PhilmontScoutRanch.org PhilNews th July 24 , 2015 Issue Seven

Justin Gilliland/PhilNews The flood of ‘15: Philmont comes together PhilNews Staff in 2015 – for example, in 2015 were forced to approach camps time Phil’s face turned from blue watched full grown pines float- it occurred in one night, howev- on foot through elevated streams to red in a second. He proceeded ing by, and observed as water ate Part I: er it occurred over a period of and vehicles were swept down to tell me the whole Fish Camp away at the cabin foundation and days in 1965 and the flooding river. After arriving at their camp story from beginning to end and eventually swept away the kitch- Past Floods in 1965 occurred during Scatter with supplies limited to only was sure that we were all go- en and pantry. Yunker and his when Philmont employed only what they could carry, the 1965 ing to be fired. As it turned out, staffers promptly left for Beaub- Fifty years ago, on June 17, around 375 staff and no partici- Fish Camp staff discovered that that kitchen door didn’t matter ien. Later, although splitting the 1965, the Rayado River rose to pants were on the Ranch, while they did not have keys or any much,” Program Counselor Dar- Fish Camp staff up to disperse a height of 11.5 feet, and a flow the 2015 flooding occurred when way to get into the cabins. rel Kirkland said. among camps was discussed, rate of 9,000 cubic feet per sec- the Ranch was fully operational. “I told Phil [the Camp Direc- Fish Camp staff shared a din- Yunker and his staffers went on ond. Both summers began extreme- tor] that I had a solution for the ner of six pork chops and one to create the Apache Springs There are a few distinctions ly wet and with heavy rainfall. In problem, and before he could can of green peas, before retiring staff camp. between the Rayado River Flood June of 1965, staff encountered ask me what it was I kicked in to take turns watching the river “We decided that we would of 1965 and the flash flooding difficulty with Scatter-- they the door to the kitchen, at which rise. Camp Director Phil Yunker Continued on page 10 Dream team at Living the motto Dean Cow of the Boy Scouts: Be prepared Marie Reynolds PhilNews Mark Anderson Director of Program “A crew came in saying ‘we’ve The summer of 2015 has pre- been walking through chest-high sented many opportunities for water,’” said Cassady Harris, a each of us to demonstrate in this program counselor at Dean Cow special place we call “HoME”, rock-climbing camp. our commitment to the Motto of During the flood on June 27th, the Boy Scouts, “Be Prepared.” trails into and out of New Dean The training that we have tak- were flooded, and many crews en part in throughout the sum- were re-routed to Dean Cow as mer, has prepared us to meet the it was not hit as hard. However, challenges of the summer. It has the force of the water in Dean allowed us to continue to deliver Cow was enough to wash away experiences that will last a life- the blue metal container with time every day to the daily arriv- all their climbing gear, their ing crews and the weekly groups ‘boom box’ of flammable items, of PTC participants and families Continued on page 3 Continued on page 2 2 | PhilNews Friday, July 24, 2015 PhilmontScoutRanch.org News and July 24-July 30 Friday, 24 Saturday, 25 Sunday, 26 Monday, 27 Tuesday, 28 Wednesday, 29 Thursday, 30 8 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 8 a.m. 8 a.m. 8 a.m. Photo Team Daily Hike - Carson Insanity - SSSAC Yoga 1 - SSSAC TV Yoga 2 - SSSAC TV Daily Hike - Chase Daily Hike - Daily Hike - Meadows (meet in TV rooms rooms rooms Ranch (meet in front Zastrow (meet in Zastrow (meet in front of SSSAC) 8 a.m. 8 a.m. 8 a.m. of SSSAC) front of SSSAC) front of SSSAC) 6 p.m. Daily Hike - Daily Hike - Dean Daily Hike - Ute 4 p.m. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Meteorology and Hunting Lodge Cow (meet in front Gulch (meet in front Self defense class - Haircuts by Ruben - Bratwurst! - Baldy NPS Manager climate change (meet in front of of SSSAC) of SSSAC) Yoga room SSSAC Pavilion training - Baldy SSSAC) 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 5:15 p.m. Bryan Hayek Pavilion 8-10 p.m. Off ranch adventures Nature writing/ Western night - PTC PIYO - SSSAC TV P90X - SSSAC TV 6:30 p.m. Christmas in July at seminar - Baldy literature of the 6 p.m. rooms room Assistant NPS PIYO/Zumba - the ToTT Snack Bar Pavilion American West Off ranch adventures 6 p.m. 6 p.m. SSSAC TV rooms 9 p.m. seminar - Baldy seminar - Baldy Nature writing/ Philmont history Manager/Photography 8 p.m. Bible study at Pavilion Pavilion literature of the seminar - Baldy Supervisor Salsa night - Baldy Protestant Chapel 8 p.m. American West Pavilion Pavilion porch Tortilla making seminar - Baldy 9 p.m. Cassidy Johnson workshop - SSSAC Pavilion Bible study at kitchen Protestant Chapel PhilNews Editor porch Patrick McNeill Why all this rain? PhilNews Writers Amanda Adams cific Ocean which happens when up, this is an increase in average hot and cold air is what causes thun- STEM Educator the trade winds die down. This isn’t temperature by three to five degrees derheads to build against the moun- Kate Johnson quite a set cycle, but it seems to hap- Fahrenheit, which doesn’t seem like tains. Remember when you were soaked pen about every 2 or 7 years. No one much but an increase of only one de- What does this mean for us? Caleb Wong on the trail, it was hailing and you quite knows why the trade winds gree is enough to declare an El Nino An El Nino event typically lasts Marie Reynolds were in lightning position for hours stop but when they do it causes a event. anywhere from five months to two and your entire crew was wondering large pool of warm water near In- Now, why does a warm ocean years. For the southwest, an El Nino Photographers if it would ever stop? You were sit- donesia to stop moving around the cause more rain? winter means a wet winter, but for ting there thinking to yourself “mon- Erin Irwin ocean. This in turn, allows this large We have the sun to blame for that the north winter will likely be cold soon season isn’t until July! Why is pool of water to heat up as it bakes in one. and dry. Doyle Maurer this happening to me?!” the sun all day. When the water gets When the sun heats up the ocean The El Nino we are experiencing Josh Galemore The reason that monsoon season closer to the temperature of the air, and the land, they cool at different now