PhilNews August 7th, 2015 Issue Nine

John Lauber, CD of Ring Place, third place winner in #iPhoneonly category in 2015 Staff Photo Contest Coding the digital ranch: Jaime López Caleb Wong PhilNews units and build their crews before lot about software to control the In 2013, López began dabbling utilities for the roster system used hitting the trail. hardware. I took software classes, web-based systems for Philmont. by seven basecamp departments in By registering for a trek online Years before his time at Philm- but it wasn’t as advanced as what The first goal was to make more 2014. The ability to easily locate or ordering a past or current pho- ont began, López laid the founda- I’m doing now. I was super-inter- than 200,000 crew and staff pho- participants with only fragments to, you have benefited from the tions of his vast knowledge of cod- ested in it, so I started building tos publicly available. On launch of known information proved to work of Photo Lab Manager Jaime ing through a degree in electronics webpages for people,” López said. day, the finished photo website at- be extremely useful. López. The photos are a valuable engineering at the Universidad de During college, he taught him- tracted nearly 8,000 visitors. Mailroom Manager Linda An- memento of time spent at Philm- Concepción in Concepción, Chile. self web development skills and In March, 2014 López began derson said the system makes it ont. López also spearheaded the He said programming require- soon partnered with friends to coding a website that would re- easy, and even fun, to match in- system Philmont customers will ments associated with coursework form a startup software company. place traditional hand-written coming mail with expedition num- first interact with. López’s- pro was the impetus for his involve- The company developed web- crew rosters by enabling crew bers even if the package includes gramming skills have rooted him ment in web-based projects after based systems for hospitals. Later leadership to submit all participant limited or illegible information. deep in several web-based proj- graduation. they built wireless sensors to mon- information online prior to arriv- “It’s kind of like a scavenger ects that are revolutionizing the “You learn a lot about hardware itor industrial environments using ing at Philmont. López spent the way Philmont customers register [in college] , but you also learn a cloud computing. next five months implementing Continued on page 3 A Million Philmont’s Miracles sign- backbone: The ing at Philmont Infirmary Marie Reynolds Marie Reynolds PhilNews PhilNews Opening up his newly published The raw, rugged, and natural book, A Million Miracles, Author beauty of the backcountry is what David Mullings points to his fa- attracts thousands of Scouts to vorite picture. When you first look Philmont each summer, but it is at it, a rather mundane image pres- that same rawness that can cause ents itself, but then you see the two unplanned accidents and injuries. words plastered above a door in Though some injuries such as CHQ that perfectly capture the es- blisters, small cuts, and scrapes sence of Philmont: Change Lives. can be expected, more serious A Million Miracles is a chronol- issues can occur. For this reason, ogy commemorating Philmont’s standing by the side of each staff- 75th year and one millionth partic- er and participant are the dedicat- ipant to hike in the 137,493 acres ed staff of the Philmont Infirmary. of “Scouting Paradise.” According to Assistant Chief of “I hope they [readers] receive an Medical Services Toph White, the Jaime Lopez, of Concepción, Chile, is building Philmont’s new roster system, making it easier for crews to coordinate and register for treks. Continued on page 3 Justin Gilliland/PhilNews Continued on page 5 2 | PhilNews Friday, August 7, 2015 PhilmontScoutRanch.org News and August 7- August 13 Friday, 7 Saturday, 8 Sunday, 9 Monday, 10 Tuesday, 11 Wednesday, 12 Thursday, 13 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 - Insanity - Yoga 1 - SSSAC Yoga 2 - SSSAC Daily Hike - Daily Hike - Daily Hike - Crater Lake SSSAC TV TV rooms TV rooms Chase Ranch Clarks Fork Indian Writings (meet in front of rooms 8 a.m. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (meet in front of (meet in front of (meet in front of SSSAC) Daily Hike - Ute Brat Day!!! - SSSAC) SSSAC) SSSAC) 6 p.m. 8 a.m. 4 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 5:15 p.m. NPS Manager Live broadcast Daily Hike Gulch (meet in Baldy Pavilion from Nautilus - Dean Cow front of SSSAC) 7 p.m. Self defense class Western night - P90X - SSSAC Bryan Hayek Research Vessel (meet in front of 8 p.m. Patch trading - - Yoga room PTC TV room with staffer Sarah SSSAC) Pizza workshop - PTC South Tent 5:45 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 9 p.m. Assistant NPS Burgess - Walcutt 8 p.m. SSSAC kitchen City Western night - PIYO - SSSAC Bible study at Room Float night - 9 p.m. 8 p.m. PTC TV rooms Protestant Chapel Manager/Photography 6:30 p.m. SSSAC kitchen Bible study at Tortilla making 6 p.m. 8 p.m. porch Supervisor PIYO/Zumba - Protestant Chapel workshop - Environmental S’more night - SSSAC TV rooms Cassidy Johnson porch SSSAC kitchen seminar - Baldy Baldy Pavilion 8 p.m. Pavilion Dodgeball - Baldy PhilNews Editor Pavilion Patrick McNeill Homesteading at Crooked Creek PhilNews Writers Kate Johnson Kate Johnson PhilNews Caleb Wong Crooked Creek is a peace- talk to the Scouts more. We Marie Reynolds ful homesteading camp get to socialize with them.” where Scouts can capture Evening program in- Photographers chickens, milk a cow, meet cludes milking the cow, Erin Irwin goats and burros, make Elizabeth, and poo flinging. Doyle Maurer candles, and participate in For the poo flinging, crews other homesteading activi- must create a simple skit Josh Galemore ties. to provide some context Tyler Sanders “We’ve had crews stay while they shovel poo into Sean McElligott here and catch chickens for the compost heap, which is Justin Gilliland three hours, and they abso- rather amusing for staff. Leanora Benkato lutely love it. It was some- Herries said, “It’s usual- thing that I never expected ly the highlight of my day. Photo Lab Lead to be the highlight for kids You get those crews that Jaime López while they were here,” said just they absolutely love it Program Counselor Kate and they put the time and Photo Lab Techs Herries. effort into it.” Program Counselor Levi Herries said, “I always David Kellogg Lynn agreed: “They really think people underestimate Neal Simmons enjoy catching the chickens homesteading camps,” not- and putting them on their ing that many people view Lead Marketing heads. They just like the homesteading camps as Specialist challenge.” If participants nothing but a lot of chores. Dominic Baima can keep the chicken com- However, she said that, fortable enough to stay on “it’s out here we give peo- Marketing Media Staff their head long term they ple the opportunities that win bragging rights. they really wouldn’t have Marcos Palacios Crooked Creek is a camp at home. We get crews that Taylor Hill that crews often