PHILMONT STAFF ASSOCIATION NONPROFIT ORG 17 DEER RUN ROAD June 2016 Volume 39, Number 3 CIMARRON NM 87714 U.S. POSTAGE PAID CIMARRON NM PERMIT 8 www.philstaff.org

® highT h e M a g a z i n e o f countrYt h e P h i l m o n t S ta ff A s s o c i at i o n ®

Baldy Town Boarding House

High Country ▫ June 2016 High Country ▫ June 2016 High Country®—Volume 39, Number 3 June 2016 In This Issue From the E.D. Ed Pease, Editor Emeritus Mark Stinnett, Editor Mark Dierker, Layout Editor

Dollie O’Neill, Associate Editor Bill Cass, Copy Editor Articles My Favorite Things of 87714 Dave Kenneke, Staff Contributor evin evi homas artoonist K “L ” T , C 8 Distinguished Alumni Contributing Editors Robert Birkby, David Caffey, Bill Cass, 14 How We Are Known What an exciting time to be a member of three-year term (January 2017-December Gregory Hobbs, Warren Smith, the Philmont Staff Association! Another 2019). Get to know our candidates, read Mary Stuever, Stephen Zimmer 17 1960 CHQ Tornado summer kicks off at Philmont, the launch- their bios, ask questions and vote! Every Contributors to This Issue 20 Building HOmE Bobbie Hobbs, Vince Matthews ing of our new “Building HOmE” capital member of the PSA gets a vote and your 26 Bound for New Mexico Larry Murphy, Mitch Standard campaign, elections for the PSA Board of vote matters!

© 2016, The Philmont Staff Association, Inc. Directors and another year of awarding Family! “The PSA unites the Philmont 17 Deer Run Road, Cimarron, NM 87714 regular Features college scholarships – these are just a few staff – past, present and future – for the All rights reserved. of my favorite things in this pile of rocks. purpose of serving the adventure, heri- mail highcountry philstaff org 3 From the E.D. E- : @ . Magic! Another summer brings tage, and experience of Philmont and the 4 PSA News longer days, warmer sunsets, the many .” It’s good to dust Philmont Staff Association® Board Of Directors 24 Ranch Roundup shades of green and more smiling faces off our mission statement every now and 32 Short Stuff along with the attitude of “I am happy then, but I also like to think that we are John Murphy, President Colleen Nutter, Vice President, Membership 35 Good Campsite to be here.” I call this the “magic of more than a mission statement – we are Tim Rosseisen, Vice President, Service Philmont,” and it truly is incredible to “family.” A family that gives back, serves, Adam Fromm, Secretary 36 Trail Talk Matt Lindsey, Treasurer watch the “Phil-energy” come together awards scholarships, has “family” re- 38 From the Editor National Directors in the formation of our Philmont staff. I unions, promotes Philmont and honestly Amy Boyle, Ken Davis, Bryan Delaney feel honored to be here to witness this just does a lot of “good stuff” because, Catherine Hubbard, Lee Huckstep Dr. Dan Miller, Steve Rick Other new energy roll in like a thunderstorm. well, that is what families do. This energy is electrifying and motivat- So, regardless of whether you are vis- Regional Directors 4 Bulletin Board Northeast: Kathleen Seitz, Rick Touchette ing to say the least. I am so excited to be iting Philmont this summer or later in an- Central: Mitch Standard, Phil Winegardner 5 PSA Reunion Southern: Anne Marie Pinkenburg, Doug Wahl selected to serve in the role as executive other year, stay connected and reach out Western: Nancy Stickelman, Michael Waggoner 6 Notice of Elections director of the PSA and to be a moment in to your “Phil-family.” Enjoy your summer Jim Lynch, Immediate Past President 12 From the PSA Store time of this “magic of Philmont.” – I know I will! It truly is an honor to Mark Anderson, Philmont Staff Advisor 16 Worth Remembering Building HOmE! The PSA Office and serve this wonderful organization. Thank Ex Officio Members Museum Expansion Project capital cam- you for being a member of the Philmont Emery Corley, Legal Advisor 39 Meet the Staff Douglas Fasching, Technology Manager paign is launched! How exciting is it that Staff Association – we couldn’t do what On the Cover: Architect’s rendering of the the museum is expanding into a bigger “we do” without you! Dollie O’Neill, Executive Director proposed new PSA office building, part of the and beautiful state of the art educational PSA® FELLOWS new museum and education center complex. complex? Then we add that the PSA will

Bob Harvey Fellow See “Building HOmE” on p. 20. be building our very own office space to Dollie O’Neill PAUL and MARY JANE HARVEY call our own. It is almost too much excite- Executive Director Glenn A. Fowler Fellow BRUCE BARNES ment to handle – almost. Icing on the

George A. Bullock Fellow cake, if you ask me. WILLIAM D. BRYCE Members Only Access Elections! It’s not just an election year Joe Davis Fellow Username: NewOffice BILL CASS for the president of the United States Password: BuildingHome16 John A. Maxbauer, Jr. Fellow of America, but for the PSA! We have a ANONYMOUS full ballot of candidates running for a

2 High Country ▫ June 2016 High Country ▫ June 2016 3 PSA® News JOIN US FOR THE 2016 Summer Staff On Board PSA REUNION AT THE RANCH!! PSA® Website and Recent Phil-staffer Katie Gavin and first- E-Mail Address Changes year staff member Virginia Henderson Friday, July 8 through Sunday, July 10 will join Executive Director Dollie O’Neill Reminder: the PSA website has moved! in staffing the PSA office this summer. We are now a .org instead of a .com: Katie served on the staff from What to Expect: 2013-2015 as a PC at Miners Park, head www.philstaff.org rock at Dean Cow, and head rock at Cimarroncito. She’s majoring in new New PSA E-mail Addresses: • Lots of food, fun and fellowship media marketing at UMass Amherst. • PSA annual meeting Virginia hails from the other coast, where PSA Office: she attends the University of California, • Updates on latest developments at the ranch [email protected] Santa Barbara. • Chatauqua Performance, sponsored by New Mexico Humanities Council, by High Country: Special thanks to former staffers Jake PSA member Baldwin Burr [email protected] Koch and Lizzy Standard, who have been • Backcountry trip to see new staff cabin working in the PSA office throughout the Website Manager: spring. [email protected] • Day hike to Hart Peak • Annual PSA Silent Auction • Silver Sage Awards presentation BULLETIN BOARD • Music by fellow former Phil-staffers Upcoming PSA® Events • Housing at PTC Tent Cities • Last looks at the current Philmont Museum and Seton Memorial Library PSA Annual Reunion July 8-10, 2016 – Philmont Training Center before new construction starts Contact: Dollie O’Neill at [email protected] • Checking out the latest gear at award-winning Tooth of Time Traders PSA Summer Trek July 10-16, 2016 – Open to all PSA® members and their families Contacts: Lee Huckstep at [email protected] or Doug Latimer at [email protected]

Dayton Area Reunion What’s Your Cost? August 12-13, 2016 – Dayton, Ohio Contact: Scott Tritt at [email protected] Adults (18 and over) – only $100.00

PSA Volunteer Vacation (SOLD OUT) Children 6-17 – only $30.00 September 17-24, 2016 – Philmont Scout Ranch Children 5 and under – FREE! PSA Autumn Adventure Trek October 9-14, 2016 – Philmont Scout Ranch Contacts: Stephen and Cynthia Truemper at REGISTER NOW AT WWW.PHILSTAFF.ORG [email protected] or [email protected]

4 High Country ▫ June 2016 High Country ▫ June 2016 5 Notice of Elections

The Philmont Staff Association will conduct elections in July 2016 for all positions on the Board of Directors. Those elected will serve three-year terms beginning January 1, 2017, and concluding December 31, 2019. As required by the association’s constitution and bylaws, the Nominating Commit- tee has proposed at least one candidate for each officer position and two candidates for each director position (listed below). Candidate bios are included in the insert in this issue of High Country. Per our constitution, additional nominations may be made within 30 days by submission of the nominee’s name, biography or summary of qualifications, and valid signatures of at least 25 currently registered members of the association. Additional nominations meeting these requirements must be received at the PSA office by July 1.

Election Timeline

July 1 Deadline for additional nominations to be received. July 8 Ballots mailed to membership. August 1 Deadline for ballots to be received at PSA office. August 8 Election results announced.

