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Home , Jermaine Dupri, Philmont Training Center, T206 Honus Wagner

The PhilNews

Issue 10 • Aug. 8, 2008 2 • The PhilNews Etc. From the desk: Editor’s Note Table of Contents Submission...... 3 Philmont, here’s to thee SSSAC dedication...... 4-5 Somehow, Issue 10 is complete and in your hands. Columns...... 6-7 I know I’ve commented on this before, but the summer has Submissions...... 8-9, 11-12 seemed to slip right by. By the time this issue is printed, I’ll have Reflection...... 14-15 only 12 days left at Philmont this summer, and many other staff Submission...... 17 will also be wrapping up their last set of working days. Features...... 18-21 2008 has proven to be a year of surprises, and that includes this Chaplains’ Corner...... 23 summer. Last year around this time, I thought I would be finishing World News...... 24 a photojournalism internship. I certainly never expected to be the PhilNews manager, but I’ve enjoyed working with a good staff of National News...... 25 writers and bringing The PhilNews to you every week, and I hope State News...... 26-28 you’ve enjoyed the newsletter we’ve produced this summer. Sports News...... 29 To my surprise, this issue was another set of 36 pages. Writer Entertainment...... 30-35 Jennifer and I traveled to the far west end of Philmont, to highlight Calendars...... 36 Crooked Creek (see pgs. 18-19) and Clear Creek (see pgs. 20-21) — interpretive camps that may be a little difficult to reach, but certain- Philmont News & Photo Staff ly fun to experience. We also are highlighting the dedication of the Silver Sage Staff Activities Center (see pg. 4), as well as publishing Editor-in-Chief • Steve Nelson the last of the submissions we’ve received this summer. NPS Manager • James King PhilNews Manager • Chris Dunn This issue is the summer’s final issue of The PhilNews, at least Photo Manager • Jamie Thorpe in terms of written content. The next issue — the “Final Issue” — Lead Videographer • Ian Olesnevich will consist almost entirely of the Activities staff ’s annual photo contest results. So, we certainly hope you enjoy reading this “last” PhilNews staff • Jennifer Peters issue of The PhilNews. Photo Staff Thanks so much for reading. Maybe I’ll see you next year. Ben Boettger • Rebecca Bost Stephen Bush • Jeanne Collins • Lisa Mc- Sincerely, Carthy • Danny Shipley • Karlie Smith Chris George Terrizzi Videographer • Bryan Hayek Clerk • Andrew Tyler Please be aware that the views expressed in this column, as well as others printed in this issue, do not necessarily represent those of The PhilNews, Philmont Ranch or the Boy Scouts Printer • Leonard Montoya of America.

The PhilNews is a staff newslet- Corrections: ter published weekly by Philmont Via a careless error, the state of Virginia was left out of the Scout Ranch. State-by-State News section in Issue 9. We sincerely apologize to all staff from the state of Virginia for this omission. On the cover: The “Highlight on the 27,391 Reasons We Are Here” column Ring Place Camp Director Steven Au- on pg. 8 of Issue 9 stated that young adults of ages 14 to 19 gust Hirsch, Jr., of the great state of can participate in the program. This is inaccurate, Arizona points out an upcoming storm as young adults of ages 14 to 21 can participate. to a crew. (photo by NPS Photographer The PhilNews regrets these errors, and urges readers to re- Ben Boettger) port other such errors that they may find in this publication. Submission Aug. 8, 2008 • 3

photos by David Byrne, Services Above: The Tobasco Donkeys — both original and new members — performed their first live concert in front of several hundred staff on Aug. 3. Left: From left to right, Mike Griffis, Eric Voss, Peter Bingen, Andy Gerhart, G.S. Harper, Larry McLaughlin, Ellie Nickens and Tim Collver.

Friendship and Philfriends by Mark Anderson The members of the band friendships being formed. Director of Program shared testimony of the many Former president Woodrow friendships and memories they had Wilson said, “Friendship is the only This past weekend as I enjoyed while they worked at Philmont and cement that will hold the world to- the Tobasco Donkeys’ concert at how those have continued through gether.” the Silver Sage Staff Activities the years. Many times, one of the I know that each of us who Center, I was reminded over and songs triggered a special memory, are members of the Philmont Staff over of the tremendous friendships which they shared with us. knows what true “friendship” is, that are developed here at Philmont As I watched the staff enjoy and that it will bind us together in Scout Ranch. the concert, I could see the same the years ahead. 4 • The PhilNews Silver Sage Staff Activities Center Silver Sage Staff Activities Center Aug. 8, 2008 • 5 SSSAC to be dedicated on Aug. 16 by Jennifer Peters mer due to scheduling conflicts. Last September, the PhilNews writer plane carrying Fossett disappeared, and he was declared legally dead. PSA policy prohibits giving the award ’s new staff lounge – the posthumously, but the PSA would like to honor him Silver Sage Staff Activities Center – will be dedicated and his memory with the Silver Sage Honoree award. on the evening of Aug. 16. The ceremony will begin Saunders said the SSSAC, a project undertaken by after the 5 p.m. dinner. The Silver Sage is an award the Philmont Staff Association, is the largest project given by the Philmont Staff Association, and is where ever attempted by the PSA in its history. the activities center gets its name. The approximately 650 donors who contributed “The Silver Sage Award is a recognition present- over $100 will have a brick engraved with their name ed by the PSA to those who have provided exceptional placed in the front of the building. service to Philmont, its participants, the PSA or any Five donors who gave even more generous do- field of human endeavor that brings honor and credit nations will have a part of the building named after to the legacy of the Philmont staff,” said Randy Saun- them. H.L. Hembree, John Murphy, Hugh Brewer and ders, Executive Director of the PSA and contributing Dwight Stein will have rooms named after them, and writer for High Country. the Taylor Family (John, Sally, Shelley, Holly and Da- The Silver Sage Awards for 2008 will be present- vid Taylor) will have the porch named after them. ed to Jack Rhea, David Bates, Joe Clay and Bill Spice. The SSSAC will be a better, more updated lounge Steve Fossett, who was going to be a Silver Sage re- for Philstaffers, and will also give the Activities staff a cipient in 2007, will also be presented with the Silver bigger area for entertaining them. Sage Honoree award. “It’s going to be a lot nicer, and it will give us Fossett was not able to accept the award last sum- the opportunity to make activities more exciting,” said