visit just this is the first time they’ve before or after summiting ever been up close to ani- Lead Videographer Mount Phillips. Programs mals, or the only time that Kreable Young do not occur at assigned they’re ever going to be Crooked Creek Program Counselor Kate Herries watches Zach Alvarado of times, but rather whenever able to milk a cow. It’s re- Troop 319 from La Crescenta, California, milk Elizabeth the cow during evening program on July 29, 2015. Videographer a crew is interested. ally cool to be able to give Leanora Benkato/PhilNews Mitchell Thomas Lynn said, “it’s a really kids these opportunities.” relaxed camp so we get to PhilmontScoutRanch.org Friday, August 7, 2015 PhilNews | 3 From page one: Coding the digital ranch hunt, but it’s fun,” Anderson said. new registration system. Upon must have two CPR certifications, fore they arrive. launched on May 7th, López con- “It’s so much more useful than launch customer feedback poured Venturing crews require co-ed ad- “It’s nice to know more about tinues to build new system fea- what we had before.” in, making it clear that the new de- visors over age 21 if there are co- the crew that you’re going to have tures every day. “Bryan is always In Mid-August, 2014 the com- sign was successful. ed youth, etc. because the dynamics between an looking to add new features,” pany that hosted Philmont’s online Adult Advisor Louis Berklich Participant modules are not the all-female or a co-ed crew are go- López said. “We discuss them and registration and lottery for more wrote, “This truly is the easiest only upgrades for year two of the ing to be different than an all-male then I build them. He’s the mind than 15 years cancelled their con- BSA website I’ve ever used. It’s roster system. On average, 22 crew,” Heiss said. “It’s good infor- behind it, so he’s the one that’s tract. clean, crisp, clear, simple, [and] basecamp staff engage with the mation for the ranger to have.” talking to other departments to see “There we were in mid-August; extremely well thought out.” system daily. Staff come from 15 Camping registrar Betty Pa- what their needs are.” registration was going to go live Advisor Dev Hawley wrote: departments such as: Mail Room, checo remembers her staff typing “Jaime is one of the most patient on October 29, and we had noth- “Fantastic registration process! Security, Trading Post, Rangers, 22,000 campers’ information into people, I have ever met,” Hayek ing,” News and Photo Services The website is intuitive, efficient Registration, Chaplains, NPS, Ad- previous systems and is really said. “He’s always interested in Manager Bryan Hayek said. “I and clear.” ministration, Welcome Center and happy with changes brought by making people happy and wants called Jaime and said, ‘Hey, I have López next spent 900 hours Logistics. the new roster system. “We had these systems to be the best they an opportunity for you. We need coding roster system features en- Ranger Scheduling Coordinator two to three people in an eight- can be.” a registration system and I think abling customers to submit roster Katie Heiss said new search fea- hour work day typing, and even at López is leaving Philmont after you’re the person to build it. We information, itinerary priorities tures enable her to match rang- that, the data was not always cor- the summer season; Philmont is have a very narrow window and I and travel plans online. The sys- ers with desired crews based on rect,” Pacheco said. “With the new looking for talented up-and-com- think we can get it done and even tem was programmed to share hometown or individual partici- roster system, the groups enter the ing programmers who are eager to make it better than it was before.’” timely feedback with crew leader- pant information. She’s also able information online, and in turn, we step into López’s shoes to contin- In the months that followed, ship regarding any missing infor- to provide rangers with specific can pull it off the system.” ue increasing efficiency for crews López invested 575 hours in the mation. For example every crew information about each crew be- While the roster system and ranch staff. From page one: A Million Miracles signing

David Mullings points out his favorite picture in his book “A Million Miracles” - A ranger touching the sign “Change Lives” as he walks out of the Ranger Office. Josh Galemore/PhilNews appreciation and an understanding before. I could write a newspaper for the experience Philmont deliv- story blindfolded. It took about ers. Philmont is very unique, there three months of research for me is no place like it on Earth,” Mull- to gather information and figure ings said. out what I was working with. It’s Mullings currently lives in a history book, so I tried to spice Ouray, Colorado, and has worked it up with interesting information David Mullings, writer of “A Million Miracles,” signs copies of his book at the Seton Memorial Library. Josh Galemore/PhilNews in the newspaper business for throughout,” Mullings said. Philmont, this is just going to be of Time Traders, as well as online present times, with many succu- much of his career. Having pre- A Million Miracles is a short a job.’ I spent roughly four weeks through Amazon. According to lent mini-bios along the way. He viously lived in Raton, he was an read, but is one rich in history and at Philmont, and the more time I a book review by Author Conrad casts a painterly eye on the land- editor for the Raton Range as well nostalgia surrounding the memo- spent here the more enthusiastic Wesselhoeft on Goodreads, Mull- scape--from Baldy Mountain to as for the Albuquerque Tribune. rable experience Philmont offers. I got and I didn’t want this book ings went above and beyond in the ranch’s igneous-rock icon the Mullings began writing his first “The book had to be a book to just be dry, bare-bone facts. I writing a story balanced in history “,” and all the sur- book, A Million Miracles, in 2013 for everybody, not just the die- wanted to capture the feeling and and emotion. rounding canyons, rivers, and for- and it was released at the begin- hard Philmont people but for spirit of Philmont, and I hope I did Wesselhoeft wrote, “Author ests. By book’s end, I was ready to ning of summer 2014. those unfamiliar with Philmont. that,” Mullings said. David Mullings vividly captures ditch my Seattle armchair and--in “The research was daunting at I originally approached it saying A Million Miracles is available the history and spirit of Philm- the words of Huck Finn – “light first, having not written a book ‘I already know everything about in the Seton Museum, the Tooth ont--from Wild West days to out for the territory.” 4 | PhilNews Friday, August 7, 2015 PhilmontScoutRanch.org

Aiden McGovern of Troop 359 from Wilbraham, Massachusetts, fires a 1861 Springfield black powder rifle at Black Mountain on July 28, 2015. Black Mountain staff members teach participants how to properly load and shoot the historically accurate guns. Leanora Benkato/PhilNews

Above: Black Mountain PC Taylor Morgan holds the camp’s cat, Taos Lightning, on July 28, 2015. Taos Lightning kills about four rodents each day. Leanora Benkato/PhilNews

