hil ews June 22th, 2018 P N Issue Two

A Tribute to Scouting’s Past Michael W. Michelsen, Jr. to preserve the 106-year history of Staff Writer the organization. When officials of the Boy Despite the questions that many Scouts of America announced in have about moving the museum 2016 that the National Scouting to Philmont due to its somewhat Museum would be moved from remote location, most authorities its home at the organization’s agree that the move to the area national headquarters in Irving, will accomplish an increase in the Texas to Philmont Scout Ranch, already promising numbers that expectations were high. And even are expected to learn about the though the move itself took more history of Scouting. than 18 months, the grand opening Just as is the case with most was a move that was cheered on museums, the new National by hundreds of Philmont staff Scouting Museum will display members as well as officials of only a small fraction of the total the Boy Scouts and other local collection that includes more A group of local residents and Philmont staff gather to discuss the effects of the Ute Park Fire at the dignitaries. than 600,000 artifacts. These Cimarron Village Forum at Cimarron High School on June 6, 2018. Ryan Soldanels/MPS Photographer When the doors opened to artifacts include more than 48 sunny skies there was still much original Norman Rockwell to do, with empty shelves and paintings, which tell the story of Cimarron Forum Gives Hope the early history of Scouting, and Sandra Lopez, one of the Public informed them that the Cimarron display cases showing little more Mark Cordeiro notebooks created and maintained Staff Writer Information Officers working to Police, with the aid of several other than lots of promise, but if the predecessors in New Jersey and by Scouting’s founder, Lt. Gen. The village of Cimarron and relay information from the front agencies patrolled the village for Irving would be any indicator of Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden Philmont Scout Ranch are, for lines to the people of Cimarron, 24 hours during the evacuation, the future of the Philmont location, Powell. all intents and purposes, family. Philmont, and beyond introduced ensuring the town was secure. the new site promises to do much Continued on page 4 Whatever happens in the area a slew of guests from all the The New Mexico State Police and affects us both. The highs, the parties fighting the fire: local New Mexico Game and Fish both lows, and everything in between law enforcement, fire divisions, helped with that task. happens to both Philmont and and Philmont Scout Ranch, Many of the other speakers at the Cimarron. The Ute Park fire was among others. Speakers like Paul forum conveyed a spirit of hope no exception. Sisters-in-arms, DeMerico, the Fire Operations along with crucial information Philmont and Cimarron weathered Section Chief with the Southwest about the fire. The Colfax County the fire and face the difficult task of Area Incident Management Team Emergency Management Office’s rebuilding together. The Cimarron reported on how the firefighters representative Thomas Vigil Village forum that took place on handled the fire. welcomed his friends and family June 5th reaffirmed the dedication “We were on the defensive until home before diving into the thick the two sister locations had for that rain storm came through.” of the fire’s impact. each other and gave Cimarron DeMerico reported. “But due to “This fire’s gonna affect us citizens and Philmont staffers a that rain and the higher humidity, for a long, long time,” he said. sense of hope. we were able to get on the “We’re looking at a 25-year plan, Well over 200 citizens and offensive and fight it more on our minimum.” scouts gathered in the gymnasium terms.” Part of that plan has to do with of Cimarron High School to Attendees also heard from local The ribbon is cut to open the National Scouting Museum’s new Police Chief Ryan Gates, who Continued on page 5 discuss their plan of action. building in Cimarron. Nick Castelli/MPS Photographer 2 | PhilNews PhilmontScoutRanch.org The Many Roles of Logistics Michael W. Michelsen, Jr. Registration staff. everyone safe and accounted for. Staff Writer Each crew has several options: But Hill considers the most they can reschedule their trek later important part of his job the sheath of There’s an old joke in the in summer 2018, schedule a trek laminated papers, called Pull Cards, military that’s told about logistics, for 2019, receive a refund or go to that describe in excruciating detail “Sometimes you aim high, a different camp or High Adventure what to do in a given situation— sometimes you miss.” It’s a Base. Camps in Colorado and one of which is a fire plan. Under funny joke to be sure, but in Texas, in addition to the other High the desk is a drawer full of forms the case of Philmont’s logistics Adventure Bases, have offered to that allows him to record complete communications coordinator, host some of the Philmont crews details of each event as it unfolds. Matthew Hill, missing is not an who can’t make it to a trek this “One of the most interesting things option. Hill’s job, as he sees it, is summer. Philmont has also been about my job is that I never know to aim high and hit his target every sending staff members to some of what is going to happen from one time. No time outs, no substitutions. those other camps to help with the minute to the next,” Hill explained. The clock begins running the second Members of Cabin Restoration work to uncover the original stone