For the first time in 80 years that Philmont did not have a single trek during the summer season. Extreme fire risk in the area has kept hikers out of New Mexico’s back-country but that doesn’t mean there are no high adventure opportunities this summer. Some Philmont staff has been moved to Northern-Tier and BSA’s Summit high adventure base in West Virginia to accomodate units who had planned to visit Philmont.
Refund Checks for all affected crews will be sent to the lead contact advisor on Monday, July 9, 2018. Over the next few days, Philmont staff will be contacting the lead advisor or contingent leader of all affected crews confirming the refund, offering a trek at Philmont for the 2020 season, and answering any questions.
As difficult as this situation has been for the Philmont family and for Scouts across our country, Philmont’s rangers have been truly inspired by the incredible enthusiasm and perseverance shown by our staff, the resourcefulness displayed by displaced crews to find other summer adventures, and the understanding and good wishes from thousands of Scouts and Scouters from around the world.
Our ranch managers, volunteer leaders, and national staff have monitored the situation since the Ute Park fire began and attempted to plan alternate trek routes and procedures required by Philmont to manage backcountry emergencies. Because of the Morris (Moras) Creek fire, these alternate trek routes have now been eliminated. The safety of our youth participants, volunteers and staff is the priority at Philmont Scout Ranch and for the Boy Scouts of America.
Despite the fire-risk, Philmont’s Camping Headquarters and Base Camp area, the Philmont Training Center, the new National Scouting Museum, the Chase Ranch, and the Kit Carson Museum at Rayado will remain open all summer. Training courses at the Philmont Training Center and the National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) will proceed as scheduled. This decision does not affect Philmont’s fall programs, including Autumn Adventure and fall PTC training conferences.
The Philmont ranger motto is “scramble – be flexible.” That’s what we at Philmont have been doing all summer as we deal with these unexpected and unfortunate circumstances. Our terrific summer staff has embraced challenges that they didn’t anticipate when they signed on. They expected to be delivering awesome backcountry programs and inspiring high adventure experiences to thousands of Scouts and Scouters. Instead, they have enthusiastically taken on difficult and physically taxing timber stand improvement projects, backcountry fire abatement work, community service projects, and staff jobs at other camps. They are making sure we will be ready to re-open next year! Their willingness to roll up their sleeves, pitch in and meet the challenges we have faced reflects the very best on Scouting and our nation’s youth. They have our sincere thanks!
Our National BSA leadership has been working with airlines to assist crews with refunds, changes, and credits. Please refer to the following contacts for support.
American Airlines—-1-800-221-2255
Southwest Airlines—1-800-435-9792
Alaska Airlines——–1-800-654-5669
Amtrak —————–1-800-872-7245
The entire Philmont family thanks you for your continued understanding, your support, and your cooperation. Links for information on area closures and fires:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/carson/home
http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/conservation/state-game-commission-lands
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
https://nmfireinfo.com/
With Philmont’s backcountry closed, are you looking for an alternative Trek this summer? Check out some possibilities identified by our very own high adventure gurus. Click Here!
Philmont Scout Ranch
17 Deer Run Rd
Cimarron, NM 87714
P: (575) 376-2281
camping@philmontscoutranch.org
facebook.com/philmontscoutranch
youtube.com/philmontscoutranch
twitter.com/philmont