Issue 1 for Web 2017.indd - Philmont Scout Ranch

JUNE 9TH, 2017

History comes alive

PHILNEWS One family together

Continued on page 5

Andrew Avitt/PhilNews

Building trail for the future

Andrew Kliewer Staff Writer

Elizabeth Harper Staff Writer

A dozen historical interpreters came to Rayado for Living History Day with one goal: to make Philmont’s Backcountry living history camps the best that they can be. The interpreters spent an entire day with the staff of the 14 living history camps, teaching them how best to represent their camp’s time period and their individual characters. “There’s a lot of people trying first-person interpretation for the first time,” said Dr. David Geary, who works at El Rancho de las Golondrinas, a living history museum in Santa Fe. “They know a lot about the camp. But they need to put it in context of what’s going on in New Mexico at the time, what’s going on in the United States at the time.” Geary was instrumental in the organization of Living History Day, recruiting about half the instructors who attended. The various instructors taught skills that ranged from period music to gardening, and also offered to help staff with fleshing out their characters’ lives and stories.

ISSUE ONE

Tim Tallmadge a GIS coordinator with the conservation department performs the Scout Oath at the all staff meeting May 29th, 2017. Andrew Avitt/PhilNews

Andrew Kliewer Staff Writer After days of new and returning faces streaming into Camping Headquarters, training week finally came to its culmination on May 29 as almost every one of Philmont’s 1120 seasonal staff members gathered for All-Staff Training Day. Beginning at 1:30 pm, workers from all departments arrived on the Villa lawn to take the staff photo. Following the photo, staff members gathered to hear opening remarks from Philmont leaders, including

General Manager Kevin Dowling and Director of Program Mark Anderson. “Welcome to each and every one of you,” Anderson said in his opening speech. “It’s good to have you as a member of this team.” Afterwards, staff split into one of 25 training crews, each led by a Ranger Trainer and Camp Director. There they learned the essentials to hiking in the backcountry, from proper trail etiquette to how to tie a bear bag. “I definitely rehearsed some important stuff that I had forgotten,” Ranger John Diedrich

said. “Like putting your feet together for lightning; I didn’t know that.” When training concludes, staff members will disperse throughout all 220 square miles of the ranch. All-staff Day provided the one opportunity for leaders to give parting advice to most staff before they begin their jobs. “Make the most of the backcountry,” Diedrich said. “Check out the staff camps, check out the trail camps and check out the views because you may never get another chance like this again.”

At 5:25 a.m. as most of Philmont peacefully sleeps and only the first hints of dawn are creeping into the darkened sky, the buzz of a single chainsaw sounds at a campsite in Chase Canyon. It’s the wakeup call for the Conservation Department and the beginning of a long day of work. After a quick breakfast, the entire department begins a long hike up the side of a steep ridge to their trail construction positions. At 6:30, as most of base camp is just waking up and sunlight begins to filter over the mountains, Cons is already hard at work, with the sound of jackhammers and falling rocks echoing throughout the canyon. This gathering of every Cons staffer is a relatively rare event, occurring only once a year. Known as All-Cons, the multi day project serves a dual purpose: building new trail for future participants, as well as training the department in both in specific skills and how to work together as a cohesive unit. By the end of four days, every member of Cons is ready to begin their jobs for the next three months. Continued on page 9

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MARKETING AND PHOTO TEAM

Marketing Manager Bryan Hayek

MPS Manager Cassidy Johnson

Sunday

4 Backcountry Music 8-11 pm, Baldy Pavillion

Monday

5 Jam Night 7-11 pm, Baldy Pavillion

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12 Tie-Dye Day 9:30 am-2:30. 6:30-9pm, SSSAC

PhilNews Writers Andrew Kliewer Elizabeth Harper

18 S’mores Evening 8-10 pm, behind the SSSAC

Photography Managers Tyler Sanders Liam Inbody

25 Music Jam 7 pm, SSSAC Porch

19 Dodgeball 7-11 pm SSSAC First Closing Camfire

PhilNews Editor Suzannah Evans

Photographers Drew Castellaw Madelynne Scales Hunter Long Evan Mattingly Andrew Avitt Shane Mrozek Tanner Britton Dalton Puckett