National Officer Nominees:

President: John Murphy Vice President-Membership: Amy Boyle Secretary: Kathy Seitz Vice President-Service: Bryan Delaney Treasurer: Matt Lindsay Vice President-Development: Mariah Hughes

National Director Nominees (seven to be elected):

Ray Batchelor Doug Palmer Sarah Burgess Anne Marie Pinkenburg Alli Dietz Dave Romack Adam Fromm Tim Rosseisen Cathy Hubbard Nancy Coleman Stickelman Lee Huckstep David Wilson Julie Huiras Mascitti Phil Winegardner

Regional Director Nominees (two from each region to be elected):

Northeast Central Southern Western Ken Davis Jeff Ash Charles Aldredge Tom Giugni Fr. Don Hummel Caitlyn Lowe Amy Hall Ryan King George Segelken Mitch Standard Dr. Dan Miller Piper Niehaus Rick Touchette Scott Tritt Joy Pendley Mike Waggoner

6 High Country ▫ June 2016 High Country ▫ June 2016 7 2016 Distinguished Staff Alumni Award by Mark Stinnett High Country Editor

Former Phil-staffer Will Hobbs, nationally recognized author of nineteen outdoor adventure novels for teens and young adults (opposite page), has been selected as the 2016 recipient of the association’s Distinguished Staff Alumni Award. Presented annually by the PSA on recommendation of the Presidents Com- mittee and approval of the Board of Will with Freedom, a rescued bald eagle that in- Directors, the “DSAA” recognizes “distin- spired “Liberty” in his wildlife rescue/rehab novel, guished or exceptional personal success Jackie’s Wild Seattle. or achievement on a state, national or adventurer; Wally Berg, internationally international level by a current or former recognized mountaineer, explorer and Philmont staff member in any field of expedition leader; Rick Searfoss, former human endeavor, other than service to NASA astronaut, space shuttle pilot and Philmont, that brings honor and credit to shuttle mission commander, and Robert the legacy of the Philmont staff.” Birkby, outdoor writer, conservationist Will is the fifth recipient of the DSAA. and author of several editions of the Boy He joins the ranks of the late Steve Fos- Scout Handbook and Fieldbook. sett, world record aviator, sailor and The son of an Air Force engineer, Will moved around a lot as a kid, with stints in Alaska and northern California providing opportunities for outdoor activities and adventure. Camping and backpacking in the Sierras and a canoe trip with his Explorer post to the Boundary Waters in made lasting impressions. Will joined the Philmont staff in 1964 as a backcountry staff member at New Dean. He worked as a training ranger the following year and then spent the summers of 1966 and 1967 as a camp director at Rayado (starting camp) and French Henry. After finishing college at Stanford, he moved to Durango, Colo., where he taught reading and English for Will on his annual week-long backpacking trip in seventeen years, mostly for seventh and the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. eighth graders.

8 High Country ▫ June 2016 High Country ▫ June 2016 Recognition for Will Hobbs

• Seven of his novels, Bearstone, Downriver, The Big Wander, Beardance, Far North, The Maze, and Jason’s Gold, named as Best Books for Young Adults by the American Library Association.

• Two of his novels, Far North and Downriver, named to the American Library Asso- ciation’s list of 100 Best Books for Teens from the last half of the twentieth century.

• Recipient of the Mystery Writers of America’s prestigious Edgar Allen Poe Award in 1998 for Best Young Adult Mystery for his novel, Ghost Canoe. The Edgar Allen Poe Awards, commonly called the Edgars, are presented annually to honor the best in mys- tery fiction and nonfiction. Another of his novels, The Maze, was a finalist for the same award in 1999. Other Edgar Award recipients include authors such as Stephen King, Mary Higgins Clark, and Ken Follett.

• Recipient of the Western Writers of America’s Spur Award for Juvenile Fiction in 1996 for Far North. Considered among the most prestigious awards in American litera- Sixteen-year-old backcountry staffer Will Hobbs at New Dean Camp in 1964. ture, the Spur Awards recognize distinguished writing about the American West. Other Spur Award recipients include authors such as Stephen Ambrose, Larry McMurtry, and Along the way, Will became an avid has sparked my interest,” Will says on his Tony Hillerman. outdoorsman. Backpacking, hiking, website. whitewater rafting, and fishing in the ar- His trophy shelf at home must be • Four-time recipient of the Colorado Book Award for Beardance, Far North, Beardream, eas near his home in southwestern Colo- sagging with the weight of recognitions and Ghost Canoe. rado and beyond fueled his eventual turn Will’s books have achieved (see page to writing outdoor adventure tales. Will 11). Awards from the Mystery Writers • Recipient of multiple other regional and western state book awards, including the has made ten rafting trips, rowing his of America, Western Writers of America, Mountains and Plains Booksellers Award, Heartland Award, Southwest Book Award, own whitewater raft, down the Colorado and the American Library Association and California Young Reader Medal. River through the Grand Canyon. testify to the breadth of his work and the Will published his first book, Changes influence he has had on young readers. • Nominations to state book awards in more than thirty states. in Latitudes, in 1988. After publication of When notified of his selection, Will his second novel, Bearstone, in 1989, Will said, “As I read the names and accom- left teaching and started writing full-time plishments of the previous honorees, in 1990. He has since authored seven- I was amazed I’d been selected to join teen additional novels and two picture this list. It’s a wonderful honor to have books for young readers, all with outdoor my outdoor novels for young people themes and settings. All of his books are recognized as having brought ‘honor still in print. and credit to the legacy of the Philmont Will’s books take young readers to staff.’” wild places and inspire them to appreci- They do, indeed. Our sincere con- ate our natural world while experiencing gratulations to Will Hobbs, 2016 PSA Dis- grand adventures. “About half of my tinguished Staff Alumni Award recipient. ideas for stories come from my own life That trophy shelf will have to sag a little experiences, and the other half come from more with the addition of his engraved reading, as I learn more about whatever “distinguished staff” from the PSA!

10 High Country ▫ June 2016 High Country ▫ June 2016 11 Stock up this summer at the PSA® Store! PSA Nalgene Water Bottles Nike Polo – NEW! Stay hydrated with a PSA Nalgene water bottle. Available in a 22-oz. flip-top or a Nike Dri-Fit Polo, sapphire blue. Stay cool 32-oz. wide-mouth bottle with the PSA when things heat up. Engineered with logo. BPA free. $12 Dri-fit fabric which provides moisture management technology. This comfort- able micro-pique polo has an exception- ally soft hand. The design features a flat PSA Stainless Steel Mug knit collar, three-button placket, open hem sleeves. The contrast Swoosh design NEW! trademark is embroidered on the left sleeve. Made of 4.4-oz, 100% polyester. 16-oz. stainless steel outer shell tumbler. Sizes: X-Small, S, M, L, XL, XXL. $45 Double wall plastic inner liner insulation. Plastic lid with spill prevention slide lock. Debossed outer line body ring design. Colors: black, stainless steel silver. $15 PSA Polo Shirts

Our popular PSA polo shirt is now “Future Philmont Staff” Stuffed Animals available in gray and green. This short- sleeved shirt is dri-wicking and protected We have the perfect gift for the future Philmont with Scotchgard. Available in men’s and staff member in your life! Each PSA stuffed women’s sizes. $30 animal has a removable hoodie with “Future Philmont Staff” embroidered on the front. Available in four 7”- 8” animals: Bear, T-Rex, Horse, and Wolf. $12

87714 Performance T-Shirts

This performance, wicking t-shirt features Buckle Sale! our 87714 logo on the upper left chest. Graphite color. Available in men’s sizes: Bronze: $25 each S, M, L, XL, XXL. $16 Pewter: $20 each

SUMMER SALE! Get these items for just $8 through July 15: All Books ● PSA Map Stationery Set ● Ansel Adams Poster Visit the PSA® Store at www.philstaff.org!

12 High Country ▫ June 2016 High Country ▫ June 2016 13 How We Are Known

Story and Photos by Bobbie Hobbs where buff canyon walls start climbing amid towering cottonwoods. “You wouldn’t believe all the junk in there!” Gretchen and Ruby managed the Chase Ranch together. Any time of year I am visiting the Chase Ranch while they must have talked long into the night attending a PSA spring meeting after about where to move the cattle, how to Gretchen Sammis’ death. Philmont is pay the bills, who will take the truck to cataloging and preserving her ancestral town. homestead. Where do old cowgirls go? Noth- This young Philmont staff member’s ing stays in place when the wind roars comments give me chills. “It is tak- up this canyon. The earth moves and ing forever to go through their stuff.” all grapples and struggles to remain He touches on my greatest fear, being rooted on this wind-swept plain. Pon- defined by my possessions after I die. I derosa permanently bend to the wind’s The Chase Ranch, now operated by Philmont under a 100-year lease. don’t want to be known or judged by direction. Connection to the land, like what I leave. personal relationships, can’t be taken for in a place where you threw whatever ancestors. Now, according to her will, These two women held the wil- granted. Those in the high desert learn to you broke down a hill? And every time Philmont carries forward a great and derness at bay year after year. What read clouds in a place where sun and rain you walk out the door you can see all the neighborly trust — to tell the story of her Gretchen and her long-time friend, Ruby occur at the same time and there’s never dishes and the glasses you’ve loved, and family, her dear friend, and this great Gobble, gathered and enjoyed is now enough water. shattered, turn into lavender and blue in land. layered in dust. Elegant silver filigreed The midden of the Chase Ranch is the bright desert sun? trays, a table for twelve with cracked right out the back door. What if you lived Today, on the cusp of spring, young Author Bobbie Hobbs served on the PTC staff leather chairs, a wind-up phonograph budding iridescent cottonwood leaves in the 1960s. from a bygone era, Meissen china, walnut Where do old cowgirls go? overhang the house. I smell the damp- furniture, and family photographs held ness of last year’s grasses. The sun is You are not as old as this rock. in gold and silver frames lit through a shining through blowing seed heads. sunny bay window. Vines seek support to grow, climb the Philmont’s ranch manager describes old adobe home, tighten their grip on the Gretchen as “probably the most interest- exterior wall of what has become a mu- ing woman I’ve ever met.” Compan- seum. They knit, weave, cling, and testify ionship out here means traveling vast to western self-reliance. Elegant heavy distances. Relationships involve people white lawn chairs rest under the cotton- who can help and offer solace, as well as woods. In an ancient metate Gretchen accept differences. Deep friendships are and Ruby have placed an engraved rock. nurtured over long winters. It says, “You may be old, but you are not Gretchen was the fourth and last gen- as old as this rock.” eration of the Chase family. They built in The brand of the Chase Ranch is a the 1860s on land at the threshold of the heart. A short time after Gretchen died, high sagebrush plains and the Sangres. Ruby followed her, leaving no one left The Blood of Christ mountain range. Its to work the ranch. Gretchen’s ashes landscape dwarfs the ranch dwellings, are scattered among the graves of her

14 High Country ▫ June 2016 High Country ▫ June 2016 15 Worth Remembering From the inscription on the plaque to commemorate the gift of the Philmont Ranch and the Philtower Building to the Boy Scouts of America:

These properties Are donated and dedicated to The Boy Scouts of America for Encouraging the perpetuation of Faith – Self-Reliance – Integrity – Freedom Principles used to build this great country by The American Pioneer

So that These future citizens may Through thoughtful adult guidance And by the inspiration of nature Visualize and form a code of living to Diligently maintain these high ideals and Our proper destiny. The tornado just after it dropped its payload on the far side of Tooth Ridge.