Sean Mansfield helps coach PTC participant Cameron Williams up the Climbing tower at Miners Park. Tyler Sanders/PhilNews Right: Nathan Williams of Troop 730 from La Crescenta, California, laughs as he feeds a burro for the first time at Crooked Creek on July 29, 2015. “The lips feel so weird!” he exclaimed. Leanora Benkato/PhilNews

Below: Peter Rusinak of Troop 62 from Mas- sachusetts hangs his tent to dry at Outfitting Services on Sunday, July 26, 2015. Doyle Maurer/Philnews

Above: Rayado Program Counselor Eric Young from Fort Collins, Colorado reheats a piece of iron with visiting crew member Aidan Kats from Queens, New York. Josh Galemore/PhilNews

Left: Caitlin Herrera, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, searches for an Activities package. Justin Gilliland/PhilNews PhilmontScoutRanch.org Friday, August 7, 2015 PhilNews | 5 From page one: The Philmont Infirmary

Infirmary is comprised of five cru- them. We also use conservation cial parts: the clinic, emergency and the ranger department a lot response, medical recheck, Infir- when we need extra people to help mary tent city, and training. carry the medical gear or guide us The clinic is a licensed Infirma- in the right direction,” said White. ry in the state of as On average, the Infirmary -re well as a teaching facility, hous- ceives one call a day to travel into ing a full team of medical staff the backcountry to provide care. including physicians, medics, and “The majority of the calls we nurses. Any Philmont staff or par- go out on are pretty stable. Many ticipant can go to the clinic for as- times we get out there and the sit- sistance. For more than 50 years, uation has already resolved itself,” Philmont has partnered with the said White. University of Kansas (KU), offer- For the Infirmary staff, the re- ing a subinternship for fourth year ward comes when they are able to medical students in a monthly ro- get a patient back out on the trail. tation. KU medical students run “Sometimes people are sick or radio calls, evaluate patients, cre- hurt. Every once in a while we do ate treatment plans, and have the have something that is pretty se- plan approved by a physician. rious, and we can say that we’ve Because the Infirmary runs on been able to keep somebody alive. a 24-hour schedule, a day in the Nobody expects that, but some- life of an Infirmary staffer can times things happen. Crews have vary. Beginning around 6:30 ev- spent two years planning, so their

ery morning, everyone is getting expectation of Philmont is going Kennedy Watson (left) of Dripping Springs, Texas, and Johnny Ulibarri (right) of Albuqurque, New Mexico, perform routine medical rechecks. ready for rounds: checking on all to be up here,” White said, raising Justin Gilliland/PhilNews patients to figure out who is ready his hand high. “And then some- well as making sure the Infirmary to go back out on the trail, who thing happens and all of sudden will not have to expend resources may need more care, and who may their expectation is down here,” he if someone gets hurt on the trail need to go off-site to get lab work said motioning lower. “If we can because they were not prepared. or x-rays. get them better and on the trail, “When we see that kid who got “After rounds, the rest of the that’s awesome. There are chal- taken over to the Infirmary after morning is treating patients lenges and we can help them over- their recheck, and then they come throughout the day. The radio come them. We want everyone to back and say ‘I can go!’ with that room is waiting for incoming calls see the ‘We All Made It’ plaque at look on their face, that is pretty from the backcountry as well as the end of their trek.” neat,” said Ulibarri. organizing who is headed back At Medical Recheck, staffers in- There are learning opportunities out. Sometimes there are emer- teract with each and every single everywhere you look at Philmont, gency calls where we have to Philmont staff member and partic- and the one Infirmary prides itself drive out, hike in, provide care and ipant before they hike, something on is the continued training they get them to an offsite facility. A lot that not many other departments do throughout the summer for of our work here is responding,” get to do. medical students, Philmont staff, said White. Medical Recheck coordinator and participants. A clipboard at medical recheck. Justin Gilliland/PhilNews Because of the nature of Philm- Johnny Ulibarri said, “We go over “We train all of the Infirmary The Infirmary staff work and and make improvements along the ont, the backcountry staff play a each participant’s health form staff, as well as something called live very closely, creating a team way. We hold our staff to a higher huge role in the Infirmary’s oper- with them so we are aware of their “training the trainer”. In the be- dynamic like that of a family. standard,” said White. ations. medical conditions. Sometimes ginning of the summer we get They each have a goal of caring Though the Infirmary staff do “The strongest component for we have to send them to the clinic someone from each department to for the individual person in order not provide program, they support our Infirmary is the backcountry if we see something we’re unsure do the eight-hour first-aid course, to get them back to the experience it in every aspect. They are ready staff because they are the ones of.” and then they teach their staff Philmont has to offer. and waiting for anything from that are communicating and let- According to the recheck staff, members. We are also responsible “We are really good at commu- blisters and scrapes to providing ting us know what is going on. they usually have to take two or for training all of the backcountry nicating what needs to be done care for serious medical emergen- We do all the training on how to three people over to the clinic a staff--between 250-300 people. and working together. Our job is cies in Base Camp and throughout evaluate a patient on the radio, so day for things such as elevated We continually do rechecks at to help make people feel better, the backcountry. they are our eyes and ears. If there blood pressure, previous medical PTC, first-aid training for late ar- stabilize them, and get them a “We are always willing to help is an emergency where we get a history, or issues regarding the rivals, CPR training, and Philmont higher level of care if they need in any way that we can. No mat- cell-phone call here, we radio the height and weight limit. Recheck first-aid for crews who come here it. We are providing care for the ter how busy we are, we are never nearest staff camp and ask them is a crucial stop for crews because without it. Training never stops. whole person. It’s never just the out of resources. Drink water, take to grab their medical bag, some they make sure there are no ex- We think of our jobs largely as medical side of it, it’s the person- care of yourself, and wash your hiking gear, and they have to go isting health problems that could training, response, and care,” said ality. We need to be knowledge- hands. We will always find a way find these people and start helping cause issues while on the trail, as White. able about the issue, plan ahead, to help,” said White. 