blueprint courtesy of Mark Anderson, Director of Program 4 • The PhilNews Silver Sage Staff Activities Center Silver Sage Staff Activities Center Aug. 8, 2008 • 5 Ashley Manning, Female Tent City Manager and Ac- The Legacy Fireplace, located in Baldy tivities staff member. Pavilion, is made of rocks from Baldy Mountain, and Director of Program Mark Anderson stressed the mantle was made out of a tree that came from Ca- that the activities center will be the living room for thedral Rock Camp, Anderson said. Philstaffers. The SSSAC will be open very soon, but for a sneak The SSSAC will give the staff that stays in tents peak, join the PSA at the dedication on Aug. 16. The a place to go when it gets hot during the day. It will building is near completion, and is really something have more places for staff to watch TV, more comput- beautiful to see. ers with Internet access and a large printer, hook-ups for staff with laptops, a pool table, two foosball tables This information was gathered from interviews with Mark and a giant movie projector. The center will also have Anderson and members of the Activities staff, as well as more tables under the open-air Baldy Pavilion, and a articles written by Randy Saunders that can be found on the wraparound porch furnished with benches. Philmont Staff Association Web site (www.philstaff.org). The 2008 Silver Sage Award recipients by Jennifer Peters Mine was the first camp that incorporated the interp PhilNews writer program based on the “Foxfire” books edited by El- iot Wigginton, which became the guides to living the Jack Rhea was Philmont’s Director of Camp- old-fashioned way. Now interp camps cover different ing from 1954 to 1962. He brought Philmont atten- periods with period-specific activities, and are among dance to over 10,000, and laid the groundwork for the most popular at Philmont. all that Philmont is today. Rhea, along with Clarence Bill Spice made Philmont and other High Ad- Dunn, worked hard to establish the Ranger program. venture Bases operate completely self-sufficiently. In 2007, the program turned 50 years old and is as He set financial goals for Philmont and turned it into strong as ever. Rhea is an inspiration, not only for a working business; now Philmont has the ability to rangers, but for the full-time and seasonal staff he accommodate over 20,000-plus Scouts a year. He also worked with. saw the potential for the Philmont Staff Association, Dave Bates served as Director of Camping and and welcomed it to the ranch. Spice was also the PSA Conservation, and is currently working on the new chairman in its fund-raising campaign. Philmont Field Guide. Bates began his association with Philmont as a Program Counselor at Pueblano Silver Sage Honoree in 1960; since then, he has done various jobs around Steve Fossett was going to be a Silver Sage re- the ranch. He wrote the PEAKS itinerary book, which cipient last year, but scheduling conflicts and a per- made it possible for crews to choose their itinerary sonal policy to not accept awards that he could not before arriving at Philmont. Bates also founded the receive in person kept Fossett from receiving his Philsar program, which is now well-respected among award. Unfortunately, last September, Fossett did New Mexico’s search and rescue organizations. He not return from a flight in Nevada and was declared was instrumental in getting the incorpo- legally dead. The PSA would nevertheless like to rec- rated in Philmont treks. Bates was also a founding ognize Fossett for his outstanding work for the Boy member of the PSA. Scouts of America. Fossett served on the BSA’s High Joe Clay came up with the idea of “living his- Adventure Committee, Northern Tier Committee tory” camps, which are what we now know as inter- and National Executive Board. He received the Dis- pretive camps. The staff at the interp camps dress in tinguished Eagle Scout Award and became the Na- clothing that is period-appropriate, and also use tools tional Eagle Scout Association president last year. and props that coincide with those periods. Cyphers’ Fossett was also a Philmont ranger. 6 • The PhilNews Column Column Aug. 8, 2008 • 7 The Conservationist An epilogue I wanted to take a mo- formulate your own conclusions and never stop search- ment in this last column for ing for truth. It is easy to sit back and let others make the summer to thank all of decisions for you. you for being open and re- I often hear expressions of concern for the future ceptive to the concepts I have but then a lack of willingness to act on these convic- brought up in my weekly tions. Change often comes at a slow pace, which takes column. patience and a willingness to take into consideration Over the past eight the stand point of others. weeks, I have attempted to However, change does not come at all if no one arm us all with a little bit of is willing to take the first step. Keep this theme with knowledge that will make us more conscious of our you as we return to our homes, schools, friends and decisions and the repercussions of those decisions. It family. was not my aim to impose my opinions on anyone or to Also, remember that the respect and care we give tell you what to think. to our environment does not stop at the parking lot I also realize that this subject is one that cannot or turnaround gate. To practice Leave No Trace prin- be justly covered in such a short period of time. My ciples in the backcountry and then return to an unsus- idea was merely to start us all thinking more critically tainable lifestyle at home is counterintuitive. about some of the things around us that we accept as Realizing the interconnectedness of all the parts status quo. of our lives and all of our actions is the most impor- Remember, just because something is common tant step we can take toward preserving our natural practice does not mean it is necessarily the best or world for future generations. most sustainable way. In this same vein, please do not Thanks again for your willingness to listen. accept all of the information I have shared with you as the law, either. “The Conservationist” is a weekly column by Environmen- I challenge you to seek out answers for yourself, tal Educator Chris Ives.

Got feedback for The PhilNews? We’ve enjoyed providing you with a weekly supply of feature stories, news and submissions this season. But maybe there’s something you wanted to see and didn’t. Although this is the last is- sue, it’s not too late for your voice to be heard. I-camp us and let us know how we can improve for next year! 6 • The PhilNews Column Column Aug. 8, 2008 • 7 From the Ranger Department Taking it home Now that August has arrived, Philmont staff- tive as an adult leader in a Boy Scout troop or Ventur- ers find themselves packing their things to return to ing crew at home. Donate your time to a local outdoor school, work or begin careers in the “real world.” The club, environmental club, or conservation organiza- end of the summer can be a time to reminisce of all tion. Many colleges and universities have these pro- the adventures you’ve had, and to think of the future. grams on their campuses. Below are some thoughts about how to take home a There are opportunities to volunteer on mission Philmont experience. trips, with Habitat for Humanity, and other groups. Adventure One organization, Big City Mountaineers, takes inner- There is no reason why the adventure of explor- city youth on backpacking trips to get them outside ing the outdoors has to end on your last contract day. and discover the natural world. Local, state and federal parks and forests offer plenty They also have a fundraising project called Sum- of outdoor opportunities for visitors. mit For Someone, where volunteers raise money for Also, there are other sports besides hiking, such Big City Mountaineer participants by climbing moun- as mountain biking, rock climbing, running, skiing, tains in the U.S. snowboarding and more. Spring break is a great time Never Say It’s Your Last Summer to have an extended trip, such as skiing in Colorado, or Even if you don’t plan to come back to Philmont backpacking in Utah. next year, never say it is your last summer. Plans can When you get home, get outside and stay active! change, and an opportunity can arise to return, wheth- Community er it is as a Philmont staffer, as an adviser on a trek or One of the many reasons why I return to coming back on a PSA trek or off-season trek such as Philmont is the sense of community, especially when Autumn Adventure or Kanik. 1,000 staff get together each summer for a common It may even be 20 years from now when you come purpose. Many people these days use social network- back with your own son or daughter and introduce ing web sites to stay in touch. them to this magical place we love so much. Philmont reunions are common, either as infor- Whichever way it happens, don’t be surprised if mal gatherings on college campuses or through the this fall you find yourself in a classroom or an office, Philmont Staff Association. There are also outdoor working on an assignment, and you catch yourself programs, hiking clubs and outdoor social groups that saying, “I want to go back to Philmont.” can be found at school or in the local community. Some Thanks ideas include, the Appalachian Mountain Club, the This will be the last “From the Ranger Depart- Continental Divide Trail Alliance, the Sierra Club, the ment” column this season. Thanks for reading, and Colorado Mountain Club and The Mountaineers. good luck in the off-season! IWGBTP! Giving Back Use the experiences you have had this summer as “From the Ranger Department” is a weekly column by a motivator to give something back at home. Get ac- Ranger Trainer Bill Sassani. You have to recognize when the right place and the right time fuse, and take advantage of that opportunity. There are plenty of opportunities out there. You can’t sit back and wait. – Ellen Metcalf 8 • The PhilNews Submissions Come to PSA’s 2008 summer reunion! by Randy Saunders be one of those rare gatherings of Philmont staff Philmont Staff Association from all eras at the same place, same time. If you are in Base Camp on the 16th, be sure to stop by. As the behemoth now known as the Silver Sage On Sunday, Aug. 17, there are several activities Staff Activity Center comes to life before your very that summer staff may visit. Any PSA members on eyes, the Philmont Staff Association invites you – the the summer staff are invited to attend the PSA An- 2008 summer staff – to visit and participate in our nual Meeting, at 9:30 a.m., at the PTC Assembly Hall. summer PSA Reunion. This meeting is a good way to learn more about what On the weekend of Aug. 16-18, there will be over the PSA does year-round to support Philmont and 100 former Philstaffers gathering at the Philmont the staff. Training Center for a slate of hikes, projects and ac- There is also a Silent Auction on Sunday morn- tivities that promises to be a memorable experience. ing, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Beaubien Room at The PSA invites you, the summer staff, to join in on a PTC. There are hundreds of items available in the number of them. No reservations are required… just auction from local businesses and PSA members. drop on by. On Monday, there is a special program that sum- On Saturday, Aug. 16, the Silver Sage Staff Ac- mer staff should make plans to attend. At 8 p.m., there tivity Center will be formally dedicated at 7 p.m. The will be the Zeke Palnick Porch Talk at the Silver Sage PSA will be presenting its annual Silver Sage award Staff Activity Center. This year’s Zeke Porch Talk to David Bates, Joe Clay, Jack Rhea, and Bill Spice on will be led by Ed Pease, the previous PSA president. that evening as well. Additionally, there will be ice cream after the Porch The ceremonies will be at the Silver Sage Staff Talk. Activity Center. You are welcome to stop by and be a So, please come and attend the PSA Reunion part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony. as your schedule allows. We are looking forward to Over 750 people made donations to the Capital sharing our Phil-stories of days gone by with you. If Campaign that raised over $1 million to build the you have any further questions about the Reunion or Silver Sage Staff Activity Center. More than 200 of the Philmont Staff Association, please I-Camp us or them will be attending the dedication event. This will stop by our office at PTC (Beaubien Building). Kit Carson’s cozy porch and its view by Leanne Vasold huorno, one cooking fire, an excellent ramada built Program Counselor at the Kit Carson Museum Plains Indian style, a small well, three million flies, buffalo hides, a blacksmith shop and a great view of When it comes to fantastic porch views, I suppose the front gate. it really depends on what each person actually wants Not only is our view cozy and quaint, but we are to see as they sit and relax. also the best defended on our porch from hostile in- Kit Carson brings to Philmont and this debate the truders. The hacienda walls and almost complete coy- smallest porch on camp property. We have no porch ote fence can keep just about anything out, and our swings since they won’t fit. We have no porch talks, gun locker is a mere five feet from the porch door. and no Scouts or advisers even try to sit there. So come on down to the Kit Carson to look at our However, we have a fine view. No mountains or 6’ x 3’ porch and enjoy its historic view. You can see the streams as other camps have, but a beautiful and his- , Black Mountain, cows, elk and other toric glimpse in the 1850s hacienda courtyard. We wondrous things on your way. We will even put a fold- boast three (count ‘em, three) cottonwood trees, one ing chair out for you. Poetry Aug. 8, 2008 • 9 laundry on a rainy Sunday by Jordon Shinn Ranger