Waite Phillips (1946) The 1960 CHQ Tornado

Story and photos by Vince Matthews We left the building and immediately saw that all 300 tents in Tent City were Several rangers left the dining hall after flattened or gone. As we looked to the finishing supper on Saturday evening, west, we saw a funnel moving away June 25, and were expounding on world from headquarters. Tents, sleeping bags, affairs as they headed back to Ranger camping gear and clothing were swirling City (two rows of platform/wall tents on around in the funnel as it moved steadily either side of a wooden locker build- across the ground toward Tooth of Time. ing). The wind started picking up with I ran out to the ranger locker building, consequent dust in the air. Fellow ranger which was undamaged, and got my Larry Gibbs said that he had to duck into camera out of my locker. By the time I a room in the quadrangle (a stucco build- was able to snap a picture, the funnel had ing with an open center) because the dust hit Tooth Ridge, traveled up the ridge and was bothering his contact lenses. We all dropped its payload on the far side, and stepped in with him. As we looked out was continuing up into the clouds. the window, the intensity of the wind and 1960 was the year of the Boy Scout dust built rapidly to the point where we National Jamboree in Colorado Springs. could see nothing but violently blowing A group of 155 Scouts from Santa Fe was dust. Suddenly, almost like magic, the participating in a weekend “shakeout” at wind stopped, and it was clear. Philmont in preparation for the jamboree

16 High Country ▫ June 2016 High Country ▫ June 2016 17 Tent City immediately after the tornado hit. About 300 tents were lost. in July. They were camped in the field refuge under a vehicle which the tornado just east of Ranger City and were cooking lifted off them. One of the most seri- dinner on charcoal stoves when the tor- ously injured had been hiding under the nado hit them. We immediately turned vehicle. our attention to helping them because One Scout reported that the wind Half of Ranger City on the morning after. The author’s tent had been on the second platform. they were hard hit. ripped his shoes off his feet. I found a The area where the Santa Fe Scouts butcher knife that the tornado buried in As you can imagine, life at headquar- About the Author: Vince Matthews served on were located was tragic testimony to the ground up to its hilt. A tent pole was ters was disrupted for a while. Lots of the staff as a PC at Black Mountain in 1959, the tornado’s fury. Three Scouts were hurled into a wire fence where a strand folks were without shelter, extra clothing, ranger in 1960, ACD at Porcupine in 1961, hospitalized in Raton, eight were kept of wire split it lengthwise down the sleeping gear and accessories. For weeks, and CD at Cyphers Mine in 1962 and 1963. overnight in the health lodge, and a score middle for about a foot. Chasing down the ranch sent wranglers with pack trains He later taught in five institutions of higher of others with minor injuries were treated and extinguishing the burning charcoal to the other side of Tooth Ridge to recover education, worked as an executive in four and released. Several Scouts had sought briquettes became an immediate priority. items carried and dropped there by the natural resource companies, and retired as funnel. I can’t say that Philmont was pre- director of the Colorado Geological Survey in pared for the likelihood of this unusual 2013. He now lives in Leadville, Colo. natural disaster (termed a ‘freak’ by the newspapers), but Director of Camping Editor’s Note: At least two tornados have Jack Rhea’s leadership provided an exem- struck the Philmont/Cimarron area since plary emergency response. 1938.

The newly finished Protestant Chapel was destroyed, but held services the next morning. Photo of Santa Fe Scouts’ camping area taken by the ranch’s official photographer, Dan Sheehan, in the im- mediate aftermath of the tornado. Note folks with buckets of water extinguishing numerous hot spots.

18 High Country ▫ June 2016 High Country ▫ June 2016 19 Building HOmE

The PSA® Office and Museum Expansion Project

For more than 40 years, PSA members have dreamed of having their own building at

Philmont – a place at the ranch that we could On these pages: Architect’s renderings of the new Philmont Museum & Seton Memorial Library & Education Center complex, including the call our own HOmE. Now, with help from all of proposed new PSA office (upper left). Construction is set to begin in us, that dream is about to become reality. August on this tremendous new gateway for Philmont visitors.

20 High Country ▫ June 2016 High Country ▫ June 2016 21 Join Us in Building Our New HOmE!

by Mitch Standard will connect to the museum and Seton Library via a paved brick plaza that forms What an exciting time to be a member the main entry to the complex. of the Philmont Staff Association! We To make all of this happen, and to have been invited by the Philmont Ranch support Philmont as well, the PSA has Committee and Philmont management to launched a new “Building HOmE” capi- construct our own stand-alone PSA office tal campaign to raise $1.2 million over the April 14, 2016 building as part of the Philmont museum next three years. In keeping with our pri- upgrade and mary mission Dear Fellow Phil Staffers, expansion. of serving We couldn’t Philmont, a After many years of service to the ranch, we are entering a new and exciting phase receive half million for your Philmont Staff Association. Working closely with ranch management, we a greater dollars, or were granted permission to locate a new PSA HOmE office as part of the Seton Mu- stamp of more than seum and Library Expansion project. The Seton and our PSA HOmE will be at the approval for forty percent, center of an educational center which will serve as a central gateway for Philmont the contribu- of the funds visitors. This is a great honor for the Philmont Staff Association and it shows how tions being we raise will much a part of the fabric of the ranch we have become through years of talent, trea- made by the go directly sure and time being given by you—our members. PSA and our to Philmont members for to support Building our HOmE: The PSA Office & Museum Expansion Project is a chance Philmont the museum for each of you to be a crucial part of the future of Philmont and your PSA. Con- and its pro- expansion struction is scheduled to begin as soon as August of this year! Construction of the grams. project. The new PSA office will take approximately 18 months to complete—imagine having The museum expansion will triple balance will go to building our PSA our own building to serve our members and continue to pursue our mission of sup- the size of the current facility and will HOmE, furnishing it, and endowing its porting the people, place and programs that are Philmont. become a true educational center for future maintenance costs. Philmont participants, staff, academic By now, members have received We aren’t there yet, though—in order to complete our dream, we must raise $1.2 researchers and community members. brochures and pledge cards in the mail. million. What a legacy we can create with this project! It is a tough goal, but I Philmont’s invitation to the PSA to locate Pledges and gifts can also be made know our membership is up to any challenge. I hope you will join me and your our own office in this stunning new com- through our website at www.philstaff.org. PSA board by making a multi-year pledge to make our long-held dream a reality. I plex is probably the most public recogni- By giving as generously as you can, you know that all of us bring different skills and gifts to the table in our association— tion possible for the value of the partner- will both help Philmont and give yourself the testament to this is in our past successful campaigns. Together we can build ship we have created with the ranch. your own “place” at the ranch. this project for the ranch, the members and future members to come. The new PSA office will include For a “flyover” of the overall museum several offices and work areas, a recep- project, check out the video we’ve posted I thank you in advance for your support. IWTGBTP! tion area and a large meeting room. We’ll on YouTube at: have terrific views of the Tooth of Time https://youtu.be/PCO3gtzNkUQ John Murphy and the Camping Headquarters entrance You’ll see what an honor it is for us to be President from our front entry and a full wall of part of such an incredible project. Join us Philmont Staff Association windows in the meeting room. The office as we build our permanent HOmE!

