that. He had acres, he gave them 90-some thousand a buck private. I was a private and for old, making a pretty good hand by that one son and he was pretty proud of acres. And the part that he gave them about a year, I was doing the same kind time. My father had given the ranch what he had done and he had a right was just right. That was the part where of work that sergeants do because they [Philmont] away and didn’t have any. to be. And obviously he would like to the house was and the fish camp was were so desperate for drill instructors But he finally realized that that’s what I have his son follow in his footsteps. and a lot of beautiful scenery. I lived and stuff. And having gone to a mili- really wanted to do and he said, ‘Well, There’s not a thing too unusual about that and I loved it. I grew up in it and tary school I became a drill instructor. I I’ll help you get a ranch.’ So he bought that. And I had already been exposed all that. was just a buck private but I was doing me a ranch at that time and I’d found to this cowboy stuff and that’s what I “But the part of the ranch that I the same work as sergeants were do- one out there in Las Vegas, New Mexico was interested in, was ranching.” would have liked was maybe further ing.” and it was about 18,000 acres. I think on south and in some country that Chope was later selected for officer we paid six and a half an acre for it. “I never told him I was leaving. I didn’t he wasn’t particularly interested in candidate school and graduated April That’s what my dad paid for it. It was tell him that. But he said something [present-day UU Bar Ranch], but he 1, 1944. After receiving his commission a good little ranch and when I married like, ‘What do you think about the ended up selling that to somebody else, as a second lieutenant, he returned to Virginia it was on that.” oil business?’ And I said, ‘Well, it’s many years ago, for really pretty cheap. Amarillo to lead training at the Bivouac In 1958, Chope and Virginia pur- all right, but it doesn’t compare with I wasn’t really happy when he sold that. Camp north of town. chased their second ranch located in the ranching.’ If he would have said You know I had always hoped that I San Miguel and Mora Counties in New anything, I would have kept on work- could end up with a little piece of that On meeting Virginia: Mexico. ing up there in the oil patch. He was somewhere, sometime but I think he “I made a three-way trade and sold discouraged when he thought that really thought he was doing me a favor “I was out on that Bivouac and the present ranch that was 18,000 acres maybe working up there in the oil by getting rid of that, I think he really living in a tent, which suited me just and got this other ranch that was 35,000

Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 22 chope phillips chope phillips 23 acres, and that’s where we stayed and so much money, as long as you got Sign Up for Staff Amigos ranched for about 60 years. We had plenty to eat, just a few things like that. about 1500 yearlings on it. We made a I never was one that was hungry to get Summer’s here! Over 1,000 people as some stories about your summers at the good living. We didn’t get rich but we any more money or anything. [His gift serving on staff at Philmont this year. Ranch, and letting them know that the made a good living on it.” of that first ranch] – that was what I As PSA members, we can with PSA appreciates and supports their ser- wanted. That suited me fine. That was them to brighten their staff experience. vice. Encourage them to join the PSA. On life as a rancher: it. That was plenty.” This connection is called Staff Amigos. • Ask them to drop you a note After his mother, Genevieve, died, How can you participate as a Staff describing how their summer is going. “I was a cowboy and a rancher, and Chope and Virginia used funds from Amigo? Here is what you have to do: It can be quite delightful to hear their a pretty good one. I did a pretty good her estate to establish the Waite and • Pick an identifiable part of the stories. job of ranching and did a pretty good Genevieve Phillips Foundation, now Philmont Seasonal Staff - a ranger In order to participate, please con- job of running it. A lot of people have managed by Chope’s daughter, Julie. training crew, Conservation Crew, tact me via email at [email protected]. ranches, but they just hire somebody to The foundation has made several gen- Backcountry camp, etc I will have a list of staff groups that are run it for them. And they really don’t erous gifts to Philmont over the years. • Think about ways that you can available updated regularly on the PSA know a damn thing about some of the make the lives of these folks a bit more website, so check there first, and please work that goes on on the ranches. But On his life: pleasant and productive give a first and a second choice. I was hands-on rancher and I did any- • Send these items to your group a Thank you very much for remaining thing that was to be done, I was in on. “Some people say, God, I wish I few times over the course of the sum- a part of Philmont Scout Ranch And that’s the way I wanted to do it.” hadn’t of done this or hadn’t have done mer Stay connected! In 2005, Chope was named a recipi- that. I can’t say that too much. Most of • Enclose a note, telling them why ent of the Foy Proctor Memorial Cow- my life I’ve pretty much done what I you have chosen them, perhaps sharing Cathy Hubbard man’s Award of Honor. The program’s was interested in, and I can’t say that director noted at the time that those I’d do it too much differently. I’m not Where are YOU showing your 87714 Pride? honored “best exemplify the hard trying to brag on myself, what a hell work, honesty, integrity and spirit of a of a good job I did, but as far as I’m true cowman.” concerned it suited me pretty well.” OK, it’s not “87714” merchandise, but…It was too entirely cool for In 1998, Chope Phillips received us not to share. Mitch Standard, a On inheriting money from his father, the BSA’s highest honor for service to Central Region Director on the PSA Waite: Board, was on his way to the spring youth, the . In meeting of the PSA Board and com- 2005, he and Virginia were recognized mittees when he realized his odom- “He was pretty wealthy man. He for their decades of service to Philmont eter was about to make an appro- priate rollover. How cool is this?! didn’t leave a lot of money to me and as the first recipients of the PSA’s Silver I told him I didn’t want him to. He Sage Award. Share your 87714 sightings with us High would’ve, yes. But he didn’t believe for future use on the website, in Country or both­! E-mail HIGHCOUN- in – he thought that money should [email protected] with your sight- be used as a tool to help people, help ings, and if for some inexplicable rea- son you don't have your 87714 sticker society, help something. And if you yet, contact the PSA to purchase some aren’t going to put it to good use, then Mitch Standard’s odometer on a recent trip at eminently reasonable prices. Shop you shouldn’t have it. And I agreed HOmE to the Ranch. for T-Shirts (and other cool 87714 gear) at www.philstaff.com. with him 100 percent. You only need

Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 24 chope phillips staff amigos 25 mort’s gorp Start by thoroughly scouring the pan. fashioned hardware stores sell cast I recommend a fine steel wool. Then iron. The variety in what can you find wash in soap and water. Dry thorough- is astounding. If you have already used When I think about my favorite times ly before you coat the pan with some cast iron to cook with, you are probably learning how to cook, I often reflect cooking oil, Crisco, or bacon fat. Wipe craving a dish to cook right now. Go back to my Philmont Ranger days the residue out and bake in your oven do it! If you are new to this idea, give it when I was introduced to the Dutch (the pan should be upside down on the a try. I doubt you will be anything but oven. While I had seen and heard about rack) at 400 degrees for about one hour. delighted. Dutch ovens as a younger scout, I don’t Put a piece of tin foil or a baking sheet recall being exposed to them much to catch any drips. Take the pan out; Mort until I came to Philmont as a Scout and wipe any remaining oil and let cool. experienced “Ranger Cobbler.” I later Your pan should be cured for many Jason (“Mort”) Mascitti was a Philmont served as a ranger in 1975 and 1976 fry, baked desserts, and much more. wonderful meals! staffer from (1975-1981) He is married and it was then that I began to learn One time while deep into the to Julie Huiras, also a Philmont staffer and appreciate the skill of Dutch oven Boundary Waters in Northern Min- Selection (80-82). They reside and work in Madi- cooking. nesota, I used my skillet for an anchor son, WI. He learned his cooking from his Of course we all have our own while from our canoe. Later Cast iron cookware of course is Italian mother and in the Backcountry at special recipe for Phil-Cobbler. We’ll that night of course, we fried freshly available through many sources. My the ranch. Oh - and his youngest son is a save that discussion for another issue caught northern pike in the skillet. And favorites are yard sales, thrift stores, BEAR RESEARCHER at Philmont this of HC. This short missive is about cast of course there is nothing like a fish fry eBay, or if you want new, many old- summer. iron cookware and what a wonderful over an open fire in a cast iron pan. thing some of this fine iron can be in your home kitchen or camp cabin. Care HC Conservation Issue Seeks Submissions Cast iron is by far the most versa- tile, easy to use, easy to clean cookware Another plus to cast iron is its “no As part of the next High Country conservation special issue, we’re seeking brief ever invented. With the proper care, stick” easy-to-clean feature. After each personal essays on how Philmont has shaped people’s lives and connections a cast iron skillet will last several life- use, you’ll want to scrub your skillet to the land. We’re especially interested in essays of approximately 750 words times and will keep on giving. While with one of those “ Phil-type issue” that respond to either of these prompts: it’s not difficult to care for, it does green scrungies if needed or just a dish How has Philmont shaped your connection to the world around you? We require some specific care with each rag. You may use soap if you want to. I hope that these essays collectively reveal how the magic of Philmont tran- use to keep the performance at a maxi- prefer very hot water and the scrubbing scends the ranch and influences our connections to the land, as well as to each mum, i.e. no bad tastes, no rust and minus the soap. Most foods will come other. things like that. off easily if the pan is cured properly. What role did Philmont play in guiding you to a career in a conservation- Make sure you dry the pan or piece of related profession? We hope that these essays illuminate the diverse impacts Multiple uses cast iron over a warm flame or heated Philmont has had on people’s life and career choices—be they rooted in natu- surface. Then as my good compadre ral resource management, environmental education, firefighting, etc. Through One of the best parts of using cast Steve Zimmer tells me, “Give it a spray these essays, we also want to expose the Philmont community to the range of iron is its “multiple use” approach. For of cooking oil, like PAM, before stor- conservation activities that people with a connection to the ranch are engaged example, a good quality (I really ing.” in throughout the world. prefer the Lodge Brand) 12 inch skillet Occasionally, cast iron cookware We’d love to hear from you. If you’re interested in sharing your story, may be used for frying eggs, baking needs to be seasoned, especially if you please email Mike Sudmeier at [email protected] for additional corn bread or pizza, veggie or meat stir purchase a pan from a used source. details.

