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

17 DEER RUN ROAD CIMARRON NM 87714

Mission The Philmont Staff Association (PSA) unites check us out! the Philmont staff—past and present— www.philstaff.com for the purpose of serving the adventure, heritage and experience of Philmont Scout Ranch and the Boy Scouts of America. Our Mission high countrY A ugust T e h 2015

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® . . 4 ® High Country®—Volume 38, Number 4 August 2015 Ed Pease, Editor from the president Mark Dierker, Layout Editor

Randy Saunders, Associate Editor large circular plaza which will serve as Bill Cass, Copy Editor the gathering place for visitors to the Dave Kenneke, Staff Contributor in this issue Building a Future Kevin “Levi” Thomas, Cartoonist Educational Center. Are you watching how we have grown, The Philmont Museum – Seton Contributing Editors: Robert Birkby, David Caffey, columns Bill Cass, Gregory Hobbs, Warren Smith , Mark especially over the last couple of years? Memorial Library has become an Stinnett, Mary Stuever, Stephen Zimmer 3 from the prez We now have over 3,000 members and important center of history and culture will certainly add to that total over the for the Ranch, providing space for Contributing Writers: Lee Huckstep Marie Reynolds 5 from the editor course of the summer as more new and Mark Stinnett Kathy Seitz Caleb Wong 14 ranch roundup - dowling exhibit galleries, archive storage and returning staffers make the decision to restoration, and a document research © 2015, The Philmont Staff Association, Inc. 15 ranch roundup - gates ® join the PSA. With growth comes the area for the numerous artifacts and All rights reserved. High Country is the official 17 next generation magazine of the Philmont Staff Association® need to look to the future. Our current collections that speak to the history of office space has worked well for us, not only Philmont, but all of Northern

Philmont Staff Association® articles but as we grow in size and demands New Mexico. Philmont has launched a Board Of Directors on our services, the PSA needs more capital campaign to fund this expan- 6 psa news - atlanta reunion John Murphy, President space to be in a position to better sion which will more than double the Colleen Nutter, Vice President, Membership 8 psa news - north texas reunion serve Philmont. Working with Ranch available space for the exhibits, books, Tim Rosseisen, Vice President, Service Warren Smith, Vice President, Development 10 psa news - at the summit Management over the last six months, research and storage of items not cur- Adam Fromm, Secretary Matt Lindsey, Treasurer 12 psa news - mckown dedication the PSA was offered the opportunity rently on display. to move our office to become part of National Directors: Amy Boyle, Ken Davis, Bryan 18 silver sage the Seton Educational Center complex. Delaney, Catherine Hubbard, Lee Huckstep, Dr. 20 flood of ‘15 Dan Miller, Steve Rick Our future building will be located on CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 Regional Directors: Northeast - Kathleen Seitz, 25 tragedy on the north ponil Rick Touchette the north side of the Seton, facing the Central - Mitch Standard, Phil Winegardner 26 setzer recognized Southern - Anne Marie Pinkenburg, Doug Wahl Western - Nancy Stickelman, Michael Waggoner 27 diverse art

Jim lynch, Immediate Past President Mark Anderson, Philmont Staff Advisor other BULLETIN BOARD Ex Officio Members: Emery Corley, Legal Advisor, Upcoming PSA® Events Douglas Fasching, Technology Manager 3 bulletin board Randy Saunders, Executive Director 19 87714 pride National Order of the Arrow Conference – August 3-8, 2015 Dollie O’Niell, Office Manager Michigan State University 29 trail talk Contact Randy Saunders at [email protected]

PSA® FELLOWS PSA Colorado Philtoberfest – September 26, 2015, 4:00pm Steve & Laura Vogt’s Home, 2403 Constellation Drive, Colorado Springs Bob Harvey Fellow PAUL and MARY JANE HARVEY Contact: Steve Vogt at [email protected]

Glenn A. Fowler Fellow Cover photo by Cassidy Johnson PSA Fall Phestival – October 2-4, 2015 BRUCE BARNES Des Moines, IA

George A. Bullock Fellow Contact: Jason Mascitti at [email protected] WILLIAM D. BRYCE Members Only Access PSA Autumn Adventure Trek – October 11-16, 2015 Joe Davis Fellow USER NAME: EWELLSPARK BILL CASS Philmont Scout Ranch Contact: Steven & Cynthia Truemper at [email protected] John A. Maxbauer, Jr. Fellow Password: frenchhenry ANONYMOUS

Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 2 from the prez 3 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 from the editor