22 High Country ▫ June 2016 High Country ▫ June 2016 23 Personnel Update Ranch Roundup Eric Martinez, Philmont’s chief ranger for the past two summers, has joined the Baldy Boundary Settled Philmont professional staff as the new associate director of program responsible Philmont and the Pueblo of Sandia have for seasonal staff and base camp opera- signed an agreement to resolve a cen- tions. tury-old discrepancy in title documents Eric started on the seasonal staff in defining their property border on Baldy 2008 and worked his way up through Mountain and ownership of its Deep Tun- ranger leadership positions to the chief nel Mine. ranger post in 2014. He has also worked been constructed throughout the tent The Pueblo became Philmont’s neigh- as the winter cities for each section of six tents. With a bor when it purchased the East Moreno adventure picnic table under each, the shelters will Ranch some years back to provide leaders began discussions to resolve coordinator at provide much-needed shade and rain recreation and hunting opportunities for the title issue by agreement. After four Philmont and as protection. its members. The ranches share a border years of off-and-on again negotiations, Okpik direc- along the summit of Baldy Mountain. Philmont General Manager Kevin Dowl- tor at Northern However, a lawsuit later filed against ing and Director of Program Mark Ander- Tier. Eric holds the Pueblo by the former ranch owner son met in Albuquerque in March with a bachelor’s de- Eric Martinez revealed a discrepancy in old deeds the tribe’s governor and war chiefs, with gree in outdoor conveying property rights on both the all signing off on an agreement to clearly leadership and resort management from mountaintop and at both ends of its his- establish each side’s property rights and Western Colorado University. toric Deep Tunnel Mine, which opens on ranch borders. Over the fall and winter months, he’s the east side at Copper Park Camp. The agreement, to be filed in the been on the road all over the country On the mountain ridge tops, the origi- Colfax County deed records, returns to training advisors in Philmont’s PASS and nal grants and deeds had conveyed title the original intent of the Beaubien and PAW programs. More than 1,200 trek with reference to points at which the wa- Miranda land grant and fixes the border leaders and advisors have benefited from tershed divided. However, subsequent on the summit of Baldy where the wa- Eric’s instruction in the highly successful Notes From All Over surveys opted for straight lines between tersheds divide. In addition, each party start to that program. fixed points instead of curving boundar- granted the other a 300-foot easement on Some trek slots for 2016 are still available ies along winding crests. That might either side of the boundary so that hikers Clean, Dry and Shaded – check out the camping section on the have worked if the surveyed lines had could freely roam the summit without Philmont website if you can get a crew all connected – except they didn’t. The fear of “trespassing” on the other’s lands. Campers coming to the ranch this sum- together quickly . . . backcountry staff are “gap” persisted for decades in title docu- As for the Deep Tunnel Mine, the mer will be greeted by new facilities in scheduled to scatter June 5-7, with first ments and came to light in the Pueblo’s agreement fixes the dividing line in the Tent City that should make a decided dif- crews arriving on 608 . . . Philmont maps litigation. middle of the mountain, with Philmont ference in their base camp experience. have a new boundary shape in 2016 with Regarding the Deep Tunnel Mine, owning all rights in the mine east of that The new tent city shower house (top the incorporation of Cimarroncita within title was a bit murky as well. Arguments line, and the Sandias owning all to the right), with individual shower and chang- our borders . . . construction is slated could have been made that the Pueblo west. Each party ceded to the other any ing rooms similar to the designs previ- to start on the new museum complex owned the mine entrance on the Philmont claims to the mine or its entrances on “the ously used at PTC and Cito, opens in a immediately after the last crews leave side, and that Philmont had claims to other side” of that agreed dividing line. central location between trailbound and on August 22 . . . the museum will move mine property at the western entry. In short, the legal title and our border homebound tent cities. some exhibits and re-open in temporary Rather than go to war in court, on the mountain are now officially what Perhaps most welcome will be new quarters in the Hardesty Casa Centrale Philmont management and the tribe’s most of us always thought they were. roofed shelters (also pictured) that have building for crews visiting in 2017.

24 High Country ▫ June 2016 High Country ▫ June 2016 25 Philmont History

Bound for New Mexico by Larry Murphy

Editor’s Note: The following stories (part of a continuing series) originally appeared in The Springer Tribune in a series entitled “Colfax County Sketches,” and were later collected and published in the book Out in God’s Country: A History of Colfax County, New Mexico, © 1969, Springer Publishing Co., Inc. They are reprinted by permission.

Westward Across the Plains

Tanned buckskin-clad drivers inspected every inch of their equipment to be sure that no spoke would crack, no strap break, no screw pull loose. Certain that heard in several frontier Missouri towns. every possible item had been crammed Franklin gave birth to the trade and nur- ments on the return trip. before entering the wilderness. Electing into their great wagons, packers roped tured it for several seasons. Located just In reality no marked trail stretched one of their members as caravan leader, down the loads, while local merchants west of Franklin, Independence became across the flatlands, but caravan leaders the men also established regulations stood by to fill any remaining space. the next point of embarkation for plains explored their own route along the river regarding the plan of march, setting up Entrepreneurs in distinctive black travelers. Other towns later vied for a bottoms and across grassy prairies. The camp, assigning guards, and defending attire whispered last-minute instructions role in the Mexican commerce. Westport need to find pastures for livestock fre- themselves against Indian attack. to avoid duties and make the best deals in and Kansas City grew and prospered quently necessitated detours, as did the West of Council Grove travelers Santa Fe to their representatives. Mexi- during the early 1840s as traders took muddy ruts of a previous caravan. entered the wilds. Only well-established cans who had herded in mules, horses advantage of their location further west. Often traveling two or even four campsites marked the route, for few or oxen from outlying pastures raced to The establishment of Forts Osage and abreast, a single caravan covered a span landmarks broke the monotonous prairies harness their teams. Final farewells from Leavenworth on either side of Kansas as wide as fifty yards. “One need only which stretched for hundreds of miles tearful wives and excited children in- City lent a further advantage to the area. compare the various records to discover in every direction. Boredom posed the creased as the men moved to their places. A few caravans which started from Little that the Santa Fe Trail was not a road or greatest psychological problem, as man Then from the front a call of “Ready?” Rock, Arkansas, followed a southerly even a trace,” the trade’s most recent his- and beast alike tired of dreary scenery rang out up and down the line, and a route through Texas to Santa Fe. torian has written, “but a series of tracks and restricted company. hundred voices soon answered, “All’s Normally the caravan left Missouri meandering over the plains in only the Nerves and tempers frequently set!” With every wagon poised, the in the spring, sold during the summer in most general single course.” frayed. But here too the real adventure captain’s cry of “stretch out” blurred the southwest, and returned by late fall. For nearly every caravan, the first began. Indians might appear at any the noises of barking dogs and crying Leaving before the snows had melted on important stop was Council Grove, 150 time. What looked like a tree against women. The Santa Fe caravan was head- the plains was impossible, but too late miles or ten days west of Independence. the horizon might be a native scout, an ing west. a departure could mean encountering a Although beautiful to see, traders kept antelope, or buffalo – or maybe even the The sound of a departing train was winter storm before reaching the settle- busy making final preparations at the site mountains.

26 High Country ▫ June 2016 High Country ▫ June 2016 27 Perils of the Santa Fe Trail number of night guards doubled. No one dared stray far from their wagons. Anywhere west of Council Grove, As early as 1822, Captain William traders were likely to encounter Indians, Becknell told of eight men he had sent to the most dramatic and frequently record- recover some strayed horses. Two of the ed kind of danger. Technically at peace company spotted some Indians, whom after 1825, the eastern Osages seldom they tried to outrun. The natives soon disturbed merchants, but their western overtook the pair, however, stripped them neighbors, the Pawnee, Comanche and naked, administered a “barbarous” whip- Kiowa, continually threatened war. ping, and stole their mounts. Fortunately, Travelers seldom knew of the na- the naked, helpless men were luckier tives’ presence until a group of five to a than many and successfully rejoined their dozen suddenly appeared from a nearby party. hill, riding rapidly toward the caravan. Four members of Captain Bennett To attack an entire train, especially one Riley’s military escort learned the danger guarded by soldiers, was risky, so the In- of leaving the caravan during the 1829 dians normally conversed through signs trek. When their enlistments were up, Photo: The “Point of Rocks” landmark on the Cimarron branch, located in Colfax County northeast of for a few minutes while they appraised they insisted on leaving the train midway Springer. Photo © Annie Adkins, http://anniepics.imagekind.com. Used with permission. the party’s strength. But henceforth the across the plains to return to Missouri. Only eight or ten miles out of camp, some one, probably used by the first few thirty Indians suddenly attacked them. caravans and always the more popular, An attempt to talk peace failed when one proceeded along the Arkansas to the Bent soldier was fatally shot while trying to brothers’ famous fort near the present shake hands. The remainder removed town of Las Animas, Colo. From there their packs and prepared to defend them- they headed south toward Raton Pass, selves against the screaming attackers, where they could follow the edge of the who by then were riding rapidly around Sangre de Cristos through Colfax County them. Slowly retreating toward their toward Santa Fe. Although longer and group’s encampment, the survivors suc- slower, this road offered protection from ceeded in killing one Indian before they the Indians as well as a reliable water were rescued by a search party. supply which appealed to many caravan Their efforts thus temporarily thwart- leaders. ed, the natives waited until Riley had sent The second route had been first part of his men in search of their dead blazed by William Becknell years before. comrade’s body before they attacked the Called the “Dry Cimarron branch,” it de- entire caravan, driving off its livestock. parted from the Arkansas River in Kansas In all, fifty-four oxen, twenty horses, and and crossed directly across the arid plains several mules were lost. The soldiers of Texas and eastern New Mexico to never located their companion’s corpse Wagon Mound, N. M., where it rejoined either, but the survivors now willingly the mountain route. Although many who agreed to remain with the escort until it selected it suffered from a lack of water returned from the Mexican border. or fell victim to the Comanches or Kiowas As they neared the Arkansas River, who frequented the area, this route was Final destination: “View of Santa Fe Plaza in the 1850s (End of the Trail),” by Gerald Cassidy, circa 1930, oil on canvas, 47 3/4 x 60 1/4 in. Collection of the New Mexico Museum of Art. Gift of the New the leaders of each caravan had to decide faster and easier on the wagons than the Mexico Historical Society, 1977 (350.23P) Photo by Blair Clark. Used with permission. between two possible routes. The longer rougher mountain one.