26 morts gorp Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 morts gorp 27 New Merchandise at the PSA Store! features the 87714 logo on the upper Best-selling PSA golf cap $25 left chest. Graphite color. Available in Men’s sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X- Large, and 2X-Large. $16. Philmont Ranger Hat Staff Scholarship Fund. Three buck- les are available: $25 Pewter Buckle, $30 Bronze Buckle, and $65 Two-Tone “Future Philmont Staff” Buckle. Stuffed Animals

PSA Pullover taking pre-orders Green PSA polo shirts $30

The Philmont Ranger hats are back! Based on two Ranger hats from the past, you may choose from a green cap with gold lettering or a tan cap with We have the perfect gift for the Future green lettering. Both have the words Philmont Staff member in your life! “Philmont Ranger” embroidered on the Each PSA stuffed animal has a remov- front and “Humble Pride” on the back. able hoodie with “Future Philmont $20. This pullover is a high quality, rugged, Staff” embroidered on the front. Avail- functional piece of technical layer-ware. able in five 7”-8” animals: Phil Bear, PSA OA 100th Anniversary Perfect for runs, biking, climbing, or Jurassic Jim, Ed the Eagle, Blanca the PSA map stationary set $12 Belt Buckle any other outdoor activity, the dual- Wolf and Miranda the Horse. The wolf taking pre-orders layer design gives a great warmth-to- and horse have purple hoodies and the weight ratio. Handy accessible pocket others have red hoodies. Buy one for for keys, gels, or phone, and a PSA logo $13 or two for $24. that tells the story. Pre-orders received by June 30 will be shipped by Au- Also Available at the PSA Store: gust 1. Available in Men’s Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, XLarge and 2XLarge. Flip-top Nalgene water Sizes seem to run small. $75. bottle in new colors $12 87714 Performance T-Shirts

Crafted by a local artisan, this 2015 Order online at philstaff.com or by buckle commemorates the 100th An- calling the PSA office at 575-376-1138. niversary of the Order of the Arrow. Shipping charges are $3 total per order, Proceeds benefit the PSA’s Seasonal This performance, wicking t-shirt no matter how many items you buy.

Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 28 psa merchandise psa merchandise 29 philmont history food supplies ran low. In desperation agriculture for their subsistence.” To the party straggled across the Rockies his way of thinking, the region was into the San Luis Valley where they valuable only a “range for buffaloes, American Discovery of the Southwest erected a stockade. But then the Span- wild goats, and other wild game.” iards appeared. Placed under arrest, but they were able to buy not only the the expedition marched to Santa Fe and Staff members of the late 1960s will remem- mouth of the Mississippi, but also the eventually south to Chihuahua City ber Larry Murphy as Philmont’s Assistant entire Louisiana Territory stretching before it was finally allowed to return. Program Director, working in tandem with westward to the Rocky Mountains. Although often described as a longtime Program Director Jerry Traut. With the opportunity to nearly double failure and its leader criticized for be- Murphy circulated in the Backcountry the size of the country, Jefferson ap- ing “lost,” the Pike Expedition opened and coached staff members in “unnatu- proved the extensive acquisition. up the entire southwest to the United ral” programs including burro racing and Plans immediately went ahead to States. His accurate reports of the San- Indian ethnology, while Traut worked explore the new territory. While the gre de Cristos and the New Mexican with program counselors responsible for more famous trek of Lewis and Clark settlements of the area, paved the way “natural” programs like field biology and was occurring in the north, several for many other American expeditions paleontology. Propelled by his Philmont ex- smaller, less successful explorations and the eventual opening of the Santa perience, Larry became a historian, writing were carried out in the south. To learn Fe Trail. his Master’s thesis on Baldy mining and the vague boundaries of Louisiana and A less successful expedition soon earning a Ph.D. at Christian Univer- Excerpted from Out in God’s Country: A the nature of what he had acquired, Jef- followed under Major Stephen H. sity. As a university professor, he special- History of Colfax County, New Mexico ferson sent William Dunbar and George Long. Departing Nebraska in 1820, he ized in western American history and By Larry Murphy. Foreword by Hunter from Natchez, Mississippi up reached the Rockies via the Platte River, increasingly took on administrative roles. Carlos Gutierrez the Washita River through the present continuing southward until he reached Larry held faculty appointments at several Available at toothoftimetraders.com state of Arkansas in 1905. The follow- Pueblo, Colorado. Crossing the Raton universities. He was Professor of History for $9.95 ing year Thomas Freeman led a second Pass, they finally reached the Canadian and Director of the Lifelong Learning at group 600 miles up the Red River until River in eastern Colfax County and Wayne State University in Detroit at the Although a handful of American and he met a contingent of Spanish soldiers crossed through Union County on their time of his death in 1987. Murphy’s notable French trappers already had reached and was forced to return. way toward Arkansas. historical works include Philmont: A His- Santa Fe, few non-Mexicans probed Even before Freeman had returned, Haphazardly organized and poorly tory of New Mexico’s Cimarron Country the Southwest before the United States a far more important party headed by directed, Long’s party accomplished (1972), and Lucien Bonaparte Maxwell: acquired Louisiana in 1803. As long Zebulon M. Pike had left the Missouri little in the way of exploring or map- Napoleon of the Southwest (1983). Follow- as enfeebled Spain controlled the vast River. Successfully avoiding the Span- ping. Collecting a few botanical and ing the organization of the Philmont Staff area west of the Mississippi, President iards, he ventured up the Arkansas geological specimens, they also climber Association, Murphy was an early editor of Thomas Jefferson, like his two prede- River, continuing westward to explore Pike’s Peak for the first time. Long is High Country, serving in that capacity for cessors, devoted little attention to it. the “Mexican Mountains” in search of best remembered for his description of approximately five years. But in 1800 France secured possession the Red River’s headwaters. the Great Plains; perhaps developed of Louisiana and threatened to close the Soon the Lieutenant began en- after wandering across eastern Col- Mississippi River to Americans. countering difficulties which plagued fax County, he wrote that the “Great Then Jefferson acted. James Monroe the remainder of the journey. Poorly American Desert” was “wholly unfit and Robert Livingstone sailed to Paris prepared for winter, his men suffered for cultivation and of course uninhab- ostensibly to purchase New Orleans, from the extreme Colorado cold. Then itable by a people depending upon

Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 30 philmont history philmont history 31 A Time Below the Tooth standing in a knot with one pointing to But I saw my fear reflected in the the Tooth. Hmmm. Charlie and I eased faces of the women. I’ve never seen down the slope to investigate. faces like those. White and wide-eyed, by Colleen Coleman Lester of the three wranglers had loaned me “That storm has maybe turned,” one they dismounted and got determined his duster. Kind of him and I thought of them said. “Coming from the wrong grips on reins. But there were no I was bored blind. Hot, sweaty, tired. it made me look quite cool, skimming direction now. When these storms tears. No crowding the wranglers. No Another plodding trail ride around the my boots and the slit up the back, but switch up here, I’ve seen ‘em make hail tumbling of questions. Frightened, but bowled meadow below the Tooth of it was probably unnecessary. A storm the size of softballs.” He told us all to stoic, these flatlanders looked indomi- Time. The Sangre de Cristos encircled cell had already passed over us with stay alert. Yup. Charlie and I went back table. They humbled me. I so hoped my us and the view was breathtaking, scarcely a sprinkle on its way behind up to lead. bearing was the same. but I was lost in “is this ever going to the Tooth. We plodded on. And then it got Without warning, the rain came. A end?” Behind me was a string of wives I was leading while the wranglers interesting. deluge. We couldn’t see our hands in and daughters who had accompanied moved up and down our ragged line, With no warning, Charlie stopped, front of faces. And the water began to their professional Scouts for a week of making sure all was well. Charlie, a seemed to bunch every muscle in his pool and creep up our shins - a clear training. Most of them were “flatland- retired barrel racer and former New body and jumped backward six feet. I warning of flashflood. Walking slowed ers” and their inexperience accounted Mexico champion, was my mount for had no time to even be startled. A light- and became treacherous. We forged on. for the pace of the ride. I was certainly the day. Steady and always ready for ening bolt connected with the ground Then more lightning. Far enough no equestrian, but this was awful. My anything I asked him to do. The sad in the exact place we’d been standing. away from us before. Now hammer- thought? Back to the stables right now part was there was nothing to do but Six inches wide and two inches thick. ing so close, we were knocked to the and shut this miserable day down. keep walking the trail. Beautiful. Deadly. ground from one side, then knocked As they say, be careful what you I kept an eye on the wranglers. They In an instant, everything began to down again from the other. Terror. No wish for. were a fine lookin’ crew and the only move at hyperspeed. The absent wind way to know where the next bolt would Rain was predicted for mid-after- thing easing my boredom. But at some now slammed us from every direction. strike. We forged on. noon as it was most afternoons and one point when I glanced over, I saw them The wranglers yelled above it, “Come Before or since, I have never been down! Get off the path!” They mo- more afraid. There is absolutely noth- tioned urgently to the lone mesquite at ing the mind can do with that kind the bottom of the bowl. of fear. So what did I do? Way past A lightning bolt incinerated a pine embarrassment, I began to pray aloud across the meadow, the sound more - The Lord’s Prayer - from my spiri- than the ears could bear as the thunder tual upbringing. Others joined in and exploded. Another connected with after a tentative beginning, our voices a building we could just see down swelled louder and louder. And even through the meadow pass behind us. though we still couldn’t see each other, Instant fire. Fear was its own fire now it was comfort. Someone started a igniting us. Panic was close. hymn. We all sang. Then came “Jingle “Get off your horses. Put ‘em butts Bells” and more silly songs. Our hearts to the wind,” a wrangler hollered as grew lighter. We were the tallest things we huddled together. “We may have to in the meadow that day. Grace is amaz- get under ‘em. Hold those horses close. ing. We’re all gonna walk outta here.” He The shallow, little stream we’d was unflappable. blithely stepped through earlier on our

Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 32 time below tooth time below tooth 33 way into the bowl was now at least breathed in his warmth as I whispered ptc news four feet deep and many yards wide. my thanks for his incredible “horse The rain was slowing, but the stream sense.” For his unwavering steadiness. was quickly rising - muddy and angry For his saving of my life. 2016 Philmont Training Center and dangerous. It was obvious that A little later, sodden and bone-wea- Registration Begins July 1st! some would not be able to cross. ry, I trudged to the Training Center to With almost eerie efficiency, a wran- report in. I found everyone under their gler again took calm control. “Mount desks. They came boiling out when The Philmont Training Center is excited up. Right now. You three!” He pointed they heard the door, astonishment etch- to offer exciting new conferences to at me and two other women, shouting ing their faces. They gaped at me and volunteers from across the nation in above the noise of the raging water. then all started talking at once. “We 2016. The 2016 PTC schedule will be “Y’all come with me.” I climbed back were so worried! You were the only available online on June 1st and 2016 on Charlie. The wrangler led us a little group unaccounted for! Is everyone registrations will begin on July 1st 2015. way downstream. We plunged in and okay?” I nodded. Kept nodding. Too Region weeks are back in 2016! Each turned to face the roiling torrent side- tired to explain anything right then and region has selected a full spectrum of by-side. “If the water takes anyone off knowing I just didn’t have it in me to conferences to meet the needs of Scouts their horse, we gotta catch ‘em. We got rehearse the drama, I slipped back out and Scouters in their area. to. Can you do it?” We knew we had no and headed for my tent. I was smiling, In addition to yearly favorites such choice. though. Gratitude does that… as “Putting More Outing in Scout- The water was well past our knees. Through it all, it was God at work ing” and “District Key 3”, several new The pressure was astounding. It would caring for His children. I knew it then. I cutting edge conferences have been be waist high within moments. But one know it now. Something beyond words designed to help volunteers and profes- by one, they started to cross. Charlie was in play that day. I think all that sionals from across the nation share never flinched. I found I was still shared that “adventure of a lifetime” ideas and best practices and keep pace praying. Silently now, but with no less would agree. with new developments in the BSA. urgency. What was important was I took my lead from Charlie. He that my prayer was no longer for me. I knew long before I did. So glad I knew somehow that I was safe. I knew trusted him. somehow they would be, too. And they were. Colleen Coleman Lester is a writer and The rain eased to nothing as we lives with her husband in Green Valley, finally came into the stable. It was as Arizona. She worked at the Philmont if it all never happened. I gave each Training Center in 1972. wrangler a hug of thanks. The looks that passed between us were eloquent in their silence. All that “fine lookin’ crew” stuff had been washed away in the rain. The tears finally came. I slipped my arms around Charlie’s neck and enfolded him. I rested my head and

Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 34 time below tooth ptc news 35 There will be twelve weeks of confer- plan on bringing your family with you trail talk ences to choose from in 2016, and the to PTC. PTC Family Program is a fantastic way Visit the Philmont Training Center 1960s to introduce a younger generation to website at philmonttrainingcenter.org Gary Rose (76-80) after Philmont and the magic of Philmont. As you make for more details on the upcoming 2016 Ken Davis (60-63, 65-66, 80, 85 and 91) degrees from Midland College and family vacation plans for next summer, conference schedule. was recently presented by his council Southwest Texas has worked for 32 with the BSA 60-year Veteran Award. years as the Head Biologist at Double Ken joined a Scout troop in January, D Ranch – hunting and fishing all Attend the 2015 Philmont Leadership 1955. His OA Lodge, Amangamek- over the world. Contact: PO Box 237, Wipit (National Capital Area Council) Rosanky, TX 78953. 512-988-1293. Challenge! has chosen Ken and his son Jared as [email protected]. two of the 31 “Centurion” awards Hey, Wood Badgers! The BSA and recognizing those who have made Rev. Thomas Shanklin (71-72), an Philmont Scout Ranch would like to highly positive contributions to the ordained retired United Methodist offer you an opportunity to hone your lodge during its entire existence. Ken’s minister who coordinated Protestant skills, experience team undergraduate school, Oglethorpe Chaplains at Philmont in the 1970s, is a formation and practice leadership by participating in the Philmont Leader- University in Atlanta, has announced published author of mysteries and his- ship Challenge! his selection as a “Spirit of Oglethorpe tory. Among his books: A Soul to Die What is the Philmont Leadership Award” recipient for demonstrating For, and There’s a Hearse in my Park- Challenge (PLC)? PLC is a weeklong in his life their motto of “Make a Life. ing Space. Contact: 16114 Pennington conference that provides an op- Make a Living. Make a Difference.” Road, Tampa, FL 33624. 603-477-5203. portunity for you to use your Wood Contact: 6320 Phyllis Lane, Alexandria, [email protected]. Badge leadership skills with a team of VA 22312. 703-941-9018. davisken- Scouters from around the nation while [email protected]. 1990s that you could contribute to the Waite utilizing the setting and adventure that Phillips legacy that is Philmont? Well, Philmont has to offer! 1970s Brian Distlehorst (95-97, 99-00, 02) here is your chance! PLC is available Experience high adventure activities during the 2002 season was recruited to all Scouters who have completed and an overnight hike into the Philmont Steve Rademaker (78-79), featured in by the BSA Great Southwest Council the Wood Badge course; you may at- Backcountry. the August 2014 issue of High Country, to serve as District Executive for all of tend even if you are still working on a Make new Scouting friends from ticket. formerly a senior staffer in both the northeast New Mexico, then taught for around the country with whom you PLC is held at Rayado Ridge Lead- executive and legislative branches of eight years in the Pecos schools and can share ideas and experiences. PLC ership Camp (RRLC), a brand new the United States government, and now now teaches in Santa Fe. Contact: PO reinforces the values of Scouting and facility built specifically for advanced with a Washington public policy firm, Box 1068, Pecos, NM 87552. 505-570- and promotes the concepts leadership training! It is located behind was the principal witness before the 0308. [email protected]. of Wood Badge and servant leadership. Rayado and the Kit Carson Museum US House of Representatives Com- Your overnight adventure will take at the site of prior youth leadership mittee on Foreign Affairs during its Ryan Hawk (98-99, 01, 03-06) and Lisa you to Zastrow, the home of Wood programs. April hearings on the emerging nuclear Jones were married May 30 in Athens, Badge at Philmont since 1949 and the PLC will be held September 13-19, agreement between the United States Georgia. Contact: 305 Pinecrest Drive, home of “Walking Wood Badge.” 2015! Check it out! Visit www.philm- and Iran. Contact: The Podesta Group, Greeneville, TN 37743. When you left your Wood Badge mtntrkkr@ onttrainingcenter.org for more informa- 1001 G Street NW, Suite 1000W, Wash- course after learning about “Leav- yahoo.com. tion and to register. Space is filling fast! ing a Legacy,” did you ever imagine ington, DC 20001. 202-393-1010.

Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 36 ptc news trail talk 37 2010s adviser for his chapter and lodge cer- Practice the Art of Rangering emonies in the Order of the Arrow, and Dr. James Hoke (13) remains active in was recognized with both the District Scouting, currently serving as Coun- Award of Merit and the Silver Bea- Your old editor was doing what we of the cil Commissioner for the Cornhusker ver earlier this year. Contact: 622 4th chronologically-gifted set often do this Council. Contact: 6711 Summer St., Avenue W, Hendersonville, NC 28739. time of the year – thinking of years gone Lincoln, NE 68506. chaphoke@hotm- 828-243-9824. jwlampley@gmail. by when May was a month of proms, nail.com. com. pale greens, graduations, and the almost impossible-to-contain-impatience to be on John W. Lampley (13-15) is the Train- the road for a summer on the Philmont ing Chairman for his district in the staff. This May, it seems, was instead to be Daniel Boone Council, where he also In Memoriam filled with sorting and filing old scraps of serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster, …forever on the trail… writing and pictures and outlines for High Country – some among the many that We are advised by Ken Davis and just didn’t fit in the space available at the Mac Mclean of the passing of Tom time, but which, as is our practice, are kept Brisendine, a former Philmont Rang- permanently in our archive at the Seton. er who remained active in Scouting Among them – this exhortation from Greg throughout his life, on March 7, in Hobbs as a new year, with all its promise Woodbridge, VA. and anticipation, was about to begin. It captured your old editor’s mood for May even more than, perhaps it did his in Janu- Ranger Greg Hobbs, Summer of ‘62. ary. In either case, it seems especially ap- PSA Members propriate as the Ranch opens again and the week by a Training Ranger whose job it Honored by BSA latest generation of Philstaff depart for the was to instruct our ignorance. “Take magic mountains of Colfax County. only what you need and leave the MacGillivray Awarded The National Court of Honor of the rest!” Silver Beaver Boy Scouts of America presented Philmont Rangering was barely five As my birth father said when he thirteen Silver Buffaloes, the highest years old when I took my first Ranger put me on the bus to Raton, “Watch award given by the National Council step into the Backcountry nearly fifty your step, son!” Jim MacGillivray, a member of the for service to Scouting by adults, at years ago in 1962 at the age of sev- The Sangre de Cristo Range of the Philmont Ranch Committee, was the 2015 National Annual Meeting in enteen just out of a south Texas high Rocky Mountains oversees the rest awarded the Silver Beaver by the Atlanta in May. Four of the thirteen school. of our training. You can never know National Capital Area Council April are members of the Philmont Staff The country was fresh. Its spirit enough, but you can learn. Always 30. Pictured here with his daughter Association, another example of the stirring. Young John Kennedy was anticipate. Be eager. Lace your boots Laura, MacGillivray served as a extraordinary impact of Philmont President. We loaded up our packs up. Begin! Philmont Ranger in 1972 and 1973. and the PSA on Scouting today. with what we thought we needed. We

Laura was a Ranger in 2001, and Join us in congratulating the new led much older men, and not much MacGillivray’s youngest daughter Buffaloes among us: Rick Bragga, younger boys, up trails we’d never Holly, was a PC at Clark’s Fork in Dan Maxfield, Bob Sirhal, and Bruce been before. Greg Hobbs 2006 and Cypher’s Mine in 2007. Trefz. We’d each been mentored for a 12/31/2010

Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 Volume 38, Number 3— June 2015 38 trail talk rangering 39 Step up to the 19.73 Club and get this cool sticker!! SO MANY CHOICES on how to receive High Country. I know a lot of members donate to the Annual Fund later in the year and we ap- preciate that. In order to have funds to operate year round, we created the 19.73 Club so small monthly amounts would help keep us going. It is painless and a ALL OF THEM GOOD. great way to support the PSA! One of them green.

Signing up is super easy! Set up a monthly donation of just $19.73. Print or digital? Color or black and white? Early or traditional delivery?

• Donate via credit/debit card monthly: to register, use the following link: But instead of choosing, how about taking “all of the above”? http://store.philstaff.com/1973club.html • Set up an automated check from your bank account for $19.73 monthly. If you convert your paper subscription of High Country to digital, you will Send checks to: PSA, 17 Deer Run Road, Cimarron, NM 87714 receive: • Contact the PSA Office for assistance setting up monthly donation (575) • Each issue via downloadable PDF email attachment a week before the 376-1138. release of the paper edition. HERE IS A BONUS! This year we will have another giveaway to say THANK • Each online issue is in full color (the paper edition is in black and YOU to all our 19.73 Club members!! white). • The opportunity to buy a bound (paper) annual edition (pictured The PSA will hold a drawing for a above) for $5 (less than our cost). 2009 through 2014 are available. really nice Yeti ice chest. To be eligible for the drawing you must join or So – convert and you will receive the color online early version and every renew by December 30th, 2015. That’s December you will be given the opportunity to purchase the paper edition all there is to it. of all copies from the previous year bound into a book, for a total of $5. We will draw one name from among There you have it: Print and digital. Color and black and white. Early our current and future Club members and traditional delivery. For 5 bucks. to receive the cooler. The drawing

will be held at the Ranch on New psadirector@ Year’s Eve. You are welcome to join Convert now by contacting the PSA office at 575-376-1138 or the celebration, but not required to be philstaff.com. present to win. THANK YOU!