Philmont

Philmont refers to the Philmont Scout Ranch, a vast property located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of New Mexico. It is owned and operated by the Boy Scouts of America. The ranch encompasses over 21,700 acres of mountainous terrain, forests, and plains, and serves as a high-adventure base for Scouts and Venturers.

The primary program at Philmont is its backcountry treks, which are typically 7 to 12-day expeditions. Participants, organized into crews, hike through the wilderness, carrying all their own gear and food. These treks are guided by trained staff advisors, known as rangers. Along the way, crews visit various staffed program sites, where they can engage in activities such as rock climbing, burro packing, spar pole climbing, blacksmithing, wilderness survival, and historical reenactments.

Philmont also offers specialized programs like the Trail Crew, where participants work on trail maintenance and conservation projects, and the Ranger Program, designed for older Scouts to develop advanced leadership and outdoor skills. The ranch is known for its rugged beauty, diverse wildlife, and the historical significance of its mining and ranching past, which is often incorporated into the program. Preparations for a Philmont trek involve extensive physical training and detailed planning for food and equipment. The experience is designed to foster self-reliance, teamwork, and an appreciation for the natural world.