traveling at high-speed i sit in the bustling laundromat and put my headphones on around me lips move un-dubbed to Coldplay i watch the rain fall teardrops to the sunburned smooth plains and rigid mountains away dust! colorless rain-clouds - wash my exhaustion fresh.

when the clouds break i’ll stand in the clear sunlight with my shirt off and wait for joy to sprout. sangre by Jordon Shinn Ranger i saw the mule deer of knee-high dandelions dancing ready to explode i heard the aspen quak- and took my boots off ing and walked barefoot into singing the green to the light of the sun grass and wildflowers the spin of the earth leaving behind foot- and my feet skipped prints to the throbbing rythm of un-uttered gratitude of the breathing and surrendered symphonic reeling to the wind’s playful of Creation beckoning until i came upon a and buried myself like a meadow mustard seed of waist-high sunflow- beneath the penny-less ers topsoil.

Submission Aug. 8, 2008 • 11 The adventures of Rayado: Mike takes days off by the staff of Rayado the busiest part of the day, she disappeared, heading north, and was picked up midway to base camp by her After 23 straight days of work, Mike our CD had good buddy Gene Schnell, who is therefore the reason the nerve to take days off. He walked off into the sun- she is alive today. set, muttering something about Trinidad. Before he Unfortunately, she neglected to inform Gene Sch- left, however, there was one thing he’d forgotten to do: nell of the circumstances at Rayado. fill in the commissary order. Shoshana called up Rabbi Rock to pick her up. The staff members stared at the order form, but They returned home safely, where she happily ate all realized they hadn’t received the proper training to fill the kosher food she could possibly hold. it out. After three days, desperation set upon Rayado Steve, champion walker, hiked to Black Moun- like a cloud of doom. The staff members looked at tain, where the soldier garrison welcomed him with each other more and more hungrily as rations began open arms and manly beards and stuffed him with hard to dwindle. tack, which ironically had been I-camped to the Black When the afternoon trek came out and threw Mountain boys only a week earlier by the girls at Ray- tomahawks, one of the kids the staff members that ado. Ross the Roving Prospector dropped by. There they couldn’t hit an apple off his head. He was right. was much merriment. The Scout became the guest of honor at dinner. The A week went by. There was still no sign of Mike. apple was also delicious. Finally, on the morning of the twelfth day of Mike’s The fourth day dawned, and Mike still hadn’t time off, two riders were seen on the horizon. Mike and returned. The Texans finally took matters into their a representative of Stevebonia came galloping from own hands. They raided the remainder of the Chef the east. When they came into the hacienda, there was Boyardee pizza kits – the only foodstuff left – and bar- an uneasy quiet over the dusty ground. ricaded themselves in the Dragoon building and raised Little Megan was the only one to be found. She the Texas flag, declaring themselves an independent was sitting on a log in front of a fire in the fire pit, country. They took the cannon with them. stirring a pot of stew and wearing a tinfoil hat which Tim the New Yorker let his inner urban jungle cat came to a point. She explained it was to prevent aliens get the best of him, and began pacing while looking at from reading her thoughts, and then offered Mike and Megan, the smallest, with glittering eyes. Leanne sat at the representative of Stevebonia a bite of stew. They the table, stroking her knife, keeping her eye on Tim. declared it scrumptious, and there was much merri- She debated eating him until she realized that there ment. was food seven miles down the road. In the middle of The rest of the staff was never heard from again. 12 • The PhilNews Submissions Crater Lake rocks! by Barbara Garcia Michael, Skip and Pete. What they do and how they CHQ Registration treat each other and their guests was quite amazing. This is just a small thank you to their very big Well, it happened… I’ve been here for a little hearts. more than five years and have been to one camp pro- gram, Ponil. But after being invited so “specially” by Context: Last issue, the Crater Lake boys were the Crater Lake men in the last PhilNews to attend asked what the ingredients of a baked good repre- their PhilFiesta on Aug. 4, I was graciously “escorted” senting Crater Lake would be. They answered with, there by Steve Nelson and his family. “Anything made by Barbara Garcia, who we sin- Let me just say, I was in total awe by the talent cerely hope comes to our Philfiesta which is August and comradeship of the staff – Mark, Bryce, Brett, 4th. Seriously, Barbara is an angel.” New things are happening at Handicraft! by Kay Anderson stains to use on the many leather items we have avail- Director of Handicraft able, such as belts, coin purses and knife holders. We have over 1,000 rubber stamps, including We have collected “feet” so kids of all ages (even Philmont stamps for rubber stamping, scrapbooking teachers) can take home footprints of the animals na- and fabric stamping on T-shirts, totes, aprons or vests. tive to New Mexico. The animals we have available for In our jewelry section, we have turquoise, sterling footprints are bear, deer, turkey, raccoon, armadillo, silver, gemstones, arrowheads, horn and bone beads, coyote and eagle (synthetic). The foot is pressed into ceramic and glass beads and sterling silver chains to raw clay and then fired. A clear glaze can be added to make necklaces, earrings and bracelets. the print collection if desired. In our ceramic room, we have many animals and We have been experimenting with fused glass, vases in bisque (already fired once), on which you can and have made suncatchers and pendants, among other paint, and we spray a ceramic sealer or you can glaze, things. We are very excited about the results, and will and we will fire in our two kilns. We also have two offer glass-fusing as a class next summer. potters’ wheels available. We have clay handbuilding We have also been experimenting with melting classes in which you are given three pounds of raw glass bottles that become cheese trays or wall hang- clay to do whatever you wish. We have many molds to ings. We have even put colored glass in the bottles. use for your clay, as well. They are the most amazing creations to enjoy. In our children’s room, we have many items to Our big project is a “primitive pit firing” in a bar- nail, hammer and paint, including two styles of bird- rel. We loaded a 55-gallon barrel that has been cut in houses, shuttles, gods eyes, birdfeeders, catapults, bug half with sawdust, copper sulfate, rock salt and many boxes, dream catchers and shadowboxes, which the other organic items, along with ceramics that have al- kids nail together and then paint. The back is a photo- ready been fired once. This is done in place of glazes. graph taken on the ranch of an animal, and then they The organic materials will create different colors. For paint a ceramic to match the picture so that they can example, banana peelings make purple. This is the way take a part of Philmont home with them. local Indians created their pottery. We are recreating Our motto is “Come and play with us.” We will history, and that is what makes it exciting. help you with any project. These projects are in addition to our regular crafts that are available. We have a large selection of leather The Handicraft staff welcomes you to a pit firing on Aug. 6, stamps, including specially-made Philmont stamps and at 9 a.m. between Handicraft and the Small Fry Building.