6 | PhilNews Friday, August 7, 2015 PhilmontScoutRanch.org Don’t trade your trek for a cheeseburger: Urraca Mesa Caleb Wong PhilNews land surrounding Urraca, “Every land has a story, trappers such as Kit Carson and every story has a begin- hunted in the area around ning,” said Program Coun- Urraca Mesa for beaver selor Stephen Terry, kicking pelts. Later, ranchers raised off a spooky evening camp- cattle on the Urraca Ranch, fire. At the foot of Urraca which later Mesa, Urraca holds a camp- purchased in the 1920s. fire every evening recount- During the day, crews ing ghost stories and the shape the story of their trek history of Urraca as the land on a challenge course. After transferred ownership over a sunrise hike to Inspiration the years. Ghost songs punc- Point which offers soaring tuate stories and background views of the Tooth of Time music underscores climactic and the south country, crews moments. can walk on tightropes, bal- According to legend, Ur- ance on a board, climb a The staff at Urraca hosts campfire under their porch sharing ghost stories of the Urraca Mesa while the rain falls down around them. Urraca is raca’s beginning is fraught climbing wall, and conquer the only non-interp camp that has a campfire as part of their program. Tyler Sanders/PhilNews with danger. A battle took other challenges designed to course with his team by set- place on the mesa between hone teamwork skills. ting the example in front of two brothers, the Lord of “I’m not sure if they know others. the Outerworld and the Lord consciously that they’re tak- “You don’t want to make of the Underworld, for the ing a lot away from it, but your troop do something that souls of the Anasazi, a Na- they are,” Program Coun- you wouldn’t do yourself,” tive American tribe. The selor Meredith Tate said. Pernich said. “If you’re Lord of the Outerworld “They start listening to each leading from the back, you prevailed in the battle and other more, whether they ac- don’t know if that’s not the banished his brother into a knowledge that or not. They case.” portal beneath Urraca Mesa. start looking at problems in At the campfire, Program Only magpies, birds of the different ways and start ask- Counselor Tate offered a Corvidae family known as ing other people what their unique perspective about “Urraca” in Spanish, can en- opinions are. They’re not as the challenges crews face at Johnny Pernich from Troop 202, is the first hoisted to the top of the wall by his crew on the ter or open the portal, sym- likely to rush into stuff.” challenge course at Urraca Mesa. The crew surpassed the posted time from the first try with a Philmont at the end of the time of 2 minutes 20 seconds during their second attempt. Tyler Sanders/PhilNews bolizing their potent power In three minutes and 20 Urraca campfire. to traverse between different seconds, all seven members “Don’t trade your trek for worlds. of Troop 721H from Gar- a cheeseburger. Stop think- “If a magpie utters your land, Texas, made it over the ing about the things that you name under this mesa, you climbing wall. What they don’t have and start thinking will die within 24 hours,” learned from completing about the ones that you do. Terry said. “They are said the challenge course will You have a crew that’s here to be disembodied spirits be shared with other Troop for you. They’ve got your left on this side of the portal members and will be re- back. Ten years from now, when it closed.” membered for a lifetime. you’re not going to remem- The history of Urraca Crew member Johnny ber the cheeseburger you Mesa is as rich as the ghost Pernich said the challenge had. You’re going to remem- stories told about the mesa. course taught him to use ber this adventure.” After the Native Americans teamwork skills to success- and Spanish inhabited the Scouts from Troop 202 out of Salt Lake City, Utah, play a game before heading for the obsta- fully complete the challenge cles at the challenge course. Tyler Sanders/PhilNews PhilmontScoutRanch.org Friday, August 7, 2015 PhilNews | 7

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Signature: ______MARK HERE PAYROLL FOR DEDUCTION (through July : 31) _____ 8 | PhilNews Friday, August 7, 2015 PhilmontScoutRanch.org Essentials for hiking: First Aid Marie Reynolds ple can forget the importance of alcohol wipes, elastic bandage, PhilNews being prepared if their adrenaline triple antibiotic ointment, Hydro- Philmont is made up of staff gets the best of them. cortisone cream, CPR barrier de- and Scouts who are outdoor en- Infirmary Medical Recheck vice, Tylenol, triangular bandage, thusiasts from across the world. If staffer Adrienne Cirrotti said, “If Ibuprofen, small scissors, antac- a medical emergency were to arise someone does get hurt, it could be ids, throat lozenges, medicated in the backcountry, there are two a while until a medical profession- foot powder, tweezers, non latex things you would need: a person al will get to them, so its impera- gloves, and a Ziploc bag or small trained in wilderness first aid and tive that they not only have a crew Biohazard bag. first aid kit full of the items nec- member trained in first aid but “Everyone gets blisters. Even- essary to take care of the issue. also have a first-aid kit in tow.” tually the boots will get to you, Lucky for us, rolling in at number Common trail injuries to pre- so Moleskin is very important to five on Philmont’s “Essentials for pare for with your first-aid kit have,” said Cirrotti. Hikers” list is a first aid kit. are minor cuts, blisters, bruises, The Tooth of Time Traders car- With outdoor adventure comes scratches, and burns. ries five different brands of first a sort of adrenaline rush; the ex- Philmont recommends crews aid kits ranging from $9-$60 based First aid kit essentials Justin Gilliland/PhilNews citement to be hiking through the bring the following items in a on duration of trip, group size, and planning ahead. Whether you are ing the tools you need in a first-aid backcountry with everything you backcountry first aid kit: 25 assort- amount of items included. headed out on a trek, hiking on kit can make all the difference in need carried on your back. With ed Band-Aids, blister kit (Mole- Just as the Boy Scout motto days off, or going on your own ad- having a successful and memora- spirits high in anticipation of a skin), 10 gauze pads, antihista- states: Be Prepared. Most hiking venture outside of Philmont, hav- ble wilderness experience. memorable experience, many peo- mine (Benadryl), tape, disposable injuries can be avoided simply by Every crew leaves happy: a visit to Black Mountain Kate Johnson time. Now you’re going to tell me,” PhilNews Camp Director Daniel Edwards “Halt! Who goes there? What coaches a participant through the brings you into our encampment?” process of loading the rifle. Crews Program Counselor Taylor Mor- shoot at targets such as their own gan (Private Morgan Morgan to hats or bandanas. Staff will shoot crews) welcomes arriving crews. items for