increase in participants attending “We have those days when it seems a radio call is made, and a situation patio at Chase Ranch. Jess McClelland/MPS Photographer each one. like everything we get is what we doesn’t end until there is a successful Figuring out the right option for call a ‘cloud sighting,’ which is completion of the mission. each crew is no easy task, but at the nothing of consequence. On the This is Hill’s fifth year at Working to Restore same time, they’ve developed a plan other hand—and you never know project closer to Base Camp: The Philmont, and as he sees it, the Mark Cordeiro to ensure they know where all the when it will happen—something Chase Ranch Porch. previous years of his service have Staff Writer staff members are while working like a fire or some other serious Chase Ranch was the first camp all been leading up to this one. Cabin Restoration is one in the backcountry. Each group that situation can materialize.” the team was able to access, so He’s done different jobs each year, of Philmont’s lesser-known goes out to work is required to take a By checking the Pull Cards, Hill they are tearing up the sod that was but working in logistics has been departments, but in the wake of radio with them and have it on. and the rest of the Logistics staff covering the original stone patio particularly interesting to him. the Ute Park fire, they’re quickly “After the Ute Park fire started,” know instantly what they need to do that stretched along the house’s east “Doing my job excites me,” Hill moving to take on a number of Hill explained, “we discovered that to make sure all bases of a scenario side. The team is also taking down explained in his office, full of maps, different projects to help the our systems could be improved are covered. The cards also list who the northeast wall of the back patio machines, and high-tech gizmos. Ranch. Spearheaded by Sheen in regard to our accountability needs to be contacted to remedy a and then replacing it to match the In front of Hill is a large telephone (Shawn) Carroll, Cabin Restoration methods. For the next month or so, problem. original structure. console, with a single phone sitting foreman, the department is usually when there is a work crew who goes Hill relies on a mix of experience The goal of their work is to beside it. Above him, on his left, is tasked with restoring and repairing into the backcountry, they must sign and the information on the Pull make the Ranch House as accurate a large bookcase with thick binders Philmont’s cabins, especially those both in and out to make sure that Cards to make sure that any time a as possible for Staffers and filled with resources, including maps modeled after historical sites. they are accounted for as long as call comes through on the radio, he Participants who want to take the and fire lookout information. On his The department’s original plan they are working. No matter what can give the right people the right Chase Ranch’s house tour. right sits the Radio Operator who for the summer, however, has they’re doing or how long they’ll be information. From then on, it’s a “Our biggest concern is to make is in constant contact with all the changed. gone, they must tell us when they matter of making careful records of the building look historically players when a situation develops. “Originally, we had planned to leave, when they plan to return, and what happened, where, and why. appropriate to their time period,” Just as is the case with nearly all do new structure work up at French when they actually return. Until this “That way, we not only know Carroll explained. unexpected events, the Ute Park Henry for special treks and other happens, they are unaccounted for, a what we did right and wrong this The team has a summer of Fire led to a number of changes in programs,” Carroll said. “But after situation you don’t want to occur.” time, but we will have refined our hard work ahead of them, but are the operating methodology of the the fire, it was pretty evident that Though those procedures will methods better for the next time a still looking for more projects to Logistics Department of Philmont. we had more pressing issues to deal continue to change and develop situation arises,” Hill said. “That’s pursue. Carroll reports that Cabin Though their system worked to with.” as the summer goes on and the how you grow in this business.” Restoration is trying to plan out evacuate all of Base Camp in just The team is hoping to pursue environment changes, they’re many different projects, both for a few short hours, Logistics is many projects in the Baldy an important aspect of keeping this summer and for further into the constantly looking for tweaks that Mountain area when it becomes future. could make the system even more accessible to them. There are “If any of the staff camps, effective. several other projects that may be especially the historical camps, “Whenever you have a system options as well. One project Carroll have any ideas about work they and it runs into real-life, you get the hoped to work on was at Clayton want done at their camps, they opportunity to see better where your Cabins, located in the Valle Vidal. can talk with me about it,” he said. system can be improved,” Hill said. “Clayton Cabins is the reason I “We’re looking to plan work for “The Ute Park fire is no exception.” came back as foreman. It’s such a the next few years and would love The Logistics department has beautiful place and could be such input. We’d love some week-long been busy working on those an asset