14 • The PhilNews Reflection Yet another summer gone by by Chris Dunn 16, and now – four years later – I’m saying once again PhilNews Manager that I can’t return next summer. But really, there’s no telling. I might not get those internships or those jobs I never meant to come back to Philmont. or, quite simply, I might wind up looking at Arrowhead After having been a Philmont Training partici- Rock when I leave on Aug. 20. pant for four summers (1997, 1999, 2004 and 2005) Regardless of whether or not I come back, this and then worked at News & Photo in 2006 and 2007, I summer has been so different than past summers, but swore up and down that 2007 would be my last season nevertheless full of wonderful memories. And, al- at the ranch. though I still have just over two weeks (as of press Then I sent in my application in December, and time) to squeeze in more adventures, I’d like to share ended up signing my contract in March. three of my thus-far fondest memories of this sum- Philmont has been my summer home since I was mer. At Whiteman Vega pedals, lean back and do my best Kurt, Josh and Jeff are to steer, even though my arms are getting ready to take their jarring uncontrollably as my bike first crew out on the bike flies over the rocks and bumps. As I trail at Whiteman Vega. sail through the last 10 feet, I hear Kurt asks me if I’m coming Kurt, Jeff, Josh and the crew cheer- along. ing me on. Before I can answer, “You did it, Chris!” Kurt shouts Josh says, “Of course she is.” as I skid to a stop. “You did it better He then stifles any objection than any of the guys!” I might pose, by saying that Kurt’s rear tire later goes I wouldn’t get the true expe- flat, and he and Josh walk their rience of Whiteman Vega if bikes back to the yurt. As they ap- I didn’t take the bike trail. proach camp, and Jeff and I go to He has a point. meet them, Kurt drops his bike on After 10 minutes on the the ground and starts clapping in trail, I’m ready to give up. rhythm. I’ve fallen behind the crew, “My name is Chris” I haven’t been on a bike in (clap-clap clap-clap) seven years and the steady “I am a miss” uphill is killing my thighs in (clap-clap clap-clap) a way I never imagined. But “I am no siss” Kurt stays with me, distract- (clap-clap clap-clap) ing me with conversation, and it’s a little nervewracking. 14- We join in on the clapping as encouraging me on the uphills and year-old Chase has already taken Kurt finishes with, helping me improve my technique. three spills, and needed 10 minutes “If you think I’m lame” We catch up to the crew after to steel his nerves before he pushed (clap-clap clap-clap) Pudding Hill. The next challenge off and went down the curve. “You can kick my [butt]!” is an eight-inch drop, which I don’t It’s finally my turn. I take a (clap-clap clap-clap) attempt. The challenge after that deep breath and start pedaling. We all do high-fives as Kurt is a sharp, steep curve to the right. Remembering what Kurt told me announces, “Chris was SUCH a I’m the last to take it, besides Josh, about downhills, I stand up on the trooper today!” Reflection Aug. 8, 2008 • 15 struggling with trying to keep my father from collapsing altogether, in body and in spirit. We’re out of the treeline and almost to the snowbank that sepa- rates the skreefield from the rest of the slope, when my dad has to stop again. “You’re doing great, Dad,” I say, and we pound fists. “You’re a good girl, Christine,” he says. I’m a little startled at his use of my full name - it’s something he does only when in earnest. “I try,” I say, trying to keep it At Wheeler eat energy-loaded dried fruit and lighthearted. Clouds are brewing overhead, encouraging him. “No - you are,” he says, and I but it’s a cool, windswept day near My dad and I have never been suddenly remember all the times the treeline of Wheeler Peak. My very close. We didn’t really start he’s told my brothers and me, “Do dad has been having trouble since getting along until after I gradu- not try; do.” before we reached Williams Lake, ated from high school. And I’ve “You’re a good daughter,” he and has had to stop after every never been one prone to give words then says. 10 feet of gained altitude. Even of comfort. I’d like to think I’m a My dad never made it to the though my friends have gone on motherly figure of sorts – I love top. He finally stopped after we ahead and I’d love to reach the top cooking for and helping out friends crossed the snowbank, and told in record time, I remain with my fa- and family – but encouragement is me to go on ahead. But it means so ther, making him drink water and not my strongest suit. I’m really much to me that he tried so hard.

At the Double H horizon, and the stars Night falls at the Double H, somehow seem to echo and for once, it’s a little quiet in the through eternity. staff house. The movie is over, and There are no staff are milling in and out, speak- campers shouting at ing in hushed tones. campfire, no staffers Daniel and I sit outside on a stumbling through bench, looking at the night sky. I the dark, no cars can never see stars in Missouri or whizzing by on the Texas, and it thrills me to look up highway. and see an expanse of star-studded It’s just the sky at Philmont. But the sky at the plains, the distant Double H dazzles me beyond belief. mountains, two or just the vast sky and the millions The moon highlights the edge of three trailers, the staff house, the of stars that I can never see nine the clouds on the other end of the corrals – but most importantly, it’s months out of the year.

photos by Chris Dunn, PhilNews Manager Whiteman Vega: Camp Director Josh DeCamp balances a bicycle on its rear wheel. Wheeler: My dad, Benno Dunn, braves a smile halfway up Wheeler Peak on July 12. Double H: Silhouetted against an electric pole, the moon highlights the surrounding clouds at night.

Submission Aug. 8, 2008 • 17 Like father, like... daughter? by Danika Foster special to him. He practically lived at Philmont for the PTC Registration summer when he was a teenager. My dad came on two council treks, participated in Summer is coming to a close, and we are all pre- Rayado, did the program that has become ROCS and paring to say our last goodbyes and think of the sum- served on staff as both a Ranger for two years (includ- mer in reflection. My summer began as a camper and ing Rayado) and a TR (now RT) for two years. Since is ending a staffer. I came to Philmont as a member of then, he has also come on a trek with my brother’s crew 617-O, and by my first full day, I knew I would be troop, and one with my crew. here for the duration. I had often wondered what it was that brought Some say Philmont is their blood, and I would have him back, but now I know. It is the Philmont stories to agree with them. I only had a few things to take care and the PhilSongs that bring them to life. It is the re- of to become one of the infamous “trail hires.” Taking lationship you have with a crew through the bonds of care of my plane ticket was the most of my worries, adventure. It is the time spent warding off minibears since my dad was my adviser. He instantly told me that in the backcountry, or the pounds of bacon grease you staying at Philmont would be “good for me.” consume on a visit to a staff camp. I didn’t really know what that meant, but I was up Philmont has been a special place for my family. I for an adventure and sought Steve Nelson as soon as I have grown up listening to my dad fiddle or sing Phil- got off my trek. songs and Philmont Hymn, talk about why deodorant I have realized so many things this summer by isn’t allowed in the backcountry or listen to my mom witnessing the sheer adventure that is Philmont. I gush about my dad’s Philmont proposal, but it hasn’t have learned not only about my strengths and weak- been until my time here that I have fully understood nesses, but also about my father and why Philmont was his love for camping and adventure the way I do now. 18 • The PhilNews Feature Feature Aug. 8, 2008 • 19