28 High Country ▫ June 2016 High Country ▫ June 2016 29 their fellows who continued along the proached the capital, a sudden excite- eastern side of the Rockies. ment swept through the caravan. Men Santa Fe traders found no perma- dirty from months of travel now bathed, nent settlements in the Colfax County changed into their best clean shirts, put area before 1844, although there was one on Sunday suits, and glued their hair in notable attempt to found a ranch. In 1830 place with bear grease. Wagoneers piled one Samuel Chambers, a veteran Santa as many goods as they could into each Fe trader and mountaineer who had been wagon to reduce import duties as the jailed with Robert McKnight’s ill-fated caravan rolled down the last hill and into trading party in 1812, petitioned the the ancient city. Mexican government for permission to An unusual bustle also character- colonize the Ponil River. ized the normally quiet Mexican town Examining his request, the New when the annual train arrived. Cries Mexico Departmental Assembly noted of “Los Americanos,” and “los Carros” that Indian hostilities in the area threat- ran through its narrow crooked streets. ened to exterminate anyone who might Crowds of citizens flocked to stare at the reside there. Until a sufficient military newly-arrived gringos, most of whom force could be secured to provide protec- stared back at the strange surroundings tion, they, therefore, decreed that no such with just as much interest. While their “Directions to Santa Fe” by Jim Carson. © Jim Carson Studio. Used with permission. ranches might be established along the employees spied out the loveliest senori- The Last Miles to Santa Fe in 1825, George Sibley noted a “gap” in northern frontier. tas and the liveliest dance halls, mer- the mountains through which a “trace” or Another week’s travel carried Santa chants wrangled with customs officials Fe travelers from the Canadian River who appraised goods and exacted duties. Soon after crossing Raton Pass, primitive trail ran to Taos. Exactly what toward their destination. As they ap- At last the long trek was over. caravans passed through the area which the surveyor was referring to is specula- would eventually become Colfax County. tive, but the Taos Trail was evidently No identity separated the area from the either the Cimarron Canyon or Moras hundreds of miles through which the Canyon, just south of Rayado. wagons had passed, but early travelers Because Sibley reported that wagons were overjoyed to see the mountains, find could pass through the gap with “some plentiful supplies of wood, and rest be- labour,” he probably did not mean the neath the cool shade of a Rocky Mountain narrow and extremely rough Cimar- stream. Frequently they recorded stops ron Canyon, not generally used until along the Ponil, Cimarron, Rayado and after prospectors discovered gold in the Canadian rivers. 1860s. A narrow dry stream bed wind- The exact path of the road during ing to the rim of La Grulla Mesa, Moras those early days cannot be ascertained Canyon was on the other hand frequently with any certainty, but several tracks now traversed by Taos travelers during the visible only from the air indicate fre- post-Mexican era, and was more likely quent use of the area fronting the Sangre the “gap” referred to. de Cristo mountains from Cimarron to Early trappers and traders hauled Rayado, where the area’s first permanent goods via this route directly to Taos, settlement was eventually established. where they could be sold at the annual For some, the Cimarron area marked fairs or in American-owned stores. Those the point of departure from the regular who scurried over the mountains via this Santa Fe route. While surveying the road trail might even reach Santa Fe before “End of the Santa Fe Trail” by Jim Carson. © Jim Carson Studio. Used with permission.

30 High Country ▫ June 2016 High Country ▫ June 2016 31 change is actually from my mapping of ‘65 Flood Issue Update Short Stuff the actual boundary fences of Philmont, which were done while working the fire Regarding the photo of the French Henry rehab projects. The day I mapped that CD lassoing a bear featured on page 63 More on Mapping area, I had to cut up four trees that had in your August 2015 special edition flood fallen on the road since I had driven in issue, that is none other than Greg Hobbs, Thank you for the fun article (“Missing in that day. Silver Sage Award recipient and recently Mapping,” I-Camp, April 2016 issue). Also, the boundary on what used retired senior associate justice of the Colo- I had a lot of fun making the first to be the Atmore Ranch [now Express rado Supreme Court. in-house Philmont GIS map. It was a Ranch] was modified. Older maps strange project to be assigned to work showed the trail leaving Philmont and re- Ned Gold with the Philmont mapping program. I entering the property. It turned out to be Warren, Ohio actually got into the GIS side of camp an angle was wrong on the fence. When through my degree in forestry to origi- it was fixed it added 66 acres to Philmont. nally map the forestry work that had I guess the most interesting thing been done on the ranch. I kind of fell into about the whole Philmont GIS project to the role as the Philmont seasonal map me is that the ranch claims to be 137,000+ guy along with Dave Allen, the full-time acres, but the actual boundary as defined pro-tech. by the GIS software is more like 135,000 We did a lot of research into the maps acres??? when we went to make Philmont’s first The reason we no longer have North, in-house GIS maps. We actually went Central, and South maps is that it was back to the maps of Philmont from Waite about $7 a map to make them the size of Phillips’ time, and all the maps used the old sectional maps. Changing them after. Referencing those, we found that to the standard print size, we ended up using a new printer and it brought Mountain Lion Canyon tends to change Olympic Memories locations, but we believe it is in the right that down to about $1.40 a map. It took several attempts to find an ink that would spot now. 1965 was my first year on staff at When we went to make the vegeta- stay on the water-resistant paper. Once we figured out how to get the maps to Philmont, though I had twice been there tion layer of the property, we had the as a camper. We came in a few days early the maps we accidentally had the tallest stay on the paper, we eventually went to option of buying a program for several for camp director training at camping mountain on earth at Philmont, with an the two-sided north and south maps. thousands of dollars, or making it by headquarters. This was Joe Davis’ first elevation of 100,000 feet. I forget who hand. It took me around 80 hours to job at Philmont, too. I don’t think he found that error. We used to print a Mic Mullins, Program Director draw the vegetation layer of Philmont knew what he was getting into. With full-size update each week and put it in Heart of Virginia Council based on satellite imagery. I remember that big smile and handshake, “Men!” he the CHQ admin building with a big red sitting there tracing trees from space said, many times. Many times. We would marker so people would help us find while watching it snow outside, just DID YOU KNOW? surely overcome anything with his enthu- errors. To ensure they were looking, waiting for the next Kanik crew to arrive. siasm. Nothing to worry about. There intentional errors were added. I miss Artist Jim Carson, whose works ap- Dave and I made most of what became was no such thing as adversity, according Mullins Creek! pear on pp. 30-31, told High Country, those first Philmont GIS maps during to Mr. Davis. My favorite two changes to the map, “I am a western artist because as a the off-season and I was actually a Kanik Olympia was just a name to me. It however, are to the iconic point at the Scout I went to Philmont and fell in guide with a special assignment to GIS. was just upstream from Rayado, an old top of the ranch. If you look at the older love with the western landscape.” Ute Gulch was misspelled for a settlement. I pictured a lazy little camp maps it was a point with a flat side. The View his art at: few years after the new maps were first with a meandering stream and maybe new maps are shaped differently. That www.jimcarsonstudio.com. published. At one point in the draft of some wildlife, a few aspen. I hadn’t

32 High Country ▫ June 2016 High Country ▫ June 2016 33 thought about rocks, rocks and more water from Rayado. rocks. Olympia sounded like a moun- We had no campers, of course, and Another Good Campsite tain top or maybe a little oasis but it was after a few days it became clear that we certainly not that. had a wet and smelly mess, and that The three of us arrived, all under age was about all. Except we had ourselves, 21. Situated on what seemed the top of the three of us. Being so young, none Rayado Creek, nothing much was hap- of us verbalized our fear, though it was pening except for the bleakness of the present. The pride of youth, I suppose. water, which kept rising, and rising, and Amazingly there had not been even the rising. Not pretty water. Fast muddy slightest hint of friction, not one bit. Nor water with brush. Black. Very loud and would there be. noisy at night. We were at Olympia for around ten It began to dawn on us that we were days. At that point Mr. Davis came out to in some trouble. There was electricity, see us and said we were going to Min- and who needs anything else if you have ers Park, quite the contrast in western electricity? At least for a while there was beauty, to work with Dave Girardi. We electricity. And Mr. Davis knew we were had a good summer, a very good summer there. despite it all. We figured out how the radio worked I recently discovered that campers and were able to speak to Paul Felty, the are going out of Olympia again. What? voice of civilization at Camping Head- Surely not. Yet there is some logic to it. quarters. It was called Control Center, Being very close to Rayado is convenient, though I don’t know that they were and there needs to be a place to get one’s actually in control of anything. Paul es- bearings. Perhaps Olympia has some sentially said not to worry, that our flood natural beauty after all besides the little If you ever find yourself thinking about being smack-dab in the middle of Philmont, you’d couldn’t amount to much. Rayado. Good luck to you, campers, probably end up on Deer Lake Mesa – and what better place to be than camping at Deer The water kept rising. The critters whoever you may be, and enjoy our old Lake Camp. sought higher ground. We were con- spot. Bordering a natural lake surrounded by tall Ponderosa, old growth pinon, and oak, cerned about rattlesnakes. The flood the camp offers breathtaking views of “Cito,” Bear, Black and Trail Peaks. First opened as didn’t peak for some days, and by then John Lester a trail camp in 1999, evidence of seasonal logging camps from the 1930s and 40s can be we had to wait for shipments of food and Kansas City, Mo. found scattered across the area. Despite its central location, Deer Lake Camp is a little way off the main trails through the ranch. Most trekkers through the central country hit Harlan and Vaca to the east or Devils Wash Basin or Deer Lake Mesa Camp to the west. There is sometimes confusion between Deer Lake Mesa Camp and Deer Lake Camp. Deer Lake Mesa Camp has a small “dirt tank” with a spring and a well as a water source. Deer Lake is by far the larger of the two reservoirs, and offers a back-up water source of a large rain catchment built in 2013. Even during drier years, the lake affords spring nesting sites for dozens of species of waterfowl that return every year, calling Philmont – HOmE!

Dave Kenneke Olympia Camp, summer 2013. Photo by Brad Upton.