began around March and it is started so early this year is the onset the winds die down even more and rates, so when the ocean is already a unknown how long it will last. Tyler Sanders of an El Nino summer. But what is Sean McElligott the water continues to warm—this little hot, it cools down more slowly. Maybe the monsoons will stop, or El Nino? is called a positive feedback loop. At the same time, the land is cooling maybe it’s time to invest in a better Justin Gilliland Lets break it down: In the case of the ocean warming at a separate rate. This confluence of rain jacket! Leanora Benkato El Nino is a warming of the Pa- From page one: Be prepared Professional Scouting Photo Lab Lead despite the unusual weather and for those that you will impact to- If you’re looking for a pro- to answer questions about pro- Jaime López the ever changing situations that morrow. fession with a purpose, we fessional Scouting. have presented themselves. Waite Phillips wrote, “Regard- hope you’ll consider a career If you are interested in at- Photo Lab Techs In the opening Banquet Issue less of ability no one individual with the Boy Scouts of Amer- tending the reception or want David Kellogg of the PhilNews, I quoted E.L. can accomplish and complete ica. The BSA employees thou- to learn more about profes- Neal Simmons Matthews who wrote, “Unless a anything worthwhile without di- sands of amazing individuals sional Scouting, feel free to person has prepared themselves rect or indirect cooperation from that work collectively to instill contact Chris Sawyer at Camp- for their chance, the chance will others.” Our ability to work to- Lead Marketing only make a person look ridicu- gether as a team with a singular character, leadership, and life ing Headquarters, 575-376- Specialist lous. A great occasion is worth to mission is truly a special part of skills in young people. 1131 (office) or I-Camp your Dominic Baima a person exactly what their prepa- serving on the Philmont Staff. For those interested in learn- name and department. An ration enable that person to make We are truly “experience orient- ing more about Professional invitation is not required, but Marketing Media Staff of it.” ed”. Scouting, a recruiting and in- please RSVP so we have an As I visit different parts of the As I reflect on the summer, I formation reception will be accurate count of attendees. Marcos Palacios Ranch, I am reminded just how want to express my deepest ap- held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July The Pro-Scouting Taylor Hill much each of you care about this preciation to each of you for all 30, at the Villa Philmonte Pool special place and how much you that you do to allow the experi- Garden. Heavy hors d’oeuvres Interest Reception Lead Videographer want each guest to connect in a ence to touch the lives of each will be served, so plan to come will be held at 6 p.m. Kreable Young powerful way. I can hear it in guest and to each of your fellow for dinner. Several Scout Ex- your voices and see it in your ac- staff members. I am so proud on Thursday, July 30, ecutive (CEO’s for local coun- tions. As I observe you in action, to share this occasion with you at the cils), as well as representatives Videographer I can see how you are seeking to and look forward to the remain- Villa Philmonte Mitchell Thomas improve each day as you review ing time we have together in this from the regional and national what has happened and prepare place we call “HoME”. offices of the Boy Scouts of Gallery America will be in attendance PhilmontScoutRanch.org PhilmontScoutRanch.org Friday, July 24, 2015 PhilNews | 3 Continued from page 1: Dean Cow and there is now running water evening game of Cow Ball. where a dry creek bed once was. “Cow Ball is volleyball with According to the Dean Cow less rules. People get really into staffers, Jeff Shortridge, a Back- it here, especially us. We get a country Manager, almost imme- little ridiculous and dress up and diately brought them borrowed stuff,” said P.C. Harris. climbing gear, so Dean Cow was Dean Cow is a little out of the only without program for one way from other camps and is day following the flood. one of the smaller climbing pro- “It was so great of him to do grams at Philmont. that. We unofficially named our “This is a calmer environ- new creek ‘Shortridge Creek,’” ment than larger climbing camp, said program counselor Jessi Cimmaroncito. We take the time Kauffmann. to get to know the kids and we The loss of gear slowed climb- have fun with them. I think we ing program down for a little are underrated a bit, people don’t while, but Dean Cow staffers really seem to know about Dean kept spirits high and got as many Cow or how to get here. It’s real- participants to climb as they ly a great place to be,” said P.C. could. Kauffmann. “We only had enough gear The atmosphere in the main Nikolai Long of Crew 709-G-2 climbs up the boulders at Dean Cow as his crew mates wait in “the pit” on July 16, 2015. Long said the only climb- ing he had done before was the spar pole at Pueblano. Leanora Benkato/PhilNews to have one crew climbing at cabin of Dean Cow is relaxed. a time, and advisors could not A kitten named Bill lounges as get that feeling of overcoming “The people are my favorite really grateful when they see one climb. We got more gear short- everyone sits down to each lunch something they thought they part. I like the program here be- of their crew members do some- ly after that, so it wasn’t bad,” as a family, showing their team might not be able to do,” said cause we actually get to talk to thing they have never done be- said program counselor Michael dynamic. P.C. Johnathan Clementi. the kids more and help them do fore,” said P.C. Kauffmann. Sieja. “We have a fantastic staff. Ev- For the Dean Cow staff, no something that is kind of scary. “They get more confident in Program at Dean Cow includes eryone gets along really well and matter the circumstance, helping A lot of times people have never themselves because they real- climbing and rappelling on the we get to rock climb everyday. people get up the rocks and con- climbed before. They are ner- ize they can do something they side of the canyon, a traverse We see kids who have never rock quer their fears is their number vous, but we are able to talk them didn’t think they could,” said climbing wall, showers, and an climbed before and we see them one goal. through it. Advisors are usually P.C. Harris.