photo by Jeanne Collins, NPS Photographer Crooked Creek Camp Director Heather Harvie, or Mollie Casey, leads a cabin tour for a crew. Visiting the Caseys at Crooked Creek by Jennifer Peters 1870 when, after a run of bad luck, they decided to PhilNews writer move out west. They stayed in the Cimarron area be- cause of the hospitality of . The creek Crooked Creek, located in Philmont’s South and the meadow made Crooked Creek’s location a good Country, is a great place to learn about homesteading, place for the family and their animals to finally settle. the anatomy of a milk cow and how to properly mas- “We came out here five years ago, from Johnson sacre lettuce-eating beetles. County, Tennessee,” Harvie said. “We were having Crooked Creek gets it namesake from the shape some bad luck, so we decided to hit the Santa Fe Trail of the creek running through the large meadow in and head west. When we got to Cimarron, we knew front of the cabin. we were getting close to Santa Fe. So we talked to Mr. The interpretive camp’s program is set in the Maxwell in town, and he said he would let us settle on year 1875, and the staff there present themselves as his land. We just have to show improvements and pay a family. the tax collector when he comes around. The Casey family is made up of three brothers – “We decided to settle on this beautiful spot,” she Andy, Mick and Jack – and three sisters – Mollie, Josie continued. “The animals have plenty of grass to graze and Sally. Mollie, the oldest sibling, is played by Camp on, we have a nice flat spot for our cabin next to these Director Heather Harvie. big Ingleman Spruce trees and we’re not too far from The Casey family came here from Tennessee in the water. There’s lots of water for our animals with 18 • The PhilNews Feature Feature Aug. 8, 2008 • 19 Crooked Creek running through.” Some of the other chores at Crooked Creek are The program at Crooked Creek is homesteading, weeding and watering the garden, chopping wood and which includes feeding and caring for the animals, can- working on the new flagpole. dle-making, cabin tours, doing chores and relaxing. The staff grow corn, peas, beans and cabbage in The staff are responsible for two burros, two the garden. Earlier, they had a problem with beetles cows, three chickens and two chicks. eating their lettuce, but one of their “visitors” advised “The calf is Milk Face; the mom cow’s name is them to put coffee on the cabbage, to over-caffeinate Susie Q; the hens’ names are Henny Penny and Lucy the beetles. The staff tried that home remedy, had a Goosy,” Harvie said. “The beetle massacre and now rooster’s name is Rob. We their cabbage is growing named him after Sergeant very well. Scurvy at Black Moun- Candle making is an- tain. And we have two other chore that partici- adolescent chickens and pants get to help the staff their names are Sunshine with. The participants can and Abby.” take their candles with As for the burros, them, or they can leave their names are Leroy and for the family to burn in Jenkins. the cabin. During the day, the Crooked Creek is burros and cows are kept one of only two camps in the meadow, where they at Philmont that does not can eat grass and drink have a road leading up to from the creek, while the the camp. All of the staff ’s chickens are free to roam food must be carried in around the camp. and their garbage carried Every night at 7:30, out on the burros. Partici- the burros and cows are cartoon by Ben Boetgger, NPS Photographer pants must pack out their brought into their shel- own garbage as well. ters. The burros are “We cannot take brushed, the milk cow is milked, the pens are cleaned trash, because I’m a lady and I don’t have to put up out and all of the animals are fed and watered. with that,” Helbig said in her porch talk. “We also don’t “This evening you can come up at 7:30, and we take garbage because we don’t have a road. Everything will be milking the cow, bringing in the burros, brush- goes in and out on Leroy and Jenkins, and they don’t ing them, feeding all, shoveling some things and get- like a lot of weight; they’re kind of lazy. Then they ting some water,” Program Counselor Heather Helbig complain that they have to work one day a week – one – also known as Josie Casey – said in her porch talk to day! It’s not even that far, and it’s not even heavy for a newly-arrived crew. them to carry. Please don’t leave us garbage.” The Crooked Creek staff teach participants how The staff also have to get their water out of the to milk a cow, and give an extensive anatomy les- spring every day, because they do not have running son on the milk cow. Andy Casey, played by Program water at the camp. Counselor Wes Givan, shows the visitors everything Visiting Crooked Creek gives staff and partici- they need to know about milking a cow during “Teat pants a good opportunity to see how people really lived Time with Andy.” The anatomy lesson explains how back in the 1870s. For the staff member looking to milk cows have two lookers, two listeners, a talker (or relax with a beautiful view, Crooked Creek is the place mooer, rather), four stander-upper things, six hanger- to go. The staff there is very hospitable, and Heather downers and a swishy wishy. Helbig’s program talks are hilarious. 20 • The PhilNews Feature Feature Aug. 8, 2008 • 21 The mountaineering life at Clear Creek by Chris Dunn beginning of the year,” Program Counselor Stephen PhilNews Manager Kuehl said. “We found out a lot more about our char- acters. We are all based on historical people from the Tucked away in the central southwest corner of time period, except for maybe Jean Baptiste over there, Philmont, Clear Creek is home to four generations of who’s Evan [Kolk].” Philmont sumps (all of which are still functional) and Philmont classifies Clear Creek as a “mountain six staff dedicated to the accurate representation of man” camp, but according to the staff ’s research, that the historical program of mountaineering. term does not appear until later in the 1800s, in dime- There, along the headwaters of Rayado Creek, store novels. Instead, the staff refer to themselves as Camp Director Jonathan Connor and his five program trappers and mountaineers. counselors represent various trappers and owners of Going in line with the mountaineering life of the Rocky Mountain Fur Company, as they would ap- 1831, the staff have taken what information and equip- pear in 1831. They instruct crews in tomahawk throw- ment Philmont has provided and produced as accu- ing and black powder rifle shooting, as well as demon- rate a program as possible. While their cooking and strating beaver traps and giving trade talks. In their radio are located in a staff cabin hidden among the free time, they fix their own shoes and order the most trees at the top of a hill, an interpretive cabin built in exotic selections available from the commissary. the 1950s helps them maintain their presentation as But if you were in a crew, all you would know is true mountaineers. Inside the cabin are artifacts and that these mountaineers – not “mountain men” – know trapping gear, which the staff discuss in trade talks to their stuff. crews touring the cabin. “The staff as a whole has researched [the time Near the interpretive cabin are the tomahawk- period] quite extensively in the Seton Library at the throwing range and the beaver trapping area on the Rayado. The black pow- der shooting range is fur- ther up the hill from the staff cabin. Clear Creek is not the only camp to offer black powder rifle shoot- ing. Miranda and Black Mountain also provide black powder program. However, while Miranda in the North Country is also a “mountain man” program, its emphasis is on the rendezvous – a once-a-year gathering of all the trappers, moun- taineers and traders in the area. “All the trappers who photo by Ben Boettger, NPS Photographer are out in the mountains Clear Creek Camp Director Jonathan Connor demonstrates how a trapper would set up a beaver come together once a year trap in the 1830s. to get a glimpse of civi- 20 • The PhilNews Feature Feature Aug. 8, 2008 • 21 Fortunately, the staff have done their homework. In fewer than 20 minutes of casual conversation, their topics varied from facial hair among the Native Ameri- cans to the clothing worn by mountaineers to the tattoos used by the various trapping companies – all within the time period of 1831. This is all the more impressive when one realizes how little that era and the trapping profession are dis- cussed in history books. “It’s a program that doesn’t get a whole lot of at- tention,” Kolk said. “Not that it’s anybody’s fault – it’s a difficult program to give attention to. It’s not a time period that a lot of people know about, or are even in- terested in. People are interested in the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, but in between it’s just kind of a mish-mash of stuff that happened. So you just have to work to make it interesting and to flesh it out.” The relative obscurity of the time period presents a number of challenges that many may not be aware of until they work at Clear Creek. For example, interpre- tive clothing has presented an interesting dilemma. “Our camp’s at the beginning of the Philmont photo by Ben Boettger, NPS Photographer Clear Creek Program Counselor Andrew Hildreth juggles toma- timeline,” Connor said. “Because we’re 1831, it’s hard- hawks — a staff-only activity! er to collect these clothes because not a lot of people make them. Other camps, you have a lot of people who lization,” Program Counselor Matthew Ison said. “So like making WahMakers because they do Western re- they all get in one huge camp, and there’s a bunch of enactments. But there’s not a lot of trapping reenact- trade goods and they can buy things like tobacco and ments.” whiskey. And they pretty much go crazy.” But the staff make things work, whether they end But at Clear Creek, the emphasis is on the trap- up sewing their own interps (as Connor has done, hav- ping and mountaineering life itself, and the staff have ing worked at Clear in two previous years) or cobbling chosen a relatively early time period in which to pres- their own shoes. And crews and visitors are guaran- ent themselves. It is partially because this is one of teed a good time, whether they’re competing in a tom- the first years Clear Creek has been “in” 1831 that the ahawk-throwing contest or wading in freezing water staff have had to conduct so much of their own re- to set beaver traps or quizzing the staff about the trap- search before scatter. ping business. “The stuff they give us for backstory is enough Plus, Clear Creek has its very own mountain. Mt. to kind of create a character, but when people ask you Phillips was originally Clear Creek Mountain, and is specific questions, you really have to go and research still labeled as such on some U.S. Geographical Sur- that stuff,” Kolk said. “They’ll ask you how much did vey-based maps. A relatively easy hike from camp, Mt. this cost at this place at this time, and the little para- Phillips provides a spectacular view and is good for graph that you’re given doesn’t provide that.” either a day hike or a means of entry to or exit from “That little paragraph, it’ll give you your person- Clear Creek. ality, in case you’re acting on stage,” Ison added. “But As Program Counselor Andrew Hildreth said, when people are looking at you and asking questions, “We’re the keepers of the mountain” and, later, “Where you actually have to know something about the time else do you get to wake up and get paid to live in a cabin period.” in the woods, and shoot guns and throw tomahawks?”