34 High Country ▫ June 2016 High Country ▫ June 2016 35 recipient of the BSA’s Silver Beaver and Trail Talk Silver Antelope awards. On The Back Cover Address: 4834 Smith Stewart Rd., Vienna The Baldy Town Boarding House, OH 44473. E-mail: [email protected] General David L. Gold- Michael Growney (Medic opened last year, now serves as quar- 1980s 1990s ters and living area for the Baldy Town fein (Ranger 1980) has 1999, Phil-Doc 2013-2016) David Clay Pruitt (Logistics 2002) be- staff. Also known as the “Baldy Majal” been nominated by President Barack finished medical school at the Univer- came a professional Scouter after college or “Taj Mabaldy.” Photo courtesy Obama to become the next U.S. Air sity of Kansas and then completed his and has now served fourteen years. He Philmont News and Photo Services. Force Chief of Staff. In making the an- residency in obstetrics and gynecology in writes, “After I graduated, I was wonder- nouncement, Secretary of Defense Ash Greenville, S. Car. He currently practices ing what I was going to do with my life Carter called Goldfein “one of the most as a general ob/gyn at Parkview Medical and the direction I wanted to go, and I J.D. degree in 1975 from St. Mary’s School Center in Pueblo, Colo. He has returned remembered a conversation I had while of Law. He remains active in Scouting as a as a “Phil-Doc” each of the past four at Philmont about interviewing for a troop committee member. summers, and writes, “I love every bit of professional Scouting position. I then Address: 3120 Brincrest Dr., Farmers it! Being a Phil-Doc is a volunteer posi- contacted my local Scout service center, Branch TX 75234. tion, but every year I say that I get more interviewed for a position, and was hired. E-mail: [email protected] than I give just by being able to return to A big part was the time I spent on the Philmont.” staff at Philmont. I have recruited kids Anthony Ely (Chase Ranch 2016) has Address: 4 Royal Troon Ct., Pueblo CO now that have received their Eagle rank, attended Wabash College in Crawfords- 81001. E-mail: [email protected] sent youth and adults to Philmont, and ville, Ind. He is involved with College started new Scout units in communities Mentors for students at his school and is Dan Johnson (CHQ Services 99) graduat- that have changed lives. All this was due still involved with Scouting. He is a Vigil ed from West Virginia Univ. in 2002 with to my time at Philmont.” Honor member of the OA. He writes: a degree in wildlife management. He Address: 10605 Gander Grove Way #301, “Philmont has allowed me to prepare for then started work in the nuisance wildlife Knoxville TN 37932. my next job by teaching me the impor- field and has been removing animals E-mail: [email protected] tance of working well with others.” from homes and repairing the damage Address: 3200 E. Shaffer Ave., Terre Haute done for the past 14 years. He writes, Robert Burton (Welcome IN 47805. “Working at Philmont, one truly learns 2010s Center 2016) received his E-mail: [email protected] proven strategic thinkers across our joint the value of being nice to others. As a sea- force.” sonal staff member, I constantly reminded General Goldfein currently serves as myself that [Philmont] is the highlight the Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, a posi- of the participant’s Scouting career, and tion he has held since August 2015. He should be treated as such.” has more than 4,200 cockpit hours as a Address: 8302 Penobscot Rd., Richmond pilot and has flown combat missions in VA 23227. E-mail: [email protected] the Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq. His previous posts include command of two Thomas E. James, Jr., fighter wings, Director of Operations for 2000s M.D. (PTC Faculty 2006) Air Combat Command, and commander is a practicing internist in Howland, Ohio. of U.S. Air Forces Central Command in He served as his council president in southwest Asia. 2016, has held positions on various BSA High Country plans to run a profile area and regional committees, and has article on General Goldfein in the August worked as a staff physician at national issue. jamborees since 1989. Dr. James is a

36 High Country ▫ June 2016 High Country ▫ June 2016 37 From the Editor Meet the Staff High Country is a labor of love for lots of folks who help our editor and writers. Meet Changes the rest of the team behind each issue: Mark Dierker, Layout Editor “Nothing in this world is permanent but What isn’t going to change is the Making sure we comply with Rule No. 2 at Philmont (”always look change.” – Waite Phillips commitment to excellence and qual- good”), Mark fits all the stuff we send him into our final 40-page ity of content that our humble staff (see package. He works as manager of photo acquisitions for McGraw- And you’ve probably noticed some of opposite page) brings to each and every Hill Higher Education in Dubuque, . This is his storm-chaser that change – hopefully for the better issue of HC. We remain focused on keep- selfie – all the storm chasers have one. Who knew? – with this issue of High Country. Af- ing you in the loop on what’s happening ter almost 40 years of black and white at your HOmE while sharing the staff Dollie O’Neill, Associate Editor issues, our magazine is joining the 21st stories that form our common bond. The newbie on the HC staff, our equally new executive director helps century and will now come to you, each A little news, a little history, a little each issue with ads, insert materials, PSA and ranch news, photo and every issue, in full color. Believe it or adventure, a little fun – that’s what you identifications, Trail Talk submissions and proofreading. Oh, and not, we’ve actually been paying an extra can expect every time we land in your there’s also that small task of labeling and mailing 2,000 copies to charge to convert our color layouts to mailbox or inbox. B&W for the print version! readers! To take advantage of that much- Mark Stinnett appreciated authorization from our board Editor Bill Cass, Copy Editor of directors, in most issues we’re going to A retired advertising executive and author of three Philmont-related use our middle-of-the-magazine double- books, Bill serves as our magazine’s “eye for detail.” After Mark page spread (pp. 20-21) to display a full and Mark work through 8-9 drafts for each issue, Bill gets the “final” cross-page “bleed” of an outstanding proof and scours it for accuracy and style compliance before we go to Phil-photo relating to one of our articles. press. He resides in West Chester, Pa. Sometimes, we’ll just use it for a great picture that we’ll all appreciate. Dave Kenneke, Staff Contributor We’re also making some layout He’s on the staff and he contributes, so that’s what we call him. changes to make our look more that of a HIGH COUNTRY SUBMISSIONS When not writing for High Country, Dave moonlights as Philmont’s true magazine and less that of a hybrid Facilities and Maintenance Superintendent. As his frequent trav- If you have a great photo or a story newsletter. Some of those are subtle els across the ranch permit, Dave shares photos and stories for our to tell, please share it with us! E-mail (you probably missed the modifications “Good Campsite” series. to our page footers), while others may submissions are preferred, but we have been readily noticeable (elimination take hard copies, too. Kevin Thomas, Cartoonist of top and bottom margin lines on each Named in his cartoons only as “Levi,” his former Philmont interpre- Articles: Typewritten in Word format page, for example). tive name from back in the day when we made up our own, Kevin preferred; max. 2,000-2,500 words. These aren’t changes just for the sake has been capturing the lighter side of Phil-life for High Country since of change or to satisfy the editor’s whims. at least 1992. In his other life, he works as a data analyst in Milwau- Opening up our layout space gives us Photos: Send as .jpg attachment in kee, Wis. more options to better display more of the high resolution (300 dpi or greater). outstanding photography demonstrated Ed Pease, Editor Emeritus each year by both staff and campers. We Trail Talk: Send us updates about After serving as High Country editor for seven years, Ed finally gets also get a little more room for content, you. Include all staff positions and a break from all those organizing, writing and editing chores that are which we’ll use to avoid “scrunchiness” years. part and parcel of each issue. We’re keeping him the loop, though – compressing space between lines of text to make a story fit into a space that’s re- E-MAIL: [email protected] – and hope that he will bless us with an occasional inspirational ally too small for it. column. Our favorite former Congressman still lives in D.C.

38 High Country ▫ June 2016 High Country ▫ June 2016 39 NOMINEES FOR PSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS – 2016 ELECTIONS

The following nominees have been proffered by the Nominating Committee. FOR ADDITIONAL NOMINEES TO BE ADDED TO THE BALLOT, THE NOMINEE’S NAME AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH (SIMILAR TO THESE), TOGETHER WITH SUPPORTING SIGNATURES OF AT LEAST 25 ACTIVE ASSOCIATION MEMBERS, MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE PSA OFFICE NO LATER THAN JULY 1, 2016. BALLOTS WILL BE MAILED TO ALL MEMBERS ON JULY 8, 2016.

NOMINEE BIOS ARE ALSO POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.PHILSTAFF.ORG

NATIONAL OFFICER NOMINEES:

President: John Murphy (Tyler TX). Current Position: President. Years/Positions on Staff: Ranger (1972-1974). “Hoping to continue my service in order to complete the PSA Building / Seton Project, and build membership to the 5,000 member level. In addition, I would like to further our relationship with ranch management to make sure the PSA of the future continues to be an active partner.”

Vice President – Membership: Amy Boyle (Lander WY). Current Position: National Director. Years/Positions on Staff: PTC Asst. Group Leader (1978), PTC Group Leader (1980). “I have served on the PSA Board for six years as Regional Director. I have served on both the Service Committee and Membership Committee and coordinated the planning for the 2010 Colfax Colloquium. I believe my understanding of the PSA’s goals and programs will aid me in spearheading the membership efforts.”

Vice President – Service: Bryan Delaney (Atlanta GA). Current Position: National Director. Years/Positions on Staff: Ranger (1998-2003), Camping Projects Mgr. (2004-2010). “I have served as a Southern Regional and National Director of the PSA, and have served in a leadership role for various PSA reunions and service projects. I am also the chair of the personnel committee of my church, St. Mark UMC. I believe that I will bring experience, creativity, and leadership to the role of VP-Service.”

Vice President – Development: Mariah Hughes (Golden CO). Current Position: none. Years/Positions on Staff: Rayado Ranger (1987), CD (1989-90), Director of Conservation (1992), plus others. “I have extensive experience in fundraising and growing membership for both government agencies and nonprofits, as well as experience managing boards, large groups of volunteers, and coordinating events of many different sizes (from 5 to 20,000+). I have also served on boards for chambers and community organizations.”

Secretary: Kathy Seitz (South Glastonbury CT). Current Position: Northeast Region Director. Years/Positions on Staff: PTC Food Service (1981), Trading Post (1982), Services (1983). “I have worked with a very large Boy Scout troop for 10 years, and have worked with the Scoutmasters and planned some big trips: Gettysburg, Washington DC, and Philmont. I have worked on the Administration Committee for longer than I have served on the Board, and would like to continue that work: publications, annual reports and website are all things we address on that committee.”