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A pause in the duced some major structural show brings the canyon to com- damage at Metcalf, along with plete silence, allowing only the being an intense experience for sound of five strikes to a - rail the staff. One of the biggest road spike that echoes intensely damages was to the railroad: the in the canyon walls. bending and loss of ties from The year is 1907. Theodore their one year-old railroad. Roosevelt is president, there are According to Program Coun- 45 stars on the American flag, selor Trevor “Lee Calahan” and in the North Ponil Can- Lombardi, the tie plates in the railroad were too big for the yon of New Mexico, running The Metcalf Station staffers Trevor “Lee Calahan” Lombardi, Tucker “Captain Rusty” Baker, Patrick “Pete Steele” Navin, and Ben “Cliff Schul- railway, which allowed for lee- tz” Herries, perform a campfire show on the Metcalf Post Office porch on Tuesday, July 14. The Metcalf boys perform songs and skits during their through Cimarron up to Ponil show. Erin Irwin/PhilNews Park, lies the Cimarron and way on the inside of the track. Directly after the flood, Northwestern Railway and Met- When the water came through, crews of maintenance workers, calf Station. it was so forceful that it pushed chaplains, and volunteers from Just as Camp Director Tuck- the railroad ties in different di- around the ranch came to help er “Captain Rusty” Baker said rections, making the rails bend get Metcalf and surrounding ar- to the Scouts, the Cimarron and inward enough to where the eas up and running again, and Northwestern Railway was a pump cart, one of Metcalf’s even though there will always real company that functioned main attractions, became inop- be more work to be done, the from 1907-1927. Approximate- erable. Metcalf staff continue to coach ly 100-200 railroad workers, The flood took about 40 rail- and inspire Scouts with their ranchers, and cowboys lived road ties with it; some were unique history and program. in the exact area Metcalf Sta- found downstream at Indi- More than 400 feet of rail has tion sits today, and crews set an Writings. Since the flood, already been added this sum- up camp in places where people Metcalf staff, with the help of mer, making the track 1100 feet built their homes and shanties. Scouts doing program, have re- long. Because Metcalf is only a placed approximately 12 of the Eric Longoria from Troop 803 of Hockenessin, Delaware works on the railroad at Metcalf Sta- Metcalf’s program includes year old, it’s plans for the future tion on Wednesday, July 15. Crews that work on the railroad have to move four 250 pound rail railroad track construction us- ties. are bright. ties before they can begin to set spikes into the track. Erin Irwin/PhilNews ing ties from Crater Lake and P.C. Navin said, “We’re get- Baker said, “We are doing a after the 1910 Santa Fe Rail- Pueblano, blacksmithing, Morse ting there. For about a week we lot of positioning now; building way depot blueprints. A general code and calligraphy, surveying couldn’t use the pump car, but a body of knowledge and flush- store and telephone poles with the tracks, and nightly campfire. blacksmithing wasn’t really af- ing out the program more to the an inbound and outbound direct Above the inside of the Post fected at all, which was good. point where we can hand some- line to the line shack at the end Office doorway hangs a sign We did have to reline the rail to one a document that says ‘this of the railroad will also be con- that reads “Make History”. The get the gauge back to 56 inches is how we did it’ so you don’t structed. As of now, Metcalf has be- Metcalf Station program counselor, Trevor staffers, or rather railroad work- or so, which is when we did the have to reinvent it like we did “Lee Calahan” Lombardi, organizes the tools come a one-of-a-kind experi- necessary for working on the railroad track ers, live out this sentiment in all gandy dancing.” in 2014.” as part of Metcalf’s program. Erin Irwin/PhilNews aspects of their jobs, while also C.D. Baker said, “We always According to Baker, the fu- ence for everyone who passes will still be able to hear the passing it onto the crews who need more hands on the track. ture of Metcalf looks a lot like a through. sounds and see the sights from come through their camp. There is always maintenance “railroad jubilee.” In five years, P.C. Navin said, “The spikes 1907.” Program counselor Pat- work that needs to be done that the south spur of the track and ties that participants are rick “Pete Steele” Navin said, isn’t very glamorous, like mov- should be finished. The plan is building will be here for a long “When we spike the rails with ing debris that piled up from the to have a depot with a ticket and time. We are recreating what Scouts, that is really cool. When flood.” a waiting room modeled exactly was here 108 years ago so we PhilmontScoutRanch.org PhilmontScoutRanch.org Friday, July 24, 2015 PhilNews | 5 Ranger Mile: The heart of Philmont Kieran Meyer the campsites are within earshot almost like stairs. Follow it. Ranger Trainer of two streams that easily soothe As you climb past several of weary campers to sleep. Cito’s campsites, take a look This year, Philmont’s central The next morning I hiked around. You’ll notice the ter- country offers some of the best to Ute Gulch Commissary, up rain change ever so slightly. The hikes on the ranch. Through through Aspen Springs Camp forest floor grows greener, and dense ponderosa forests, hikers and Cimarroncito, and ended at you’ll notice flowers unseen be- are accompanied by the sights Webster Parks. This is where it fore. There’s more underbrush, of wildflowers in bloom and the grew exciting for me. more downed trees, and even the sounds of streams flowing down At the eastern edge of Aspen dirt starts to look a shade differ- ordinarily dry creekbeds. You’re Springs is a group of truly mas- ent in places. Continue follow- likely to see mule deer absurdly sive rocks sparsely covered in li- ing the trail and look southeast close to the trail (like most trails chens and moss. They make for a when you get a chance. One of at Philmont), but if you’re lucky perfect spot for lunch, especially the most unique views of Tooth you might see a rattlesnake la- if you scramble up to get a better Ridge can be seen from that trail, zily slither away after a meal or view from the top. It may not be especially as you get closer to Philmont staff hike past Cathedral Rock. Erin Irwin/PhilNews much more than the tops of pine your destination: Webster Parks. a wild turkey flutter down from how untouched it seems. When in the distance. I reflected on trees, but there’s something mes- This trail camp is an unexpect- the trees. I first saw the meadow from the the past couple days of hiking merizing about watching them ed treasure at the base of Cito I won’t spoil the whole central trail I didn’t realize that I was as goosebumps began to form on sway in the breeze. Peak. Campsites place people country for you. Instead, I’d like looking at a camp. It wasn’t until my legs. It reminded me of how The hike west to Cimarronci- around the fringe of a small, to focus on a hike I recently did I walked into a campsite before I impressive this pile of rocks re- to climbs gradually, and through vibrant meadow. Outside of the that truly spoke to me. understood where I was. ally is, how so many people can the ponderosas you’ll see a field campsites, downed trees and I recently hiked from Cito That night before going to bed, make so little impact on a land- and on the edge of the field an old dead branches litter the ground, Turnaround through Cathe- I walked through the meadow scape and preserve it for another chapel. Continue hiking along to making it easy to stick to the dral Rock Camp to Ute Springs and sat down in a small grove generation. the main cabin and the climbing trails. From Webster Parks you Camp. Though the camp is a east of my tent and I closed my It never ceases to amaze me gym. Just behind the gym you’ll can head south to Hunting Lodge touch close to the road, it’s still eyes. The wind whistled through how truly stunning Philmont is. see a trail loaded with water bars or north to Sawmill Canyon. exceptionally pretty and many of the branches; frogs croaked off climbing gradually up the hill, The true beauty of this camp is 6 | PhilNews Friday, July 24, 2015 PhilmontScoutRanch.org Rising to challenges at Dan Beard Marie Reynolds With the recent flood on June here for the first time in years and Beard’s staff’s ability to over- see how they team build and PhilNews 27th, Dan Beard and their pro- Cook Canyon is in our area of re- come the challenges brought by grow. I love it. It’s cool to see gram were not directly affected sponsibility, which was hit pret- the flood to the skills they learned crews outside Dan Beard, like in Dan Beard, located next to the by the water damage. However, ty hard. The day after the flood during their C.O.P.E. training in Base Camp, and they remember Valle Vidal and amidst the burn their team had to work togeth- we had to go and hike all of the the beginning of the summer. you. Some sessions go more suc- country of the 2002 Ponil Com- er, using many of the skills they crews in Cook Canyon here be- “Our team here is so weird- cessfully than others and you just plex Fire, is a backcountry camp teach to Scouts, to accommodate cause of their itinerary changes. ly good together. We haven’t feel like you actually changed a where Scouts leave feeling like all of the itinerary changes and One crew lost all of their boots stormed at all. Our training week crew’s life.” they can accomplish anything as crews lacking gear and food. and another had lost all of their consisted of a bunch of different Dan Beard sees crews that are a team. Dan Beard is home to a Program counselor Jacquelyn packs, including food. The four team building activities and that on anywhere from day two to day Challenging Outdoor Personal Kovarik said, “We weren’t direct- people [Dan Beard staffers] that really helped us. I kind of wish ten of their treks, but C.O.P.E. Experience (C.O.P.E.) course, ly affected but everyone around were here cooked dinner for more that all backcountry camps did sends the same message of per- made up of nine events targeting us was. A lot of crews were sent than 30 people that day! We keep C.O.P.E. as part of their training sonal strength and ability to all the eight goals of C.O.P.E.: com- here from Rich Cabins and Cook getting letters saying ‘thank you’ because by the end of the first crews who complete the course. munication, teamwork, self-es- and Horse canyons. For a week from crews, some that are even week I felt like I knew every- Program Counselor Ian Gent teem, trust, decision making, after we got crews with itinerary signed by all the Scouts, and that one so well. I think we work so said, “Even with crews who are problem solving, planning, and changes from the flood. It was is really cool.” smoothly because we are a team on a later day, they still benefit leadership. pretty crazy. We have a creek Kovarik attributes much of Dan building camp,” Kovarik said. from it [C.O.P.E. challenges]. Using the same skill set, Dan They still learn those skills and Beard staffers provide crews with can bring those into everyday life a challenge course experience after Philmont.” they will never forget. Because Dan Beard is fairly secluded and According to Gent, communi- small compared to the other chal- cation is the most important part lenge course camps, they have of what they teach because it less crews coming through and leads into all the other C.O.P.E. are able to get to know the Scouts goals. Dan Beard staffers facil- on a more personal level. itate growth and provide crews “Sometimes it’s sad to see with the tools they need to over- them go. They really like us and come the challenges that lie ahead like being out on the course. They not only in Philmont’s backcoun- get so into it and we are able to try, but in life after their treks.