Readers of High Country know that we time, evaluations and assessments are Philmont Museum/Seton Memorial Library have solicited stories about “The Sum- still under way) that raced through the mer of ‘65” for much of the past year. It North Ponil, doing major damage and was our intention to make the fiftieth taking the life of a young Scout from anniversary of that momentous event California. We felt that we needed to the focus of this issue of High Country. cover that story with as much mate- Two things changed that plan. rial as we could gather quickly and First was the abundance of mate- responsibly. Especially in these days rial that we received. While most of the of instantaneous social media, both the writing about that summer focused on PSA’s leadership and Philmont ranch Our proposed PSA building location raise 75% of its total goal of 7.2 million the flood that ravaged Rayado Can- management wanted to be sure that is just to the left (North) of the Mu- dollars before then, we could be under yon, the impact of the event was felt information from the Ranch was as ac- throughout the Ranch and we wanted curate as it could possibly be. seum image shown here. For our office way much earlier. to capture those stories, too. And, the As a consequence, we made major building to be located as a part of this In future communications you impact was felt for years afterward, in changes to our plan for the August is- educational complex is truly an honor will read more about this great project the way Philmont approached health sue, deciding instead to do two issues: and allows us to be right in the center and the PSA fund-raising effort led and safety, food management and the regular issue and a special issue of the action! We continue to work with by Mitchell and Christine Standard distribution, and conservation, to name devoted exclusively to that summer the architects on a final floor plan and currently being organized. I am very just a few. We wanted – and we re- fifty years ago. And we will still do our building elevations. Our new structure thankful for their willingness to step ceived – stories from those perspectives digital-only special August issue de- will be just over 1,900 SF and include an forward and lead this campaign which as well. voted to Philstaff writing and photogra- outdoor courtyard to take advantage of will fund the new office and raise Second was the terrible reality phy. that great New Mexico sky. money for the Seton expansion. This that, in this fiftieth anniversary year of We are grateful to the many staff Here is the really exciting news: our is an important step as we add to the Philmont’s worst flood, the Ranch was and volunteers who scrambled and building lobby and meeting room will incredible history of the Philmont Staff hit by one perhaps even larger (at press stayed flexible so that we could do so. have floor to ceiling glass walls and Association. Our future is bright, and be oriented such that there will be a thanks to each of you we have become clear straight-shot view of the Tooth of a vital part of Philmont Scout Ranch. Time. How incredible is that? Timing of construction for this project is estimated John Murphy for Fall 2016; however, should Philmont PSA President

Available at philstaff.com or 575-376-1138.

Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 4 from the prez from the editor 5 psa® news Regional Reunions Atlanta Reunion

The Philmont Staff Association once by past PSA Presidents Jim Lynch and again held a reception at the BSA Ed Pease, Ranch Committee Chairman National Annual Meeting. This year’s Jim Ryffel, and Chief Scout Executive event, on May 21 in Atlanta, was a Wayne Brock. John Clark followed with celebration of the career of John Clark, some thankful remarks. retired Philmont General Manager. Jim Lynch presented Janice Clark, Over 100 PSA members, volunteers, former PSA office manager, with a Life professionals, and guests attended. Membership in the Philmont Staff As- Paul Beal, Sea Base General Man- sociation. John and Janice’s daughter, ager, was the master of ceremonies for Renae, was also on hand to applaud her the event. Presentations were made parents. Kevin Dowling, John Clark,& Paul Beal chat with Ken Davis at the High Adventure booth at the BSA National Annual Meeting in Atlanta.

The reception was followed by the Life Member, introduced the associa- inaugural gathering of the Summit tion’s newly elected officers. He also Bechtel Reserve Staff Association. Rus- gave an update of their aspirations for sell Smart, SBRSA President, and PSA the coming months and years.

New PSA Belt Buckle Available!

The theme for this year’s buckle is the 100th anniversary of the Order of the Arrow. All proceeds from sales go to the PSA Staff Scholarship Fund.

Crafted by a local artist, buckles will be available in the following metals:

Pewter - $25 retail Bronze - $30 retail Order online at philstaff.com or by Jim Lynch presents former PSA office manager Janice Clark with a Life membership, a gift from her Two-tone - $65 retail calling the PSA office at 575-376-1138. husband, retiring Philmont general manager John Clark..

6 psa news Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 psa news 7 North Texas Regional Reunion Save the Date The 2015 edition of the North Texas Re- gional Reunion was held on May 30 in Grapevine. It was one of the activities at the Lone Star Trade-O-Ree, an annual PSA Fall Phestival-Des Moines 2015 event featuring patch and Scouting memorabilia collectors. Other activities When: October 2-4, 2015 held at the event included a luncheon for participants and patch trading for Where: Sheraton West Des Moines, Des Moines, Iowa youth Scouts. There were also some unique displays of Philmont memora- Visit the birthplace of Waite and Genevieve Phillips. See the bilia, including photos and neckerchiefs Phillips family towns of Creston, Bedford and Conway, Iowa, in dating back to the late 1930s. PSA members share a photo op with displays of their fall splendor. The event also served as a fund- Philmont memorabilia. raiser for the Campaign4Philmont. Patch sales and donations netted $1,000 members attended. Despite the torren- Friday night-reminiscing, local dining, spend time in the hotel toward the OA Trail Crew Staff Scholar- tial rains, Philmont staffers gathered, lounge. ship Endowment. John Ryan and John shared stories, and made new friend- Corpany organized the event, including ships. Special thanks to John Ryan and Saturday-breakfast buffet, bus tour to southern Iowa to visit the reunion. More than a dozen PSA John Corpany for being our hosts. various Phillips fam- ily homesteads and cemetery and other historic sites, cocktail hour, dinner, evening concert.

Contact: Randy Saun- ders at the PSA office (575) 376-1138 or psa- [email protected] or Jason Mascitti at jason.mascitti@gmail. com

Over $1,000 for Seasonal Staff Scholarships was raised at the North Texas Reunion activities.

Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 8 psa news psa news 9 PSA at the Summit