Chaplains’ Corner Aug. 8, 2008 • 23 Greetings from Father Mike to be an adviser on the St. George Trek. Along with Father Gerard Gentleman, he led a crew of 10 partici- pants from all over the United States. In the summer of 2007, Father Mike was a Philmont Chaplain for five weeks. This year, he was invited to be a faculty member of the “ in the Catholic Church” course at the Philmont Training Center from July 27 to Aug. 2. He continues on as a Philmont Chaplain until Aug. 21. Father Mike is a priest of the Diocese of Or- ange in Southern California. He was ordained a Ro- by Father Michael Hanifin man Catholic Priest on Oct. 3, 1987, and since 2001, Catholic Chaplain has been the Founding Pastor of Santa Clara de Asís Catholic Church in Yorba Linda, California. Father Mike has been a scout since the age of Father Mike is the Diocesan Catholic Scout Chap- eight, and is an Eagle Scout and a Vigil Honor in the lain for both the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts. He is . chaplain for the Knights of Columbus Council 13311, He first came to Philmont in 2001, when he at- the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the First tended the “Scouting in the Catholic Church” course Friars. at the Philmont Training Center during Relation- Father Mike holds a BA in Religious Studies, a ships Week. When the content of the course changed Master of Divinity Degree, Masters of Arts in Theol- in 2004, Father Mike again attended the same course ogy, Masters of Science in Marriage, Family and Child during the Relationships Week. Counseling, and also has Pupil Personnel Services Cre- In 2006, he returned to Philmont for a third time, dential in School Counseling. 24 • The PhilNews World News National News Aug. 8, 2008 • 25 What’s going on around the world? School in Turkey collapses, killing 18 cials said as many as 50 of the deceased were children, A school headmaster, his deputy and the chairman who had become separated from their parents during of a religious foundation were detained on Aug. 2 af- the stampede. The government of Himachal Pradesh ter an explosion caused the school to collapse, killing said that it will pay 25,000 rupees ($592 U.S.) to the a teacher and 17 students were killed. 27 others were deceased victims’ families. Stampedes in India are not injured. Some students described a strong gas odor uncommon at religious festivals, due to the lack of right before the explosion. Local engineers have said crowd control. that poor construction and a lack of proper building inspections contributed to the high death toll. Jellyfish populations soar due to decline in oceans’ health New Japanese cabinet convenes Scientists in Barcelona, Spain, point to rising ocean Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda has re- temperatures, overfishing and oxygen-depleted waters placed 13 of his 17 cabinet members in hopes to stimu- as the causes of a recent rise in jellyfish populations. late economic growth. Fukuda’s cabinet was sworn in Jellyfish populations have been increasing all over the at the Imperial Palace in front of Emperor Akihito on world, and some species have been seeping into new Aug. 2. Fukuda plans to reform policies to help with ris- territories. Global warming and a decline in rainfall ing gas prices and declining birth rates. Fukuda, whose are raising the temperatures, which in turn seems to policies have been slowed by the opposing Democratic aid in jellyfish reproduction. Pollution in some waters Party, will not dissolve parliament and hold new elec- has depleted oxygen levels and jellyfish thrive in these tions, an action which has lowered his approval rating environments. In Australia, the number of reported to 20 percent. jellyfish stings last year has doubled the number re- ported in 2005. Pacific nation Tonga crowns new king The small Pacific island nation of Tonga crowned Earthquake in China results in fatalities its first king in over 40 years. George Tupou was A 6.0 magnitude earthquake shook China’s south- crowned in a coronation ceremony on Aug. 1. The west province Sichuan on Aug. 5, killing at least one country, located east of Fiji, held a weeklong celebra- and injuring 23. The epicenter was 50 kilometers tion with three coronation balls, two ceremonies and (about 30 miles) from the city of Guangyuan in Sich- a huge pig roast. The first of the two ceremonies was uan, at a depth of 10 kilometers, and happened at 5:49 a traditional “kava,” where a mildly narcotic drink is p.m. (3:49 a.m. MDT), according to the U.S. Geologi- served. The second was a more royal affair, wherein cal Survey Web site. Aftershocks were felt in Beijing. the king was given a gold scepter and white ermine fur Communications were disrupted in Qingchuan County crown. The people of Tonga demanded in 2006 a more in Sichuan. British-style form of government, while still attempt- ing to hold onto their traditions. Tupou has said that Human remains found in shoe he will reform the country’s government. A human foot was found in a shoe that washed up on a shore west of Port Angeles in British Columbia Hindu pilgrims killed in stampede on Aug. 1. The remains of five other feet have been Over 150 Hindu worshippers died in a stampede found over the past year in British Columbia. The King duing an Aug. 3 religious festival in northern India, County Medical examiner’s office has said that the foot after a shelter that people were standing on collapsed, was not mechanically cut off, but disarticulated, mean- causing a panic in the crowd. Tens of thousands of ing it could have come off naturally. Police do not have people had traveled to attend the festival that began any open cases that could lead to the identification of on Aug. 2 to worship the Hindu mother goddess. Offi- the person that the foot came from. 24 • The PhilNews World News National News Aug. 8, 2008 • 25 What’s going on around the U.S.? Suspected bioterrorist commits suicide CDC estimates HIV infections at higher Nearly seven years after the 2001 anthrax attacks, rate the perpetrator may never be brought to justice, as The Center for Disease Control said that about 40 well-known microbiologist and suspect in the attacks percent more people per year contract the HIV infec- Dr. Bruce Ivins committed suicide on July 29. Ivins tion that causes AIDS than previously thought. New committed suicide amidst forthcoming federal indict- methods of tracking the HIV infection are better able ments for the murder of five U.S. citizens by contami- to determine when patients first became infected. The nating envelopes with anthrax spores in Sept. 2001. disease may not show symptoms for up to 10 years af- Officials at the Department of Justice released a ter initial infection, making it very difficult to track statement saying they are considering closing the case all new cases. However, the findings do not show an as early as the first week of Aug 2008. New technol- increase in cases, rather only that past estimates were ogy has led them to believe that Ivins was the person lower than they should have been. behind these acts of terrorism and, had the technology The number of new cases has been relatively stable been available sooner, they would have been able to de- for years. termine where the anthrax was created. Ivins has suffered from psychiatric problems and U.S. hospitals begin deporting immigrants was labeled as homicidal and sociopathic by his psy- Hospitals around the U.S. have begun deporting chiatrist. Ivins’ co-workers and friends are still claim- immigrants when the hospitals cannot find nursing ing his innocence. homes that will accept the patients without insurance. Hospitals are federally mandated to find post-hos- Security guard shot at party attended by pital care facilities for patients, while Medicare does not celebrities cover long-term treatment for illegal or newly legal A security guard was wounded at an Aug. 2 par- immigrants. This is causing some hospitals to repatri- ty attended by celebrities , and Gabrielle ate patients back to their home country. The American Union. Shots rang out at 3:30 a.m. outside the immigration office does not take part in these trans- nightclub Dreamz ATL during a party sponsored by ports. recording artist Jermaine Dupri. The security guard There is now one company that specializes in pa- was shot in the arm after escorting some rowdy pa- tient repatriation based out of California, called Mex- trons outside the club. He received treatment at a local care. hospital and was released later that day, DeKalb Coun- Doctors call this a death sentence for the patients, ty Police spokesman Marcus Hodge said. who leave first-rate medical care to be treated in third- world countries, if they are cared for at all. Landmark FCC ruling is against Comcast The Federal Communications Commission ruled Credit card theft transcends international against Comcast, ordering the company to stop block- borders ing Internet users who were using file-sharing soft- Eleven people were indicted Aug. 5 for allegedly ware. The case sets a new precedent for the right of stealing more than 40 million credit card numbers. users’ access to all Internet content and software. Federal authorities believe that at least nine major U.S. The 3-2 ruling took place on Aug. 1 and imposes retailers were hacked, making this the largest hacking no fine on the nation’s largest cable company, but re- case the Justice Department has ever tried to pursue. quires Comcast to stop blocking users within the year. Three of the defendants are U.S. citizens; the others Network providers cannot block people from getting are from Estonia, Ukraine, China and Belarus. The access to on-line materials, said the FCC chairman, theft has been underway since late 2006, according to Kevin Martin. Boston attorney Michael Sullivan. 