Above: The scouts of Troop 803 of Hockenessin, Delaware try to stay balanced on the stationary log at Dan Beard’s COPE course on Tues- day, July 14. Dan Beard program counselor, Ian Gent, said that Troop 803 completed the stationary log challenge in a way that he had nev- er seen before. Erin Irwin/PhilNews

Right: The scouts of Troop 803 of HockTroop 803 scouts, Luke Above: Will Rotsch, a scout from Brown, Matt Del Tosto, Eric Lon- Troop 803 of Hockenessin, Delware, goria, and Ryan Grahart, try to is thrown into the air during Cookie support each other while on the Machine, a COPE course game at stationary log at the Dan Beard Dan Beard, on Tuesday, July 14. COPE course on Tuesday, July 14. The crew members yell, “chocolate Erin Irwin/PhilNews cookie,” while they move Rotsch up and down their man-made convey- or belt. Erin Irwin/PhilNews

Left: The scouts from Troop 803 of Hockenessin, Delaware play the Human Knot, a COPE course game at Dan Beard, on Tuesday, July 14. The crew members must work together to untangle themselves without letting go of their selected boots. Erin Irwin/PhilNews PhilmontScoutRanch.org PhilmontScoutRanch.org Friday, July 24, 2015 PhilNews | 7

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“Your cabin’s a movin’ and the river, it is too,” sings the Ponil staff during their nightly Canti- na show. Scouts, advisors, and visiting staff listen intently, clap- ping along to the clever lyrics and upbeat tune, though it tells about a scary experience. “Karl Grab Your Cat” was written by the Ponil staff in regards to the recent flood that swept their main cabin, and Camp Director Karl Hubbard, off the ground. “The song is annoyingly good and embarrassing,” said Hubbard, “It [the flood] was catastrophic, but you can either be upset about it or you can do your job and make the most of it. My job is to run this camp regardless of what happens, so until it’s not, I am going to try to do the best I can.” On June 27th, the rushing Karl Hubbard greets the crowd of Scouts and advisors while surrounded on stage by Brian Ellis on guitar, Tyler Munchow, Erich Schick on cajón, and Becca Garland on guitar at the beginning floodwater that came through of the Ponil cantina show on July 16, 2015. Leanora Benkato/PhilNews Ponil produced some major struc- going to pull people apart and pull horseback riding, branding and tural damage – from cabins and them together at the same time. roping, horse shoes, cowboy ac- corrals to red roofs and bridges – We had to work harder together, tion shooting, chuckwagon din- but thankfully no one was injured and sometimes that can create ner, and the nightly [7:30 p.m.] within the camp. tension or strain, but also an inti- cantina show. “I’m so glad we got lucky and mate knowledge of how we work Moore said, “Ponil is the old- didn’t have any issues with par- as individuals. We each have our est site at Philmont, it used to be ticipants, because we would not own responsibilities to Ponil, and Base Camp when Philmont was have been able to help. We were we each took care of those roles the Philturn Rocky Mountain too busy trying to get ourselves during the flood. Within those Scout Camp. It’s unique because out. Crews were all fine, and were roles I think people got closer. In we have the most amount of pro- about ten feet above water line at other aspects I feel like I lost touch gram and are able to introduce the time we checked on them,” with people as I only saw them at kids to things. A lot of kids will Hubbard said. meals for a while, but Karl is very come back through and be shoot- Teams of volunteers from Base good about rotating us around and ing sports staff or wranglers, de- Backed by a cheering crew, participant Ben Wright attempts to consume a spicy pickle and its juice in thirty seconds to win the Pickle Challenge at Ponil’s cantina as his ranger, Zach Camp, conservation, mainte- he feels it’s important that every- pending on their interactions with Porterfield, keeps time on July 16, 2015. Only three Scouts have been able to complete the nance, the ranger department, and body knows each other and works the staff and how their program is challenge this summer though CD Karl Hubbard says that several participants try to each week. Wright was not able to eat the pickle within the time limit. Photo by Leanora Benkato/ work crews went out to Ponil to together.” delivered, which is awesome.” PhilNews provide assistance. C.D. Hubbard said, “Our staff The history that surrounds Ponil enjoy shooting a gun for an hour, Wicked” by Cage the Elephant Hubbard said, “We’ve had a is amazing, I got lucky. Some are allows the camp to offer a lot of that’s fine. We just made their day and “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” by lot of support from the ranch and still pretty stressed about stuff and different opportunities, giving the a little bit better and that’s what Jim Croce, Ponil’s cantina show is visiting staff who would come it manifests through physical ex- staff more time to interact and we are here for.” one everyone can thoroughly en- and see what they could do for haustion. We have to be cognizant build connections with Scouts. The incredible team dynamic of joy and interact with. us, which was awesome. After a of that while we are working. My Hubbard said, “Even though the Ponil staff is apparent in all of At the end of the evening, few days of everyone helping out, A.C.D (Assistant Camp Director) it’s the same program everyday, their operations, but it shows even during the after show, staffers there wasn’t much more we could and I can always work harder, so it’s a different crew, so its always more so during their cantina show. sing “Hallelujah” to wind down do. ” we are here to pick up the slack.” a different experience. It’s always Moore said, “We didn’t want it the night. The crowd has trickled With an event as serious as the Even with the setbacks, Ponil a unique interaction. Many of to be like any other campfire. We down and sweet harmonies fill the flood, the Ponil staff had to come staffers continue to go above and the kids are not experienced with did our best to design it in a way room as each person sings along. together in order to keep every- beyond in providing Scouts with guns and when they hit a target that would be unique to us.” Scouts listen, tears coming to their thing running for the Scouts. the best Western Lore experience their face lights up and you can Portraying the history of Ci- eyes, and once again Ponil has left Shooting Sports Program they can offer. Ponil’s many pro- tell it made a difference in their marron with hilarious skits and a significant impact on every indi- Counselor Ephraim Moore said, grams include their trading post, trek. I hope they find something songs like “Ain’t No Rest for the vidual in the room. “Any kind of stressful situation is commissary, showers, cantina, they enjoy. If all it is is that they PhilmontScoutRanch.org PhilmontScoutRanch.org Friday, July 24, 2015 PhilNews | 9 Here comes the sun: Indian Writings Marie Reynolds Writings: seven Indian Writings swim through it, but they brought running as usual, and Scouts are of fun. The most rewarding part Philnews staff and six extra staff members us the supplies that we needed for having just as impactful an expe- is seeing the Scouts learn, ask from Work Crew November, the the infirmary: sleeping bags, tow- rience. questions, and get excited about Ten-foot tall sunflowers and wandering North Country conser- els, hot water, and we were able to “We took about 24 hours to re- our program. We are all definite- green grasses paint the land sur- vation crew. help the kids.” cuperate, but crews kept coming. ly closer than we ever could have rounding Indian Writings. Scouts Program Counselor Kellie According to P.C. Looper, it You know, the show goes on,” been because of the flood experi- throw atlatls, tour the rich histo- Looper was managing the ra- took