to Philmont,” he said. projects to do a few times a month.” changes, while also working with Though Cabin Restoration Sheen Carroll’s team stands ready crews who are affected by the doesn’t know the details of all of to tackle hard work in Philmont’s change in the summer schedule. the projects yet, they’re taking finest hour. If any camps need aid They’ve been contacting each crew things one project at a time. While with their cabins and structures, that was scheduled to come out waiting for more information on they’re just chomping at the bit in the first half of the summer and what backcountry restorations to lend their aid and expertise to letting them know their different they may be working on later this Matthew Hill and Aidan Saggers go over accountability plans in whoever asks. options before passing them on to Logistics. Whitney Dumford/MPS Photographer summer, they’re starting off with a PhilmontScoutRanch.org PhilmontScoutRanch.org PhilNews | 3 Ranch Leadership: Laws of Teamwork Steve Nelson high altitudes of Nepal. He had been Marketing and Director of Camping drawn to Mount Everest from the Services time that Westerners began visiting the area and planning expeditions to Photo Team Wow, what a couple of weeks it has summit the great mountain. His first been. Together we have experienced experience up the mountain was in so many things during the past few 1920 when he worked as a porter for weeks. The beginning of the fire, the a British expedition. For 32 years, MPS Manager evacuation to Springer, the return between 1920 and 1952, seven major from Springer, the announcement Imara Chew expeditions tried and failed to make for the summer season, the project it to the top of Everest. Norgay was planning and the activities to bring on six of those expeditions. In 1953, us together. One thing that has PhilNews Editor Norgay embarked on his seventh impressed me is the solidarity of you Elizabeth Harper expedition to Everest. He was not Philmont staffers headed to Northern Tier say “see you later” to as a team. It has been a roller coaster only a member of the expedition Philmont. Ryan Soldanels/MPS Photographer of emotions for all of us. Yet through team he was also responsible to hire up of Edmund Hillary and Norgay. of that with such a positive attitude it all you have supported each other PhilNews Writers and lead all the Sherpas hauling Because of all the preparation that and spirit makes it that much more and encouraged each other in our Mark Cordeiro supplies up the mountain. This was they had made and all of the work special. There is nothing that we assignments. Thank you for the Working to Restore truly a team expedition. One part of of the hundreds of others on the cannot do working together as a Michael W. Michelsen, Jr. great example you have been to me. the team would exhaust themselves team, on May 29, 1953, Hillary and team. We have proven that as the A couple of weeks ago at just to get equipment up the Norgay stood on top of the world. challenge escalates we can and will our Leadership Conference we mountain for the next group. Two- The Law of Mount Everest states, work together as a team. Photography discussed the “17 Indisputable Laws man teams would work their way up “As the challenge escalates, the The other law I want to share with of Teamwork” by John C. Maxwell. Managers the mountain, finding a path, cutting need for teamwork elevates.” The you is The Law of the Catalyst. This It was a fascinating discussion with Clay Helfrick steps, securing ropes. And then they question then is could Hillary and law states that “winning teams have a lot of input from the leaders of the would be finished, having spent Norgay have made it alone? Of players who make things happen.” Shane Mrozek Ranch. From that conference and themselves so that the next team course not, it took the entire team. Think of teams that you may know the experiences of the past few days could go farther up the mountain. As here at Philmont it takes the that have one person who is the a couple of those laws have been on Finally, they were in the position entire team. As we went through go-to guy- the one that makes the Photographers my mind. to push for the summit. Two teams the experiences of the fire it was crucial play or goes the extra mile First, The Law of Mount Everest. Nick Castelli would try; if one team failed then clearly evident this team is able to to help the team be successful. I To look at this law let me share a Whitney Dumford the other team would try. The first rise to the challenge. Evacuating think of Michael Jordan or perhaps small part of the Everest Story. Some team failed but came back and gave camp and setting up a small city in Nick Foles, the quarterback of the Jess McClelland of you may have heard of Tenzing all the information they could to the the space of a few hours is nothing Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Norgay. He was a Sherpa born in the Thomas Meade last team. That last team was made short of miraculous. And to do all Eagles, or maybe Kevin Durrant or LeBron James. All stars who are Ryan Soldanels able to lift their teams to new high Alex Zarynow level of performance. Let me share about some of the stars of Philmont. Down the hall from my office is a Lead Marketing conference room. During the past several days a group of leaders have Specialist been meeting for hours and hours to Liam Inbody develop the plan to save this land. They have worked, discussed and made detailed plans that will allow Graphic Designer all of us to give back