PAGE 1 SERVING BOTH SIDES OF THE ROAD Winter 2021 Philmont Adapting Treks for COVID Summer Philmont staff have been working could be more like our traditional “bubbles” are being planned. diligently to prepare for the 2021 program.” season so that everyone can have Instead of taking crowded buses to a memorable experience in God’s One idea is that crews arriving at starting points, Philmont is devel- Country. As ever, safety is always Philmont would form their own oping new camps withing hiking the Number One concern. Steve “pod” staying together rather than distance of Camping Headquarters Nelson, Director of Camping, cov- mingling with others. Traditional 2- that crews can trek to for their first ered some of the plans in the Am- to-a-tent assignments will continue, night in the backcountry. Back- bassador Webinar on November but changes are in the works to country camps are being expanded 12. avoid close contact with others. to spread out crews, and new trail For example, the Ranch may pur- camps are being developed to “We will be dealing with COVID, chasing large canopies so crews distribute campers over wider are- and we are working to put a plan can eat in shifts, avoiding crowding as. together that will allow us to bring in the dining hall. Scouts here and overcome the Program camps will continue to challenges of living in a COVID Another option being explored is to offer the same activities, but group world – one that we are all living in provide crews with trail meals Philmont’s stunning scenery is as beautiful as ever and promises to make gatherings will be curtailed. “We at this point,” said Nelson. while at base camp so they can the 2021 season memorable for all participants. can’t be having 30 people in a Philmont is drawing guidance from prepare and eat their food away cabin for a Stomp, or 100 on the from others. Check-in procedures porch at Pueblano or 100 in the the New Mexico Department of creased costs because of COVID, staff and supplies. “We found 50 Health as well as the American could be streamlined such as al- cantina at Ponil,” explained Nel- lowing crews to upload medical there will be a $50/person sur- gallon barrels of hand sanitizer at son. Planners are working on Camping Association to develop charge added to this year’s fees. the Summit that we might tap into ways to protect staff and at- forms before arriving so that they alternate arrangements. do not have to wait in line for Med- The funds are required to pay for if needed,” said Nelson. tendees. additional materials and facilities “Philmont’s mountains are still here ical re-checks. Large gatherings for opening and Observed Nelson, “Our plans are such as new dining canopies, and are waiting for crews to come Because Philmont set 2021 fees protective gear for infirmary staff, closing campfires do not comply fluid and may change. By the time with health guidelines, but ways to 18 months ago but will have in- trail meals in base camp, cleaning COVID (Continued on page 4) we open in the summer, things recognize crews within their Enroll Now for Ambassador Seminars - June 20 to 26 Ambassador Seminars are by invitation only programs that expand your Philmont promotion abilities like learning Ranch history and improving your sales techniques. Click here for more information and registration. PTC Adventures Now Open Know a fishing enthusiast? Encourage them to attend the PTC Fly Fishing To More Than Families Seminar to get them to Philmont this coming summer. Philmont Training Center (PTC) is Hutchinson says, “You can come stay in one of our fancy deluxe now much more that just “the other and share the great facilities, ad- tents as well. You can even stay side of the road”. Under the lead- ventures, and learning opportuni- in roofed housing options including Match Each Scouter to ership of its Director, Nick ties that we offer with your family, the villa bungalows or the lodge Hutchinson, PTC is developing into your fellow volunteers, council rooms, the duplex or the multi-plex Their Interest at PTC a primo destination for all Scout- staff, board members or maybe - whatever fits for your group,” Selling Philmont Training Center Ships, & Explorer Posts ers, their families, scout organiza- even you own company. We can says Hutchinson. tions, and even corporate events. host your event and accomplish (PTC) is all about finding a Scout- • How to Engage & Support the He added, “We are working on er’s role in the program and match- New Wave of Female Scouters your goals with your council or In 2018, an opportunity opened other organization with help from options that allow you to come on ing it to a Conference that fits their • Older Youth Programs: An Es- when two weeks of LDS confer- whatever day you choose and stay interest. Adult leaders all want to sential Part of Scouting our excellently trained Philmont ences moved to facilities else- Staff.” for as long as you’d like.” improve the quality of the program where. PTC staff got busy and Scouters can enhance their Aside from the traditional activities they deliver to youth. PTC pro- knowledge with top-notch Scout- crafted a new Family Adventure The Adventure program now offers vides them with the knowledge and Program. The format allowed options for half-weeks and full like horseback rides, crafts, and craft learned from national experts. shooting sports, PTC now offers tools to make that possible. Be- PTC offers the following courses people to design their own activi- weeks along with a variety of sides, attending PTC is an oppor- ties that matched their interests housing choices. “You can come enhanced experiences. Explains that will help them to “Deliver the Hutchinson, “You can enjoy an tunity for their families to have the Promise”. and skill level to opportunities at and stay in a traditional tent if you time of their lives in God’s Country. PTC. It has turned into a huge would like, or you can come and early morning hike to Lover’s leap • Finding Your Way success and is now offered eight with coffee service at the top while Having a strong unit with trained • Spice Up Your Life: Learning to you watch the sunrise with a leaders is key to a youth’s enjoy- months of the year. Cook with Herbs and Spices Click here for breathtaking view. If you want to ment. Several conferences directly • Wood Carvers Round-Up The program has also evolved so sleep in, you can just enjoy a address how to make leaders and • Philmont Fly Fishing Seminar it’s not just for families anymore. more on morning cup of coffee on the their units even better. • Shooting Sports: The NEXT Couples without children, older Greensward - that’s OK too. Scouters with their grandchildren, Family • Starting, Sustaining, & Growing Level Units • Wilderness First Aid and even Scouters on their own Adventure can come out for the Adventure Adventures (Continued on • Serving All Units - Working with program. Camp. page 2) Venturing Crews, Sea Scout PTC (Continued on page 4) PAGE 2 PHILMONT AMBASSADOR UPDATE Winter 2021 Focus on the Backcountry Dan Beard Camp Challenges Scouts to Form Strong Teams Staff Camp the Valle Vidal. It is the location of lenge Course a large fire that burned many parts Elevation - 7910 feet of the Carson National Forest in The camp consists of a large Purified Water 2002. Crews can see what post- meadow and a main cabin with a fire restoration looks like. smaller cabin to the side. In the Dan Beard Camp is located on the heart of the meadow is the chal- border of North Country and Programs: Conservation, Chal- lenge course wall. To the west of the camp is a road that is very steep, and crews often take sever- al breaks on the way up to the challenge course. The road has been nicknamed "The Calf Blaster" by rangers. The views are breath- taking from the top. Dan Beard Camp also hosts many rangers each summer because it is the beginning point of the well- Dan Beard (right), Robert Baden-Powell (sitting) and Ernest Thomas Seton known “Ranger Challenge”. The (left) met in 1910 to discuss the Scouting movement. Challenge is a non-stop hike from the northernmost point of Philmont to the southernmost point on the ranch. Philmont staff see it as an Beard Led the Way in opportunity to prove their back- country mettle and endurance. Youth Outdoor Programs Teamwork is important in getting from Point A to Point B on the Dan Beard Although Robert Baden-Powell is Beard became the editor of challenge course. PƧ credited with founding the Scouting “Recreation” magazine and wrote a movement with his 1908 publica- monthly column for youth. He tion Scouting for Boys , Dan Beard founded the Sons of Daniel Boone Sneak Peaks, Webinars Help actually established a similar con- in 1905, basing it on American cept three years earlier in the Unit- frontier traditions. He later moved Get Crews Ready to Trek ed States. Beard’s The American his column to “Woman's Home Boys Handy Book was published in Companion”. After conflicts with a A Philmont Trek is not summer The Backcountry Sneak Peak is a Participants learn about trekking 1905, and formed the basis of the new editor, he moved to the camp. That can be a rude awak- progressive, challenging expedition basics, gear, teamwork, leadership Sons of Daniel Boone in the United “Pictorial Review”. Since ening for Crews who do not realize that provides the opportunity to and skills followed by several days States.