Treasurer: Matt Lindsey (Nacogdoches TX). Current Position: Treasurer. Years/Positions on Staff: Wrangler (1987). “Since working at Philmont I have completed 13 treks as an adviser as well as trips to the other high adventure bases, including completing the Grand Portage at Northern Tier. I have worked as a department head in private industry and served as a department chair at SFA University with budget authority. I served on the PSA Finance Committee for 6 years and learned about PSA budget processes.”

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NATIONAL DIRECTOR NOMINEES (Seven to be elected – listed alphabetically):

Ray Batchelor (Grand Prairie TX). Current Position: none. Years/Positions on Staff: PTC Dining Hall (1961), PTC Cub/Trek Ranger (1962), PTC Trek Director (1963), PTC Faculty (1980-1985), NJLIC Scoutmaster (1982), Logistics Asst. Mgr. (2013). “Eagle Scout, OA Distinguished Service Award, Engineering Manager, Project Manager, Six Sigma Certified, PSA Board of Directors 2000-2013, Region Director 2000-2007, National Director 2007-2013, Scholarship Committee Chair 2001-2013, Finance Committee 2015. I would like to contribute to the Finance Committee with a broad background in finance and development.” Sarah Burgess (Coldspring TX). Current Position: Scholarship Committee. Years/Positions on Staff: Ranger (2003-04), Ranger Trainer (2005), Rayado Trek Coord. (2006), Assoc. Chief Ranger (2007-2009), Sustainability Resource Specialist (2010-11), STEM Educator Coord. (2013-14), Assoc. Director of Conservation for Environmental Education (2015-16). “Most recently, I have worked for University of Wisconsin Extension as a Research Naturalist at Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center, focusing on researching grant opportunities and writing proposals for experiential education conferences about using modern mobile technology to connect today’s students to the outdoors in new and innovative ways. I have also worked with Kiwanis Club in college and in Cimarron. I have enjoyed serving on the Scholarship Committee and look forward to opportunities to expand my depth of knowledge about the PSA through serving on its other operating committees such as Membership and Development.” Alli Dietz (Denver CO). Current Position: Communications Committee Member. Years/Positions on Staff: PC Beaubien, Hunting Lodge (2010-11), CD Apache Springs, Baldy Town (2012-13), Backcountry Mgr. (2014). “My background in marketing (both digital and traditional) will undoubtedly help me succeed as a PSA board member. Throughout my career in marketing (and volunteering to do marketing for non-profits) I have been able to design and test different marketing campaigns which in turn informs my next campaign. Seeing the changes throughout my five summers and also working on managerial levels helped me understand how to negotiate while being a strong servant leader. I have new ideas that will help attract new members as well as serve members who have been with the PSA a long time.” Adam Fromm (Arlington VA). Current Position: Secretary. Years/Positions on Staff: Ranger, OATC Foreman (1999-2001). “I have served as the PSA’s secretary for the last 3 years and previously as a Northeast Regional Director. I want to continue our efforts to enhance the PSA’s brand among Philmont staff and the Scouting movement and encouraging participation in programs at the ranch and to apply for staff. I have worked with organizations in communications, branding, governance and other capacities." Cathy Hubbard (Middleton WI). Current Position: National Director. Years/Positions on Staff: PTC Dining Hall (1976), Ranger (1977), Infirmary – R.N. (2012, 2014-15). “I have served on the PSA Board for 8 years now, and have run the Staff Amigo Program for the last 5 years. I have hosted/ helped organize regional reunions in Wisconsin, Iowa, , and Ohio. My passion is in finding ways to bring Philmont to our members across the country. I have missed one board weekend meeting in 8 years.” Lee Huckstep (Houston TX). Current Position: National Director. Years/Positions on Staff: CHQ Food Service (1971), Commissary Mgr. – Cimarroncito (1972), Postmaster (1974), Asst. Registrar (1976), CD Phillips Junction (1977). “I am on the altar guild at my church and assist in various capacities helping Houston’s homeless. I also devote a lot of time to the PSA promoting and organizing the PSA Trek and Volunteer Vacation, and have organized special events such as the Tulsa Reunion and the Celebration of the Lives of Waite and Genevieve Phillips in Los Angeles. Including the early treks, I have coordinated 13 PSA treks and participated in 10 PSA treks. I want to help in rejuvenating the PSA Annual Reunion and the PSA Jamboree Week Reunion.”

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Julie Huiras Mascitti (Madison WI). Current Position: none. Years/Positions on Staff: PTC Group Leader (1980), PTC Services Mgr. (1981), News & Info. Svcs. Mgr. (1982). “My current position as administrative assistant at Ronald McDonald House Charities in Madison includes managing some of the big and little things one might regularly do at home, such as paying bills, keeping track of children, and petting the dog. I’ve initiated fundraising and awareness events for community organizations, Scouts, school, sports, and personal occasions, including a benefit concert for a baby who needed brain surgery, and campaigns for the Wisconsin chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. As a National Director, I’m willing to take on current strategies and help innovate new ones. Promoting Philmont and the PSA comes easily thanks to treasured relationships with people, program, and of course, the land.” Doug Palmer (Arroyo Seco NM). Current Position: none. Years/Positions on Staff: Assoc. Director of Program - Backcountry (1988-2011). “During my 40-year career as a professional in the service of the Boy Scouts of America, I was expected to be involved in my community. It is the professional job to “recruit, train, guide and inspire volunteers” in order to expand the program of Scouting to youth. I believe the PSA has a similar role to seek out and actively involve present and past Phil-staff who will then continue to serve the needs of the ranch. Betty and I continue to be involved in Casting for Recovery, an organization that provides a free weekend retreat for breast cancer survivors designed around the sport of fly fishing.” Anne Marie Pinkenburg (Fort Worth TX). Current Position: Southern Region Director. Years/Positions on Staff: Ranger (1992-93), Training Ranger (1994), Mountain Trek Coord. (1995, 1997), Autumn Adventure Guide (1997). “I have served on the PSA Board for the past three years, and greatly enjoyed being on the Scholarship Committee. I would like to continue serving on the board so that I can share member ideas with the PSA, and help PSA develop in a way that reflects what members want and need. Working as Mountain Trek Coordinator and as a speech language pathologist in multiple countries has helped me develop my organizational skills and I will continue to conscientiously complete all tasks related to the position.” Dave Romack (Arlington TX). Current Position: Treks Committee. Years/Positions on Staff: Commissary Warehouse (1961), Ponil Commissary Director (1962), PTC Faculty (3 years). “I enjoyed a 41-year career with IBM in technical sales, customer technical support, education and training, and consulting planner. I am a member of the PSA Service Committee having been a facilitator of the PSA treks for several years. I also did the planning, organization, and setup for the 2007 PSA Annual Meeting and Reunion in Dallas TX. I am currently serving as chair of the deacons and president of the church men’s group.” Tim Rosseisen (Breckenridge CO). Current Position: Vice President – Service. Years/Positions on Staff: Climbing PC (1985-1987), Head Rock Dean Cow (1988), CD Dean Cow, Cimarroncito (1989-90), CD Beaubien (1991-92), Health Lodge Chief of Support (1993), Health Lodge Support Staff (1995). “I am a member of my local Scout troop as an Assistant Scoutmaster and Eagle Scout counselor. I have served on the PSA as Vice President of Service, overseeing reunions, scholarships and staff scholarship committees, as well as reunions at the ranch. I also serve as Philmont’s Fly Fishing Invitational chairman, as well as the chairman for Philmont’s wounded veterans fishing program (helping wounded veterans from across the country). I would like to serve on the Service Committee to help with reunions as well as the Long Range Strategic Planning Committee I recently helped facilitate.” Nancy Coleman Stickelman (Las Vegas NV). Current Position: National Director & Amigos Committee Chair. Years/Positions on Staff: PC Head of Dean, Fish Camp (1997-98), CD Head of Dean, Fish Camp, French Henry, Cyphers Mine (1999-2002), Autumn Adventure (2001-02), Backcountry Mgr. (2003). “I completed my college internship with the BSA and have volunteered for Scouting everywhere I’ve lived. 2012- 2013 I was President of the Las Vegas NW MOMS Club, a 501C3, and this year I am the Vice President. I would be interested in continuing to work with the membership committee. I would enjoy helping to plan events and see if we can incorporate either some child care or a family style event where it would be easy to bring kids.”

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David Wilson (Orem UT). Current Position: none. Years/Positions on Staff: LDS Chaplain and Chaplain Coordinator (2002-2014), PTC Faculty (2005-2009). “CEO for non-profit organization emphasizing energy efficiency and conservation. Active Scouter locally, regionally and nationally. Active blogger for BSA program. I actively help recruit staff each year through job fairs at the Brigham Young University and association with past staff.” Phil Winegardner (Overland Park KS). Current Position: Central Region Director. Years/Positions on Staff: Ranger (1969), Training Ranger (1970), CD Fish Camp (1971-72), CD Baldy Town (1973), CD Cimarroncito (1974). “I believe working for two large international firms for the past 35 years has provided me with a great ability to work and cooperate with others across a wide base – both geographically and age generations. Serving now as a Central Region Director, I have assisted on both the Administrative and Service Committees. For the Service Committee, I was a member of the Iowa PSA Fall Phestival planning team; this event was a huge success. Currently, I am serving as co-leader of the brand new PSA Volunteer Vacation program.”