participants who did not Gunshots echo from the range and put a hole through their own target hammer blows ring from the forge during their three shots, but would as crews experience program at still like the souvenir to take home. Black Mountain Camp. At the forge, crews can choose The year is 1866, shortly after several projects to create and take the end of the Civil War, and this home with them: a J-hook, an is a Union Outpost. Staff have run- S-hook, a flathead screwdriver, or ning water in the creek, and hike a butterknife. all their supplies into the camp After participants all have a turn from the drop-off point-- a steep pumping the bellows and ham- uphill hike from the camp to the mering hot metal on the anvil until road. The five staff members in- the chosen project is completed, habit a one-room cabin built in the item is rubbed with beeswax 1892 with a wood-burning stove to fill the pores of the metal and for cooking. The camp is located help prevent rusting. Steve Rick, a in a fertile green valley reminis- well-known blacksmith who now cent of a jungle. lives in Cimarron, did some of his The staff are enthusiastic and early blacksmithing in the Black Mountain forge. Above: Program Counselor Taylor Morgan, in the Scouts enjoy the interpretive character as Morgan “Manifest Destiny” Morgan, characters-- staff members pre- “We get adults thanking us for delivers his introduction to Scouts of Troop 808 showing the boys something that from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, upon their arrival to tend to duel participants or lecture Black Mountain on July 28, 2015. them in a military fashion. they’ve never seen before and Leanora Benkato/PhilNews “These are the biggest guns on really getting them to use their Philmont! Get excited!” says Pro- hands and build,” said Edwards. gram Counselor Justin Duncan. In the evenings, the staff have a Crews have the opportunity to military flag-lowering and play shoot 1861 Springfield black pow- Bandyball, a game of baseball der rifles here, even learning to with special rules, with partici- Left: Lead balls sit in a wooden tray beside pants. loading and cleaning tools in the shooting area at load the rifles themselves, using a Black Mountain on July 28, 2015. ramrod to push powder, patch, and Morgan said, “We get a lot of Leanora Benkato/PhilNews ball down into the barrel. compliments on our program here. “I told you how to do it the first Every crew leaves happy.” PhilmontScoutRanch.org Friday, August 7, 2015 PhilNews | 9 Keeping the ranch connected: The Mailroom Marie Reynolds the Mailroom, making their daily PhilNews routine much more efficient. Staying connected to the outside “We interact with both trailbound world can be difficult to do at Philm- and homebound crews. The trail ont, but with the dedication of the bound crews are usually coming to staffers of the Mailroom, people are pick up gear that they have previ- able to stay in touch not only with ously shipped out here, and crews others across the ranch, but with who fly out have to ship out stoves their family and friends from home. and fuel bottles, as they cannot have “It is a hub of activity here. We can those on planes. Every year there are be here and the whole world comes more and more people sending out to us,” said Mailroom Manager Lin- special food because of allergies and da Anderson, who has worked in the such, so that’s another thing they Mailroom for 10 years. are picking up. With homebound Each summer, the Mailroom han- crews, they have to ship stoves dles all UPS, FedEx, and U.S. Postal and fuel bottles and any other gear shipments to and from the ranch for home. They come back here as part all seasonal staff and participants. of their check-out process to pick up On an average day, the Mailroom any mail that was sent here for them sorts approximately 130-175 pack- while they were in the backcountry, ages and 800 letters, as well as all so we connect with them again,” the inter-camp (I-Camp) mail. said Anderson. I-Camps are free to all Philmont For the Mailroom staff, interac- staff members and can be sent any- tion with crews and staff is the most where on the ranch. According to rewarding part of their jobs. the Mailroom clerks, all kinds of “This is a place where you can The mailroom staff busily sending and receiving mail. Justin Gilliland/PhilNews things are I-Camped. interact with all the staff and essen- son. camps. Watching my staff just de- Though deliveries are beginning “We’ve had watermelons, pineap- tially every participant, so you are The Mailroom consists of six scend in on those like ants is amaz- to slow down in the last few weeks ples, Frisbees, cat toys, kiwis, pota- connected with everyone. Getting to staffers: one manager and five ing. They have a really strong team of Philmont’s summer season, plan- toes, Jolly Ranchers, and a lot of oth- connect with them keeps me young, clerks. Though there are only six spirit of anticipating what needs to ning and ordering of supplies for er random things [I-Camped],” said and I love getting to be a part of people, they do their best to make happen and then just doing it. I don’t next summer has already begun. Mailroom clerk Matthew Fournier. what’s really going on here. I think sure everyone is able to stay con- think I’ve had to prompt anybody Mailroom Clerk Caitlyn Herrera, According to Anderson, the Mail- I would be miserable if I was at nected inside and outside of Philm- since early June,” said Anderson. enthusiastic about her time working room has seen some major changes home and all this was going on and ont’s property. If you have extra packing materi- in Mailroom, said, “This place is the throughout her time as manager. All I wasn’t a part of it in some way. We “I’ve got an entire staff of team als, the Mailroom is always in need best. It’s a great atmosphere to work UPS mail used to be picked up at Ad- get to make people’s days when we players. In the morning, we usual- of more. Accepted items include in and we get to meet everyone, so ministration, located down the road hand them a letter or a package. We ly have all the drivers, Chaplains, peanuts, bubble wrap, and boxes. it’s an awesome way to get involved from Camping Headquarters. Now, see the smiles and the excitement, and Backcountry Managers lined They are also able to recycle light- at Philmont.” all of those packages go straight to which is a lot of fun,” said Ander- up wanting to get mail for multiple ers, matches, and batteries. 