Lead Marketing Specialist Dave Brinkman

Marketing Media Staff Henry Hibbeln Julia Nadovich

Lead Videographer Kreable Young

Videographer Ben Dorger

PhilmontScoutRanch.org

Friday, June 9, 2017

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Tuesday

June 2017 Wednesday

6 7 Opening Campfire Rehearsal Night Telluride Film 8 pm Festival 8 pm, Baldy Pavillion 13 2nd Breakfast 8:30-10:30 am, SSSAC

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20 Brat Day #2 Ping Pong Tourny 8 pm, SSSAC 27

Thursday

1 Blood Drive 8:30-12:30 pm, TV Rooms 8 First Day of Official Season, First Opening Campfire

Friday

2 Living History Day Town Hall 6:30 pm Baldy Pavillion

Sunday

3 Base Camp FISH Event 8:30-3:15 pm

10 9 Rogue One Movie 8-11 pm, Baldy Pavillion

15 Music Jam 8 pm, SSSAC Porch

16 S’mores Evening 8-10 pm, behind the SSSAC

21 Footsball Tourny 8 pm, SSSAC

22 Pool Tourny 8 pm, SSSAC

23 2nd Breakfast, SSSAC

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17 2nd Breakfast S’mores Evening, 8-10 pm SSSAC 24 Salsa Day, SSSAC


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The Ranger Mile: Keeping it close to HOmE Will Suggs Associate Chief Ranger Welcome 2017 Philmont staff to the Ranger Mile! This weekly column is the Ranger Department’s chance to share some of our adventures and passion for the backcountry. Our staff will be sending in submissions throughout the course of the summer season. We hope to inspire you to get out to some of those far-flung, little known breath-taking spots scattered across the Ranch and nearby areas. Aguila is a small Trail Camp perched on the ridge between

Fowler Mesa and Stonewall Pass. Aguila has an elevation of 8,520 feet. Aguila is a quick hike from three frequently visited Staff Camps: Abreu, Crater Lake, and Urraca. I recently visited Aguila while on an early season training hike. Aguila is a special place for me as it was the first camp on my Training Hike in 2011 (my first summer on staff). Those who have had the pleasure to visit this south country gem will undoubtedly tell you to head straight for campsite 4. This advice is crucial, however there are some worthwhile stops along the way. If you are approaching the camp from the south side (arriving from

So much to learn Mark Anderson Director of Program

Visiting with many of you and observing and participating in training, I realize how much each of us must learn to prepare for the summer. As we come to the end of our formal training and begin sharing what we have practiced with each participant that visits this summer, I would like to thank each of you for becoming proficient in the responsibilities that you have in delivering the adventure. A commitment to this preparation was shown during the All Staff Training on May 29th. As the storm struck, each training group moved to a “protected space” and continued as if it were business as usual. I know that this determination to do things completely and correctly will replicate itself throughout the summer. During a day of training with the leadership for the summer, the managers were asked to describe the Philmont experience in one word. Here are a few of their thoughts: • Friendly Adventures • Satisfying • Heartwarming Memories • Transformative Experiences • Life Changing • Warm Blankets • Comradery

• • • • • • • • •

Scouting’s Best Friendships Work Ethic Rugged Experiences Neat-ure Empowering Experience Wonderfully Exhausting Phamily HOmE Many of the “words” shared included a sentiment about home, family, shared experiences, and friendships. As we proceed through the summer I would ask that you think about these words from President Woodrow Wilson: “Friendship is the only cement that will hold the world together.” Words from President Theodore Roosevelt add to this sentiment: “The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people.” Our journey is a shared one, let’s not miss an opportunity to use our training to accomplish this in a positive way together. Don’t forget to “Do a Good Turn Daily,” practice “improving our community” (Citizenship), and accomplish the two points of the Scout Law: “Helpful and Friendly.” By working together in a focused way, we can have “transformative experiences” and we can be a part of insuring that each participant does as well. Find joy in the journey……