about four hours for the river said Kennedy. ence. When the crews come in and ry of petroglyphs, and excavate dio, keeping contact with Unit 2, to get down to a manageable level. Indian Writings is known for they are wet or cold, we can make in the nearby archeological site. Mark Anderson, while also keep- “It changed procedures for a lit- their high rate of returning staff, them cheer up or laugh because Amidst this beauty, however, ing track of everything happening tle while, but we could run most largely because each staffer is we are all so close, and that is lies the memory of the flood that outside the cabin. of our programs because none of so knowledgeable of the area amazing to see,” said P.C. Looper. rushed right between their main She said, “Because we had them got hit. Besides all of our and subject of their camp. Of the Each night at Indian Writings, cabin and atlatl range in the early those six extra staff members, we bridges, there was no structural Indian Writings staffers, four have the evening program is hiking to morning of June 27, 2015. were able to get people out of the damage to the camp. Even though degrees in archaeology, two are the top of the mesa behind the “It was an experience that hap- water. Had there been only seven we only have five or six bridges, working on their degrees in ar- cabins to look at the oldest site on pens and you learn from it. It was of us, we would not have been we have replaced 15-20 in the chaeology, and one is working on Philmont property, a petroglyph something that none of us had able to do it. We are so thankful last two weeks because the river a degree in geology and minor in dating back to 330 A.D. There, ever been through before and to them.” is still not down all the way,” said archeology. they watch the sunset over Little no one could have predicted it,” According to the Indian Writ- Looper. “We have an amazing staff here. Costilla. It is a unique experience said Indian Writings Archeologist ing staff, Work Crew November In the days following the flood, We are all archeology nerds, so for an equally special camp that Quincy Kennedy. played a crucial role during the there was an influx of volunteers it’s easy for us to get the Scouts will inspire visitors for years to Indian Writings staffers remain flood, leading to a story that will helping to take care of mainte- excited about the history. It’s a lot come, rain or shine. in high spirits: focused on the fu- forever be remembered. nance and boost morale. ture and giving participants the Archeologist Kennedy said, “There was a lot of silence right best experience they can offer. “We have an inflatable orca, giv- after the flood when things quieted Kennedy said, “There is no hes- en to us last year as a joke by a down, but the amazing thing was itation when it comes to storms ranger liaison. I was in the atlatl that two days later, 25 volunteers now. There was a big lightning range setting up a mini infirmary from base camp filling up three storm the other day and the first and checking on kids. I see these suburbans came to help clean up thing we did was get up and two conservation guys with bags all the debris, trash, and build check on the crews. We all have full of supplies, carrying the orca bridges. We got everything done hasty bags packed and ready to go down to the river. At this point the in one day that would have taken with more essential stuff. Before, river is 50-70 meters wide still. I us about two weeks to complete. we thought it would be a routine couldn’t believe it, but they started That was something unexpected, check, not a rescue mission.” crossing the stream, hanging onto but we were very happy about it,” The night of the flood, there the orca as a life raft. It was cra- said Archaeologist Kennedy. Indian Writings program counselor, Kellie Looper, points to the petroglyphs during a tour. There are some petroglyphs that are clearly visible and others that can hardly been seen and were 13 staff members at Indian zy. They had to kind of forge and Program at Indian Writings is whose meanings have been lost. Erin Irwin/PhilNews 10 | PhilNews Friday, July 24, 2015 PhilmontScoutRanch.org Continued from page 1: ‘65 flood rather go home and quit rather than break up our staff. We were very close to each other after we came down from the flood, and all felt a very close bond,” Kirk- land said. The staffers were given an ax, packs and food to blaze a trail to the Apache Springs site through wilderness and snowdrifts. “To us the trail was a great adven- ture,” Kirkland said. The damage from the Rayado Flood was devastating, but the Ranch’s response was inspiring. Joe Davis was Philmont Direc- tor of Camping from 1965 to 1975. When the Rayado flood hit, just two days into the sea- son, Davis planned to reopen the Ranch for participants in one week. Philmont was closed from June 18 to 25, 1965, and crews were diverted to coun- cil camps. In a time before the Conservation Department, 65 rangers cleared trails, report- Photo of 1965 Rayado flood. Photo courtesy of the Seton Museum ed hazards and built new trails River Flood of 1965, there is an sociation’s publication. Today, where necessary. By June 25, exhibit in the Seton Museum and just as 50 years ago, Philmont is Philmont was open to crews. several articles and personal ac- still providing wilderness adven- If you’re interested in more counts in various issues of High tures that last a lifetime. information about the Rayado Country, the Philmont Staff As-

Part II: floods. “The heavy rain can be occurred, but only for locations Flash floods explained miles away from people and in- within about 125 miles of the frastructure, but hours later have radar. Philmont is outside of that devastating impacts. The heavy range. As a result, gauged reports What is a flash flood? Many of rain does not physically have and weather spotters are critical us view flash flooding as an un- to be at your location and often and anecdotal reports mentioned predictable force of nature. isn’t,” Jones added. as much as three to seven inches “A flash flood is a rapid flood- Jones’ office indicated that the having fallen. ing of low-lying areas to include wall of water that swept through Around 3:15 a.m. on June 27, normally dry washes and ar- trails and campsites in the Ponil 2015, torrential rain affected royos, as well as rivers, creeks Creek area was at least 10-12 feet the Ponil and Indian Writings and small streams. In New Mex- deep. These estimates are creat- areas, saturating the soil. That ico, heavy rain associated with ed by observing how far debris cluster of storms weakened and strong, slow-moving thunder- has been spread from the water. moved south, but additional rain storms can result in walls of wa- Jones said Philmont is “located fell from slow-moving thunder- ter in areas of complex terrain,” in an area that is unfortunately storms a short time later to the said Kerry Jones, a Warning not well-sampled by radar.” The north and west of the Ponil and Coordination Meteorologist and three closest radar stations are Indian Writings areas. “With former Philmont Training Center each about 150 miles from the above average precipitation lead- staffer, noting that intense rain, Ranch. Some parts of New Mex- ing up to the 27th, the ground was slow movement of storms, and ico have no radar coverage at pretty well saturated, so when mountainous terrain with sharp all. Radar systems provide esti- the second and even third rounds elevation changes are all fac- mates of rainfall intensity and the of rain hit, it fell on ground that Top photo: Flood water washed away part of the road during the 1965 flood. tors in the development of flash Below: 2015 flash floods washed away part of the road to Indian Writings. Justin Gilliland/PhilNews amount of rainfall that has likely couldn’t hold any more water PhilmontScoutRanch.org PhilmontScoutRanch.org Friday, July 24, 2015 PhilNews | 11