26 • The PhilNews State-by-State News State-by-State News Aug. 8, 2008 • 27 What’s going on in the different states? Alabama Connecticut Illinois Members of the Permanent Five Connecticut hospitals have Effective Aug. 4, the Illinois Joint Legislative Committee on En- stepped up to compete for a part- Historic Preservation Agency has ergy criticized Gov. Bob Riley for nership with the University of closed Abraham Lincoln’s New Sa- vetoing a bill that would have es- Connecticut Health Care Center, lem State Historic Site on Mondays tablished an energy research com- whose financial struggles could be and Tuesdays, due to the state’s mission. alleviated by a favorable partner- budget crisis. ship. Alaska Indiana The Alaska Senate approved a Delaware A 4,000-pig concentrated ani- bill that would help all Alaskans State treasurer Jack Markell said mal feeding operation (CAFO) has pay for heating costs, regardless of on Monday that the state needs to been proposed for a site fewer than the type of fuel, as well as grant- invest more aid for residents seek- six miles from New Haven. ing a $500 cash payment to all resi- ing a college degree. dents. Iowa Florida The statewide smoking ban that Arizona Baby boomers are expected to took effect July 1 is not applicable Lake Powell has reached its start taking residence in Florida in certain areas of the Iowa State highest level since 2002, indicating between 2010 and 2030, increasing Fair, as determined by fair officials. that the Colorado River is rebound- their standing as the state’s largest ing from one of its worst dry spells age group. Kansas on record. More than 10,000 petition sig- natures were submitted Monday Arkansas The Medical College of Geor- in support of Ralph Nader’s name The Hope for Arkansas cam- gia might partner with the Univer- being placed on Kansas’ November paign – a state-run lottery that sity of Georgia and Georgia State presidential ballot. funds college scholarships – re- University, to request the state ceived $75,000 in July, boosting the Board of Regents to extend health Kentucky overall sum to $425,000. insurance benefits to domestic Legislators said on Aug. 4 that partners. all pending road and bridge proj- California ects will be reconsidered, in order Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Hawaii to save money without sacrificing proposed a temporary 1-cent state The state’s leading gas energy safety. sales tax increase, in hopes to de- provider, Gas Co., filed for an 8.4 crease California’s budget deficit. percent rate increase that would af- Louisiana fect residential customers. State Attorney General Buddy Colorado Caldwell said on Aug. 4 that the Gov. Bill Ritter physically Idaho murder investigation into patient helped cart hundreds of thousands Nearly 200 Idaho Air National deaths after Hurricane Katrina will of signatures on Monday in order Guardsmen are expected to return continue. to place on the ballot a proposal to on Aug. 6 after completing a 45-day eliminate an oil and gas industry mission in support of NATO mili- Maine tax credit. tary operations in Afghanistan. The Maine Supreme Judicial 26 • The PhilNews State-by-State News State-by-State News Aug. 8, 2008 • 27 Court ruled that people who gather lawsuit by outgoing Attorney Gen- economic pressure faced by the me- signatures on petitions for candi- eral Jay Nixon. dia industry will compel reporters dates seeking office need to actually to increase the search for evidence witness each person’s signature. Montana of mismanagement and scandal. The Montana Department of Maryland Environmental Quality will issue a New York State environmental officials permit for a proposed gold mine in Students in public colleges now are trying to determine the source southwestern Montana if the de- face higher tuition with less finan- of several pounds of undetonated velopers post a $470,000 bond for cial aid from work-study programs, explosives found July in rocks de- environmental reclamation. according to a study conducted by posited in Anne Arundel County. Rep. Anthony Weiner’s office. Nebraska Massachusetts A hiring report released on North Carolina Massachusetts Bay Transporta- Aug. 4 indicated the University of Gov. Mike Easley passed a bill tion Authority officials said MBTA Nebraska is making progress in in- on Aug. 4 that will legalize ticket riders will face a significant fare in- creasing the racial and gender di- scalping over the Internet, effective crease if the state legislation does versity of its faculty. through June 30, 2009. not step in to relieve the transit system’s debt. Nevada North Dakota Lawmakers agreed on Aug. 4 Gov. John Hoeven said on Aug. Michigan that owners of foreclosed homes 4 that the state surplus will exceed Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpat- should be made responsible for $1 billion by next summer. rick is under investigation by state maintaining them, as opposed to police for a July 24 confrontation state and local governments. Ohio between Kilpatrick and Wayne Labor unions are backing a pro- County Detective Brian White. New Hampshire posed ballot issue that would make Hundreds of New Hampshire Ohio the nation’s first state to man- Minnesota college students from Massachu- date that businesses give workers The St. Paul Police Department setts lost support from the Mas- seven paid sick days a year. may go out of state to help fill sachusetts Educational Financing the 3,5000-member security force Authority, and are scrambling to Oklahoma needed for the Republican National file for new loans to pay approach- Chief state geophysicist James Convention. ing state tuition bills. Lawson, who had worked at the Oklahoma Geological Survey since Mississippi New Jersey 1970, was killed in a two-car colli- Gov. Haley Barbour said on Rutgers University president sion on Aug. 3. Aug. 4 that his most recent plan to Richard McCormick announced on fund Medicaid puts to rest a long Aug. 4 that he and his wife will do- Oregon debate over a long-term funding nate a $100,000 performance bonus In the worst showing since solution. he received from the university to a No Child Left Behind was passed, financial fund for undergraduates. more than 430 state schools failed Missouri to reach federal performance stan- Police and state officials re- New Mexico dards this year. moved six decayed bodies – making Santa Fe County public infor- a total of eight found – from a Co- mation officer Stephen Ulibarri Pennsylvania lumbia funeral home that is facing a warned county staff that the hard As a result of the 2006 federal 28 • The PhilNews State-by-State News Sports News Aug. 8, 2008 • 29 Deficit Reduction Act, custodial Vermont parents in Pennsylvania will be An unsuccessful bill prohibit- What’s going on in sports? charged $25 a year by the state, in ing the Vermont National Guard order to offset the cost of collect- from being sent to Iraq has sparked Olympic swimmer accepts ing child support. several other state legislatures to two-year suspension consider similar bills in the coming U.S. swimmer Jessica Hardy Rhode Island months. withdrew from the Olympics on Dr. Timothy Babineau, the Aug. 2 after testing positive in stim- ulants and muscle-building drugs. University of Maryland Medical Virginia Hardy may have unknowingly in- Center chief medical officer, will State officials say fire ants have gested the stimulants as a part of assume the presidency of Rhode invaded at least eight public parks a multivitamin supplement. The Island Hospital — the state’s larg- in the South Hampton Roads area. est hospital — on Oct. 1. Olympic committee allowed her time to determine the source of the Washington drugs and look into her legal options, South Carolina An immediate hiring freeze or- but Hardy withdrew from the tri- Department of Parks, Recre- dered by Gov. Chris Gregoire could als. Hardy’s lawyer, Howard Jacobs, ation and Tourism director Chad eliminate almost 2,000 jobs and save has said that his client is accepting Prosser said on Aug. 4 that he wants $90 million in the next fiscal year. responsibility and putting her team- a state campaign promoting South mate’s interests above her own. Carolina as a gay tourism destina- West Virginia tion to continue, citing public rela- Forbes magazine ranked West Football Hall of Fame in- tions concerns. Virginia as the worst state for em- ployment, using a total of 32 data ducts six new members The Pro Football Hall of Fame South Dakota points to determine rankings. Gov. Mike Rounds proclaimed inducted six new members on Aug. 2. Former Washington Redskins the week of Aug. 4 as Farmers Wisconsin Market Week in South Dakota. Darrell Green and Art Monk, along Despite stocking Silver Creek with former Redskins coach Emmitt in Fond du Lac County with brown Thomas, were inducted. Former San Tennessee trout in 2006, the Wisconsin De- Francisco 49er Fred Dean, former Volkswagen Group of America partment of Natural Resources has New England Patriot Andre Tippett has confirmed SSOE as the archi- not yet fully inspected the millpond and former Denver Bronco Gary tecture, engineering and construc- that holds back the creek’s waters Zimmerman were also inducted. tion management contractor for in nearly 20 years. The six men were chosen out of VW’s new $1 billion production 17 finalists by the Hall of Fame’s facility in Chattanooga. Wyoming committee. The Pro Football Hall Office of State Lands and In- of Fame has inducted 247 members Texas vestments director Lynne Boom- since its opening in 1963. Tropical Storm Edouard struck gaarden recommended that the Galveston and Houston on Aug. 5, state approve a natural gas and card sells for $1.62 causing minimal damage. carbon sequestration plant on state land in Sublette County. million at auction A 1909 Utah sold for $1.62 million State school buses could help re- All stories were gathered from at an auction in Chicago on Aug. 2. duce air pollution in coming years, http://www.stateline.org, a con- The T206 cards were part of a se- with the help of $2.3 in federal glomerate news Web site that gath- ers major headlines from a variety of ries that came in packages of ciga- grant money. news sources. rettes released by the American To- 28 • The PhilNews State-by-State News Sports News Aug. 8, 2008 • 29 What’s going on in sports? bacco Co. between 1909 and 1911. There were fewer than 100 Honus Wagner cards produced, and fewer than 10 are in excellent condition. Wagner was one of the first five men to be inducted into National League Hall of Fame. The most ever paid for a baseball card was an- other T206 Honus Wagner, which sold for $2.8 million in 2007.