Abreu), you will be greeted by a chorus of croaking tree frogs. This sound is distinct and seldom heard at Philmont except a few of the more wet areas around the Ranch (like Lower Bonito and Lookout Meadow). As you continue along, there is a large standalone rock just off the west side of the trail. On this rock’s north facing side, you will find some faint petroglyphs. These do share some similarities with the much more popular and distinct glyphs at Indian Writings. The most obvious one on the Aguila rock is a circle divided into quarters with a dot in each segment. There are other glyphs on the rock as well but

they are less distinct. Campsite 4 at Aguila is unique in that it is the only campsite that appears to have had red gravel spread over its surface. Take a few steps out of site 4 and you will be welcomed with a breathtaking view of the plains to the east along and a good look at the south side of Urraca Mesa. There are some awesome rocks that are great for sitting and reflecting as the sun sets behind you. These same rocks also serve as the perfect spot to watch a magnificent Philmont sunrise. Some helpful reminders for any time you are hiking in the backcountry:

•

Always carry The Essentials for Hiking at Philmont and follow Philmont Backcountry Procedures. • Complete a Staff Backcountry Access Permit and check the water conditions of any trail camps you plan to visit. • Always hike with a buddy; co-ed hiking groups should have a minimum of 3 people. • When visiting staffed camps, represent your Department well by treating backcountry staff and crews respectfully.

Historical roots Elizabeth Harper Staff Writer

The stories of Philmont and Cimarron have always been intertwined. Even before Waite Phillips bought the land that is now Philmont Scout Ranch, thousands of people living on Lucian B. Maxwell’s land worked together to help each other survive. “It’s the way of the west,” said Lukas During the Philmont Staff’s visit to the Old Mill Museum in Cimarron on Saturday, June Snart, a volunteer at 6, 2017, Kenneth McLaughlin, Ben Everett, and Drake Pomeroy observe a large panthe Old Aztec Mill oramic picture of Cimarron taken in 1931. The visit to the Old Mill allows staff members Museum in Cimarron to understand the past history of Cimarron. Hunter Long/PhilNews who teaches visitors them right here. In so many ways,” that,” he says. about the history of the area. Salas is far from the only local Romero says. “They help us, we help them.” Joey Fernandez, Food Service excited to be working at Philmont. That mentality prevails to this Assistant Camping Registrar Fran Director, has also worked at day, as many natives of Cimarron Romero has worked at Philmont Philmont for more than 20 years. and the surrounding areas work for 27 years. He remembers how people from at Philmont, keeping the bond “I love my job, they have to Cimarron used to tease Scouts between Cimarron and Philmont chase us home,” she laughs. “I feel when he was a child. strong. One doesn’t have to look blessed that way because not too “They used to call them very far to find evidence of that many people can say [that].” ‘Grubbies’ because they all would relationship. Over the years Romero has come off the trail and they were Andres Salas, who is a first seen the relationship between always all dirty,” he said. “It was year staff member, has wanted to Cimarron and Philmont in action. good natured teasing… I think work at Philmont for a long time. She remembers Philmont staff Cimarron wouldn’t be Cimarron if “It was a goal, because I am the helping the town recover after a it wasn’t for Philmont.” fifth generation… of my family to tornado came through town in work here. So I am excited about 1996 “We are so blessed to have

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More than a wifi spot

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Elizabeth Harper Staff Writer The Silver Sage Staff Activity Center, also known as the SSSAC, is an excellent resource for all staff members throughout the summer. Though the SSSAC is well-known for its Internet access, there are also other resources and new events that will be available this year. “We’re trying to get a weekly boardgame night going on. Also, we’re opening up a jam night weekly where people can come and just play music,” said Ben Everett, Opening Campfire Manager. An event called Second Breakfast makes food available to staff who may have slept through breakfast on their days off. Starting on the 13th, breakfast will be available in the SSSAC on dates ending with 3’s and 7’s. In addition to these events, staff favorites like Brat Day, Salsa Night and Tie Dye Day will make a reappearance. “We do a lot of things that people just don’t know about,” said Everett. “We’re not just a wifi hotspot.” Another feature is a hiking buddy sign up. Next to the large

Nine members from Philmont’s Activities Staff represent the wide range of things to do at the Silver Sage Staff Activity Center (SSSAC). From shooting pool to watching movies on VHS, every staff member that visits is sure to find an activity that best fits into their free time. Activity Staff Members from Left to Right: Ethan Gibson, Kenneth McLaughlin, Elyse Rucker, Jack Evans, Will Peterson, Raymond French, Jacob Kacknick, James Stevens, Jessica McClellan. Tanner Britton/PhilNews