and work Dally Clark towards the healing of our home. I wish you could all see the hard work that they have done, the detail in the Videographers plans. We will all have a role in the Ian Chamberlin Philmont Recovery Corps. The team Blake Ellis that will give back a little bit of what this place has given to us. Harry Oakes Again, I am so impressed by each of you and your dedication and commitment. Together as members of the Philmont Recovery Corps we can, as Mike Crockett so eloquently spoke at our recent campfire, “Save This Land”. A group of Philmont staff wave goodbye to their coworkers headed to Northern Tier for the month.. Jess McClelland/MPS Photographer 4 | PhilNews PhilmontScoutRanch.org Ranger Mile: The Soak Up the Sun (Safely) Ray Kreienkamp However, when these DNA repair can penetrate clouds and cause Medic, St. Louis University mechanisms are overwhelmed or damage, so skin protection on Villa Philmonte fidelity of DNA repair is impaired, these days is important too. It is Luke Proffitt Phillips Company. After some With the warm and sunny DNA damage can accumulate, important to coat all sun-exposed Ranger time, Waite sold his company for weather at Philmont these last few accelerating aging and can lead to surfaces. Body areas like the ears, As you approach Philmont Scout twenty-five million dollars, one of weeks, the risks of dehydration uncontrolled cellular proliferation, nose, neck, and back of knees and Ranch from the town of Cimarron, the largest oil deals in the country and heat-related illnesses have also called cancer. Skin cancer legs are often forgotten. Spray you will pass many interesting at the time. With his fortune, Waite been repeatedly iterated. However, remains the most common cancer, sunscreens are the least effective historical buildings. But off to the purchased an enormous ranch in another major health concern by far, in the United States. way of applying sunscreen and left side of the road there is one New Mexico and constructed the associated with sunny weather is Currently, one in five Americans are often not applied in adequate building that will stand out beyond Villa for his family. He would go sun exposure, which can cause will develop skin cancer in their amounts. Therefore, sunscreens the rest for both its beauty and its on to donate an incredible 127,000 sunburn and impair our ability to lifetime, leading to a significant that are rubbed on skin are significance to Philmont. It is the acres to the Boy Scouts of America enjoy our jobs or time on the trail. impact on quality of life. recommended. Villa Philmonte: former summer and the Villa itself. At the Infirmary, we have seen So we should just totally avoid The use of sunscreen and home of Waite Phillips, the man The Villa is surrounded by the multiple patients who have been the sun, hang out in the cafeteria other protective measures are responsible for the generous most beautiful gardens at Philmont. negatively affected by sunburn and not go hiking, right? Absolutely particularly important at Philmont donation of Philmont Scout Ranch The lush lawn, colorful floral due to spending time in the sun not! However, skin protection with for a few reasons. First, researchers to the Boy Scouts of America. The arrangements, and famous Virginia without proper protection. sunscreen, whenever possible, is have found that sunburn at Villa is one of Philmont’s most Creeper vines alone can captivate Why is sunburn a concern? At important. Sunscreen is effective younger ages increases the risk for unique gems, from its lawn to its you for an afternoon with their the cellular level, sunburn occurs at preventing UV damage to skin, developing cancer later in life. In architecture to the items åheld beauty and shade. Inside, you will when DNA, which carries the reducing sunburn, Infirmary visits, fact, individuals who experienced within it, and of course, its rich be taken through a space with such genetic material to guide cellular and ultimately reducing your risk five or more blistering sunburns history; all of which have been great attention to detail, you may function, is damaged in skin cells. of cancer. before age 20 had an 80% higher preserved extraordinarily well by momentarily think you have been This damage results from excessive The American Academy of risk of developing melanoma, a Philmont Scout Ranch. The Villa transported to the Mediterranean. ultraviolet (UV) radiation, Dermatology recommends form of skin cancer. Additionally, is always open for tours for crews The décor is almost 100% authentic generated by the sun. This damage applying SPF 30 or higher SPF elevation increases UV exposure. and staff alike. It is a must-see inside the Villa, and features many can cause pain, irritation, swelling sunscreen. However, SPF 30 Therefore, it is important to applyAnticipating New Growth for Wildlife Post-Fire attraction for all those who love marvels: paintings belonging to the and cell death. All of us have should be the minimum, with sunscreen and to encourage those Philmont and want to learn more Taos Society of Art, pottery from likely experienced a sunburn at SPF 40 or SPF 50 being better. who will be in the sun most of the about its origins. the Anasazi Indians and a painted some point, with healing after a This sunscreen should be applied summer to apply sunscreen. Waite Phillips was born in rural glass image of St. George (the few days. What makes sunburn or liberally and re-applied every Being out in the sun and Iowa on January 19th, 1883. He patron saint of Scouting), have the repeated