10 | PhilNews Friday, August 7, 2015 PhilmontScoutRanch.org Bringing the backcountry to life: Backcountry Warehouse Marie Reynolds PhilNews Backcountry Warehouse As- sistant Manager Tim Gneier said, The natural beauty of Philm- “It’s a department that not a lot ont speaks for itself, but when of people know about, but it’s a you add the camps, the program, crucial one for the backcountry and the dedicated staff of the operation to continue. All the backcountry, you get something people that work in the back- even more impactful; you get a country are the happiest, sweet- wilderness experience to last a est people you could know, so lifetime. Directly facilitating the working in base I get to know adventure that millions of Scouts everybody here, but at the same and staff have experienced is no time I get to know everybody other than the committed staff of out there. We are kind of like a the Backcountry Warehouse. hidden support group. We are al- Located next to the Mailroom, ways actively looking for ways the Backcountry Warehouse to improve backcountry program (BCW) supports anything and to enhance the experience for the everything that occurs in the participants and quality of life backcountry. Stacks of boxes for backcountry staffers.” and miscellaneous items fill the For the BCW staffers, their day warehouse, containing anything begins around 7:20 a.m. to coor- from material for campfires and dinate the vehicles being sent into interactive learning experiences the backcountry, largely handled to equipment the staff need to by Backcountry Distribution and make the backcountry their home Support Manager Gene Schnell. Above: for the summer. A rifle from Ponil lays in pieces on Not only does the BCW supply Backcountry Warehouse Man- the gunsmith table in the Back- vehicle transportation, but infor- country Warehouse. ager Blake Jones said, “We can mation for people to coordinate Josh Galemore/PhilNews anticipate needs and get supplies, their own transportation into the but a lot of people request things backcountry by bus. From then from us or we call them to find Left: Various items including on, staffers are filling backcoun- out what they need. Molly Smith bicycles, axe handles, coolers, and try orders and working on special runs the interp clothing wardrobe rock climbing gear fill Philmont’s projects such as getting ready Backcountry Warehouse (BCW.) where everything is stored, main- for “Gather” of the backcountry The BCW acts as a hub between tained, and cleaned. We also have basecamp and the backcountry camps and next summer’s oper- our in-house gunsmith, Jacob and provides backcountry camps ations. with the majority of their pro- Brown, to maintain and repair “Gather” prep has begun, gram and living materials. damaged firearms so we can get Josh Galemore/PhilNews meaning the BCW staffers are those operating in a safe way.” collecting information to orga- more activity in getting ready for including Merchandise Ware- ple, and we’ve got that this sum- Gunsmith Jacob Brown said, “I nize what camps are coming in the next season,” BCW Manager house, Maintenance, Adminis- mer. It’s a good group. Everyone monitor the firearms that are used when and getting all boxes that Jones said. tration, the Ranger department, understands the backcountry on the ranch for all the camps and will hold backcountry camp ma- According to Assistant Manag- Conservation, and Commissary, needs, so its very nice to have some of the PTC guns. I ensure terials back in order. er Gneier, the backcountry ware- among others. these three to work with,” said that they are safe to fire, they “Camps will tell us what they house contains bikes, bike parts “Even though there is a small Jones. work, that they are clean at the wish they had this year so we can kitchen materials, guitar strings, group of us that work here, we The BCW staff are dedicated start and end of the season, as provide that for the next summer. ropes, tools, and countless more still have departments across the in supporting every aspect of the well as making sure the shoot- Even though we still provide backcountry necessities. ranch helping us, so it’s a very backcountry, their main goal be- ing camps have the supplies they support, the end of the summer “We have a good relationship big operation. We make sure to ing to provide backcountry staff need. I’m big on firearm safety, season kind of ceases to be about with the commissary and mer- help each other, because other- with the tools they need to give so to be able to come out here this year and goes into how we chandise warehouse. If someone wise it wouldn’t work. This is Scouts the best program experi- where it’s a controlled environ- prepare for the next. We’re ask- requests something and it’s any- the big hub for everything going ence Philmont can offer. ment and young men and wom- ing ourselves what we need to do where on the ranch, we can prob- in and out of the backcountry, so “I like to know that what we en are learning how to safely use so the camps can have a better ably get it in the next two hours, everybody works together,” said are doing is having a huge effect firearms, that’s the most import- program next year than they did but it takes phone calls and fa- Gunsmith Brown. on program. Its really rewarding ant thing about this job for me.” this year. There is always trial vors,” said Gneier. The atmosphere at the BCW is when we can deliver or fix some- With only four BCW staff, and error going on, so each year In order for their operation to busy but also friendly and wel- thing that is seemingly small, and they are constantly working hard keeps getting better. As every- run smoothly, the BCW draws coming to anyone who comes by. they are happy and excited about to make sure everything runs thing is winding down out there, resources and support from many “This work can get repetitive, it. It’s awesome to get that feed- smoothly for backcountry staff- we are going to amp back up into other departments on the ranch so it requires very focused peo- back,” said Gneier. ers and participants. PhilmontScoutRanch.org Friday, August 7, 2015 PhilNews | 11 Ranger Mile: The nearby Clear Creek Trail Colin Bowser Associate Chief Ranger Schnell at the Backcountry Ware- west of town on Highway 64. Re- What are you doing tomor- house to see if there are rides into member to stop at a pay station to row? Have a day off? You could the Backcountry that you might be get a day use vehicle permit (it’s take a nap and maybe do some able to utilize to get further out than only $5 per vehicle). Look for a laundry, I don’t know, maybe the Turnaround (just be sure to give small sign indicating the Clear watch TV or look at Facebook. advanced notice and remember that Creek Trail (on the south side of the OR, you could take advantage of there is no guarantee that a ride is road), park at the trailhead and walk your day off and go on a sweet available). Remember, you can talk east along the south side of the road hike! There are so many awesome with other staffers or swing by the about 30 yards to find the trailhead. hiking opportunities, both on and Ranger Office to get advice or rec- Now it’s time to hike! Enjoy this off the ranch. Need a hiking part- ommendations for hiking opportu- gradual trail that wanders up the ner? Be sure to check in at the Sil- nities. We want to help you enjoy canyon through a Ponderosa for- ver Sage Staff Activities Center your days off! est and groves of Quaking Aspen. (SSSAC) to join a daily group hike, Even if you only have one day Oh, and it follows the Clear Creek, off, there are many hikes that you which includes up-close views of or to coordinate with other staffers One of the numerous waterfalls along the Clear Creek Trail. Jason Mazurowski can enjoy, including nearby