Philmont map in the SSSAC is a place for people to write down where they’re hiking and when in order to find someone to hike with. One resource Everett thinks is underused is the kitchen, which anyone can use to cook while

the SSSAC is open. Food can be stored in the refrigerator as long as it’s labeled with the owner’s name and the date it was made. There’s lots more available if you know where to look. Just inside the Activities office in the SSSAC is a room full of board

games and sports equipment available for anyone to check out. Rolling bookshelves are spread throughout the main room. Separate TV rooms can be used to watch movies or reserved for a group of people to use. Behind the SSSAC is a frisbee golf course,

Don’t feed the bears Brad Shine and Garrett Hood Bear Researchers

In 1938, the American Museum of Natural History conducted a mammal survey at Philmont Scout Ranch, under the cooperation of Waite Phillips. The grizzly bear was recently exterminated from this region and a jaguar was claimed to be killed in Springer just a few years earlier. Since then we have learned a lot about Philmont’s wildlife and have kept extensive records of bears for 30 years. We are excited to continue to take this department in new

directions since its founding in 1988. Our season is already in full swing with three bears and one mountain lion sighting. We truly hope to be a valuable resource to you and Philmont this summer.

My name is Brad Shine and I am Unit 86A. I received my degree in Environmental Biology from Texas Tech University. I completed a trek on the ranch in 2009 and became a Ranger in

Brad Shine/Bear Researchers

2015. When not at the ranch, I work at a campus ministry and also a wildlife rehab center in Lubbock, Texas.

a map of which can be obtained inside the SSSAC. “Sometimes you just need time to like decompress and have fun. And that’s really what we [the activities staff] are here for,” said Everett, “to help people decompress and just have a good time.”

My name is Garrett Hood and I am Unit 86B. I graduated from Tennessee Tech University in May of 2017 with a degree in Wildlife/Fisheries Biology. I went on a Philmont trek in 2011 and I have been interested in coming back ever since. I plan to attend Jacksonville State University in the fall to begin graduate school and earn an MS in Biology. Our job includes setting trail cameras, mark and recapture techniques, bear procedure enforcement, management of wildlife problems, and educational talks to different programs on the Ranch. Essentially, we are here to provide a safe relationship between people and wildlife. If you have any questions or want to meet us, please stop by and visit us in the Conservation Office!


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Continued from page one: History comes alive to have your backstory in mind,” said Marsha Krohn, who is an expert on laundry in the 1800s. She taught staff how they could do their own laundry while in the Back Country. She has been doing historical interpretation for more than 25 years. “I think it’s really important to… know how things were done through time just because it gives us a respect for the people back then,” Krohn said. “It also shows us how inventive human beings can be, and so it

Detail of Pueblano and Crater dLake boots as they learn about mcrucial storytelling techniques and stories. Shane Mrozek/PhilNews

n n t I g d n l

l e e f l e e p

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inspires us to go out and invent new things.” Steven Peters, a Program Counselor at Black Mountain, believes that Boy Scouts can learn a lot from living history camps. “Scouts can get a lot more out of the interp program because it teaches, really, the deep history before American settlement. It’s allowing them to see how, as history progressed, how the land we’re on was used.” Living history camps also

leave an impression on Scouts, and anyone else who might visit. That’s part of the reason why Hannah Meixner, a Program Counselor at French Henry, decided to work at a living history camp this year after two years as a Ranger. “As a Ranger, every time I stepped into a Backcountry camp I was going back in time and it was incredible,” she said. “It wasn’t just the costumes… they actually lived it and I thought that was the coolest part about interp.” Cyphers Mine Program Counselors Steph Pack, interpretation name Stella, left, Lucas Jackson, interpretation name Jasper Grey, middle, and Camp Director Kelly Mazzanobile, right, practice ironing using 19th century techniques and tools during living history day at Rayado on June 2, 2017. Drew Castellaw/PhilNews

Kit Carson: John Carson teaches Philmont interpretation staff members how to act in first person while telling the story of his great grandfather Kit Carson. June 2, 2017- The members of Miranda Camp check their phones and grab a drink of water during a break on Living History Day. The clothing worn at Miranda are that of 19th century mountain-men. Tanner Britton/PhilNews

