The Sole Sisters We Were an Interesting Assemblage of Diverse and Talented Women, Repre- Senting Over Four Decades of Philmont’S by Laura Rosseisen One Teenage Woman

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

17 DEER RUN ROAD CIMARRON NM 87714

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

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® 5 ® High Country®—Volume 38, Number 5 October 2015 Ed Pease, Editor in this issue from the president Mark Dierker, Layout Editor

Randy Saunders, Associate Editor columns Bill Cass, Copy Editor Dave Kenneke, Staff Contributor Expanding the Circle Kevin “Levi” Thomas, Cartoonist 3 from the prez 4 Contributing Editors: Robert Birkby, David Caffey, from the editor Bill Cass, Gregory Hobbs, Warren Smith , Mark 20 mort’s gorp Stinnett, Mary Stuever, Stephen Zimmer I have run across a lot of people who new areas and program opportuni- 22 ranch roundup - rendahl have heard of but never seen Philmont ties to make sure that time spent at the Contributing Writers: Sarah Burgess Steve Lewis 23 ranch roundup - refugees Scout Ranch. They have no concept Ranch will not be forgotten. Mike Martens Jason Mascitti Larry Murphy of how large and incredible a place it I want to personally thank all the Marie Reynolds Laura Rosseisen Mitch and Christine Standard is, how it can totally change a young PSA members and guests who came to articles person’s view of mountains, hiking, the PSA Reunion in July. We had a great © 2015, The Philmont Staff Association, Inc. Southwest history, natural resources, weekend highlighted with the honor to All rights reserved. High Country® is the official magazine of the Philmont Staff Association® 5 psa news - 2015 trek Scouting, or how bonds of friendship recognize two Silver Sage Award recipi- are formed that will last a lifetime. I ents for 2015. Our Silent Auction was a 6 psa news - sole sisters would like to tell them all that, but it lot of fun and brought in about $4,000 Philmont Staff Association® 10 psa news - annual reunion would be so much easier if I could just to go toward staff scholarships. Finally, Board Of Directors 14 psa news - noac show them. there was the chance to participate in John Murphy, President What is it about this place that a week-long trek to the Backcountry. If Colleen Nutter, Vice President, Membership 16 psa news - fall phestival Tim Rosseisen, Vice President, Service makes us want to come together to you missed it, there is another shot to Adam Fromm, Secretary 18 psa news - annual fund Matt Lindsey, Treasurer share our stories with other former experience the Backcountry with the 25 philmont history - folsom man staffers? We all come from different 10th annual PSA Autumn Adventure National Directors: Amy Boyle, Ken Davis, Bryan parts of the country and have differ- October 11-16. Details on the trek and Delaney, Catherine Hubbard, Lee Huckstep, Dr. 26 philmont history - clear creek Dan Miller, Steve Rick ent backgrounds. We are spread out how to sign up are on the PSA web- 29 psa authors for oa books Regional Directors: Northeast - Kathleen Seitz, in the years we worked here and, site. As we’ve said before, you haven’t Rick Touchette 30 ptc news Central - Mitch Standard, Phil Winegardner finally, where on the Ranch we called experienced the “Full Philmont” until Southern - Anne Marie Pinkenburg, Doug Wahl 33 seton project and psa offices home. The bond is the combination of Western - Nancy Stickelman, Michael Waggoner you’ve savored her serenity and the 36 ocean exploration at philmont adventure and program you can only aspens in the fall. Jim lynch, Immediate Past President find here at Philmont. Those fantastic Mark Anderson, Philmont Staff Advisor 2015 has been a year of growth and other summers spent in New Mexico have new opportunities for the Philmont Ex Officio Members: Emery Corley, Legal Advisor, given us a baseline and a foundation in Douglas Fasching, Technology Manager Staff Association. I am so honored to be 4 bulletin board life for moving forward. To share those involved with this great organization Randy Saunders, Executive Director experiences is to rekindle the flame. ollie iell ffice anager 28 87714 pride and the amazing people who make it D O’N , O M How long has it been since you last such a success. Our mission remains 38 trail talk returned? If it has been a few years, the same – to unite past, present and PSA® FELLOWS you will be surprised at the changes in future staff to serve Philmont. As the Bob Harvey Fellow Base Camp and Training Center facili- year winds down, I encourage you to PAUL and MARY JANE HARVEY ties which make for a super-efficient help the PSA in any way you can. Your Glenn A. Fowler Fellow Philmont operation. Of course it takes BRUCE BARNES support means so much. great staff as well. Philmont met the George A. Bullock Fellow challenges of hosting 26,000 people WILLIAM D. BRYCE Members Only Access over the course of the summer of 2015. USER NAME: FLUMECANYON John Murphy Joe Davis Fellow That is an impressive task. What is BILL CASS PSA President Password: ponilcamp equally impressive is the addition of John A. Maxbauer, Jr. Fellow ANONYMOUS

Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 2 from the prez 3 from the editor psa® news

Various Odds and Ends for Our Readers’ Further Edification 2015 PSA Trek – “You Will Get Wet!” 1. The Special Issue, “Summer of ’65”, 3. Also in that issue, on pages 5 and included at page 63 a picture of the 44, the first Ranger to the right of Camp Director at French Henry the “Bridge Out” sign has been by Mike Martens to green grass and flowers in multi- on one end of a lasso and a bear identified as Will Hobbs. spectrum rainbow hues (and there were on the other with an invitation to 4. In the regular August 2015 issue at “You will get wet!” was the most some of those also)! The trail from our members to identify said CD. page 7 is a photo taken at the BSA memorable line from Mark Anderson Crater Lake to Beaubien saw vegeta- Several responses were received National Annual Meeting. The during his briefing for the 63 Trekkers tion growing to heights and density not guessing it to be Greg “Doc” person standing left is not Ken participating in the 2015 PSA Trek. seen for years. Walker – but the correct answer is: Davis, as the caption indicates, Spot on! Observational snippets from the Greg Hobbs, recently retired from but rather is Don Wilson, Past PSA This was quite a change from his crews: the Supreme Court of Colorado. President. previous years’ admonitions reviewing A kite-flying Ranger, a forgotten 2. In the same issue, a photo credit 5. A question has been raised whether fire restrictions brought on by severe mini-me, new ink on the map, impres- for the bear pictured on page 59 the PTC staff photo on page 66 drought conditions, and he was not sive hiking creds put up by two young identified the photographer as of the “Summer of ‘65” issue was exaggerating. Due to heavy rains and women, sweat lodge cool downs, an Jim Ellis. Actually, the photo is actually take in 1965. If you can resulting increased water flows, trails animal bite on the forefinger requiring a “selfie” (you have to read the provide information, it would be intersecting Philmont streams and riv- a one-day trail suspension, and a pre- article to understand), aided by appreciated. ers were missing carefully constructed, trek sojourn to the top of Wheeler Peak; Mark Clayton. decades-old bridges, and fords were and the mini-bears, where were they? submerged to depths requiring Trek- In the South Country the numbers were kers to utilize fancy, resourceful, foot- an order of magnitude fewer than in work. past years. BULLETIN BOARD This summer the requirement to Was there really an escape tunnel ® Upcoming PSA Events release pack buckles when crossing from the main Fish Camp lodge to the

PSA Fall Phestival – October 2-4, 2015 streams and bridges took on a very real cabins on the other side of the Agua Des Moines, IA relevancy. Fria? So goes the story told at Fish Contact: Jason Mascitti at [email protected] The North Fork of the Urraca trail Camp.