A bridge is displaced in middle Ponil canyon due to the flash flooding that occurred on Satur- day, June 27. Cassidy Johnson/PhilNews all the camps at this point to see wall. Some of it is small chang- how many campsites were flood- es such as helping tweak some ed, how many are left, is that campsites. Maybe the fire ring enough to meet the need coming and bear cable survived just fine, up,” but we want to make it clear that Recreation Resource Manager the tent area, should be the uphill John Celley said. part, not the part that’s immedi- “It’s easy to get crews moving ately adjacent to the water. We again, but that doesn’t mean that plan to improve the education Logs and other debris pile up around the Ponil Chuckwagon area after flash flooding that occured early Saturday morning. Cassidy Johnson/PhilNews we’ve replaced what we’ve lost, crews get. Preparing people with or that we’re in a position to do it the skills and information so that washed away; trails were made well for the long-term. You close they ask themselves, is this safe impassable by deep new gullies. a trail and maybe crews can con- to cross, what’s the best way to “You’re looking at a tremen- tinue getting places, but that web do it, am I camping in a low area dous amount of water in a short of trails and campsites is what … even municipalities and big amount of time in a small area, also makes us prepared to reroute cities have a really hard time es- so you’ll see those big rocks crews in the event of a disaster. timating, when they have a storm and mudflows where stuff was Just because we aren’t using surge type event, what’s going to pushed out of those little side something today doesn’t mean happen. That’s a really difficult canyons,” Conservation Director that we don’t have to replace it,” thing to model,” Director Fudge Robert Fudge said. Fudge added. added. “This isn’t just about the river “It’s going to be difficult to Jones suggested the cost of rising up into your campsite, it’s change the landscape. So, in re- a new radar station for Philm- about water coming down from sponse to that, we’re just trying ont would likely be excessive. above in large quantities carry- Backcountry Manager Stephen Alexander, of Lubbock, Texas, drives through high water to plan ahead and identify other However, he did discuss the pos- crossings in the North Ponil Canyon. Justin Gilliland/PhilNews ing debris with it… Some of the areas that maybe haven’t experi- sibility of satellite technology campsites that received a lot of enced flooding yet, where there’s improving to a point where rain- and it just flowed over the - sur ment for the United States Geo- damage and some of the trails a risk, and preemptively move fall estimates could be made for face,” said Recreation Resource logical Survey (USGS) gauge on that were heavily damaged were some campsites. We’re also go- areas like Philmont. “We have to Manager John Celley. the Ponil Creek were damaged not down at water level. It’s that ing around to ensure there’s a look at this as not throwing our “There is definitely a connec- during the flood, the last record- you saw the hill failing because good form of communication hands up; we can and must har- tion with El Niño in setting the ed height for the river was 5.4 of the amount of water that was about where we have seen flood- ness new technologies,” Jones stage for what has been a very feet, with a flow rate of 937 cubic running through it.” ing, where is it safe to camp, said. Alert rain gauges strategi- active start to the 2015 mon- feet per second. Cimarron Raya- “Entire pocket canyons depos- where is it safe to cross the riv- cally placed on streams designed soon season in New Mexico,” do Water Master Alfred Chavez ited every rock that they had onto er. We’ve been pretty busy run- to send warning alerts are anoth- Jones said. El Niño is part of a estimates that the river reached a the floor of the canyon. We’re ning around, wading every body er possibility, they are “Some- cycle of natural climate variabil- height of 12.7 feet and a flow rate talking 20 foot tall piles of rock of water, looking for the lowest thing that has been done in New ity whereby ocean-atmospheric of 7,500 cubic feet per second. have been deposited in canyon crossing, the places where peo- Mexico successfully since the interactions result in above av- The gauge is located in the Ponil bottoms, large boulders and trees ple maybe still have to get their devastating wildfires in 2011 erage sea surface temperatures Creek between Six Mile Gate just rushing down the canyon boots wet, but they’re not going and 2012,” according to Jones. in the tropical Pacific Ocean. In and the Chase Ranch Headquar- bottom,” Field Manager Zach to get knocked over,” said Celley. He also said that protecting life New Mexico, wetter than normal ters, downstream of the staffed Seeger said. “It’s challenging. A campsite and property and minimizing risk conditions are more likely during sites affected during the flooding. Despite flood damage, crews that’s high on the top of a ridge from flash floods is a mission El Niño events. Vegetation that The intense flash flooding are still hiking through damaged is exposed to lightning and oth- which will require combining re- is still scrubby and sparse in damaged hillsides, trails, and areas. “We’re trying to prioritize er storm weather, [but] a camp- sources and expertise. “It’s going the burn scar of the 2002 Ponil campsites. Floodwaters pushed what trails, what hiking routes do site at the bottom of a valley is to take teamwork; it’s going to Complex Fire may have failed to a cabin at Ponil 17 feet from its we need right now, what keeps a exposed to these landslide flood take awareness.” impede the storm water runoff as foundation. Meadows and camp- trek from being able to continue events, and that leaves you with well. sites were buried under boulders, right now. We’ve also been out to Although parts of the equip- dead trees and mud; bridges were the middle, which is a canyon 12 | PhilNews Friday, July 24, 2015 PhilmontScoutRanch.org