sunburns dangerous? few hours. The use of protective exploring nature at Philmont is and his twin brother Wiate were rooms bursting at the seams with Sun-driven DNA damage leads clothing such as pants, lip balm, an awesome opportunity and natural adventurers and when they wonder. to aging of the skin and can, over and sunglasses all are helpful. experience. Give yourself the were sixteen years old, they were The Villa is a standing tribute to time, lead to cancer. Fortunately, While ball caps can provide greatest opportunity to enjoy the inspired by their older brothers the generosity of Waite Phillips; our bodies are equipped with a some protection, they are much experience. Wear sunscreen. Your Frank and L.E. to leave home to a physical reminder of the reason multitude of mechanisms to repair inferior to wide-brimmed hats. skin will thank you! (And so will explore the west. The two brothers Philmont is enjoyed by so many DNA damage. In fact, our bodies Even on cloudy days, UV rays the Infirmary staff!) traveled around the country people today. Visiting the Villa repair ~1017 DNA breaks per day! working odd jobs and saving Philmonte is an essential part up only enough money to fund of the Philmont experience their explorations. When Wiate and should be on the itinerary A Tribute to Scouting cont. suddenly fell ill and passed away for all who hike Philmont’s from appendicitis, Waite returned trails. Waite’s commitment to Continued from page 1 Seton Memorial Library and the In 1986, the museum was home to Iowa. In order to help establishing a place where young It is planned that the estimated Villa Philmonte. Officials also moved to Murray State University move his life forward, his brothers people can come to develop faith, 32,000 people who visit Philmont wish to enhance the mission of the in western Kentucky. sent Waite to business school and self-reliance, integrity, and the each year will serve to increase museum by preserving physical Finally, in 2002, the National brought him on to help with their principles of freedom set down by the number of people who visit and digital archives, conducting Scouting Museum was relocated oil business. Waite eventually set our founding fathers, continues to the National Scouting Museum, research, and presenting and to the grounds of the national out on his own to create the Waite be the foundation of the ideals of a problem that has plagued the sharing BSA history with local office of the Boy Scouts of Philmont to this day. Texas headquarters location councils. America in Irving, TX. almost since its inception. Officials have plans to expand With this latest move, the But the change in the physical the reach of the museum’s National Scouting Museum will location of the facility will only collection by introducing join the Kit Carson Museum The front of the serve to partly fix the problem. programs to share exhibits as well as a collection at Villa Villa Philmonte Other features that will help with other museums and other Philmonte to create a fuller around midday increase visitor numbers are adventure bases. picture of both Scouting as well on June 8, 2018. The move to Philmont will as the Philmont story to create Nick Castelli/MPS the addition of user-friendly mark the fourth location in the more than 13,000-square feet of Photographer attractions such as the addition of a digital section of the library. museum’s history. Originally educational resources that will be Another draw will include two opened in 1959 as the Johnston unmatched in the history of the other related museums that are National Museum in New organization. already located at the location, the Bruswick, N.J. PhilmontScoutRanch.org PhilmontScoutRanch.org PhilNews | 5 Cimarron Village Forum Gives Hope continued can penetrate clouds and cause Continued from page 1 have any troubles supplying the watersheds reportedly got hit hard Nearly the entire emergency community. Philmont has been damage, so skin protection on village with water.” by the fire and will need a lot of response force the New Mexico intertwined in this community these days is important too. It isCimarron’s water supply. The long-term is a different work to get it back to where they State government mobilized was for as long as Scouts have hiked important to coat all sun-exposed “In the short term, I have no story, however. The other once were. in position and ready to assist our trails. This is our home surfaces. Body areas like the ears,issue with saying that we won’t Vigil also urged locals to help within 24-48 hours of the fire first together. We are dedicated to nose, neck, and back of knees and out with their local volunteer being reported. working together with our village legs are often forgotten. Spray EMTs and firefighters and with He went on to praise the to promote our corner of Colfax sunscreens are the least effective aid organizations like the Red village of Cimarron itself: “All County.” way of applying sunscreen and Cross. He closed with a reminder emergencies are local. Your local A short while later, the meeting are often not applied in adequate to the people of New Mexico and community has been executing for adjourned, and the people of amounts. Therefore, sunscreens beyond: “Highway 64 is closed, this emergency in one of the best Cimarron left to go back to their that are rubbed on skin are but Cimarron is open. Come see ways I’ve seen in my 10 years’ homes, their businesses, or their recommended. us!” experience.” positions in the backcountry, The use of sunscreen and The Cabinet Secretary