PSA Autumn Adventure Trek – October 11-16, 2015 from Black Mountain to the Miners Of course, a special mention must Philmont Scout Ranch Park/Shaefer’s Pass intersection was be made of Phil Yunker’s return to Contact: Steven & Cynthia Truemper at [email protected] impassable during the Trek, requiring Apache Springs, overnighting at camp-

New Years at Philmont – December 31, 2015-January 3, 2016 changes to route planning. Dry footing site one, the location of Phil’s staff tents Philmont Scout Ranch the Agua Fria crossings above Fish during his (and Apache Spring’s) first Contact: Randy Saunders at [email protected] Camp was impossible for most Trek- summer there in 1965. Phil was the first

PSA Annual Reunion – July 8-10, 2016 kers. camp director at Apache Springs when Philmont Training Center And even on the dry sections, the camp was established following the increased erosion exacerbated marginal Fish Camp flood. PSA Summer Trek – July 10-16, 2016 Philmont Scout Ranch trail conditions. To many rangers encountering their This watery blessing contributed first PSA crew, it was an experience

Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 4 from the editor psa news 5 much different than many of their regu- And on a final note, did the car Nearly 30 Philmont Treks between lar crews, watching PSA’ers skipping full of Oklahomans at the Zastrow them. through forming, storming, and norm- turnaround actually believe that they And a cumulative 65 years of staff ing, straight to performing; a tradition could get to Angel Fire by taking a service. for PSA crews, encompassing ages from Backcountry byway up the Rayado? The idea for 712 PSA-6 (forever 14 through 70+, and transcending wide Perhaps they had heard of the road that to be known in Philmont lore as PSA ranges of cultural and philosophical Waite Phillips had engineered during Sole Sisters 2015) was conceived in the viewpoints. the process of building Fish Camp, but summer of 2014, sparked by a meeting The journey continues: the 2016 had forgotten that it was destroyed of legends – the first women Rangers Trek is July 10th to 17th. The cost is when Fish Camp was completed. Or so (Kathy Leach and Nancy Wells) meet- $515; and registrations will be accepted goes the story told at Fish Camp. ing the first woman Camp Director January 1 or thereafter. (Dawn Chandler.) A few months, some phone calls and several Emails later, a unique all women crew was born. 712 PSA-6: The Sole Sisters We were an interesting assemblage of diverse and talented women, repre- senting over four decades of Philmont’s by Laura Rosseisen One teenage woman. history. In the years to come we’ll tell One Ranger, the child of former stories about our trek, and reflect on The Sole Sisters going through Lower Bonita staffers who were contemporaries of our journey in the mountains of New before heading up and over Fowler Pass and Ponder for just a moment the numbers. down into Crater. 13 adult women, most in their 50s many women in the crew. Mexico in the summer of 2015. and 60s. Six days on the trail. What will we remember? camp? Certainly our Ranger, Bonnie War- Songs that came tumbling back rick. A woman with ties to our past, from the recesses of our minds where firmly planted in the present and memories lived from Girl Scouts, fam- confident about the future. She’s part of ily road trips, raising our children and a team that includes articulate, talented 70s pop music – Helen Reddy’s “I Am and remarkably courageous young Woman, Hear Me Roar” on the way people – the future of Philmont and the from Apache Springs to Crooked Creek. PSA. Or the ease with which Mary remem- The rust we all felt that first day in bered EVERY verse of “The Other Day, the Backcountry – remembering how I Saw a Bear” and that said song when to use a map and compass, organizing sung at high volume is now proven to gear for easy access, searching for a effectively scare away a bear. good place to pitch a tent, and need- Wet-foot crossings that rival those ing nearly an hour and repeated tries encountered in the Boundary Waters. before finally getting the bear bag rope The green from the abundance of rain over what was surely the single tallest in the Backcountry accompanied by bear cable at the Ranch. Re-acquainting the knowledge that the same rains ourselves with the meaning of the brought destruction and tragic loss. The Sole Sisters pose for their crew photo prior to their trek. clouds – will it rain before we get to profusion of wildflowers unmatched in

6 psa news Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 psa news 7 appreciate the peace and serenity that comes from being in the Backcountry – and the worthwhile effort it takes once home to harvest those feelings again. The joys of the journey are as much about your companions along the way, not just the remarkable views, the miles covered or the camps at the end of the day. That the most difficult part isn’t necessarily about overcoming physical challenges but emotional ones – where do I fit in? What can I contribute? Do I really belong with this group of The product of the Sole Sisters’s conservation project at Beaubien. remarkable women? That to believe in oneself isn’t just a anyone’s memory. cupine. Remembering how the stove pithy phrase but a deep seated strength got to Crooked Creek and the beauty of The comfort of being welcomed as that can propel you from one mile, one Mary Steuver loading up, complete with back- a member of the crew despite the lack that meadow. The porch at Beaubien – hour, one day to the next. packing guitar and with assistance from Toi Geil. of shared history and experience. The and re-learning how to throw a lasso. That self-reliance is still possible to pleasure of listening to stories told by Conservation work is HARD. Fowler build, even after decades of living. Said the author Willa Cather, “we others, the simple progression of one Pass – steeper than we remembered. To remember to live life like it’s an come and go, but the land is always foot in front of the other. The amazing view from the top of spar adventure. Because it is. here.” The satisfaction of cooperation, poles at Crater Lake (were they AL- 25 – 35 – 45 years later, Philmont re- It was an experience that exceeded abundant humor, and collective sup- WAYS that tall and wobbly?) The bliss mains. Our faded memories have been our expectations. port for each individual. of a well-crafted, good-old-fashioned brightened by new ones. New program adventures – orga- campfire program. nized and spontaneous – throughout The bittersweet feeling of the last our journey. Weeding the garden at morning’s hike – sadness over the end Abreu after a tour of the house. Mexi- of the journey but joy in reuniting with can dinner. The stories (fictitious and our families. otherwise) of the door in the old Abreu Coming back to basecamp with staff cabin. Hiking the Rayado trail that mixed emotions – I WANT TO GO has withstood the test of time decades BACK! But I really, really want a hot after it was built. The flowers! The shower and a good cup of coffee. comfort of knowing ‘Waite’ was still And what did we learn? hosting guests at Fish Camp. Shooting The rules and practices have arrows and HITTING THE TARGETS. changed – a LOT – but only so that Sunset on the ridge above Apache generations more can enjoy the beauty Springs. The flowers! Cold water after a that is Philmont. good sweat. Lunch on the trail at Por- The older we get, the more we

Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 8 psa news psa news 9 Annual PSA Reunion Draws over 150 Participants

The Philmont Staff Association’s annual Staff Activity Center. The annual busi- reunion at Philmont was on the week- ness meeting was well attended by the end of July 10 at the Philmont Training membership on Saturday afternoon. Center. Over 150 PSA members, family, The new veranda at the PTC Dining guests, and trekkers gathered for a Hall was dedicated in honor of PSA weekend of fun and fellowship. The Presidents Jim Lynch and John Murphy reunion featured a gathering of 1965 prior to dinner. The Silver Sage Award Rangers and staff who shared stories, ceremony recognized the Order of the experiences, and photos from the mas- Arrow and Dr. Kenneth Goertz for sive flood that impacted Philmont 50 their service to Philmont. The evening years ago. wrapped up with a concert by Tom The weekend was packed full of Munch. activity, starting with the Rabbi Zeke The silent auction raised $4,000 for Porch Talk on Friday night. Elder David scholarships. The reunion concluded Wilson moderated the event which fea- with trekkers heading over to Camping tured good conversation and lots of ice HQ to begin check-in for their week- The Murphy-Lynch Family Veranda provides an ideal spot for PTC participants to congregate. cream. On Saturday morning, attendees long treks. Thanks to the Philmont participated in hikes to the Tooth of staff for their hard work making the Time and Lovers Leap, and completed weekend a huge success. service by painting at the Silver Sage

(left to right) former Philmont GM John Clark, PSA President John Murphy, Past PSA President Jim Over 150 PSA members, family, and friends gathered at PTC for the Annual Reunion. Lynch, and Philmont GM Kevin Dowling pose for a photo following the Veranda dedication at the Annual Reunion.

Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 10 psa news Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 psa news 11 Gene Schnell and Brad Haddock accept the Silver Sage Award on behalf of the Order of the Arrow.

1965 Rangers gather at the PSA Reunion to share their memories of the Flood.

Phil Yunker, who played so prominently in the events of the “Summer of ‘65” took this photo from the Dawn Chandler and Mark Stinnett present the Silver Sage Award to Dr. Kenneth Goertz. road to Springer, looking back at Philmont as he headed home, 50 years later. Those receiving High Country online have the benefit of the stunning colors in this photograph.

12 psa news Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 ranch roundup 13 PSA has Large Showing at NOAC

The National Order of the Arrow Sage Award recognition was high- Conference convened from August 3-8 lighted on three occasions at NOAC. at Michigan State University. Roughly First, Randy Saunders, PSA Executive 15,000 Arrowmen gathered for a week Director, presented the medal to Alex of seminars, competitions, fellowship Call, National OA Chief, at the staff and celebration as the OA marked its show. Then the award was celebrated at 100th anniversary. The OA is the BSA’s the Tuesday night arena show that rec- honor camping society committed to ognized other national service award providing service nationwide. recipients. Finally, the Silver Sage Philmont and the PSA were pres- Award itself was displayed at the High ent at NOAC with a large showing Adventure Reunion, held on Thursday throughout the week’s events. Phil- at the Philmont tent. mont’s Order of the Arrow Trail Crew The High Adventure Reunion host- provided staff support throughout the ed over 200 former OA Trail Crew staff week. There was a large tent on-site and participants, as well as those who displaying and promoting Philmont have participated in the OA’s programs Conservation, the Philmont Training at Northern Tier, Florida Sea Base, and Center, and individual youth programs the Summit. There was plenty of fel- PSA Life Member John Moore shares Philmont staff information with an Arrowman. such as Rayado and Trail Crew Trek. lowship and ice cream at this event. The Philmont Staff Association had Special thanks to Scott Beckett for a table in the tent, where Scholarship organizing the High Adventure Re- Buckles were sold. The other BSA High union, John Moore for helping staff the Adventure bases had displays at the PSA table all week, and the Philmont tent, too. OATC staff for providing support to the The Order of the Arrow’s Silver PSA throughout the conference.

Philmont GM and recent OA Distinguished Service Award recipient Kevin Dowling visits with OA Current and former OA High Adventure staff attend a reunion at NOAC. Trail Crew staff at NOAC.

Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 14 psa news psa news 15 2015 Fall Phestival Highlights early life the town of Gravity. The Washington of Waite Phillips County Cemetery is on the edge of Lunch town and includes the Phillips family plot with the graves of Waite’s parents, Picnic lunch will be provided at the There’s still time to join your PSA the age of 16 and served in the western his sister Etta, and of his brother Wiate. gorgeous Lake of the Three Fires State friends for what will surely be another theater of the war for the next four Park in Taylor County. of those “once in a lifetime Philmont years. Creston historical journeys” - this time through Dinner the Iowa homes and farms of the Phil- First Phillips Farm Northeast of Conway, Creston was lips family, the places that shaped Waite within range of the Phillips boys. Frank Reception, dinner, and entertain- Phillips’s character. The Fall Phestival About 10 miles east of Bedford is found work there as a barber, and soon ment will be at the Sheraton West Des will be held October 2-4, 2015. Contact the land Lewis Phillips owned dur- owned all the town’s barbershops. He Moines. the PSA office immediately to join in. ing the year the boys were born. The would eventually own the bank there. 575-376-1138. farmhouse and any other buildings that had stood there are long gone, but Taylor County Historical Museum – the rolling terrain is the same and the Bedford landscape gives a strong suggestion of the Iowa origin that gave Waite Phil- Exhibits of Phillips family pho- lips much of the conservation ethic he tographs and the 1/4-sized covered would carry with him for the rest of his wagon with “WOLAROC or Bust!” life. painted on the canvas. People at the museum know much about the Phillips Second Phillips Farm family and will provide a tour of the museum and background information. When the twins were two years old, the Phillips family moved to a farm Downtown Bedford four miles north of the small town of Conway. The place where their home The courthouse was built in 1892 stood is now owned by Paul Chandler. when Waite and Wiate were nine years A small bit of the foundation of the old, so they would have known it. In an Phillips’ home is visible in the lawn upstairs vault, the County Recorder’s alongside Mr. Chandler’s house. Office has the 1876 hand-written docu- ment, signed by Waite’s father Lewis Conway Phillips, giving him title to 40 acres of land east of Bedford that could well The town the boys would have have been the birthplace of the twins. A known the best as they were growing Civil War statue in front of the court- up. house offers the opportunity to discuss his father’s remarkable service during Gravity that conflict. The elder Mr. Phillips enlisted in the Union Army in 1861 at A few miles west of Conway is

Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 16 psa news psa news 17 PSA Annual Fund Seeks Donations