off- numerous waterfalls. After 3-4 to find a hiking partner and maybe marron after the hike. get together with some friends or Ranch locations. One really great miles, the trail will fizzle out. Bring even a ride! The Clear Creek trail is awe- co-workers and plan a great hike hike can be found in the Cimarron a sack lunch to enjoy on the trail, or You can also check with Gene some, but it is just one idea. So together. Enjoy! Canyon State Park, just a few miles enjoy a meal in Eagle Nest or Ci- 12 | PhilNews Friday, August 7, 2015 PhilmontScoutRanch.org Bringing history to life: Kit Carson Museum Caleb Wong family, the Abreu family, the Raya- wanted to make the letter P, so that’s PhilNews do Colonization Company, the what we did in the forge.” The Kit Carson Museum at Raya- Chicago Livestock Company, the Jared Jagiello, a participant from do is located only seven miles south Stauble Family, and Waite Phillips Troop 153 in Queens, New York, of Philmont Camping Headquar- before being turned over to the Boy made a J-hook with his crew on the ters, but takes visitors more than Scouts of America around 1940. For trail. Jagiello said he wants to do 150 years back in time to 1858. ten years, the BSA used the proper- blacksmithing when he gets home Easily accessible off of New ty as Cattle Headquarters before the because creating a unique object Mexico Highway 21, the museum BSA built an adobe museum named out of a metal rod was a rare, but offers a wide variety of program after Kit Carson to portray what life exciting moment for him. opportunities: gardening, black- was like in 1858. Today, the living “It’s not something you do every- smithing, tours of La Hacienda and history museum is open to Philmont day,” Jagiello said. “You get to see the Maxwell House, woodworking, participants, as well as the public. your piece come together.” weaving, homesteading, and the op- Crews can visit the museum Camp Director Trenga said the portunity to purchase replica items during their first or last days on the programs at the Kit Carson Muse- from La Posta. trail to participate in program ac- um create a living history environ- Although visitors can now black- tivities. Blacksmithing, one of the ment. At the museum, crews realize smith and take tours of the Kit most popular programs at the Kit that history is not just a collection Carson Museum for educational Carson Museum, beckons crews to of facts and dates, but a story that purposes, it was once a fort where create an item as a group and take they can touch and interact with. soldiers stood guard against the Ute it with them as a tangible reminder Through the interactive programs, and Apache Indians. Later, it served of their time at Philmont. Whether historical events such as the Mexi- as a rest stop for travelers on the they create something their first or can-American War and the Santa Fe way to Santa Fe. last day on the trail, blacksmithing Trail are brought to life. “This was a big stop on the San- teaches crews teamwork, according “This is the most interactive mu- ta Fe Trail,” Camp Director Amelia to Program Counselor Marie Ber- seum most people will ever go to Trenga said. “This was if you had trand. in their lifetime,” Trenga said. “We to stop to get more supplies [or] if “It’s cool to let them make some- get a lot of questions from 15 year your wagon broke and you needed thing that they can take with them,” old boys about the history that they, the blacksmith to fix it. It was much Bertrand said. “They get pretty at first, probably didn’t care about, more about getting there than tak- creative with it. A lot of crews will but we actually try to make them ing a leisurely trip.” make J-hooks, but some crews like care and get them interested and Since its start as a fort and trad- to make letters. There was a crew tell them something that will make the other day. Their crew nickname them want to learn more when they PTC Trailblazer, Michael Baker, from Houston, Texas works on building an S-hook with ing post, the property has passed the help of a blacksmith at Rayado. Josh Galemore/PhilNews through the hands of the Maxwell was the ‘Pack Street Boys.’ They get home.” PhilmontScoutRanch.org Friday, August 7, 2015 PhilNews | 13 Climbing at Miners Park Caleb Wong PhilNews “Buffy the Vampire Slayer, It takes perseverance and you’re on belay,” yells a staff patience to make it up to the member as they lean back to top, according to Jonas Nuns, belay a fellow staffer up the crew member from Troop rock. “Buffy on rock,” yells 1044 in Garland, Texas. a staffer back to the belayer. “You’ve got to work your After the safety check is fin- way up there one [handhold] ished, the climber begins to at a time,” Nuns said. ”If you make a steep, challenging get stuck, you need to stop and climb to the top. think about where you are and Every morning, staffers use the terrain to help you.” at Miners Park help partici- Although crews may have pants to complete challeng- climbed in rock gyms before, ing climbs at three locations. participants climbing on Bet- Two man-made climbing ty’s Bra must be able to spot walls, a traverse wall and a and reach subtle holds in the vertical wall, are located near rock. the main cabin, but the most “Down here [on a man- challenging climb, a 50 foot made climbing wall], the ascent up Betty’s Bra, is lo- holds are very visible,” Pro- cated a 40 minute walk from gram Counselor Engle said. Owen Tomlinson belays Casey Weber from Troop 242 on the climbing tower at Miners Park. Tyler Sanders/Philnews the main cabin. “They’re colored, they’re Staff keep crews safe, but sticking out from a platform. can still tell them where to go after day. You could lead them ally vital benefit that we have also in high spirits through You see them, whereas on the because you’ve climbed it day up blindfolded. That’s one re- here.” funny nicknames and accents real rock face, you have to to mentally relax crews for feel for them. Some you can’t the climb. Before crews climb see, and you have to blindly up Betty’s Bra, they yell out reach for it.” in the direction of Crater Lake Although each participant that they’re ready to climb to puts in individual effort to pump themselves up. reach the top, teamwork helps “A few of us will choose ac- each climber to strategically cents for the day, so we defi- reach the top of the climbing nitely try to lighten it up and wall. keep morale high,” Program “They’ll really talk each Counselor Amanda Engle other up and talk to each other said. “We like to keep things to decide where the next hand fun and safe. “ or foot will go,” Engle said. At the Railyard At the top, climbers enjoy When a crew ascends to the soaring views of the south top of Betty’s Bra, the partic- country, but the real reward is ipants are not the only ones the euphoria that comes from rejoicing. The staff celebrate overcoming fears of climbing. their climb along with them HOME OF THE “It’s a very low-risk activity, because they have to climb to considering all the equipment the top of Betty’s Bra every- we have, but it has a high per- day. ceived risk, and that makes “Being forced to climb ev- people