Part III: Flood of ‘15, how Philmont came together

As the rivers swelled, the rising water swept away the belongings of many crews. Philmont replaced lost gear at no charge to those participants through the Tooth of Time Traders (ToTT), backcountry trading posts, and outfitting services so they could continue their trek. “It was four separate crews that lost almost everything,” Outfitting Services Manager Sam Spalding said. “We prepared a bunch of backpacks with gear in them like tents, bear bags, [and] bear rope for anyone that needed it. We ended up bringing a lot of the stuff to Logistics throughout the day to send out so crews had what they needed.” Over the course of several days following the flood, ToTT staffers, in- cluding those who were not on-shift, stayed late to re-equip participants and staff. “Our staff was happy to help. They worked late. They stayed because they knew they were part of the solution. Extra ToTT staff came in to work after-hours because they wanted to help,” said ToTT Manager Shelly Crews sit outside the Ponil staff dining hall that is also working as the new “Ponil Office” on Sunday, June 28. Cassidy Johnson/PhilNews O’Neill. “We outfitted crew after crew after crew. A ToTT staff member er and Martinez walked through the When the flash flood came down would become a gear buddy and they Ranger section of the male staff tent the North Ponil Canyon, Work Crew would work with just that one member city to recruit volunteers from multi- November and IW staffers searched of the crew to go through the store and ple departments to help mitigate flood along the river for unaccounted par- get everything they needed.” damage and recover lost gear. More ticipants. They were able to locate and Socks, shoes, clothing, headlamps, than 40 staffers, including some on treat three participants on the scene for stoves, fuel bottles and many other days off, searched for participants’ hypothermia by improvising blankets essentials were replaced by the ToTT gear, provided emergency repairs, out of tents that washed downstream. and Outfitting services. and addressed critical needs at affect- “They were in rough shape, beaten “Everything that you could have ed camps and surrounding canyons. up and bruised and bloody. We didn’t imagined to go out on the trail was re- Staffers continued to go into the back- have anything to warm them up, so placed,” O’Neill said. country on subsequent days to clear Quincy and Jacob set up a mini-infir- Outfitting Services distributed 20 debris, redirect participants, check the mary,” Harkey said. tents, 120 meal bags, and 14 inter- status of trails, according to Associate The fourth participant, a 13-year- nal-frame backpacks free of charge. Chief Ranger Bowser. On the follow- old boy from crew 624-K, remained Because elevated water levels covered ing days, ranger teams walked along unaccounted for until late morning many items in mud, Outfitting Ser- the creek from Metcalf Station to 6 when his body was located downriver vices also cleaned gear they received Mile Gate turnaround and from New by a search-and-rescue team. His crew before returning it to crews or the Se- Dean to Chase Ranch to recover par- chose to continue their journey with Indian Writings staff members Kellie Looper, of Craig, Colorado, and JJ Stevens, of Taos, N.M., share a moment on the cabin porch of Indian Writings. Justin Gilliland/PhilNews curity Office. ticipant gear and program equipment an altered itinerary after a layover at lost in the flood. base camp. They concluded their trek “We actually came down Cimarron and Middle Fork trails leading up to “We can always replace gear, but with a memorial service on the Tooth Canyon about 9:30 that evening,” Da- Cyphers Mine from Hunting Lodge. keeping people safe is our number one “I woke up at 12 to the worst thun- of Time. vis said of the night before the storm. “North Fork, Middle Fork and Cito priority. All staff put forth their very derstorm of my entire life,” Work “Philmont is deeply saddened to “It looked cloudy, but I was shocked [trails] are a big issue,” Associate best efforts for which we are proud,” Crew November member Benton have lost a young man on the cusp of that this happened.” Director of Conservation Richard El- Chief Ranger Eric Martinez said. Harkey said. “I’ve never been in such a great adventure but is so proud of the Although devastating, Davis said dridge said. “We’ve built one bridge Early in the morning of the 27th, intense lightning before.” incredible acts of leadership, heroism the ’65 flood was much more substan- on the Middle Fork so far, and the rangers in the backcountry moved Harkey was sleeping inside the and selflessness by all staff and- par tial. majority of our efforts on the Middle their crews to higher ground out of cabin at Indian Writings when he was ticipants affected by the flood,” said “I made it through the ‘65 flood, so and North Fork Cito was undamming harm’s way. awakened by a storm that would soon Associate Director of Program Chris that was our benchmark flood,” Davis the river, just tearing out all the dams In addition, 18 Rangers at base turn into the worst flood Philmont has Sawyer. said. “This is a smaller drainage. The so that water levels can get lower, as camp were dispatched to various lo- seen in recent memory. Kirk Davis, of the neighboring CS ‘65 flood got the whole county.” well as creating drainage features in cations across the north country such Alongside Indian Writings staff, Ranch, said this was the first time he Work Crew November relocat- the tread of the trail.” as Indian Writings, Pueblano, Head Work Crew November sprung into ac- had experienced a flood of this mag- ed five campsites at Indian Writings The North Fork trail is currently of Dean, Metcalf Station, Greenwood tion, grabbing flashlights and rain gear nitude in years. Davis brought his own to higher ground before moving on closed to hikers. Canyon, and Rich Cabins. to check on crews at their campsites in backhoe over to Ponil to clear large to clear debris and repair bridges at When the infirmary first received The next morning at 7:30 a.m., the rain before the river swelled. debris from the camp. Ponil. Currently, Work Crew Charlie calls for medical attention, they re- Associate Chief Ranger Colin Bows- is focusing its effort on the North Fork sponded quickly and professionally PhilmontScoutRanch.org PhilmontScoutRanch.org Friday, July 24, 2015 PhilNews | 13

Standing with CD Karl Hubbard in the Ponil dining hall, Mark Anderson and Nicolai Johansen, an international staff member from Denmark, directs Chris Ponil PC Kylie Tucker washes the clothes of other Ponil staff members on Sunday, Kevin Dowling remind Ponil and Work Crew staff members to call their fami- Heden, CD of Indian Writings, where to place the new bridge. Heden, Johan- June 27 following the flash flooding that occurred early Saturday morning. lies if they haven’t yet after the events related to the June 27 flood. Anderson sen and other staff spent a major part of the day after the flood replacing Cassidy Johnson/PhilNews and Dowling visited the Ponil complex to check on the staff’s well-being, bridges that were destroyed in the disaster. encourage and thank them and provide support. Leanora Benkato/PhilNews Josh Galemore/Philnews