from Kevin Dowling, Philmont’s fighting the fire that raged in the other protective measures are the New Mexico Department General Manager, later addressed heart of Philmont. What they took particularly important at Philmont of Homeland Security and the people of Cimarron, thanking with them was an even greater for a few reasons. First, researchers Emergency Management, Jay them on behalf of the entire camp. respect for those brave men and have found that sunburn at Mitchell, also spoke, praising “We’re going to do everything women who worked tirelessly younger ages increases the risk for emergency services for their work. in our power to stay here with to save their village, and the developing cancer later in life. In “This fire is the fastest reaction our staff and be here to support knowledge that Philmont had their fact, individuals who experienced the emergency services of the the village of Cimarron,” he told backs, through thick and thin, hot five or more blistering sunburns Kevin Dowling, Philmont’s General Manager, addresses the audience State of New Mexico have ever the audience. “We’re here in this and cold, wet and dry. before age 20 had an 80% higher at the Cimarron Village Forum. Ryan Soldanels/MPS Photographer had,” he said. together, and we all live in this risk of developing melanoma, a form of skin cancer. Additionally, elevation increases UV exposure. Therefore, it is important to applyAnticipating New Growth for Wildlife Post-Fire sunscreen and to encourage those Chambers English similar habitats in New Mexico fires. This disturbance will have research on Vermejo Park Ranch, the first white settlers arrived here, who will be in the sun most of the Conservation Wildlife and Arizona have observed bears additional rewards for our wildlife one of Philmont’s neighbors, one force executed the primary summer to apply sunscreen. Specialist migrating out of high altitude populations somewhat similarly to showed elk and deer utilize the land management in the Sangre burn areas to lower elevations and historical, healthy fires by removing increased understory growth after de Cristos. Regular fire came with Being out in the sun and The forests and woodlands of different mountainous regions, but small trees and moving closer to thinning and prescribed burning summer storms and brought a exploring nature at Philmont is the Southwest evolved with the bears will stay in unburned forest the savanna-like understory of (Thomas 2015). Fire and open balance of new growth to the forest an awesome opportunity andnatural, seasonal force of low on the edge of burn country to feed the past. Thinned forests in the forests are the natural friends of our floor while protecting towering experience. Give yourself the intensity fire sweeping through in the early morning as vegetation Sacramento Mountains to the south wildlife and help balance a healthy Ponderosas. Today, the Ranch steps greatest opportunity to enjoy thethe landscape every two to ten returns (Cunningham and Ballard of Philmont have yielded higher ecosystem. towards a budding health which experience. Wear sunscreen. Youryears. For over a hundred years, 2004). Wildfire releases minerals richness, abundance, and activity Before the Conservation fire once brought the land - for the skin will thank you! (And so willland managers across the United like Phosphorous and Nitrogen of mammals of all sizes compared Department was established, safety of humans, the benefit of the Infirmary staff!) States have suppressed natural from standing trees and litter on to dense, overgrown forests before Waite Phillips bestowed wildlife, and the integrity of the and human-caused fire which the forest floor and encourages a (Wampler et al. 2008). Additionally, the Ranch to Scouting, and before land.” “cleaned” the forest floor. Timber diversity of new growth packed harvest has not mimicked the with protein particularly needed thinning action fire once played by calving elk to grow and feed over the Ponderosa Pine forests, healthy young (Halbritter and rather establishing homogeneous Bender 2011). Over the next few and dense second-growth forests. years, Philmont’s elk and deer The shaded thickets choke out populations will thrive on this grasses, forbs, and shrubs and limit growth, especially in the high nutrients needed by native wildlife. country near streams and lakes. Through the Ute Park Fire itself If the elegant white trunks of and new objectives for the summer, aspen stands were blackened in Philmont recognizes the need for the fire, find solace in the fact restoration of the natural ecosystem that new growth from aspens will despite obvious destruction. feed generations of animals with While the fire has undoubtedly densely packed nutrients in the brought negative short-term effects shoots and leaves. to the creatures in the backcountry, The Philmont Recovery Corps in the long-term the populations plans to execute large scale will benefit. The immediate timber stand improvement around desolation of our blaze certainly Philmont over the next month to displaced many animals in the protect significant resources and path of the flames, pushing them values like roads, streams and to unaffected areas. Scientists in backcountry camps from future Smoke from the Ute Park Fire rises over Horse Ridge. Whitney Dumford/MPS Photographer 6 | PhilNews PhilmontScoutRanch.org The Wildlife Window: Caught on Camera Chambers English Wildlife Specialist Photos curated by Conservation Wildlife Specialists as part of ongoing wildlife monitoring and research.