Drew Castellaw/PhilnNews

Marsha Krohn an interpretive veteran displays proper laundry techniques to Cyphers Mine, French Henry, and Cabin Restoration Staff at Living History Day at Rayado on Friday June, 2, 2017. All Interprative camps practice during training to fully envelope themselves in the time period they are portraying. Evan Mattingly/PhilNews Carolyn Eastman, Philmont’s gardening guru, teaches Crooked Creek staff members about the differences involved with high altitude farming. Dillan Passmore, Alyson Emery (red), and Rachel McMurphy are practicing their tomato planting skills. Shane Mrozek/PhilNews

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Chaplain’s corner: B Changing the World

Meet the chaplains Peter Vaught Protestant Chaplain The opportunity to be a part of the Philmont Scout Ranch came 57 years after I heard of this wonderful place. My first exposure to the idea came in 1960. At twelve-years old, I was a newly minted Tenderfoot Scout. Our Scout Master painted a beautiful scene describing Philmont as he told of loading up the the burros with gear and setting out for each day’s hike. Since that day I have been dreaming of coming to the Philmont Scout Ranch (PSR). Why did it take me 57 years? An excellent question for which I have no answer. I mentioned it to the Charter Representatives for my churches as I served local congregation for 37 years. But the idea never took hold. After my retirement from the obligation of serving a congregation, I finally had the free time to make my dream a reality. Last winter I mentioned my dream to a member of my local council. Sometime later, I received an email from him indicating that Philmont was accepting applications for their Chaplaincy ministry. I applied and here I am. I feel so fortunate to be a part of the Chaplain Team at Philmont.

Paul Anderson LDS Chaplain I have been asked by the Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints to serve as the LDS Chaplain at Philmont this summer. I am very excited to get to know and serve the Staff and Scouts. 2017 is going to be a banner year. I am a retired Laboratory Quality Assurance Coordinator, and worked with nine hospital laboratories, helping them maintain quality, accuracy and regulatory compliance. I am a First Class scout and have earned both the youth and adult religious



Pastor Peter Vaught Protestant Chaplain

Drew Castellaw/PhilNews

Chaplain John Lampley expressed the humble feeling we all share with his humor, “I feel like I’m the Consolation Prize serving on the Dream Team.” My ministry has been marked by service to the local church with detours into the hospital chaplaincy: Notably general hospital, psychiatric and substance abuse wards. I have also served on national and local camp staffs in the chaplaincy role. One important aspect of the Chaplaincy community is the sense of unity we chaplains feel. We are all comfortable in our personal faith. We also want to facilitate the faith of each staff member and Scout as they discover and follow their own spiritual path. It is a joy to live and award (LDS). I have served for 45 years in scouting on the unit, district, council, area, region and national lever. Although this is my first year at CHQ, my wife and I have worked at PTC for the last 20 years. We have a great love for Philmont and its service to youth. My wife Mary and I live in Orem Utah. We have two Eagle Scout sons, and one daughter. We have three grandsons who have all been to Philmont. My goal for the summer is to always have a smile and a word of encouragement for all I meet. Always leave them with a smile on their face. Maybe it will be infectious and all of Philmont will

serve with my colleagues. I am proud to call them my brothers. My home is in Tucson, Arizona with my wife Carrie Beth. My service to the larger church is split between support for the church I attend on Sundays and my work with pastors and churches south of the border once a month. It is a double honor to have been selected for two years in a row to be active in the work of spiritual formation at PSR. We have been looking forward to the joy of being here in this special place with all of you as we work to support spiritual exploration and drink in the physical grandeur of this corner of paradise. If you want to touch base with me, I’m on Snapchat.

Doug is a brother of mine in the Scouting world. My friend wrote to describe a young man’s progress through his process and his Eagle project. Doug was proud of the young Scout’s work because he had chosen a project that few people felt he could succeed at. In Doug’s words, using a great metaphor, he told how the young Scout was, “. . .climbing the tallest mountain that he could find and then make it to the top!” Doug summed his thoughts up by adding, “This is a beautiful thing which I have witnessed a number of times in my life, and this is why I am a Scout leader, and a mentor to youth - to see young people take on amazing challenges, to change the world, and make things happen for the betterment of all . . . !” I felt my heart would bust out of my chest with pride as I read the brief but stirring account of this Eagle’s triumph. But there was more: I realized this was what Scouting was all about. It makes no difference whether one is a Professional Scout, a Committee member, a Philmont Staff member, a Scout Master, an Adult Advisor, a supportive parent, or even a Chaplain. This is a great