to the situation, according to Chief of dio duty and telephone switchboard, Infirmary Services Nate Lay. Some while others worked to create alter- infirmary staffers voluntarily worked nate routes for crews with help from on their days off to treat patients in the Conservation Department. base camp. Several staffers hiked “[Logistics] was locating where into Ponil and Indian Writings to treat crews were, accounting for people, patients, while others in base camp making sure the staff had the resourc- provided treatment recommendations es they needed, making sure they were over the radio to camps they could not safe,” Lundgren said. “There was a reach immediately. whole group of people in the SAR All participants and staff treated by room at Logistics that were putting the infirmary in the aftermath of the together action plans. So there was flood have been released; no patients a lot of information that was coming were transferred to area hospitals. across the radio that they were utiliz- ing to put together teams to respond.” Comptroller Steve Nelson handled In the following days, Logistics requests for information from the me- evaluated and augmented itinerar- dia and served as a point of contact for ies as needed to safely route crews family members looking for informa- through the backcountry. tion regarding loved ones. “Monday was a crazy day with Ponil’s infrastructure was particu- lots of media calls and lots of parents’ larly disturbed during the flood. The river swept away the camp director’s Leo Martinez secures a chain between a backhoe and a large metal grill basin which was washed downriver from the Ponil Chuckwagon area and phone calls,” said Nelson. “We talked deposited in a debris pile during the flash flood of June 27. Martinez said he had never seen flooding of this magnitude in decades of living in with them through what our proce- cabin porch and moved the cabin 17ft Cimarron. Leanora Benkato/PhilNews dures are, how they go through haz- downstream until it crashed into a week, participants and staffers could be a lot of red roofs that need to be camp is coming,” said Elder Ander- ardous weather training, and how we tree. The underground propane tank enjoy root beer from the cantina tap replaced and/or relocated. We’ll prob- son. monitor the weather 24/7.” Because was ripped from the ground and rup- thanks to the restored water system. ably go through and replace water At base camp, staff members and Philmont is a wilderness environment tured. Electric lines were damaged When staffers and friends of Philm- lines and some valves. There will also participants can visit any of the chap- with endless variables, it is a chal- and water became non-potable. The ont came together, the Maintenance be some new construction to rebuild lains after 8 p.m. every Saturday night lenge to assure parents about crews’ Maintenance Department quickly re- Department accomplished many the Ponil office building in a new lo- for support or at any other time. preparedness said Nelson. sponded to ensure the camp was safe things in a short amount of time. cation.” “Saturday night the light is on for In response to the flood, former and could return to normalcy as soon “It’s been a great team effort all anyone who wants to come and talk Philmont staffers have contributed as possible, according to Facilities Su- across the board with our carpenters, “Whenever something like this because we know there are others out more than $20,000 in donations to perintendent Dave Kenneke. electricians, plumbers,” Kenneke happens, there’s a certain amount of there who are struggling,” he said. “In the Philmont Staff Association. In “We had members of the depart- said. “We had folks that are normal- post-traumatic stress,” Chaplain El- an effort to get to them, we’re making addition, the PSA coordinated care ment during the midst of the flood that ly assigned to base camp-type main- der Anderson said. “They need to get an open invitation for them to come packages which were sent to differ- were already out in the field trying to tenance jobs that were involved in their feelings out. Coming to terms is to us.” assist with whatever efforts neces- ent camps and departments across the some aspect of [repairs], and that’s really a personal thing. Verbalizing it sary to ensure the safety of our staff ranch. Notes of encouragement, can- what’s really rewarding to me. For is great therapy." Waite Phillips once said, “What and participants,” Kenneke said. “We dy, socks, toiletries, and other ameni- all the devastation, the quality of staff Chaplains are currently assigned to is really important is what you learn had folks that were up there during ties were included in the packages to that we have and their devotion and visit Indian Writings, Metcalf Station, after thinking you know it all.” For the middle of night, throughout the boost morale and replace lost items. commitment to all that is Philmont Ponil, and Rich Cabins two to three more than 75 years, Philmont has course of the next 72 hours, and the was heartening to see.” times a week for the rest of the sum- delivered wilderness adventures that remainder of the next week.” The morning of the flood, Logistics Now that the Maintenance Depart- mer to support their emotional and last a lifetime. This place known by Thanks to the Maintenance Depart- became the de facto situation room. ment has addressed critical needs, spiritual needs. many as HOmE teaches people the ment, within four days after the flood The Logistics radio room is the hub they will continue to work to restore “A visit is spending an hour or so lessons of the wilderness: to be flex- crews could once again feast on chuck for communications between base Ponil throughout the fall. with them and talking to the staff, see- ible, to make good decisions, and to wagon dinners after propane service camp and coordinated search efforts. “We’ll have to continue with debris ing how they’re doing, asking them overcome challenges. was restored, and staff members could The entire Logistics staff was called removal,” Kenneke said. “There will how repairs are coming and how the in with extra staffers placed on ra- use electricity again. By the end of the 14 | PhilNews Friday, July 24, 2015 PhilmontScoutRanch.org Programmer Staff Philmont Ski/Winter Wanted! Submissions Job Fair A Note from the North Ponil The 2015 Winter Job Fair is being ment opportunities in the ski Know anyone seeking practical “So many have been asking us held Tuesday August 4th and resort industry are encouraged to programming experience? Philmont how we’re doing, if there’s Wednesday August 5th at the attend and meet with employment is seeking an individual interested in anything we want, need, any- Silver Sage Staff Activity Center. representatives from the follow- spending a year at the ranch maintain- thing anyone can do. This is how Hours for the 4th will be from ing resorts. Please contact Chris ing and upgrading database-driven it is tonight, sleepless again, in 10AM to 6PMpm. Hours for the Sawyer if you have any questions website modules that: the wonderful moonlight: 5th will be from 9AM to 1PM. regarding the job fair or your • Register and confirm 22,000 partici- Twisted + frayed; pants in summer calendar Stretched + Torn; Staff looking for winter employ- resume / cover letter. • Streamline year-round administrative Knotted + spliced; and interdepartmental operations Holding it together • Enhance facility and program by holding on to each other; marketing interactively to public. Healing, in our mountain can- • Design and manage 2,200+ yon home. individual hiking itineraries. We thank all of you for continu- Suggested Competencies Include: ing to be there for us and everyone • Hardware: VPS - Unix/Ubuntu OS affected. Hold on to each other. • Database: MySQL • Languages: PHP - Laravel frame- -JJ at Indian Writings work, Javascript & jquery, HTML, CSS (bootstrap 2.0) Send your resume to: [email protected] or see Bryan at NPS Richly Blessed: Excerpts from Anna Washburne’s account There was water everywhere and the stream was roaring. Fortunately the staff tents were above water (although by the time the storm was over, it was a close call). Our two tent staffers were having a merry time in there, and until that big lightning flash were even shouting things like “bring it on!” Seeing the hail, they quickly sobered. We left them to put on their rain gear and returned to the cabin. It had been deter- mined that we would form teams to hike to the meadows to check on Scouts.

Both teams were unable to cross the roaring stream crossings ¬– the amount of water and hail was unbelievable… it was very surreal.

Eventually the waters went down a little. A team was able to get a makeshift bridge across to the Scouts who were separated from us. They were quite cold but full of adrenaline and good spirits. Soon all were safely across.

After keeping a roaring fire going all night it was hard to find wood that wasn’t wet. That morning as we gathered wood an incredible pink sunrise beamed out over the meadow. Another team then went down to check the South meadow, with whom we had no contact whatsoever. Glory be we discovered the Scouts high and dry happily getting their breakfast and sitting around their tents.

All in all, I’m just incredibly thankful the right people were in the right place at the right time, especially in that South meadow. The more I reflect, the more in awe I become. PhilmontScoutRanch.org PhilmontScoutRanch.org Friday, July 24, 2015 PhilNews | 15 Games Word search

Gems and Mineral (8) Instruments (8)

Sudoku Solutions

Issue Six medium solution

Difficult Medium

Issue Six difficult solution 16 | PhilNews Friday, July 24, 2015 PhilmontScoutRanch.org

Above: A boy at PTC tries to button a jacket wearing oven mitts during a Disability Obstacle Course at PTC. The scenario is supposed to simulate what it is like for someone who has diabetes, arthritis, or muscle dys- trophy to do everyday tasks. The event was put on at PTC in order to raise awareness about how it is to live with a disability in hopes that it will lead to councils focusing more on accommodating their own scouts with disabilities. Josh Galemore/PhilNews

Left: Christian “Spider Monkey” Bout, member of Troop 30 from Chattanooga, Tenn., climbs “Don’t Eat the Corn Nuts,” a new route at Miners Park. Josh Galemore/PhilNews

Below: PTC kids play wheelchair basketball during the Disability Obstacle Course. The event was put on at PTC in order to raise awareness about how it is to live with a disability in hopes that it will lead to councils focusing more on accommodating their own scouts with disabilities. Josh Galemore/PhilNews

Right: The view at Inspiration Point, on Urraca Mesa. Justin Gilliland/PhilNews

Below, right: Conservationists put up tools and speak to scouts after they’ve finished their work on Sunday, July 12, 2015. Doyle Maurer/PhilNews

Below: Scouts listen to the Urraca campfire. Justin Gilliland/PhilNews

Bottom right: Conservationists put up tools and speak to scouts after they have finished their work on Sunday, July 12, 2015.