really scared,” Camp ery day puts you in the Scout’s Director Jeff Schirtzinger shoes,” Engle said. “Here, said. “Everyone’s really ex- you never forget [the climb- cited, especially the ones ing route] because you have Vintage • Used • New that struggle to reach the top. to do it everyday. It’s always Free parking • Open 7 days a week • 505.984.1256 • www.kowboyz.com Sometimes, they’re so ex- fresh, so if they say ‘Where do 345 W. Manhattan at Guadalupe, Santa Fe, NM 87501 cited that they forget to look I go?’ and you’re up at the top around.” and can’t even see them, you 14 | PhilNews Friday, August 7, 2015 PhilmontScoutRanch.org Gearing up at Outfitting Services Marie Reynolds PhilNews A favorite for Ranger work days, “My favorite part is being able a stop crews make on both end of to see all the crews. They always their treks, and the place where have to come back to us, whether numerous staff members visit the it be to return equipment or dump food wall, Outfitting Services - of extra fuel. I really like talking to fers tremendous support for a wide crews and seeing how their trek range of people each and every was; how their gear was and gaug- day. ing what their favorite trail meals Outfitting Services provides were. The food wall is a constant necessary gear for each crew that hub of activity, so during the day comes through. They are the first when I’m stressed I can just walk commissary crews see, so they give over there and talk to staff that crews their first three-and-a-half to come by,” said Spalding. four days of food, depending on According to Spalding, the the itinerary. On the equipment workload this year has been sig- side of things, Outfitting Services nificantly greater than previous rents out packs, sells white gas, and years, and because the Outfitting gives out tents, Micropur, accesso- Services staffers are top notch this ry bags, toilet paper, cooking pots, summer, they are doing an incredi- dining flys, bear ropes, strainers, ble job of doing what they need to and scrapers. do to make the operation efficient. Each day the Outfitting Services “We are keeping an eye on the staffers work consistently to get amount of value of what we are do- crews and staff what they need in ing. I was talking to one of my staff an efficient and friendly manner. about it, and they were just blown Troop 62 Scouts from Massachusetts hang their tents to dry at Outfitting Services on Sunday, July 26, 2015. Doyle Maurer/PhilNews According to Outfitting Services away by the fact that between the Manager Sam Spalding, each day tents, Micropur and food we give needs help acquiring gear or just they serve 35 crews on average out per year, it’s over a $1.5 million wants to stop by. According to and receive anywhere from 80-120 value. That is not including pots or staffers Sam Harbaugh and Thom- boxes of food per day, adding up packs or anything else, so it is quite as Hall, Outfitting Services is a to approximately $10,000 worth of an investment. To think this is run loving family; always having fun food being sorted into their ware- by a bunch of 18-23 year olds, and and joking around with crews. house every morning. only 15 of us, its pretty amazing “Working in Outfitting Services “It can be a lot of work. Its not and rewarding,” Spalding said. is a good first-year job to have. the hardest job out there, but we This summer, a new challenge You get to interact with so many have long hours and pretty consis- the Outfitting staffers have taken different staff members and peo- tent work. We try to balance that head on is washing the tents crews ple across the ranch. We learn the with high-level customer service. take on the trail. ropes of Philmont as a whole just The biggest thing that I have tried “We washed about 1,200 tents because everyone comes through to cultivate this summer is a friend- last year. This year, we’ve washed here,” said Hall. ly and laid-back atmosphere. If about 2,500. The most we have Being one of crews’ quickest stops in Base Camp, it is obvious someone comes in for trail meals, helped crews to wash in a day was Stainless pots sit on a shelf in Outfitting Services. Scouts visit the building for all of their equip- we’ll say ‘yeah, take what you 150. We are encouraging a mixture that the Outfitting Services staff- ment needs before they leave for the backcountry. Doyle Maurer/PhilNews need.’ That is what we are here for. of things from hygiene and cus- ers understand the value of their In the past, staff would grill people tomer service to keeping up with work, striving to be as efficient and about backcountry access permits bear procedures,” Spalding said. friendly as possible to make sure or kick people out if they weren’t This summer, Spalding has im- crews have the tools they need to wearing uniform. Whats the point plemented a new aspect of work- have a memorable Philmont expe- in that? The way I see it is that if ing in Outfitting called ‘shadowing rience. you are working at a Boy Scout a ranger’, where Outfitting staffers “We’ve developed into a broth- camp, you should be able to trust shadow a ranger when they come erhood of sorts. We spend a lot of the staff in being honest and doing through to pick up crew gear. our off time hanging out together, the right thing,” said Spalding. “It gives them a glimpse of what and I think that has had a really Outfitting Services staffers keep the Rangers are doing when they huge impact on how we interact their head in the game by focus- come here and an opportunity to with everyone that comes through ing on the bigger picture of what see if they want to become a Rang- here. I try to put a lot of effort and Philmont is trying to accomplish er,” Spalding said. positivity into this job, and the each summer: giving Scouts a The dynamic of the Outfitting perseverance and positivity they memorable outdoor experience. staffers makes for a friendly envi- have shown back throughout the ronment, welcoming anyone who summer has been amazing,” Spal- Jake Sykora (left) and Conrad Milliken (right) hang their tents at Outfitting Services to check ding said. for holes and any other imperfections on Sunday, July 26, 2015. Doyle Maurer/PhilNews PhilmontScoutRanch.org Friday, August 7, 2015 PhilNews | 15 Games Word search

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“Glasses Jacket Shirt” by Matthew Shultz. First place winner in #iPhoneonly 2015 Staff Photo Contest winners “The Crossing” by Tucker Prescott, First place winner in Camper Activity and “Bonito Grazing” by Tucker Prescott, First place winner in Animals and Wildlife First place winner over all

“In the Mine” by Zachary Garmoe, First place winner in Living History “Milk Time” by Doyle Maurer, First place winner in Humor “Belie” by Mitchell Fransen, First place winner in Group Selfies and Second place winner over all

“Tooth Ridge” by Nathan Glover, First place winner in Landscapes “The Blacksmith” by Tucker Prescott, First place winner in “East Tent City Looking East” by Paul Movley, First place “Cons” by Hannah Stewart, First place winner in Staff and Third place winner over all Portraits winner in Philmont Skies Activity