Over 26,000 people experienced • A voice with Philmont management Philmont this past summer by back- and the Philmont Ranch Commit- packing on its trails or spending a week tee. attending a conference at the Philmont Training Center. With the additional The goal for this year’s Annual acreage of the Chase Ranch and Cimar- Fund drive is $87,000, and we need roncita, Philmont seeks to provide even your help to meet that challenge. As a more wilderness adventures and life- member of the PSA, your support for changing experiences in the future. Philmont is vital. How can you help As Philmont and its programs con- us meet this challenge? You can make Step up to the 19.73 Club and get this cool sticker. tinue to grow, but additional BSA finan- a donation to the 2015 Annual Fund cial and other support is constrained, it when you receive the annual appeal Many of our members donate to the Annual Fund later in the year and we appre- is important for the Philmont Staff As- in the mail, or you can go online right ciate that. In order to have funds to operate year round, we created the 19.73 Club sociation to grow as well. As a partner now and do it electronically at www. so small monthly amounts would help keep us going. It is painless and a great to Philmont, the PSA provides service philstaff.com. way to support the PSA. and support to the program and staff One option for you to donate to Signing up is super easy! Set up a monthly donation of just $19.73. that we all love so much and which the Annual Fund is by joining the would otherwise not be available. With 19.73 Club. Through this program you • Donate via credit/debit card monthly; to register, use the following link: our membership now more than 3100 can donate $19.73 monthly with an http://store.philstaff.com/1973club.html and still growing, we are increasingly automatic withdrawal and transfer. If • Set up an automated check from your bank account for $19.73 monthly. able to do so even as the needs also you join or renew your membership Contact the PSA Office for assistance setting up an automatic monthly increase. in the 19.73 Club by December 31, donation (575) 376-1138. The Annual Fund is instrumental you will be placed in a drawing for a in providing the resources necessary super-duty YETI cooler. The drawing HERE IS A BONUS! This year we will have another giveaway to say THANK to support Philmont’s growth and will be held at the New Year’s Cel- YOU to all our 19.73 Club members. strengthen its programs. Here are some ebration at Philmont. The winner will of the great services the PSA provides: be announced on our website, www. The PSA will hold a drawing for a really nice Yeti ice chest. To be eligible for the drawing you must join or renew by philstaff.com, on New Year’s Day. December 31st, 2015. That’s all there • Scholarships for Rayado and ROCS To make a contribution, send a is to it. participants. check to the PSA office at 17 Deer Run • Scholarships for staff attending Road, Cimarron, NM 87714, contact the We will draw one name from among college. PSA office via phone (575) 376-1138, or our current and future Club members • The Staff Amigos program. visit our website, www.philstaff.com to receive the cooler. The drawing • Reunions and Treks. to contribute online. With your gift, the will be held at the Ranch on New • High Country, our award winning PSA will be able to continue its support Year’s Eve. You are welcome to join magazine, for news and updates. of Philmont, its programs, and its staff. the celebration, but not required to be • The PSA website and e-newsletters. Thank you. present to win.

Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 18 psa news 19.73 19 mort’s gorp derful Italian homemade meal. 5. When the onions are clearly soft and clear and beginning to brown add the 4 cans of tomatoes. Then fill one of the by Jason Mascitti in the dutch oven or my favorite dish, Ingredients empty cans with cold water and add it Mascitti Spaghetti. Actually, my wife, 4 cans Cento tomatoes to the sauce. Bring to a boil. Over the years, almost all of my cu- Julie (Julie Huiras 80,81,82) coined the 1 16 oz can Contadina Tomato paste 6. As the tomatoes begin to boil, blend linary skills came from two sources, name of the sauce as many Italian chefs 4 cloves garlic crushed them using an electric emersion blender my Sicilian mother and the Philmont are already vain enough without nam- 1 large yellow onion (or manually crush the contents with a Backcountry. Frankly, I found this to be ing their dishes. Hot cayenne pepper to taste large fork or spatula). an odd, but welcome hybrid as combin- This summer while at Clarks Fork, 3 tablespoons of canola oil 7. When the tomatoes are crushed and ing rich Italian traditions with fine the staff and I got into a wonderful Salt blended, slow the boil to a simmer for outdoor skills and good wood stove cooking conversation. It was Day 6, so Pepper several hours. Add a few leaves of basil fires gave me a nice blend of how to I guess this was allowed. Naturally for Fresh basil and a few shakes of dried oregano. combine proper ingredients, heat, cook- me the discussion ended up talking Oregano 8. Add the tomato paste, allowing the ing and such. about spaghetti sauce or “gravy” as we sauce to continue to simmer. You may I’d actually give Philmont the edge call it on the east coast. When I arrived 1. In a large stockpot, place 3 to 5 table- add hot cayenne pepper during this because it was there for four summers home, I sent the staff and particularly spoons of oil. Turn on med high. process. Be careful to not add too much. in the High Country that I was thrown Chef Rock Rohrbacher a sauce kit that 2. While the oil is heating, dice one But I DEFINITELY recommend this into the figurative fire and often found included everything he would need to large onion and the garlic. option. myself wanting and having to prepare assemble the sauce. 3. Place the onion and garlic into the 9. Cook on low simmer for several a dinner for 4, 8 or sometimes 10 Phil- This is a combo of my mom’s spe- warm oil, salt and pepper, nearly cover- hours. Taste as you go. staff. It was fun. And it still is. cial techniques and my Phil experience. ing the onion. Sauté until the onions are 10. Serve that evening or the next day Now with fall approaching I really The real joy of this experiment is that it soft and clear. for best results over hot, steamy pasta! enjoy a Sunday afternoon to whip up a takes about 15 minutes to prepare, all 4. While the onion and garlic are sauté- 11. Don’t forget to add the garlic bread crock pot of beans, something cooked day to cook, and get ready for a won- ing, open the 4 cans of tomatoes and meat of your choice (if you eat meat— the paste. add it to the sauce.)

Backcountry Cookbook Recipe Appeal

The Backcountry Cookbook was first created years ago to provide Philmont’s Backcountry staffs with a resource useful for preparing meals using items provided in a the typical commissary. The first edition had plenty of SPAM recipes. The latest revision of the cookbook was done in 2009. Now it is time to update the cookbook again. If you have recipes that were used in Backcountry camps, please send them in to be added to the newest version of the Backcountry Cookbook. We are looking for recipes for entrees, appetiz- ers, desserts, drink concoctions (non-alcoholic of course), dips and other edible treats that have graced dining tables in the Philmont Backcountry. To submit your recipes, send them to: [email protected] or mail to: PSA, 17 Deer Run Road, Cimarron, NM 87714. The new Backcountry Cookbook will be available for purchase in the Spring of 2016.

20 mort’s gorp Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 mort’s gorp 21 ranch roundup Refugee Troop Visits Philmont

Rendahl Appointed Director of by Marie Reynolds -PhilNews many of the boys. He owns and oper- ates Mango House, an organization in Philmont Training Center Edited and reprinted with permission of Aurora, CO, which offers numerous PhilNews services for former refugees. Philmont Scout Ranch and Training nesota – a Bachelor of Arts in History The boys live near East Colfax Center announce the appointment of and a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and From family doctor to Scout troop in Denver, one of Colorado’s most Matt Rendahl as Associate Director of Theological Studies. leader, P.J. Parmar has created an op- impoverished areas. The boys are all on Program – Philmont Training Center He also has a rich Philmont back- portunity for refugee youth in Denver, welfare, food stamps and Medicaid and (Senior Program Administration Spe- ground. He served as an instructor for CO, to get involved in Scouting and the have little to no parental involvement cialist). He succeeds Andrea Watson the National Junior Leader Instructor outdoors. in the Scouts. and will begin duties October 1. Course at the Ranch in 2000 and as the Troop 1532 is a group of refugee “I grew up in Scouts and went to Rendahl currently serves as As- NJLIC Senior Patrol Leader in 2001. He boys from Nepal, DRC/Rwanda, Philmont. I worked there [Philmont] sociate Director of Program at the was a Ranger in 2001 and 2002; Logis- Somalia and Burma (Myanmar). There for about a dozen full summers: ranger, BSA’s Northern Tier High Adventure tics Staff, Autumn Guide and Mainte- are typically 15-30 Scouts speaking five infirmary, Backcountry and conserva- Base, where he gave leadership to the nance Staff in 2008; and Camp Director different languages any time the troop tion. I went to med-school, opened my bases in Atikokan, Ontario, and Bisset, at Miranda in 2009. is together. office and now I’ve started this troop,” Manitoba. He has worked in a variety Parmar is the family physician for said Parmar. of positions at Northern Tier since first joining its staff in September 2009. New Mexico Road Conditions He has two baccalaureate degrees 800-432-4269 from Bethel College in Saint Paul, Min-

Dr. (and Scoutmaster) P.J. Parmar, fourth from right, with members of Troop 1532.

Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 22 ranch roundup ranch roundup 23 Parmar returned to Philmont for a ness therapy program, contributed 30 philmont history week last July to be a PhilDoc. pairs of hiking boots. He has now made arrangements for The troop formed in October of 2014 Troop 1532 to come to Philmont on trek and they have since been on a number Folsom Man Had His Descendants in the summer of 2016. of camping trips. The trips included This year Parmar reached out to ice climbing at Camp Alexander, a Editor’s Note: Staff members of the late One of the earliest and most famous Philmont’s Director of Program, Mark program affiliated with the Pikes Peak 1960s will remember Larry Murphy as discoveries of early man in all North Anderson, asking for any gear the Council, and a trail building project Philmont’s Assistant Program Director, America was made in 1926 near Folsom boys in Troop 1532 would be able to with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado working in tandem with longtime Program in western Union County, New Mexico. use. This request went straight into the (VOC) at the Lower Cottonwood Trail. Director Jerry Traut. Murphy circulated in Scientists’ earlier beliefs that man hands of Steve Hentzelman, assis- “They aren’t just receiving, they the Backcountry and coached staff members had occupied the new world for only tant manager of security, who works, are sharing and learning about what in “unnatural” programs including burro a few thousand years were suddenly largely, with the lost-and-found items trail building and Scouting is all about. racing and Indian ethnology, while Traut shattered by the discovery. that accumulate over the summer. When they come out here and hike a worked with program counselors respon- Along a semi-permanent branch Hentlzelman said that every spring trail that is well maintained, they will sible for “natural” programs like field of the Cimarron River excavations the prior year’s unclaimed items are already have that appreciation.” biology and paleontology. Propelled by his revealed prehistoric animal bones in contributed to a rummage sale held in Troop 1532 continues to look for Philmont experience, Larry became a histo- association with man-made spear and Cimarron. dedicated volunteers. rian, writing his Master’s thesis on Baldy arrow points. Using their knowledge “This year they had already had it, If you, or someone you know, re- mining and earning a Ph.D. at Texas Chris- of when these prehistoric bison had so we were rounding up the bags and sides in the Denver area and would like tian University. As a university professor, been exterminated, archaeologists esti- Mark came by with a letter from P.J. to get involved with this Scout troop, he specialized in western American history mated that Folsom Man lived between and asked if we could see what we can you can reach them through their Face- and increasingly took on administrative 10,000 and 25,000 years ago. Other get for this crew. I sent them four boxes book page, “Boy Scout Troop 1532.” roles. Larry held faculty appointments at Folsom points found throughout the with 11 rain jackets, 17 fleeces, 27 water Additionally, if you have any gear you several universities. He was Professor of Plains area indicate that this civilization bottles, 15 wide brim hats, and one tent would like to donate you can contact History and Director of the Lifelong Learn- extended over much of mid-America. stuff sack bag,” Hentzelman said. the troop through Facebook or give it to ing at Wayne State University in Detroit Although no Folsom points are According to Hentzelman, Bill Sas- Steve Hentzelman in the Security office at the time of his death in 1987. Murphy’s known to have been found in Colfax sani, Philmont author and a senior field to hold for Parmar’s next trip to the notable historical works include Philmont: County, the men who made them may instructor at Second Nature, a wilder- Ranch. A History of New Mexico’s Cimarron well have trekked across the area in Country (1972), and Lucien Bonaparte search of game. Workmen obtaining Philmont Ranger Hat Maxwell: Napoleon of the Southwest materials for roadwork on Philmont (1983). Following the organization of the Ranch near Cimarron have found the The Philmont Ranger hats are back! Philmont Staff Association, Murphy was fossilized remains of prehistoric Mam- Based on two Ranger hats from the an early editor of High Country, serv- moths near Urraca Creek. Now dis- past, you may choose from a green ing in that capacity for approximately five played at the Scouts’ Rayado museum cap with gold lettering or a tan cap years. they demonstrate that these woolly with green lettering. Both have the animals might have been successfully words “Philmont Rangers” embroi- While Anasazi people were moving hunted by early man. dered on the front and “Humble southward along the Rio Grande and After the demise of Folsom man, a Pride” on the back. $20. eastward across the Sangre de Cristo prolonged drought prevented occupa- Order online at philstaff.com or by Mountains, other Indians were entering tion of the Plains for several thousand calling the PSA office at 575-376-1138. Colfax County from the Great Plains. years. But the new Indian groups who

Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 24 ranch roundup philmont history 25 had arrived by 2,500 B.C. also had a usually unpainted and always poorer before we could see them. Our food hot shower or a slice of pizza. Some hunting oriented economy. Animals than that of the Pueblos. supply was hauled into Clear Creek by people called this “going native” but were in such short supply, however, so With the Pueblo people living to pack train that summer and we knew we simply wanted to continue living in that seed and root gathering was also the west and Plains Indians in the east, the mules were approaching by the harmony with our natural surround- necessary to survive; the women may a unique marginal culture in Colfax scent on the breeze. When the normal ings. I’m sure you have felt the same even have cultivated small farms along County mixed cultural traits from both. chatter of birds ceased and the woods way many times during your Philmont creekbeds. Residing in many of the region’s fertile became unusually quiet, it told us that experience. It is quite satisfying, and Deprived of the horse as a means of foothill valleys, these people were the something new was about to happen. we didn’t want to leave our mountain transportation, these Indians had a cul- first to live in the area over extended Almost instinctively we started to sense home. ture far less colorful than that of subse- periods of time. From archaeological subtle changes in the weather and After that summer at Clear Creek quent Plains inhabitants. Crude brush, investigations carried out by scientists would adjust our activities accordingly. my life took a different turn - not in a wood or stone houses provided little from Philmont, the Museum of New Although they were by no means bad direction, just a different one. Over comfort; slowly dwellings increased in Mexico and elsewhere, we have learned tame, the local wildlife grew accus- time the activities of family and career size and permanence. From Indians much about these Ponil People, the tomed to us and accepted us as part of led away from Philmont and often moving onto the flatlands from the subject of another chapter in our story. the landscape that summer. Wearing limited the time that I could spend im- east, they also learned to make pottery, moccasins allowed us to feel the texture mersed in the natural world. Technol- of the ground under our feet, and we ogy is not a bad thing, but in later years A Clear Creek Life Lesson learned to move through the woods I often found myself living inside a as silently as the deer. It was a stark technological bubble. Having made my by Steve Lewis things we did and how those things contrast to the jarring noise of a Scout living with technology for the better played a part in the larger culture of crew hiking the trail to Mount Phillips. part of four decades, I can look back Clear Creek provided a once-in-a- that time. History came alive. They had not yet learned to belong in and see there were times when I let my lifetime opportunity in the summer of I remember Philmont Program that wilderness world. life get out of balance. 1974. It was only the third year that a Director Joe Clay expressing concern During our normal activities we In his thought-provoking books mountain man program was offered that we had all “gone native,” and would pause to enjoy the little things Richard Louv uses the phrase “Nature- at Philmont, so we were still inventing periodically they had to force us to re- in our surroundings. Looking into the Deficit Disorder” to describe the physi- things as we went along. Scouts and turn to base camp for health and safety sky to follow the graceful flight of a cal, psychological, and spiritual effects staff alike were entranced by the almost reasons. I suppose this was partly true, hawk soaring on a thermal. Watching of living in modern society. He asks, mystical atmosphere at Clear Creek, as but no one stopped to ask WHY we had a ladybug pursue its tiny prey across a “What would our lives be like if our if all of us had stepped through a time gone native. Something unexpected fragrant wild rose petal. Burying one’s days and nights were as immersed in portal to bygone days. and life-changing happened. In our nose in the deep folds of a Ponderosa nature as they are in technology?” The We were given a unique environ- effort to present a Philmont program, pine tree to decide whether it smelled more high-tech our lives become, the ment in which to teach the history of we program counselors were trans- like vanilla or butterscotch. These were more contact with nature is needed to the fur trade and the exploration of formed by the very program that was moments of marvel and wonder, and achieve natural balance. Nature helps the Rocky Mountain West. Having intended to benefit others. Taking on the soul was refreshed and cleansed us to feel healthy and fully alive. endured many classroom lectures from the characteristics of those who lived in somehow. A wealth of recent research con- academic historians, I was thrilled that the wilderness, Nature came alive for We were intimately in touch with cludes that a connection with nature is we had a chance to teach history dif- us. our natural world and our sense of at- essential for human well-being. Even ferently. We could live a trapper’s life We quickly grew so attuned to tachment was real. We belonged there, in urban environments it is important and involve “outsiders” in our activi- sounds that we could predict when and we couldn’t think of a good reason to encourage connections with soil ties, sharing our reasons for doing the a new crew would be arriving long to go anywhere else -- not even for a and sun, plants and wildlife, outdoor