example of our job description in the Scouting organization. An illustration for those familiar to the Philmont Scout Ranch is appropriate when the discussion turns to climbing the tallest mountain. Most know at a visceral level what that means. It’s an adventure that challenges us all. The idea that, in some small ways and in some enormous ways, we may have been a part of a young person’s emotional, intellectual, or even spiritual development is indeed humbling. Yes, Scouts learn an amazing array of skills from the basic building of a fire to the elegantly complex maze of leadership. However, all of these skills have a single goal and that is to build character in young Scouts so that they can truly succeed at what is most important. And yet, the highest of all possibilities, that they can become young men and women who can change the world and make things happen for the betterment of all. Words for all Scouts of any age and words for those of us who have the honor of mentoring them: Find that mountain that challenges you, change our world and make things happen for the betterment of all. If you want to touch base with me, I’m on Snapchat.

Explore the Aztec Mill Old Town Cimarron, NM

Artifacts and history in a most unique museum

Drew Castellaw/PhilNews

have a smile and look out for each other.

June-August Hours: Mon-Sat: 10-12 & 1-4 Sun: 1-4 www.aztecmill.com [email protected]



PhilNews | 7

Blood drive allows Scouters to give back Andrew Kliewer Staff Writer As anyone who recites the Scout Oath knows, a Scout promises to do his or her best to help other people at all times. For Philmont staff members, one of the first chances to turn these words into actions came May 30 when a three day blood drive at the SSSAC kicked off. Staff from all corners of the ranch were given the opportunity to donate a pint of their blood to United Blood Services, an Albuquerque based organization which serves as the only blood collector in the entire state of New Mexico. While giving blood may seem like an inconvenience, blood donations are a critical part of the medical system, with each donation saving up to three lives. According to United Blood Services recruiter Monica Herrera, one in eight people will need a blood transfusion at some point in their lifetime, for reasons ranging from cancer to pregnancy to car crashes. “That tiny bit of fear [from giving blood] can transpose into saving people’s lives, which is an awesome experience,” Herrera said. “You never know whose life you might be saving, it could be someone in your family, someone that you know.”

The process for giving blood is relatively simple and takes only 30-45 minutes. After the donor’s vital signs are checked, a needle is inserted into their arm for around 10 minutes. Unlike receiving a shot, no medicine is being pumped into the body so the process is relatively painless. Afterwards, donors are given snacks and water, kept under observation for 15 minutes and are then free to leave. The only lingering side effect may be dizziness after strenuous activity because of the time it takes to replace the lost blood. “I don’t do any heavy lifting or exercise afterward,” donor and Prep Cook Catherine Mazzella said. “Even though it’s never bothered me, I don’t want to risk it.” For Scouts looking to help the Philmont and greater New Mexico communities, giving blood is one of the easiest ways to make a difference. Every Scout who donates can leave knowing that they are fulfilling their pledge to help others. “I think Scouting is a valuesbased organization, and a Scout is helpful,” donor and Mountain Trek Coordinator Mary Godwin said. “I don’t necessarily think about that every time I go to give blood, but I’ve been in Scouting for a while, so that’s probably embedded in there somewhere.”

May 31, 2017- Rob Sandroni studies a set of instructions while Phlebotomist Nicole Nelson readies a set of vials. Philmont staff members will have two chances to donate during the summer. Tanner Britton/PhilNews

Shawnase Rambes of Albuquerque, NM teaches Phlebotomist Nicole Nelson how to identify the best vein for blood donation. Rob Sandroni, a Countdown Specialist at the Tooth of Time Traders, looks on at the process, while waiting to donate his blood during the May 31, 2017 Blood Drive. Tanner Britton/PhilNews

May 31, 2017- Nicole Nelson, a Phlebotomist from Albuquerque, NM feels for Kitchen Staffer Logan Bodoni’s main vein at his elbow joint. Twice during the summer, United Blood Services visits Philmont to set up a blood-drive in the Silver Sage Staff Activities Center (SSSAC) in an effort to bring attention to the life-saving practice of blood donation. Tanner Britton/PhilNews