by Kathy Seitz at about 3:30pm. The Summit uses three rafting companies on a rotating For this time and this place, basis to deliver “The River” program For your goodness and grace, to Scouts, so SBR made our reservation For each friend we embrace, with the rafting company on rotation at We thank thee, O Lord. Amen. the time. We were very impressed with the professionalism and experience of The Summit Grace. It sits above the the guides! The PSA group met for din- Dining Hall door at Summit Bechtel ner and had great stories to share about Reserve (SBR), the newest BSA High the big rapids experienced earlier in the Adventure facility, located in eastern day. West Virginia, near Beckley. Lee Huck- Saturday morning we met at SBR, step and Dr. Dan Miller planned a great some earlier than others. It isn’t the PSA members rafting on the New River, near the Summit. weekend allowing 44 PSA members easiest property to find. They are and guests to see and experience the working on signage! Matt Monroe, was hosted by Dave Kopsa, former included was the Sustainability Tree- Summit property. Summit General Manager, gave us the Philmont staff member, and lasted house, a green treehouse, completely The weekend started on Friday history of the property, including a tour almost three hours. As the Summit self-contained. Another feature was morning, June 19 when 18 PSA mem- of Summit Center, the only permanent Director of High Adventure Program, an 800 foot walkable “wings” bridge, bers and their families participated building. The BSA is trying to acquire Kopsa answered all our questions and which was built with a $15 million in whitewater rafting in the world- additional land along the New River provided a very good overview of the donation by Consol Energy. We were famous New River Gorge. This is no (current holdings total more than 10,000 property and the programs offered. It all pretty tired when we met later in slouch of a river! Split between two acres), providing additional camping is quite an impressive property with the evening for dinner. Matt, his wife rafts, the experience was a full-day opportunities for Scouts. Following opportunities for both Scouts and their Jen, Dave, and Tim Borden, Sustainabil- tour. We rafted for about two hours, Matt Monroe’s presentation, PSA Board Advisors. Advisors do not need to ity Treehouse Manager, joined us for stopped for a picnic lunch prepared by member Lee Huckstep arranged for choose the same program as the Scouts dinner. Tim was also a Philmont staff the rafting company staff and finished a bus tour of the Summit property. It – and that is one of their big selling member. There is definitely a theme points! here! The weekend ended Saturday Following the bus tour, lunch was evening following dinner. hosted by the PSA in the Summit din- The Summit story began in 2007 ing hall. Then the real fun started! when the BSA needed to find a re- After lunch, we were given the oppor- placement property for the National tunity to experience SBR for ourselves Jamboree. It took 18 months to identify at Action Point - smaller versions of the New River region of West Virginia. the venues available to Scout partici- More than 13 miles of the Summit pants such as Boulder Cove (climbing, property borders National Park land rappelling and bouldering stations), giving participants access to more than Archery Range, Zip Lines, Duck Shoot, 70,000 acres of managed wilderness be- Challenge Courses, Canopy Tours, yond the Summit property. For more Mountain Bike trails, Skate Plaza information, check out the website at PSA members and guests gathered at the Summit for a tour of the BSA’s permanent National Jambo- (skateboarding) and BMX Tracks. Also summitbsa.org. ree site.

Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 10 psa news Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 psa news 11 McKown Baldytown Boarding House Dedication

The McKown Baldytown Boarding House is the newest structure at Baldy Camp. It will serve as the quarters for the summer seasonal staff and visiting geologists stationed at Baldy Camp. The new facility has bedrooms, two showers, a kitchen/dining room, and perhaps the largest porch in the backcountry. The building consists of three pre-fab units joined together in such a way that it looks like it was one structure built on site, and it rests on stilts, which minimize the impact on the hillside. There is also an impres- sive staircase that provides access from the other buildings at Baldy Camp to The porch of the new Baldytown boarding house, built with an estate gift from the late Bill McKown. the Boarding House. The former staff quarters at BaldyTown has been repur- Dedication plaque for the new boarding house. posed as instructional/museum space. half a million dol- On Saturday, June 6, the McKown spring of 2014. Bill was a Ranger in lars to the Philmont family and friends arrived at Philmont the 1970s, a member of the Philmont Staff Association to from Great Bend, KS to dedicate the Ranch Committee, and a Life Member benefit Philmont and new Boarding House in memory of of the Philmont Staff Association. Upon Philmont staff. Some Bill McKown, who passed away in the his passing, he left a gift of more than of the funds were directed to the PSA’s Campaign4Phil- Philmont Ranger Hat mont, and some to this project at one of The Philmont Ranger hats are back! Bill’s favorite places Based on two Ranger hats from the in the backcountry. past, you may choose from a green More than 25 people cap with gold lettering or a tan cap attended the dedica- with green lettering. Both have the tion. Mark Anderson words “Philmont Ranger” embroi- and David Kenneke dered on the front and “Humble gave the group a tour Mark Anderson gives a group tour of the new facility. Pride” on the back. $20. of the new building. Order online at philstaff.com or by As the dedication was taking place, the their camp home for the summer. calling the PSA office at 575-376-1138. 2015 Baldy Camp staff arrived to open

12 psa news Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 psa news 13 ranch roundup Joe Mattson, Glenn Hartman-Mattson, and Kevin put together the difficult and Alex Nepple – all of the SAA – and transportation arrangements which Stephen Braunlich, (crew advisor) Rick allowed the PSA to paddle the clas- Kevin Dowling is a PSA Trekker Touchette, Jeff Touchette, Lee Huckstep, sic trip from the Northern Tier base at Doug Latimer and Sharon Latimer, Atikokan, Ontario, all the way to the by Lee Huckstep spending all of the PSA. Eric Neuhaus was the main base, Charles L. Sommers, near nights in Ranger. Ely, MN. New Philmont General Manager Kevin Camper Tent In subsequent years Kevin was a Was Kevin’s interest in becoming Dowling is the first, and so far the only, City. His Trek gracious host to the PSA when it trav- Philmont General Manager sparked Philmont General Manager to have started at Cito, eled north for Canoe Voyages as part by his PSA Trek experience? His crew participated in a PSA Trek. then on to Cy- of the Exchange Program. He made mates like to think so. Kevin did the Kevin’s first exposure to the pher’s Mine, sure the PSA got the best Interpreters PSA Trek - and naturally he just wanted Philmont backcountry was the 2009 Clear Creek, (Northern Tier equivalent of Ranger) to go back to Philmont. PSA Trek, in which he participated as Fish Camp and part of the Exchange Program between Carson Mead- the Philmont Staff Association and the ows. Some- Dr. Robert Gates Visits Philmont Sommers Alumni Association (SAA), where along Kevin Dowling enjoying Cito. the Northern Tier’s staff and alumni the way he did by Caleb Wong If you ever look for Robert Gates, association. Kevin had just been named his three hours of conservation work, PhilNews Staff Writer national president of the Boy Scouts of the Northern Tier General Manager, rendered first aid, helped hoist the bear Reprinted with permission of the America, you might find him thinking had never done a Philmont Trek or bags, did the dishes and when it was PhilNews about change for an hour each day. A been in the Philmont backcountry, and over, received his Philmont Arrowhead former Texas A&M University presi- was keen to see what a Philmont Trek Award. was like. Joining Kevin on the Trek were his He got the full deal, including son Jake, (crew leader) daughter Casey,