A ragged bull elk travels above Cimarroncita days before the Ute Park Fire showing new velvet antler growth. Of all species at Philmont, these ungulates will likely benefit the most from new growth encouraged by the fire.

Why did the turkey cross the trail? A hen turkey plods along the forests of Upper Dean Canyon. The Toilet Paper: Upcoming Activities PhilmontScoutRanch.org PhilmontScoutRanch.org PhilNews | 7 The Puzzle Page Grab a pen and play some games, either by yourself or with friends!

Tic Tac Toe

The Maze Game This hiker wasn’t paying attention and got separated from his friends. Help him find his way back to their campsite!

Issue 1 Sudoku Solutions 8 | PhilNews PhilmontScoutRanch.org Chaplain’s Corner: Why Philmont is God’s Country CIMARRON ART GALLERY Father Steve Hoffer The Ponil Fire in 2002 burned a return home, a horseless rodeo, Catholic Chaplain lot of areas. Right after the fire, the Springer Annex of the Silver ICE CREAM ART it looked like a bomb hit. But Sage, the mobile chaplain’s COFFEE BAR JEWELRY I love coming to Philmont now, 16 years later, you can office, just to name a few things. to experience being in God’s start to see signs of new growth, These things will bring us and SMOOTHIES SCULPTURE Country. Philmont is located in the plants and trees are starting have brought us together as the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, to regrow. Some areas are a staff and family. Everyone 1937 which means Blood of Christ in SODA recovering remarkably well. pitched in and worked together. OPEN Spanish. And if you have ever It is the same with our current It impressed the Red Cross FOUNTAIN seen a sunrise or sunset hitting fire. There will be a massive when they came and thought we Open every day these mountains and hills, you amount of destruction, but needed help. It was impressive 9 A.M. - 6 P.M. will know that they turn blood eventually there will be new to see. red, hence the name. When we growth. The fire is a part of Yes, things might not be the HOME OF THE $1.00 think of Philmont, we think of the plan of regeneration for any same as last year; they might not ICE CREAM CONE WOOD BADGE RELATED ITEMS the beautiful trees, views, vistas, area. It is part of the cycle of life be what we expected when we lakes and streams. Yes, they are that the forest has to experience signed up to work at Philmont 337 E 9th St. P.O. Box 115 Cimarron, NM 87714 cimarronartgallery.com 575-376-2614 nice, but they are not what make destruction before new life can this summer. I think the fire Philmont so beautiful. What occur. In Michigan, there is a helps us appreciate the beauty of makes Philmont so special is tree called the Jack Pine that the Philmont program, its staff. the staff, both permanent and need to have a fire to release the We are what make Philmont so seasonal. The staff is what seeds from the pine cones so they special. As we return to a sense makes the magical experience can start to grow and replace the of normalcy, we need to continue for the Scouts and Scouters to older tree. to develop our relationship come alive. Without the staff, So how can the fire relate to with others around us. Take Philmont would be just another us? At times, God uses things time to experience the beauty place to hike and camp. to help us to grow. Sometimes of Philmont. Experience the A portion of our home has been we have to experience pain and program in the backcountry or at destroyed. It will take years to discomfort before we experience the PTC. Take time to pray and recover, and some places may growth. When we came to develop your relationship with never recover to their former Philmont, did you expect to God. Take time to appreciate state. We experienced a fire be displaced by a Type 1 fire? the beauty of Philmont and each that has affected all of our lives- I know I didn’t. But through other. This is God’s Country. May from the evacuation, to programs the evacuation and subsequent we all continue to experience the having to change, probably some return, I feel we, as a Philmont wonders of Philmont, with all treks rerouted. But the fire is staff, have grown together. We its twists and turns. May we all good. Fire is part of the natural did incredible things, from the 1 use this summer’s experience cycle of regeneration. What the hour and 15 minute evacuation to grow into the man or woman fire does is burn up the litter of 1100 people from base camp, that God wants us to be. We are (branches, plants, shrubs, leaves, to the 2 hour and 10 minute HOmE, We are Philmont! We etc.) that accumulates over time. striking camp and beginning to are #PhilmontStrong!! Out of a fire comes new growth. Chaplain’s Bio: Father Steve Hoffer Father Steve Hoffer Philmont. I spent five seasons priest in 2005 (13 years ago). Springer Break, wearing a bear Catholic Chaplain at Philmont in the Conservation I love hiking and working out. rope for a cincture (or belt). I will Department. For two years I To relax, I enjoy doing stitchery remember our experiences for a My name is Father Steve served as a 28-Day Trail Crew and reading books. I am only long time. Hoffer, and I am one of the foreman and then I was Associate here at Philmont until June 10th If there is any I or any of the Philmont Chaplains. I am a Director of Conservation for the this year, but several other priests other chaplains can do, just ask. Catholic Priest from Las Vegas, 28-Day Trail Crew program for will be rotating in throughout the Nevada (not New Mexico). I am two years. In 2000, I served as the summer. originally from Grand Haven, Field