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“Why join the Philmont Staff Association?” Dollie O’Neill Executive Director Philmont Staff Association “Why Join the Philmont Staff Association?” We, the staff of the PSA get that question a lot. “Why should I join?” “What are the benefits of being a member?” These are fair questions and we always give our general, first impression answers: because we support Philmont and you being a member in turn helps us do that. Another reason and very beneficial to many is that you can qualify for the PSA $1,000 Scholarship given to seasonal Philstaff. These are good reasons to join and let’s not discount these simple reasons, they are important. Your membership really does help us support and fundraise for Philmont and we give out more and more college scholarships each year. However, let’s get to what I like

to call the “nitty gritty” and really point out why to join the Philmont Staff Association. For one, these are historic times at Philmont and therefore it is becoming historic for the Philmont Staff Association. “Back in the day” I love to say, there were staff members that helped form the PSA and established this organization in 1973. It was a group of Philstaff coming together to form an organization. There was not a PSA office, just a few members and ideas. Over 40 years later, we are on the verge of building our own office building, which will be next door to THE National Scouting Museum and Philmont Museum – Seton Memorial Library, and The Philmont Educational Center. The PSA has evolved amazingly over these years and let’s face it, life for the PSA is about to change even more! The growth of our membership and the future of the Philmont Staff Association is on the brink of

what I like to envision of endless opportunities. In 2004 the PSA hit 2000 members and since that time our organization has had substantial growth to over 3,300 members today and counting. We are adding hundreds of new members each year. The growth path of the PSA is really bringing our organization to a whole new level and honestly the sky’s the limit for us. So why join the PSA? Because WE NEED YOU! We need the staff members of today to join us during these historic times and help us continue to grow. We need leaders who care about the outdoors, care about the youth of America getting outdoors and all that entails. We need the next generation of Philstaff who absolutely love and care for this ‘pile of rocks’ and all that it stands for, to be our next generation of leaders. YOU are the future of the PSA and the future of Philmont and we do need YOU!


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Continued from page one: Building trail for the “[All Cons] helps us to be a community, even though we’re rarely together at the same time,” Cons Director Robert Fudge said. “Whenever these folks run into each other in the backcountry throughout the summer they’ll have a slice of home.” For 2017, All-Cons took place at Chase Ranch. Operated by Philmont since 2014, Chase Ranch’s campsites were previously only accessible to crews bushwhacking over the ridge. To cater to the needs of Crews hiking on the Chase Ranch, the Cons department extended a project started by TCT in 2015. Eventually the trail will connect to Indian Writings, allowing crews to begin their trek at the Chase Ranch. Despite drenching rain on every work day, over 3000 feet were built over the course of the project.

While most of the trail itself was built in four days, the process involves months of careful planning and preparation to minimize the impact to the surrounding environment. Members of the Conservation Field Management Team first marked the area with stakes, following a planned path that reduces erosion and uses the strength of the hillside to support the weight of the trail. During AllCons, staffers were divided into six divisions, with each division tasked with clearing a section of the trail and grading it. In the end, a product was created that seems almost like a natural extension of the ridge. “The trail is synthesis of our human love of straight lines and the organic aesthetic of the hillside, the weird natural line that we’re not going to replicate,” Recreation Resource Specialist Logan Hardin said. “So we’re trying to merge

what we want to do mentally with what the hillside does.” After All Cons ends, Cons staffers split up into their respective jobs and will be responsible for maintaining an area larger than the city of Chicago. Some have positions not directly connected to trail building, such the Forestry Work Crew or Environmental Educators. Others will be responsible for teaching trail building directly to participants at several conservation sites, a program that has yielded 47 miles of trail in the past decade alone. Ultimately, the entire department leaves All-Cons with a shared sense of purpose, knowing that just as they walk trails built over the last 75 years, their work will likely define the experience of participants three quarters of a century from now. “I think there’s this common thread that runs through all of us,” Cons Site Foreman Anna Thorne said. “You immediately have that in common with someone because not too many people are willing to come out here, do something totally new for the first time and commit to that for a whole summer.”