26 philmont history Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 philmont history 27 activity and fresh air. Wherever we Thoreau’s adventure at Walden Pond. PSA Members Involved in New OA Books find ourselves we can promote nature But we can seek to imbibe large doses Published at Centennial OA Conference therapy to enhance our own mental of nature wherever we are. and physical health, as well as that of Describing one of his tramps people around us. In Scouting terms, through the natural world, Muir said, without periodic connections with na- “I beheld the countless hosts of the ture it may be impossible for us to keep forests hushed and tranquil, towering The Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s and Bill Topkis of Park City, UT. An ad- ourselves physically strong, mentally above one another on the slopes of the national honor society, held its Centen- ditional number of contributors are also awake, and morally straight. hills like a devout audience. The setting nial OA Conference in early August listed as having added to the work. John Muir once said, “Thousands sun filled them with amber light and at Michigan State University. New Reissued with a new cover is of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized seemed to say while they listened, ‘My records were set, with more than 14,700 Block’s superb biography of OA Found- people are beginning to find out that peace I give to you.’” Nature is the in attendance from all over the nation er, E. Urner Goodman, A Thing of the wilderness is a necessity, and that ultimate stress reliever. When we start (and a few from Europe and Asia). As Spirit, which was originally published mountain parks are useful not only sweating the small stuff, we should get a part of the event, two new books in 2000. This is also available online, as fountains of timber and irrigating outdoors to be reminded of what really were published which are now avail- for $10. rivers, but as fountains of life.” That matters. Take time to evaluate your able online, and PSA members were An updated fountain of life is exactly what I expe- own “Nature-Deficit” quotient. All of heavily involved. version of The rienced for a summer at Clear Creek. us need a connection with the natural A wonderful “scrapbook,” called Brotherhood of I may never again be able to live with world. Take the Nature prescription. Bound in Broth- Cheerful Service: nature like I did that summer. Few of Refills: unlimited. Learn a life lesson erhood, was A History of us will have the opportunity to reenact from Clear Creek. made available the Order of the in paperback Arrow, by PSA for $25 and in member Dr. Ken Where are YOU showing your 87714 Pride? leather for $200. Davis, brought It contains a that story up to picture story of date in the 4th Because of Infirmary (health lodge) staff Robin Robie-Lucero RN and the Order from edition, last published in 2000. The cost Stephen Lucero MD, 87714 ap- its founding in of this book is $15. peared at the Villa Gaeta ( the James July of 1915 to All three publications are available Bond Villa) and at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Flower, Duomo in Flor- the present. A significant number of via the OA national web site at: www. ence, Italy. pictures from oa-bsa.org. Click in the upper right the early days corner on “OA Trading Post” and then

Share your 87714 sightings with us of the OA which click on Books and Videos for the Block for future use on the website, in High have never and Davis books. The Bound in Broth- Country or both! E-mail HIGHCOUN- been published erhood scrapbook is listed in the same [email protected] with your sightings, and if for some inexplicable rea- are included. place, but under “OA Endowment.” son you don't have your 87714 sticker This work yet, contact the PSA to purchase some was edited by at eminently reasonable prices. Shop The 87714 sticker in front of the Villa Gaeta in for T-Shirts (and other cool 87714 Nelson Block of Florence, Italy. gear) at www.philstaff.com. Houston, TX, a PSA member,

Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 28 philmont history oa books 29 ptc news ing a week at PTC. These weeks will enable each region to highlight specific topics related to the BSA’s Journey to PTC 2nd Season Continues to Expand Excellence program and focus on their specific Scouting needs. Each region has carefully planned the conferences for their week, designed to help move conferences end to Mother’s Day. Scouting forward in their area. Each year PTC hosts over 2,300 people during this time of year! Gone are the • Southern Region Week: June 19-25 days when PTC would shut down for • Western Region Week: July 10-16 the winter. The busiest months are to be inspired by the Waite Phillips • Central Region Week: July 17-23 September-November and March-mid story and these council retreats • Northeast Region Week: July 24-30 May. These 2nd season groups provide provide a unique way for local another key way that Philmont is able BSA councils to connect with ad- to connect with local Scout councils ditional resources. and other groups from around the • Philmont adventures: These events country. They include: include reunions, youth groups, • Council adventures: A council National Camp Schools, BSA adventure can be any length of national council events and other days, can be at PTC or also utilize exciting programs. It may be a secret to some, but the Philmont’s Backcountry, and can • Sportsman adventures: Hunt- Philmont Training Center 2nd Season be anywhere from 10-50 people. ing and fishing at Philmont are Conferences for each region week is a bustling time of year, full of excit- Councils use this opportunity to some Scouters’ first experience at include topics such as Council and Dis- ing Philmont programs. The PTC 2nd cultivate volunteer relationships Philmont. These guided hunts and trict Key Three, various Commissioner Season runs from the day the summer and possible donors. It is hard not fishing excursions allow individu- Courses, Executive Board training and als to experience one of Waite Phil- many others. Conferences will be avail- lips’s favorite pastimes. able for Scouters at all levels including 2015 PSA Belt Buckle Available! Every group is unique and provides unit, district, council, and area. Scouters the PTC and Philmont staff a chance to from all regions will be welcome to The theme for this year’s buckle is the show off different parts of the Ranch. attend any of the weeks, but there will 100th anniversary of the Order of the Most groups enjoy Suburban tours, be special regional emphasis to some Arrow. All proceeds from sales go to shooting sports, fly fishing, hiking and, activities. Region leadership will be the PSA Staff Scholarship Fund. of course, world class food service. If on hand to meet with volunteers and you are interested in finding out more professionals in attendance regarding Crafted by a local artist, buckles will about PTC’s 2nd season programs, con- opportunities and challenges they face be available in the following metals: tact [email protected]. in their local units, districts and councils. For more information regarding Pewter - $25 retail Back in 2016! Region Focused Weeks the 2016 PTC Conference schedule and Bronze - $30 retail Order online at philstaff.com or by at PTC to register, visit www.philmonttrain- Two-tone - $65 retail calling the PSA office at 575-376-1138. ingcenter.org or E-mail trainingcenter@ In 2016, each region of the BSA is host- philmontscoutranch.org.

Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 30 ptc news ptc news 31 2016 Visual Storytelling Photography showing the story of Scouting. The Seton Project and the Philmont Workshop at Philmont This exciting conference is a part- Staff Association Offices nership between the BSA and Canon. Imagine thousands of Scouters Canon provides an incredible amount armed with still cameras and video re- of equipment and instructional exper- corders, hunting great Scouting stories tise to help each participant feel pre- to share via social media sites. That’s pared to leave ready to build an army of Scouting storytellers and spread the word about our great movement to those who haven’t yet come aboard. Register today at www.philmonttrain- ingcenter.org. by Mitch and Christine Standard that the PSA is a vital partner and 2016 PTC Promotional Materials Now valuable asset/resource for the Ranch Available What an exciting time to be a mem- as a whole, and that they desire for the ber of the Philmont Staff Association! Philmont Staff Association to be even Are you looking for information to Philmont Scout Ranch has recently more visible and accessible onsite. give your friends about PTC? Contact announced another significant expan- The chance to have our own office the vision for the Visual Storytelling PTC and request a packet of our brand sion project to take place at the Ranch. building located at what is being de- conference at Philmont Training Center new promotional materials! These They are going to more than double the signed to be the central hub of visibility July 31-August 6, 2016. materials include size of the Seton Library and Philmont for Philmont, with not only the pro- Photography is a great way to share Museum building into an entire edu- gram participants at both the Philmont stories and the BSA has a terrific story • 2016 PTC Conference Brochures cational complex with enhanced and Training Center and Camping Head- to tell. In fact cameras and Scouting • PTC Posters expanded exhibit areas, research areas quarters, but also the Staff (both full have been together since the organiza- • Family Program Brochures and material storage and restoration time and seasonal) and the traveling tion’s earliest days. The first photo- • National Advanced Youth Leader- area, and meeting rooms. The Seton public is arguably one of the greatest graph in a BSA publication was a 1911 ship Experience (NAYLE) flyers Library and Philmont Museum campus opportunities that the Philmont Staff Handbook advertisement for an easy • Philmont Leadership Challenge will also eventually include a re-cre- Association has been afforded in our to use camera called the Brownie. Now (PLC) flyers ation of one of Waite Phillips’s early gas long history at the Ranch. The chance Scouts carry cameras everywhere they stations. As with other recent building to move out of our current location in go! The Visual Storytelling Workshop Additionally, we will send a DVD projects on Philmont, the Philmont Staff a small room at PTC and into our own is designed to help Scouters tell the containing videos about the Philmont Association has agreed to partner with building centrally located for all of Scouting story with today’s tools and Training Center and other Philmont Ranch management in raising some of Philmont is a great honor, compliment, technology. programs. Are you going to a local the funds for this project. and vote of confidence paid to us by Attendees will learn the basics of Scouting event? You can also request to An exciting moment for the Philmont. multimedia storytelling, how to publish borrow banners about PTC and other Philmont Staff Association is that we Plans have been drawn up by to the Web, and techniques for passing Philmont programs from the Camp- have been invited by the Philmont Philmont’s architect to insure that our on what they learn. This conference is ing Headquarters office. To request Ranch Committee and Ranch manage- PSA office blends and flows smoothly intended for those who have at least promotional materials, please contact ment to construct our own standalone with the expanded Seton complex. some experience with still photography [email protected] PSA Office building as part of the Seton There will be several offices, a reception and/or video, and have a passion for or call (575) 376-2281. complex. They have consistently stated area, storage space, and a large meet-

Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 32 ptc news seton project 33 ing room in our new home. The PSA privilege to have both our son Joshua offices will be connected to the Seton and our daughter Elisabeth serve Library and Philmont Museum by a on staff for many years, both having paved patio area, and additional meet- served multiple years as camp direc- ing room will be available for us there. tors. Our daughter-in-law MaryJo One of the best features of our new also served at Philmont as a Ranger building will be the fact that Philmont and in the Backcountry. As you can has honored us with a building location see, Philmont and the Philmont Staff that has an amazing view of the Tooth Association have been a considerable of Time and Camping Headquarters driving force in our family. Because from our front entryway and through we feel so deeply about giving back to a wall full of windows in our meeting the place that has given so much to our room. We’ll definitely get to enjoy a lot family we have accepted the challenge of amazing sunsets as we run the daily from our PSA President, John Murphy operations of the Philmont Staff As- to raise $315,000 to build and furnish sociation as well as hold events there. our new PSA Office building. We were both on staff back in As we were talking to our local the mid-1980s, Chris having served Boy Scout Troop last night about their as a PTC Laundress, on the Activi- Philmont Trek this summer, one of the together; you all help each other out, can be paid over the course of three ties Staff, and as a Ranger, and Mitch points that we touched on with them encourage your hiking partner, and as years in monthly installments, or as having served as a Ranger and in the was the fact that trekking at Philmont a team you make it up Baldy, to your a onetime payment if you’d prefer. If Backcountry. We’ve had the great is a team effort. The whole Crew pulls next camp, over that Teams Course you can give at the Baldy Mountain wall, down that long trail along Tooth level like we did that would be amaz- Ridge and when you get back to Base ing; if you can give $100 as Mitch’s Camp, your whole crew reaps the glory parents did to help us accomplish our and stands proudly together under the goal that would be wonderful as well. sign that reads “We All Made It”! This As we said, this is a team effort, and PSA fundraiser will also be a team ef- every bit helps. The Philmont Staff fort benefitting us all, and generations Association has done so many wonder- still to come. ful things for Philmont over the past And now is where your help comes couple of decades that we’re excited to in. We have made a pledge at the Baldy be able to raise this money for our own Mountain level to help get the ball roll- PSA Office building now. Just think of ing. We’ve already gotten pledges from how much we can accomplish together several of the members of the Board of for future Philmont Staff members with Directors of the PSA with over $13,000 this exciting project. already pledged. We’ll be sending When you receive your mailing, out a mailing to all of our current PSA please help out our entire “Crew” and members asking for your donation give as generously as you can. As we soon. are accustomed to asking before hitting As with the fundraising that the the trail, “Anyone not ready?” Hike PSA has done in the past, your pledge on!

Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 34 seton project seton project 35 Bringing Ocean Exploration to the High Country had an incredible dive to observe and sample wreckage of the USS Macon, an airship which sunk just off the coast by Sarah Burgess during a storm in 1935. Throughout this exploration, we were within sight Over the years at Philmont when of the heavily populated California people find out what I studied in col- coastline, where most people were go- lege, they exclaim: “The ocean?! You ing about day to day not knowing of all E-V-Nautilus, should be working at SeaBase.” My this life teeming below the surface in photo courtesy of Ocean Exploration-Trust. staple response is, “Yeah, but Philmont their own backyard. Many of the dives used to be an ocean.” we did were in areas which an ROV with many this adventure of a lifetime Throughout college at Texas A&M had never touched down before. and instill excitement about STEM University at Galveston studying The magnitude of Nautilus’s explo- subjects in the field of ocean explora- Ocean and Coastal Resources, I relished ration is linked to the public through tion. As I work at Philmont this fall on in my time to escape the humidity of Stephanie Toro (SCF), Dr. Bob Ballard, Sarah telepresence on NautilusLive.org. advancing environmental education Burgess (SCF) on board the E-V Nautilus in San Texas and come spend my summers Pedro, CA. For the entire expedition season, live programs, I will be able to visit Cimar- working at Philmont. Last summer, my exploration with commentary can be ron Middle School and Lopez Elemen- 12th at Philmont, I was fortunate to has the mission to explore the ocean, watched around the clock from the tary in Ft. Collins, CO for presentations combine both passions of the moun- seeking out new discoveries in the comfort of your couch, your cubicle or about my Nautilus experience and a tains and the ocean in a single season. fields of geology, biology, maritime his- your classroom. As a Communication lesson incorporating STEM subjects for Last fall, with the support of Direc- tory, archaeology, physics, and chem- Fellow, I was responsible for moderat- the students. I hope that communica- tor of Program, Mark Anderson, and istry while pushing the boundaries ing conversation about our dives and tion about this important part of our Recreation Resource Manager, John of STEM education and technological answering questions from a chat box on planet has been impactful, especially on Celley, I applied for a position with the innovation. the website. At any given time, we had the Scouts and Venturers who will be Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) as a During my three weeks aboard Nau- hundreds of viewers online tuning in the next generation of explorers. I am Science Communication Fellow aboard tilus I stood a four-hour watch twice a from all over the world, including some fortunate to represent Philmont Scout the Exploration Vessel Nautilus. My day. Nautilus uses two remote-operated die-hards in the Philmont Conservation Ranch and the Boy Scouts of America experience as an informal educator at vehicles (ROVs) to dive down as far as office. as we prepare youth to be the next gen- Philmont Scout Ranch and Catalina Is- 4000 meters deep for exploration while During my voyage, I hosted live eration of adventurers, explorers, and land Marine Institute, and my work in using high-definition cameras to record interactions with museums, discovery problem-solvers on this planet, on land developing Science, Technology, Engi- footage and robotic arms to manipulate centers, schools, and aquariums around and in water. neering and Math (STEM) programs at sampling instruments, giving us air- the world. I had a live interaction with You can follow E/V Nautilus online Philmont in recent summers made for breathers a porthole to the excitement a small group at NOAC, as well as two at www.nautiluslive.org, on Facebook a great application and I was delighted of the deep sea. Over the course of the interactions with Philmont in early and Instagram at NautilusLive, and on to be accepted and join the Corps of expedition, we explored methane seeps August, getting the chance to connect Twitter as @EVNautilus. Exploration aboard E/V Nautilus in late at 1000 meters, unique geologic faulting with staff across many departments July and early August as we explored off the coast of Catalina Island and a and participants recently off the trail the California Borderlands from San natural “whale fall” - a dead fin whale from the second session of STEM Trek. The Ocean Exploration Trust is now Diego to San Francisco. sunk on purpose to serve as a long- Somebody told me they never expected accepting applications for students Educators, high school students, term underwater laboratory for scien- to learn so much about the ocean while and educators to participate in the engineers, navigators and scientists are tists to study particular organisms like sitting at Philmont! 2016 Nautilus Exploration Pro- selected from around the world by OET bacterial mats and bone-eating worms Thanks to BSA’s “Alumni Alive,” gram season. For more information to participate at sea. OET, a nonprofit who only colonize on dead whales. Be- Scouting Wire’s “Newsroom” and the and to apply, go towww.oceanex- founded by Dr. Robert Ballard in 2008, fore I disembarked in San Francisco we PhilNews, I have been able to share plorationtrust.org

Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 36 ocean exploration ocean exploration 37 trail talk Van Dreese and Watson “Movin’ On Up”

1960s 85251. 480-946-4023. Larry_Fox@Live. Former Philmont Associate Director of Program, John Van Dreese, has been com. named General Manager of the BSA’s Northern Tier High Adventure Base, Larry Fox (63-64), after Philmont, com- succeeding Kevin Dowling who became General Manager at Philmont. Van pleted his BSEE at Oklahoma State Uni- 1990s Dreese had been serving as Director of Outdoor Adventures for the Orange versity and began an engineering career County Council. that took him around the world to ex- Dr. Nathan A. Schaumleffel (1996) otic places and challenging roles. Most was awarded the Whitney M. Young, Current Philmont Associate Director of Program and Director of the Philmont of his career was based in Arizona for Jr. Service Award by the Crossroads of Training Center, Andrea Watson, leaves the Ranch at the end of September Motorola and then General Dynamics, America Council, BSA for his work as to succeed Van Dreese. As such, she will be responsible for four outstanding from which he retired in 2012. He and ScoutReach Chairman for the Wabash facilities/programs which reach more than 45,000 Scouts and Scouters every his wife Paula (who he met through a Valley District in Terre Haute, Indi- year. fellow Philstaffer, Jim Nelson, who was ana. He has integrated the District best man at their wedding) have been ScoutReach Program with his role as The PSA is proud to have shared the trail with both of these outstanding Scout- married for 45 years, have three grown Campus/Executive Director of the ing professionals – and we wish them the best in their new roles. children and enjoy the easygoing, re- Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (former- laxed outdoor life of Arizona. Contact: ly American Humanics) Certification 8514 E. Monterey Way, Scottsdale, AZ Program at Indiana State University. His students conduct service-learning at the various mining camps. Contact: projects for special event programming, 3604 Stanford Drive, Denton, TX 76210. are employed through ISU Federal 972-798-7950. [email protected]. Work Study and by the Council as ScoutReach Program Aides, and earn Fr. Michael P. Hanifin (07-10, 12- credit toward their degrees. The high- 13) is pastor of St. Joachim Catholic est performing ScoutReach Program Church in Costa Mesa, CA and serves Aides earn the opportunity to serve as National Chaplain for the National as a District Executive Intern directly Catholic Committee on Scouting (2013- supervised by the District Director and 2016). Contact: 1964 Orange Avenue, are given opportunities to interview for Costa Mesa, CA 92627. 714-620-4405. DE positions. Contact: Department of [email protected]. Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport, Indi- ana State University, Arena C-09, Terre 2010s Haute, IN 47809. 812-237-2189. nathan. [email protected]. Jessi Kauffmann (13-15) followed her parents Jon and Janine, Philmont staff- 2000s ers in the 80s, and is now entering her senior year at Luther College. Contact: David Ford (06-15), after retiring from 1410 SE Hayes Drive, Ankeny, IA 50021. Barry Collman of the historian group Air Britain owns a Piper Cub with the 87714 numbers. a career in the oil industry, began 515-339-5314. [email protected]. Photo by Barry Collman, Air-Britain (Historians) volunteering as a geologist at Philmont

Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 Volume 38, Number 5— October 2015 38 trail talk trail talk 39