Kevin Dowling and his crew—back, from left, Jake Dowling, Doug Latimer, Lee Huckstep, Sharon Latimer. Front, from left, Joe Mattson, Glenn Hartman-Mattson, Alex Nepple, Jeff Touchette, Rick Touchette, Casey Dowling, Kevin Dowling and Stephen Braunlich. Dr. Robert Gates speaks to a crew during his visit to Philmont in June.

Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 14 ranch roundup ranch roundup 15 dent, secretary of defense, and CIA di- fix [issues].” next generation at HOmE rector, Gates has led large, bureaucratic Breaking up the “bureaucratic The latest in our series of “next gen- before, Chey comes by her Philstaff institutions during his career while concrete” often found in task forces eration” Philstaff – those who came to experience naturally: her father is Dan keeping the big picture in mind. and committees encourages individuals Philmont as kids and returned as staff- Ashton (76,77) and her mother is Karen On Monday, June 8th, Gates spoke with strong ideas to come forward and ers years later – is Cheyenne Johnston- Johnston-Ashton (79, 83-84). Cheyenne to a group of BSA national executives share them, Gates said. and Philmont Training Center partici- “Consensus is agreeing to say Ashton. Like those we’ve featured is spending this summer on the staff at pants about several aspects of leader- collectively what nobody believes indi- Crooked Creek. ship required for leading change in vidually. If you form task forces, if you organizations. Throughout his speech, form a working group or a committee he emphasized the overriding impor- or whatever, and they come to you with tance of a clear vision. a consensus, you need to ask yourself: “You need to make time to is this bold enough, or is this the lowest strategize,” said Gates. “When I was common denominator? Is this what ev- secretary of defense, president of A&M, eryone will minimally agree to? And if and head of the intelligence commu- that’s the case, reject it, and make them nity, I set aside at least an hour every go back to work.” day to think about my agenda – Ignacio Gonzalez, a PTC my agenda for change – because participant who attended the speech, bureaucracy will swallow you said Gates validated his approach to up.” how he strategized for each day. During his presentation, Gates “I’ve always tried to take time out said great leaders, as opposed to first thing in the morning to think managers, effectively articulate about, you know, ‘What am I trying to organizational visions and know how get done today?’ Cheyenne today. She is working this summer at A five-year-old Cheyenne at French Henry. to achieve goals. Once your day gets going, and Crooked Creek. “You have to have a vision, you get into the office, and you start a goal. We need practical visionaries. working with people, you’ve got People who can not only have a vision everybody’s agenda that you’re really of what the future looks like and where dealing with. It was very validating to we ought to go, but also have the hear somebody that has had the political and practical skills to get us responsibilities on the scale that he’s there.” had that he believes that that’s a good To accomplish their goals, great practice.” leaders need to listen to the people Great leaders relate to their people below them, said Gates. and know how to inspire and motivate “I think the first thing for you to de- them, said Gates. cide for your council or area...is what’s “Formal education can make wrong, what’s not working,” said someone a good manager, but cannot Gates. “You’d be amazed how much make someone a good leader because they realize about what’s working and leadership is more about the heart than what’s not working. And they actually the head.” have some really good ideas on how to

Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 16 ranch roundup next generation 17 Decades of Cheerful Service: miles of Philmont trails, including the new route to Baldy from Copper Park The 2015 Silver Sage Awards and the still-in-progress trail from Clear A long-serving Philmont volunteer Creek to Mt. Phillips that will be totally and our second organizational recipi- within Philmont’s boundaries. Other ent received the PSA’s 2015 Silver Sage Phil-trails constructed by OA teams in- Awards in a ceremony at Philmont on clude Vaca, Tooth of Time, Lovers Leap, July 11. The Silver Sage Awards are Black Horse, Lower Bonito, Chandler presented annually by the association Canyon and Flume Canyon. to recognize “distinguished and excep- The trail crew program that started tional personal service or contributions at Philmont has been so successful that of an important and lasting nature, the Order has now expanded it to all by any individual or organization, for of the BSA’s high adventure bases. OA the benefit of Philmont Scout Ranch, members can now participate in similar Philmont program participants, and/or service/trek programs at Northern Tier, the Philmont staff.” This year’s recipi- Florida Sea Base and the Summit. ents more than qualify in both areas. As the Order celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, it joins the U.S. Kenn Goertz, M.D. is a pediatric embarking on seven-day treks. To date, Air Force Academy as the only organi- cardiologist and faculty member at the nearly 3,000 Arrowmen have spent zational recipients (to date) of the Silver Kansas University Medical School. He the first three days of each trek will be almost 100,000 work hours building Sage Award. is now in his 28th spent at altitudes below 9,000 feet to al- year of service as low better acclimation, implementation Philmont’s Chief of mandatory height-weight guidelines Where are YOU showing your 87714 Pride? Medical Officer. As for backcountry participation (that have such, he is respon- since been adopted by the entire BSA), Another “it’s not merchandise, but it is clearly ‘87714 Pride’” entry High Country sible for recruit- and development of detailed risk advi- arrived at the office ment of all of the sories for participants and physicians. a few weeks ago, and we pass it volunteer staff phy- Kenn has also served as a member along for the jealous musings of the hikers among us. This hardy sicians who serve of the Philmont Ranch Committee since crew of Philfolk are atop Machu one or two-week shifts at Philmont 1998 and as chairman of the Philmont Picchu in the Andes Mountains of Peru, May 9th, 2015. each summer. He also serves as course Health Lodge Task Force since its director of the KUSM pediatric rotation creation in the late 1990s. This sum- Share your 87714 sightings with us program through which fourth-year mer marks his 30th year of service as a for future use on the website, in High Country medical students serve as Philmont Philmont summer staff physician. or both­! E-mail HIGHCOUN- medics. [email protected] with your sight- ings, and if for some inexplicable Kenn has had the principal leader- For twenty years, the Order of the reason you don't have your 87714 ship role in several important and last- Arrow has partnered with Philmont sticker yet, contact the PSA to pur- From left to right are PSA members Bill Watson chase some at eminently reasonable ing innovations in Philmont operations to sponsor the OA Trail Crew Treks, (1973,1974), Pat Watson (wife), Dave Jolkovsky prices. Shop for T-Shirts (and other and health care, including changes to in which OA members spend a week (1972-1975), Sandy Slowey (wife) and Dave Slowey cool 87714 gear) at www.philstaff. the itinerary system to provide that building trails at Philmont before (1974). com or call 575-376-1138.

Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 18 silver sage awards silver sage awards 19 Devastation in the North Country: The Flood of 2015 by Mark Stinnett and Scouting communities the terrible Contributing Editor specter of injury to a participant. Tragi- cally, this time they resulted in loss of a young life (see story on page 25). Fifty years to the month after massive Heavy rains over a short period of rains launched what many have since time in the upper Ponil Creek and Ci- called “the thousand year flood” across marron River watersheds on the night Philmont’s South Country, the forces of June 26-27 sent sudden and unprec- of nature returned to wreak havoc edented torrents of water, along with and destruction at the other end of rocks, trees, shrubs and debris, crashing our ranch. In the pre-dawn hours of down those streams and their tributar- Saturday, June 27, Philmont campers ies. Virtually every camp and trail in and staff awoke to ferocious storms the North Country east of Pueblano described by some as the most fright- suffered damage. ening they had ever seen. In 1965, On the North Ponil, rising waters Ponil PC Kylie Tucker washes the clothes of other Ponil staff members on Sunday, June 28 following the storms struck before campers had thundered into Metcalf Station, where the flash flooding that occurred early Saturday morning. Photo by Cassidy Johnson arrived, thus sparing the Philmont one staff member was carried away some 750 yards downstream on his tent lodged against a tree. The corrals and platform before managing to escape the all bridges across the creek were swept torrent and return to warn his fellow away. staffers. By the time it hit Indian Writ- Farther south, the Cimarron River ings, where campers described being and its tributaries started their own awakened by a roar that sounded like rampage. Tons of rocks and debris a freight train, the “wall of water” had hurtled out of Bear Canyon across grown to 20 to 23 feet in height and Highway 64, where they obliterated some 100 yards across, according to the trail, the camper bridge, the turn- estimates from the New Mexico State around and the guard rails. Rocks and Police. The waters engulfed campsites boulders plummeted down from the and tents sites well above the creekbed. hillsides, including one large enough to By now, most of our readers know that effectively dam the river and send the those waters carried away four Scouts. waters over the highway. Miles of mud Responding IW staff members rescued and rock kept the highway closed until three. mid-afternoon the next day as state At Ponil, CD Karl Hubbard awoke in crews labored to clear away the mess the office to find it rapidly filling with and repair damage. feet of water. Before he could get out, Rich Cabins ended up totally iso- those waters literally tore the build- lated as a half-dozen bridges on the Logs and other debris pile up around the Ponil Chuckwagon area after flash flooding that occured ear- ing from its foundation and moved road connecting it to the ranch through ly Saturday morning, June 27. Photo by Cassidy Johnson it downstream some 30 feet before it the Barker Wildlife Area just disap-

20 flood of ‘15 Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 flood of ‘15 21 needs of those affected by the floods maps. Philmont replaced it all, free and to make sure that all participants of charge – even if their own gear was still received the quality program later recovered. Within a couple of they expected of Philmont. Logistics days, all affected crews were back on staffers worked to change itineraries the trail. and reroute crews to avoid damaged On Monday, June 29, Scout lead- areas. Managers fielded hundreds of ers from across the country arrived at calls from parents concerned about Philmont for the long-before scheduled their own kids and media following annual national camp assessment. the story. Maintenance crews went to Over the next two days, they fanned work repairing damaged infrastructure. out to all backcountry camps, including Conservation teams dispersed to assess those directly affected by the floods, to trails and needed repairs. Camp staffs evaluate facilities and programs and went to the aid of those who had gear meet with base and backcountry staffs. washed away. At their wrap-up meeting back at base At Tooth of Time Traders, campers on July 1, team leaders frequently who had lost equipment were each choked up when describing their assigned a staff buddy to completely re- interactions over the preceding days equip them with whatever they would with staff members. Even in the face of Debris pile up east of Ponil camp in the Ponil canyon following severe flash floods need to continue their treks. For some, almost unbearable tragedy, they carried Photo by Cassidy Johnson that was literally everything: packs, on in the highest and best traditions of boots, rain gear, socks, hats, shirts, the 77-year legacy we all share. peared. Several days after the flood, nature can be when set loose.” shorts, knives, eating gear, toiletries, Philmont infirmary teams had to use And as always in such times of ATVs to ferry out a health lodge case, crisis, the Philmont staff responded and supplies were being hiked in to the in a way to make every Phil-veteran camp by staff. proud. Leffler continued in his post: Crew advisor Mike Leffler posted “The support we received from the this description of that night’s events Ponil staff, the same staff that had just on Facebook: “My son and I were advi- lost their summer homes as well as sors that night staying at Ponil. The many of their personal belongings, was ferocity of the storms that night were amazing. Without power they made us beyond anything I’ve experienced in coffee and soup, fed us whatever they 55 years. The roar of Ponil Creek rising could find, and allowed us to wash and from its banks is still hard to explain. attempt to dry mud-caked gear. It was The damage to Ponil camp the next also inspiring to see youth from around morning is something that cannot be the country pull together to work with explained. To see cabins upon whose the staff to clear debris and place tem- porch you sat the afternoon before porary bridges across the still swollen ripped from their foundations is shock- creek in order to help those stranded on ing. The chuck wagon pavilions where the opposite bank.” we had eaten 12 hours earlier were All over the ranch, even with hearts filled with debris and large trees. It heavy with knowledge of a lost Scout, A crew and Philmont staff work together to rebuild a bridge on the Ponil near Indian Writings. was a lesson in just how overwhelming staffers swung into action to see to the Photo by Justin Gilliland/PhilNews

Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 22 flood of ‘15 flood of ‘15 23 Tragedy on the North Ponil

“Losing one of our Scouts brings grief Whether you’re part of the Philmont family and pain to each and every one of us.” or our Scouting family, losing one of our Scouts brings grief and pain to each and On June 26, accompanied by their every one of us. ranger, a crew of eight Scouts and three Waite Phillips said, “We do our best adult leaders from Troop 380, Sacra- and most constructive thinking when we’re mento, CA, arrived at Indian Writings alone for it’s only in silence that God speaks Camp on day one of their planned ten- to us.” Our shared tragedy leaves us alone day adventure. They set up their first in private thoughts, prayers and reflections. night’s camp in the North Ponil Can- Mine are mixed and confusing. On one yon, some 20 feet above its namesake hand my sorrow for the loss of Scout Alden creek, which is normally only a couple Brock is heavy, deep and certain to remain of feet wide and less than a foot deep. for a very long time. On the other hand is a Crews move around the debris left over by the floods from June 27, 2015. The bridge that was once a Later that night, as they had almost feeling of enormous pride and thankfulness main way for crews to travel between South and North Country was pushed about 180° due to the every day in this unusually rainy early for how bravely the entire Philmont staff rushing water. summer in northern New Mexico, performed in the midst of what will prob- Photo by Tyler Sanders/PhilNews storms rolled across Philmont. ably be recorded as one of the worst flash Around 4:30 a.m. the next morning, floods in New Mexico history. June 27, the Scouts of Troop 380 jolted Visiting the several most severely awake to a rumbling that “sounded affected sites will leave you awed, speech- like a freight train.” A wall of water less, prayerful, and yes, thankful. In the estimated at 20 to 23 feet deep and 100 darkness and sudden terror of hearing an yards wide surged down the North unknown roar descending on campsites our Ponil, where it overran the troop’s staff and leaders performed at extraordinary campsite and swept away four of its levels of preparedness. Scouts. Three managed to cling to Almost five thousand were in the moun- debris in the raging waters until being tains dealing with an unimaginable threat rescued by responding IW staff mem- and as Scouts do, doing everything possible bers. Tragically, the fourth, 13-year-old to help one another. Alden Brock, perished in the flood. My final thought is this. As mentioned, In a statement released July 3, BSA some say the noise was like a locomotive General Services and High Adventure or a jet, it was loud. But even though it Group Director John Green poignantly was hard to hear, the Good Lord did, and summarized the thoughts that many of he saved all but one. This I will remember us undoubtedly share: forever. God bless everyone and thank you Standing with CD Karl Hubbard in the Ponil dining hall, Mark Anderson and Kevin Dowling In the early morning hours of June so much for the tremendous outpouring remind Ponil and Work Crew staff members to call their families if they haven’t yet after the events re- 27th, Mother Nature visited God’s of support for the family, their troop, and lated to the June 27 flood. Anderson and Dowling visited the Ponil complex on June 30, 2015 to check Country and she was not kind. In fact she Philmont. on the staff’s well-being, encourage and thank them, and provide support as the staff repairs their sites and processes the physical and emotional difficulties from the flood. was brutal, unforgiving and devastating. Photo by Leanora Benkato/PhilNews

Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 24 flood of ‘15 tragedy on north ponil 25 Setzer recognized with Honor Award set up their campsite based on the rules Watchu Emeritus.” He will forever be of the “Bearmuda Triangle”, cooking thanked for the thousands and thou- by Kathy Seitz featured in Scouting magazine. Nearly and proper sump techniques, packing sands of hours and love he gave to the 20 years ago, then Council Executive a backpack including gear suggestions, Watchu program, benefiting more than PSA Life Member Dave Setzer was Kevin Dowling (Yes, that Kevin Dowl- etc. Crews also participate in an eight 5,000 Scouts since it’s inception. recently recognized by Patriots’ Path ing. Our Kevin Dowling.) and Dave mile Philmont rugged hike. The week- Dave is a Mechanical Engineer Council with its Honor Award, along worked together to create the Watchu end presents an opportunity for each with a PhD in Applied Mechanics from with two other Scouters. The award program. It includes crew COPE/ crew to “find the gaps” before they Lehigh University. He spent his entire recognizes Scouters who have spent Team Building, crew development, head to Philmont. Patriots’ Path Coun- working career with AT&T, Bell Labs, several decades giving leadership to a crew fundraising, trail planning, crew cil uses Blue Sky Adventures to provide retiring as their National Quality Direc- specific function of the Patriots’ Path conservation projects, summer and the much needed acclimation for those tor. He was awarded the Eagle Scout Council. Dave was joined at the event winter Adirondack Treks at Sabattis coming from sea level states. Two days award in 1950 and subsequently was by family members, grandchildren and Adventure Camp, allowing them to are spent enjoying really cool activities recognized with Distinguished Eagle staff members from the Watchu Moun- work together as a crew before their in Colorado like white water rafting, a Scout and Vigil Honor Order of the Ar- tain Adventure program, his brainchild. Philmont adventure, culminating cog railway ride up Pike’s Peak, a visit row awards. Dave attended the “Wag- Watchu Mountain Adventure is in the Watchu Mountain Adventure to the Air Force Academy and a visit on Train” program at Philmont in 1952, a council-based 18-month program, weekend. Watchu Mountain Adven- and hike around Garden of the Gods when facilities were “rustic”, to say the readying crews for their Philmont trek. ture weekend turns Camp Allamuchy in Colorado Springs. The program has least. He and his (now deceased) wife Patriots’ Path Council sends 20+ crews Scout Reservation in Stanhope, NJ into grown over the years under Dave’s Carolyn, three adult children and six to Philmont each summer through this “Philmont” for the weekend, includ- loving guidance as Chief Watchu, and a grandchildren all called north central program. It is considered the nation’s ing Philmont meals and signs. Crews volunteer staff of about 40 experienced New Jersey home. Dave isn’t retiring best Philmont preparation program, as learn how to raise a bear bag, how to Philmonters. I am fortunate to be from Scouting; he is just moving on to among the 40 in this amazing program. other things. My hope (and my expec- Dave stepped down as Chief tation) is that there will be even more Watchu this past June. The staff gave stories to tell in the near future. him a jacket, embroidered with “Chief

The Passion of Creating Diverse Art

Reprinted with permission from mals, wild and domestic, realistic and Enchantment, the magazine of New whimsical. A bear on a log, a retriever Mexico’s rural electric co-operatives. in the act of capturing a bird, a wild wolf in repose, and a relaxed African Everything in Susan Norris’ bright zebra reveal an artist with the techni- Cimarron studio comes from her own cal abilities to give form to the diverse two hands—painting, hand-built pots creatures that inhabit her imagination. and bowls, raku pottery, prints, cards, To observe Norris’ art is like reading and ceramic and bronze sculpture large a biography in progress, because she and small. depicts what she loves. A horsewoman The shelves are populated with ani- who for 20 years was an endurance Dave Setzer recieves the Patriots’ Path Council Honor Award. rider, an experienced outdoorswoman

26 setzer recognized Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 diverse art 27 who bowhunts, she is a dedicated trail talk conservationist who knows and loves nature in all its complexity as well as, a seamstress and a woodworker. 1950s and multiple degrees from Indiana “I’m completely self-taught,” Nor- University, married, taught school and ris says. Starting out painting in her Kenneth D. McDow (52) after was a counselor (Indiana Counselor of native northeast Ohio, throughout her Philmont, served as 1st Sergeant in the the Year, 2012) till retiring in 2015. He career she has mastered techniques and 21st Special Forces Group (Airborne) is a counselor consultant, an artist of learned about materials as required by and remained active in Scouting as a handmade kites (sunoakkites.com), a new projects. “If I don’t know about something, I find someone to ask,” she Scoutmaster, Explorer Advisor, and OA photographer, SCUBA instructor, and says. “And I want to return the favor Lodge Adviser. He received the Silver filmmaker. Contact: 4462 Old Vin- to others.” Last summer, she made Beaver for his work in New Orleans, cennes Road, Floyds Knobs, IN 47119. her knowledge available by offering and his children, Cheryl McDow Du- 502-609-6648. [email protected]. classes; this summer she plans to ex- pree and Timothy McDow are also for- pand her private teaching. mer Philstaffers. Contact: 8503 Apricot 2000s And, at the rear of the gallery is Street, New Orleans, LA 76118. 504- her pride-and-joy work in progress: a 861-4719. [email protected]. Kent Barnett (04, 08, 11) and wife Susan Norris and Lobo. monumental sculpture of a 1915-era Denise have been married 34 years, Ernest Thompson Seton and a young 2012 Norris chose Cimarron for the Ed Summers (54-55), now retired, after have a daughter Katie and son, for- boy called “Scout.” Inspired by a site of her studio-gallery “to be close Philmont taught accounting at the Uni- mer Philmont staffer Tyler (04), one visit to Philmont Scout Ranch, Norris to Philmont” while working on her versity of Texas at Austin and served grandchild and another on the way. He proposed a series of three bronzes to monumental project for the Philmont on the Texas Board of Professional serves as Executive Director of Mem- commemorate Seton and his contribu- Museum, “so scouts, families and other Engineers. Contact: 3608 Highland bers of Church of Christ for Scouting tions to scouting. She went after the interested people could come in and View Drive, Austin, TX 78731. edl.sum- (MCCS) and remains active in Scouting proposal with complete focus, putting observe progress of the sculpture. I like [email protected]. today, as evidenced by numerous ac- in the serious effort required for it to be it here,” she says. “It’s a very friendly colades including the Silver Beaver, the accepted and awarded one year later, community, with a lot of family values, 1960s to be placed at the entrance of the $7.5 core values. People are very helpful James E. West Fellowship and the PTC million planned expansion of the Seton and considerate. I felt embraced when I Award knot. Contact: 1401 Roadrun- Memorial Library. Her rendition of moved here, not like an outsider.” Dana Edwards (65-68, 71) , after serv- ner Ct, Abilene, TX 79601. 325-370- “Lobo,” the wolf who inspired Seton’s Norris, a member of Springer ing as the Acting District Chair for 1679. [email protected]. passion for conservation, has already Electric Cooperative, enjoys network- the National Pike District (Howard been installed at the museum. ing and meeting people to talk about County) in the Baltimore Area Coun- James E. Van Hecke, Jr (04-13) remains There’s no questioning her passion art and share her many interests. “I’ve cil, was elected to a full term as Chair. active in Scouting, currently serving on for her art. “I’ve got to do it. My drive made so many friends through my 8120 Brightlink Court, Ellicott City, MD the National Camp Accreditation Team is the joy of it, not the big bronze or work,” she says. 21043. 410-379-8092. dana_edwards@ for the Western Region and as a mem- being famous. Yes, it’s difficult to be a “Long after I’m gone, these bronzes comcast.net. ber of the Executive Board of the Great self-employed artist. But if you want are still going to be there. I hope young Southwest Council. Contact: 13619 something bad enough, a burning people are inspired by what I did.” 1970s Keesha Jo Ave. SE, Albuquerque, NM desire is what you need to get ahead. I Visit www.susannorrisartworks. 87123. 505-332-8807. jamesvanhecke@ totally believe that.” com to learn more about Susan Norris James Keown (76-77) after Philmont comcast.net. A longtime resident of Raton, in and her passion for art.

Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 28 diverse art trail talk 29 PSA Pullover Daniel Napoliello (02, 04, 08) is a Service – Lifetime, and the Arizona Vet- taking pre-orders retired Senior Healthcare Internal Audi- eran’s Hall of Fame, among others. He served on the Hospital Interface Team tor from TriWest Healthcare Alliance in This pullover is a high quality, rugged, Phoenix, after a long and distinguished for the 2013 National Jamboree and is functional piece of technical layer-ware. career in nursing and the Indian Health Assistant Council Commissioner in the Perfect for runs, biking, climbing, or any Service. After service in Vietnam, he Grand Canyon Council. Contact: 8880 other outdoor activity, the dual-layer entered the US Public Health Service W. Christopher Michael Lane, Peoria, design gives a great warmth-to-weight (1964-1994), was extensively involved AZ 85345. [email protected]. ratio. Handy accessible pocket for keys, in and recognized for his work, includ- gels, or phone, and a PSA logo that tells ing the President’s (POTUS) Call to Erin Sullivan (06) graduated from the the story. Available in Men’s Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, XLarge and 2XLarge. Sizes seem to run small. $75. Order at Trail Guide Remembers Friendships philstaff.com or 575-376-1138. Ed. Note University of Scranton and works in nitions include the Silver Beaver and Readers of High Country know that we condense updates about former investment management for a finan- Silver Antelope (among many others), Philstaffers into a predictable format -- trying to cram as much information into as cial services company. Contact: 217 he still finds time to serve as Commit- small a space as possible, in order to include as many people as we can. More often Prospect Ave 8-3C, Cranford, NJ 07016. tee Chairman for Pack 32 in Romney, than he likes, your space-conscious editor has taken the editing pen to material submit- [email protected]. WV. Contact: 3524 Middle Ridge ted for inclusion, reducing it to its barest bones. Despite that discipline, every once in Road, Romney, WV 26757. 703-477- a while a submission comes our way that just doesn’t lend itself to that practice. This 2010s 5835. [email protected]. one, from William “Wild Bill” Plummer, is in that mode. After reducing a fascinating life story by more than half (but saving all the material for the High Country archive Frederick “Rick” Hillenbrand (15) is Jake Koch (10-15) graduated from at the Seton), this little segment about Philmont in its earliest days remained. heavily involved in Scouting, serving the University of Wisconsin-Stevens on the Board of the Northeast Region, Point in 2014 and has been working at In 1946, a fellow scout, Ed Carty, in our Troop 21 in Wilkes-Barre, PA, served as NER Area 6 VP for Membership, Philmont in both the summers and the as a Trail Guide at Philmont while I was serving in the army. In 1947, three of as Communications Chairman for the second seasons since. Contact: 2615 us from our troop applied for and were accepted on the Philmont staff. Ed national commissioner support staff, 13th Avenue, Monroe, WI 53566. 608- became a wrangler, I forget Wayne “Chief” Dietrick’s assignment, and I was and much more. And though his recog- 558-3540. [email protected]. a Trail Guide based at Ponil and leading Southbound expeditions with a half dozen burros (Rocky Mountain Canaries). Trail Guides were forerunners of the Rangers, but we stayed with each group from when we left Ponil to when we Experience “The Full Philmont” arrived back at Headquarters. We formed very close bonds with the leaders and the boys. I returned the next year as a Trail Guide. With a break in our For decades, we’ve said that Philmont is “the people, the place, and the schedules at the same time, five of us met at Agua Fria and embarked on our program.” Whether you spent a week at PTC or a summer in the backcountry, dream to climb Mount Wheeler. On returning, I recollect that I hiked back to you know that to be true. It’s just as true in the other seasons, too. And if you Ponil to pick up my next expedition. Three of us who were on staff those years, really want to complete “The Full Philmont,”you simply must experience the Brad Kinsman, Bill Hudson and myself were all later hired and worked for spectacular colors, the crisp weather, the abundant wildlife, and the absence of Corning Glass Works. That from a Philmont staff of about 100. Contact: 10 anything other than nature herself during Autumn Adventure. Fox Ln E, Painted Post, NY 14879. 607-962-2640. [email protected]. For information, visit philstaff.com or call the PSA office at 575-376-1138.

Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 Volume 38, Number 4— August 2015 30 trail talk trail talk 31