Above: A sledge hammer drives a metal wedge into a rock protruding from a new trail being built by the conservation department June 2nd, 2017. Andrew Avitt/PhilNews Left: After hiking 6 miles through chase canyon, the all cons staff committed 5 days and 65,000 combined volunteer hours to build the new trail. Despite what they have invested, the staff seems to revel in being the “unsung heroes “ of Philmont. As member Jake Short put it, “If it’s done right you won’t notice [the trail],” Instead they want people to fully appreciate the nature around them. Dalton Puckett/ PhilNews Right: A tarp covers a tool cash, one of the necessary rescources for the Conservation Department. Dalton Puckett/PhilNews

Hannah Stewart, returning for her 4th summer as an environmental educator with the Conservation Department pours a cup of coffee before heading out for the final day of trail building June 2nd, 2017. Andrew Avitt/ PhilNews

Charley Walton, returning for his 3rd year as conservation field coordinator with the Conservation Department starts up the jack hammer in the rain June 2nd 2017 while building a new trail through Chase Canyon. Andrew Avitt/PhilNews

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ello Philmont Staff! As you start your summer, remember to take photos, document your adventures, and captions some sweet moments this summer, and enter them into the Staff Photo Contest. Entries will be accepted from July 1st to July 21st. More info to come, but for now know this:

Categories: Camper Activity Staff Activity Humor Landscapes Philmont Skies Plant Life Animals & Wildlife Portraits Black & White Porch Views Photo by Mitchell Frensen 3rd Place Black & White 2016 Photo Contest


2017 Philmont Staff Photo Contest




PhilNews | 11

Cassidy Johnson/PhilNews

12| PhilNews


Above: Members of Apache Springs lay the final layer of the teepee to practice proper building techniques at Living History Day at Rayado on June 2, 2017. The Staff at Apache will then transfer these skills learned to their camp once they begin setting up. Evan Mattingly/ PhilNews


Above: Christian Bunker, a Program Counselor at Ring Place, helps with the final adjustments of a yurt in the Valle Vidal on June 2nd. A yurt is assembled piece by piece, usually consisting of a latticed wall, a few dozen beams for ceilings, the “ring of death,” which supports the skylight, and large tarps for protection. Madelynne Scales/ PhilNews

Below: A layout of laundry items during living history day at Rayado on June 2, 2017 illustrates the different processes people used in the 19th century to wash, repair, and brighten clothes. The glass washboard, left, was used instead of wood to be a stronger and smoother surface for washing dirty laundry. Pattens or shoes, inner right, were used to stand up out of the water or mud. A straw scrub brush, inner top middle, was used to help remove heavier stains. A Jar of Cornmeal, white jar below straw brush, was used to stop leaks that may occur in the washtub. Bees Wax, right side below washboard, was applied to thread for easier sewing. A green bottle of vinegar, bottom right, was needed to clean the tub after use. A crimp iron, top middle, was used to fluff petty coats. A sad iron, right of pattens, was commonly used to remove wrinkles. A blue jar filled with light blue dye, bottom right corner, was used to brighten white clothing instead of bleach. Drew Costellaw/PhilNews

Above: During Living History Day Associate Director of Program, David O’Neil, admires the teepee he and the staff of Apache Springs have constructed using traditional methods. Living History Day is dedicated to educating Philmont’s backcountry staff on the historical importance of their camp’s summer program and the skills needed to portray them accurately to the incoming Boy Scout crews. Tanner Britton/ PhilNews Below: During living history day at Philmont, Steven Peters (Shaggy) instructs the rest of the members of black mountain on blacksmithing. Interpreting Civil War soldiers in the year 1870, black mountain backcountry camp is home to both blacksmithing and black-powder rifles. Hunter Long/ PhilNews

Above: Groups of Philmont Scout Ranch staff find cover beneath the awnings of the Villa Philmonte May 29, 2017 during the first all staff Training of the summer season to review ranch policy and make a few new friends. Andrew Avitt/PhilNews Right: Friday, June 2nd, despite an untimely downpour, the All Cons crew stays determined to continue work on their newest trial in Chase Canyon before the end of training. Dalton Puckett/ PhilNews

Left: Abreu Camp Director Bridget Cuddy, Jarrett Askin, And Bradley Rounds walk to the historic Abreu family cemetery. The graves behind Kit Carson are the final resting place for many of the Abreu family, who were part of the original land grant that eventually led to Philmont Scout Ranch. Shane Mrozek/PhilNews