Britain’s top player wins Masters title in Cincinnati Andy Murray, a 21-year-old Scot, won his first Masters Title in Cincinnati on Aug. 3. On Aug. 4, he was ranked No. 6 in the world, which is his highest career rank- ing. Murray also achieved his first Grand Slam quarterfinal at Wim- bledon and two other titles this sea- son. He defeated third-seed Serbian player Novak Djokovic to take home the Cincinnati Masters trophy.

Vijay Singh wins Bridge- stone Invitational Vijay Singh won his first World Golf Championship at the Bridge- stone Invitational on Aug. 3. Singh missed three putts within an eight foot span on the back nine and al- most lost the tournament, but he sank the last putt and pulled a vic- tory. He shot 2 under 68, gaining a one-shot lead over Stuart Appleby and Lee Westwood. Singh has won more PGA titles than any other for- eign-born player, but has not won in the U.S. since March 2007. Phil Mickelson was ahead for the first 14 holes with a one-shot lead, but made three bogeys on the last four to put him at 70, 2 shots behind. 30 • The PhilNews Entertainment Entertainment Aug. 8, 2008 • 31 The Manly Men of Crater Lake know all Q: Hypothetically, what do I tell Philmont if I about all the times they shwack. They shwack be- misplaced one of their trucks? - Very anonymous cause they’re lost — or because they know they’ll derive A: Most of the time, when you start a question “coolness” from shwacking, but no, they are not cool. with “hypothetically,” it means you actually did do Shwacking is dumb. Just stay on the trail. It will lead you what you might have hypothetically done. So — you to where you need to go. have misplaced a Philtruck, then too bad. You might just want to start walking your DNR butt home. Q: What is the best logger recipe you guys can come up with that involves a pound of bacon and Q: Are bears attracted to homemade soap? - two sticks of butter? - Skinny Scott Terrified in the backcountry A: Melt the butter and fry the bacon in it. A: Bears are attracted to other bears, duh. Q: It’s the end of the summer, and I’m out of Q: How does the ranger zipline work uphill? - money to get home. Any ideas? - Spent too much A camper this season A: The ranger zipline is just another ploy to make A: Various illegal activities guarantee easy cash — rangers seem cool. Can they grow beards? No. however, those are not BSA appropriate activities, so we of course will not do them. I heard the CreeMee was hiring. Q: If you could make up the manliest Olympic sport ever, what would it be? - A manly man Please be aware that the views expressed in this ad- A: Die and then come back to life in under four vice column do not necessarily represent those of The minutes. PhilNews, Philmont Scout Ranch or the . Q: Why do rangers yell all the time about wanting to go back to Philmont if they already This is the last advice column this year The wise and compassionate men at Crater Lake are at Philmont? - Not a ranger A: Rangers get disoriented often. And if you have just given you their last pieces of sound advice haven’t noticed already, rangers pridefully exclaim for this summer. Thanks for reading!

Take turns with your opponent by connecting one pair of dots with a horizontal or vertical line. Try to be the one to close each square with the fourth side. If you close a square, you The Dot Game get another turn. Mark the squares you make with your initials, because whoever has the most at the end wins. Good luck! 30 •ThePhilNews Entertainment Entertainment Aug. 8,2008•31

cartoon by Ben Boetgger, NPS Photographer 32 • The PhilNews Entertainment Entertainment Aug. 8, 2008 • 33

cartoon by Kira Redzinak, Clark’s Fork Program Counselor 32 • The PhilNews Entertainment Entertainment Aug. 8, 2008 • 33 Word search (theme: this issue) 34 • The PhilNews Entertainment Entertainment Aug. 8, 2008 • 35 34 • The PhilNews Entertainment Entertainment Aug. 8, 2008 • 35

Get your sudoku on! sudoku courtesy of websudoku.com Level: Medium Level: Evil

cartoon by Elizabeth Deegear, Registration 36 • The PhilNews Calendars CHQ Activities Calendar Friday (Aug. 8) Movie Night (8:15 p.m., Advisers’ Meeting Room) Saturday (Aug. 9) Tie Dye (8:15 p.m., outside staff lounge) Sunday (Aug. 10) Bazaar (8:15 p.m., outside staff lounge) Monday (Aug. 11) Kickball (8:15 p.m., field outside staff lounge) [PLEASE NOTE: Locations of activities are subject to change if SSSAC is completed!] PTC Evening Schedule Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Opening Handicrafts Western Movie night Handicrafts Closing No events program 6:30 p.m. night 7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. program scheduled 8:15 p.m. Cracker barrel 6:30 p.m. Cracker barrel 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

photo by Chris Dunn, PhilNews Manager The sun sets over Tooth Ridge on July 28. It’s kind of a shame this can’t print in color, because the sky was almost on fire that night.