Surveyor that helped start One highlight of my time at Michigan and graduated with an Father Steve Hoffer, a former the GIS program at Philmont. Philmont, of all the years I served, Philmont staffer and 2018 Master of Science in Forestry I entered the seminary in August will have to be celebrating Mass from Michigan Technological Catholic Chaplain, outside 2000, just after being on staff at in a grandstand at the Colfax the MPS office. Imara Chew/MPS University. Philmont, and was ordained a County Fairgrounds during This is my 12th season at Manager PhilmontScoutRanch.org PhilmontScoutRanch.org PhilNews | 9 Chaplain’s Bio: Seminarian David Relstab Seminarian David Relstab conclave that the OATC (Order State University in Big Rapids, on Scouting and was told of the the rest of the summer will hold. Catholic Chaplain of the Arrow Trail Crew) program Michigan, where I graduated with opportunity to serve as a chaplain I thank God for this incredible was introduced to me. One of my a B.S. in Automotive Engineering at Philmont. I am very happy to be opportunity to be here with so I am David Relstab and I’m brothers had gone to Philmont Technology in December of back at the Ranch and especially many amazing people and I hope serving as one of the Catholic with our Troop years before, and 2017. It was at college where be serving as a Chaplain. This that I can meet as many of you Chaplains this year here at it seemed like the perfect time to I came back into my faith by sure has been an interesting time before I leave to study at Villanova Philmont. I grew up outside of see where the mountains meet the getting involved with the campus’ and I really look forward to what University in August. Chicago in a suburb called Palos plains. Catholic student group. By doing Hills and am the youngest of 3 I was blessed to have what that I was able to make many boys. Growing up, Scouting was a seemed to be the best two weeks of great friends, go an a number of staple in my family. In first grade, my life. It was hard work, but being trips and retreats, and most of all I joined Cub Scouts and advanced able to be in crews with Arrowmen learn more about myself and what through the ranks, making it to from around the country was God had planned for me. While in Eagle Scout in 2010. amazing, not to mention the prayer during a retreat the thought I was fortunate to be part of different program element of of becoming a priest entered my an active troop with monthly the trek. That next summer, in heart and that lead me on a journey campouts that gave me an 2014, I applied to work on staff of discernment. After looking at appreciation for the outdoors. For and was accepted as a Ranger. It my local diocese along and some summer camp my troop attended was a very different kind of work other religious communities I Owasippe Scout Reservation in than coming from a council camp discovered the Order of Saint Michigan and it was there where I but that summer again I was able Augustine (Augustinians) and it spent four summers as a participant to meet people from around the was a perfect match. Their way and then six years working in world and open my view on life. of life and spirituality was very the Handicraft and Scoutcraft The next two summers I went back in line with what I was seeking. program areas. In 2009 I became to my council camp due to it being So, in January of 2018, I entered a member of Order of the Arrow, shorthanded and worked as the the Order and started living and Owasippe Lodge #7 and with that Scoutcraft director, taking some working at St. Rita of Cascia High I was given many opportunities of the knowledge I had learned as School, an all boys high schools to attend different events from a Ranger with me to start a new on the Southside of Chicago. lodge fellowships to national program for other Scouts. One day, I was thinking of my conferences, along with holding I started studying Automotive plans for the summer and Philmont several positions from Chapter Technology at a community college was the first thing that popped into Seminarian David Relstab, a former Philmont Ranger, now a Chief to Lodge Vice Chief. It and worked as a mechanic for a few my mind. So, I quickly talked with seminarian and Catholic Chaplain. Alex Zarynow/MPS Photographer was while attending a section years before transferring to Ferris the National Catholic Committee 10 | PhilNews PhilmontScoutRanch.org

Submissions to the PhilNews are welcome anytime!

If you would like a chance to contribute to the PhilNews,please send your articles, story ideas,and/or creative writings to the PhilNews Editor at

[email protected].

Deadline: Saturdays @ 5 p.m. PhilmontScoutRanch.org PhilmontScoutRanch.org PhilNews | 11 12 | PhilNews PhilmontScoutRanch.org

Top: On the night of June 6, 2018 just after 11:00pm the Milky Way rises above the horizon. The glow of Miami and Springer can be seen in the background. Mark Cordeiro/MPS Writer

Middle Left: he Milky Way is clearly visible to the naked eye and streaks across the sky above Opening Campfire Bowl. Alex Zarynow/MPS Photographer

Middle Right: Rangers hike from the St. James Hotel to Basecamp along Highway 21 cleaning up garbage along the way. Nick Castelli/MPS Photographer

Bottom Left: On June 7, 2018, over the course of one hour, the stars above opening campfire track through the sky leaving long trails. Blake Ellis/MPS Videographer

Bottom Right: Teams head out to the Backcountry on June 10, 2018 to work on restoring the Ranch. Eric Martinez high fives the teams as they board the bus. Ryan Soldanels/MPS Photogrpaher