REGIONAL DIRECTOR NOMINEES (two from each region to be elected – listed alphabetically by region): NORTHEAST REGION: Ken Davis (Alexandria VA). Current Position: National Director. Years/Positions on Staff: PTC Dining Hall, Tent City, Asst. Secretary, Asst. Program Mgr. (1960-63, 1965-66). “Sixty years continuous registered service with BSA including Scoutmaster, District Commissioner, Council Training Chairman, Jamboree Chairman and Philmont Chairman. Member of the National OA Committee since 1974. I have served as PSA board member since 2005. I have managed administrative offices in the civilian government and the US Army responsible for budget, information technology, personnel, travel, training, organizational review and planning and carrying out of events and projects and managing programs over extended periods. Author of the “History of the PSA.” Fr. Don Hummel (Paramus NJ). Current Position: none. Years/Positions on Staff: Catholic Chaplain (1992- 2016). “I am currently serving as Chaplain at Paramus Catholic High School, the largest private high school in . Fire Service Chaplaincy, Law Enforcement Chaplaincy, Office of Emergency Management Chaplaincy, American Cancer Society, Knights of Columbus, Guest House Board (treatment center for addictions), Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse. I am accustomed to conference call meetings having served on the Northeast Regional Board Membership Standards Committee for a number of years. Committee service as the board deems most appropriate but service and/or membership probably make the most sense.” George Segelken (Doylestown PA). Current Position: none. Years/Positions on Staff: Ranger (1971-73), Logistics (1974). “Currently I’m a Unit Commissioner (trained) for a pack, two regular troops and a special needs troop; the BSA High Adventure person for Tohickon District and a member of the Washington Crossing Council’s High Adventure Committee. I managed managers for most of my corporate career and have extensive operational auditing experience (auditing field offices and service providers). I think Philmont holds a special place in the hearts of most former staffers. I’d like to see the PSA develop that inkling to stay connected and to “give back” into increased PSA membership. Rick Touchette (Coeymans NY). Current Position: Northeast Region Director. Years/Positions on Staff: Ranger (1971), PC Cyphers, Miranda, Urraca (1972-75), CD Abreu, Fish Camp (1976-77). “Serving my first term on the Albany County Legislature representing the 37th Legislative District, which is coterminous with the Town of Coeymans. My 30 years of not-for-profit management leadership and my service on local and national boards provides broad and diverse experience for the PSA board service. I have participated in a number of PSA treks and Northern Tier exchange programs, regional reunions, the LA and Tulsa reunions, and am active in the National Catholic Committee on Scouting. I would like to continue serving on the Service Committee and Scholarship Committee.”

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CENTRAL REGION: Jeff Ash (Clive IA). Current Position: none. Years/Positions on Staff: PC Baldy (1974), Ranger (1975), PC Head of Dean (1976), Logistics (1977). “I've spent most of my adult military life leading, mentoring and developing individuals and teams. As I no longer have a military commitment, I am seeking another outlet to keep me involved in something that is bigger than myself. I served a couple of years as Cubmaster to the pack were my two sons belonged. Service will likely do things that are of interest to me – making our organization stronger and continuing to build on our legacy at the ranch.” Caitlin Lowe (Lincoln NE). Current Position: Service & Membership Committee Member. Years/Positions on Staff: PC (2007-08), NPS (2009), CD Fish Camp, Abreu, Beaubien (2010-12), Backcountry Mgr. (2013). “Within the past two years I have worked a variety of jobs, three of which were nonprofit organizations including the Arbor Day Foundation, Cornhusker Council, and currently at the Nature Explore Program. In addition to immeasurable value of what I learned while on staff at Philmont, my previous job experiences have fueled my authentic passion to give, support, and care for the communities in my life. Lastly, like many, I have a healthy sense of urgency to stay actively involved in the Philmont community and provide an outlet for others to do the same. I look forward to continuing work with the PSA in a capacity that will best suit the group and its members.” Mitch Standard (Macomb IL). Current Position: Central Region Director. Years/Positions on Staff: Ranger (1984), PC Miners (1985). “I have sat on our church council in various capacities including the positions of president and vice president of our congregation. Along with my wife I am currently heading up the committee for the PSA giving campaign for the Building HOmE: The PSA Offices and Philmont Museum Expansion project. I assisted with the planning of the 2015 Iowa PSA Reunion tracing the footsteps of Waite Phillips. I’ve given many presentations to local Scout units for general information and training for their treks to Philmont.” Scott Tritt (Dayton OH). Current Position: none. Years/Positions on Staff: CHQ Services (1979). “My Scouting experience encompasses Den Leader, Cubmaster, Woodbadge training and for the past 17 years I have been an Assistant Scoutmaster. I was a council contingent leader for Florida Seabase twice and Philmont twice. I have participated in four PSA treks. I would like to serve on either the service or development committees; supporting the staff Amigos program is something I would like to expand on.” SOUTHERN REGION: Charles Aldredge (Lewisville TX). Current Position: none. Years/Positions on Staff: Ranger (1976), Training Ranger (1977), CD Cyphers Mine (1978), Asst. Chief Ranger (1979-80). “My professional responsibilities centered around coordinating folks with different tasks and abilities, from different companies and a wide variety of client types to achieve a common goal- compromise was a must, sometimes with gentle urging into the “right” decision. I have served on and led training staff and advisory groups within my company and professionally, and have had presentation and speaking roles at conferences and marketing opportunities. Being retired, I now have free time, and more importantly, an open schedule, to spend how I wish. I don’t think I have any compelling reason to pick any one committee in which to participate - hat with the free time allows me to be flexible.” Amy Hall (Edmond OK). Current Position: none. Years/Positions on Staff: PTC Small Fry Director (1996-97), Asst. PTC Program Director (1998, 2000-01), Fall Session/Tooth of Time Traders (2001), PTC Program Co- Director (2003-04). “As an educator, I donated a great deal of my personal time serving on various committees within the school and to several events outside of the school to connect with my students. I am looking forward to my oldest child joining Cub Scouts (soon!) and being able to volunteer in some capacity with his pack. I would gladly serve on the Membership Committee if elected as a board member. I am organized, outgoing and, as a former PTC staffer, I could offer my time and energy to represent and recruit members from all parts of the ranch.”

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Dr. Dan Miller (New Smyrna Beach FL). Current Position: National Director. Years/Positions on Staff: Physician (2006-16), PTC Faculty (2005-16). “Practicing medicine (ophthalmology) in New Smyrna Beach FL, since 1985. Scoutmaster in 3 World Jamborees, Camp Lanoche physician 1996-present. Seeking District Chairman of our local BSA district, Executive Committee 1996-present, faculty at PTC, Philmont Ambassador. I am very close to retirement. This is a chance to serve BSA and PSA.” Joy Pendley (Norman OK). Current Position: none. Years/Positions on Staff: Ranger (1985-86). “Most recently I served on the Norman Public School Sexual Assault Taskforce where we developed policy around curriculum and response for schools in the district. I have facilitated search conferences for the OKC Homeless Alliance, the Chickasaw Nation and the OU Center for Social Justice. This kind of planning experience gives me something to contribute the PSA and Philmont. I would be useful in developing programs under the Service Committee, such as the Amigos program or reunions or events.” WESTERN REGION: Thomas Giugni (Fairfield CA). Current Position: none. Years/Positions on Staff: NAYLE Faculty (2007-10), Philmont Leadership Challenge Faculty (2011-13), Logistics Trip Planner (2011-12), Logistics Mgr. (2013-16). “Unlike many members of our association, I did not find out about Philmont until I was an adult Scouter and did not have an opportunity to join the PSA until I began to serve as volunteer faculty at the Training Center. Presently, I serve as a Council Executive Board Member-at-large, Council Youth Protection Champion and the chair of the Leadership Development Task Force with Scouting U at the BSA National Office. I am exposed to hundreds of new seasonal staff members who are not yet members of the PSA. I will be available to personally assist in the recruiting of new seasonal staff members as members of the PSA, as well as help in PSA recruiting activities during the summer.” Ryan King (Denver CO). Current Position: none. Years/Positions on Staff: OATC Foreman (1997-98), Conservation Asst. Director (1999), Director of Conservation (2000-02), Special Projects Mgr. (2003), Assoc. Director of Program (2004-05). “I’ve served on several nonprofit and city boards and as an executive director. I’ve recently gone through an Executive Nonprofit Leadership Program at Harvard and understand the interworking of a nonprofit. I also just joined the Board of Directors of the American Hiking Society. As a nonprofit Executive Director, I feel I can bring a skillset, which lends to understanding the administrative side of an organization, and an understanding of what a staff goes through.” Piper Niehaus (Denver CO). Current Position: Communications Committee Member. Years/Positions on Staff: Ranger (2006-2008), Ranger Trainer (2009), Rayado Trek Coordinator (2010). “I have been living in Denver and working for technology companies as a product manager and web developer. My experience in web development would be an asset, since much of the communication between the PSA and its members is remote. Additionally, I’m a board member at Bikes Together, Denver’s nonprofit community bike center, giving me insight into the challenges that nonprofits face. I have also been leading backpacking trips for urban youth as a guide for Big City Mountaineers.” Michael Waggoner (Centerville UT). Current Position: Western Region Director. Years/Positions on Staff: Conservation (1994-95), Ranger (1998-2005). “I have previously served for 6 years on the PSA and will continue to be involved and help accommodate growth and change within the organization. I helped create the $19.73 club. I think it is important to always be thinking outside of the box and come up with new ways to grow the organization. I will commit to attending the conference calls, regional reunions and when possible the annual reunions.” FOR QUESTIONS OR INFORMATION ABOUT THE ELECTION SCHEDULE, CONTACT PSA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DOLLIE O’NEILL AT 575-376-1138 OR [email protected]

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