Issue 6 2017 .indd - Philmont Scout Ranch

JULY 14TH, 2017

Fixing yesterday

PHILNEWS From coast to COPE

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Ben Dorger/PhilNews

More than thistles Elizabeth Harper Staff Writer

Andrew Kliewer and Elizabeth Harper Staff Writers As Scouts trek through the dense trees and underbrush that characterize Philmont’s south country, only the sky above, the forest around them and the trail ahead are visible in many locations. This feeling of uninterrupted wilderness is a key aspect of the Philmont experience that helps create a feeling of isolation from the surrounding world. However, those assuming that the forest they are trekking through is free of human impact would be mistaken. Although it may not appear so to untrained eyes, virtually every area of Philmont, from the swaying aspens that line Baldy to the ponderosa filled valleys in the South, have undergone large ecological shifts since first being settled, that today’s staff is working hard to address. One of the first impacts humans had on the land that currently comprises Philmont resulted from widespread clear cutting. Today two camps, Pueblano and Crater Lake, depict the frenetic

ISSUE SIX

friends, family, numerous towns and even the Grand Canyon, that Graydon would ultimately see as he crossed the country. Graydon’s inspiration for this epic journey came four years earlier, when he was hiking the entire Appalachian Trail. Having grown up with parents highly involved in Venturing, and having come to Philmont in 2008, Graydon already had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. After hiking all the

Bright purple musk thistle grows in clumps scattered throughout a green meadow near Rich Cabins. The pretty but spiky plants are wildly deceiving. Musk thistle is actually a type of invasive species that grows across the country. Fortunately for Rich Cabins, however, six girls with shovels also dot the grassy expanse. They plunge their shovels into the ground, uprooting the large thistle plants and then chopping off the colorful heads to keep the seeds from spreading. Those six girls are members of a Roving Outdoor Conservation School (ROCS) trek. They and their two Environmental Educators spend 21 days hiking through Philmont, learning about the environment and doing many different conservation projects as they go. There are multiple ROCS treks each summer, split into women’s and men’s crews. “My goal for the girls is that they learn to love learning outside of the classroom,” said Environmental Educator Amanda Adams. “Learning happens

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Head of Dean Program Councelor Jackson Graydon rides a makeshift bike made from COPE course materials at Head of Dean on July 5, 2017. While biking across the United States in the spring of 2017, Graydon made a stop at Philmont Scout Ranch and applied for a Backcountry position the summer. Drew Castellaw/PhilNews

Andrew Kliewer Staff Writer On a warm windy spring day, Jackson Graydon finally caught a glimpse of a familiar rock formation. For the first time in nine years, he saw the Tooth of Time jutting over the New Mexican plains and knew he was close to his destination. Instead of hitting the gas however, Graydon simply continued pedaling. A few hours

later, he spun into Philmont’s gravel parking lot, hoping to find company and potentially a job application. Graydon’s journey to Philmont began not that morning in Springer, but actually over a month ago several thousand miles away. On March 5, 2017 he set out from the Georgia coast on an almost 3,100 mile bike trip that would conclude over two months later in Southern California. Philmont was only one of many destinations, including

Friday, July 14, 2017

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MARKETING AND PHOTO TEAM

Marketing Manager Bryan Hayek

MPS Manager Cassidy Johnson

PhilNews Editor Suzannah Evans

PhilNews Writers Andrew Kliewer Elizabeth Harper

Photography Managers Tyler Sanders Liam Inbody

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

July 2017 Friday

Saturday

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Ranger CT: Meteorology- 6 pm Walcutt Room

Jam Night @SSSAC 8 pm

ROCS Trek #5

Ranger CT: Birds!- 6 pm Walcutt Room

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Ranger CT: Birds!- 6 pm Walcutt Room

Ranger CT: Philmont Open Forum 6 pm Walcutt Room

Tie-Dye Day @SSSAC Brat Day #5 @Baldy 10 am-5pm, 8pm-10pm Pavillion 11am-1pm

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PTC - Week 6

2nd Breakfast@ SSSAC Kitchen 8:3010:30 am

Ranger CT: Edward Abbey, the Outdoors, and Literature - 6 pm Walcutt Room

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Rayado Session 2

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Thursday

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Resume Building and Recruiting-Eric Martinez- Ranger CTWalcutt Room 6 pm

Things to do at the SSSAC Brat Day On all days that end in “0” (e.g. June 20, July 10), the staff dining hall closes and bratwursts, hamburgers, kielbasa, and veggie burgers are grilled in the Baldy Pagrillion (next to Baldy Pavilion). The soda machine in the SSSAC kitchen is turned on, and ice cream is served in Baldy Pavilion. Live music is provided by Activities staff and other staff departments – let the Activities staff know if you’re interested in playing!

Looking for some pointers on how to stay your healthiest self while at Philmont?

Lead Marketing Specialist Dave Brinkman

Marketing Media Staff Henry Hibbeln Julia Nadovich

Lead Videographer Kreable Young

Videographer Ben Dorger

PhilmontScoutRanch.org

Keep an eye out for articles written by Kansas University Medical Students.

2nd Breakfast What about second breakfast? If you’re hungry between 8:30 and 10:30am on any day that ends in “3” or “7” (e.g. June 13, July 17), stop by the SSSAC kitchen for some pancakes and juice.

Music Jam Night If you play an instrument, sing, or enjoy listening to spontaneous music-making, come join us on the SSSAC porch on all days that end in “5” (e.g. June 15, July 5) for an informal jam session. All are welcome. We will start at 8pm to respect chapel services.


The impact of keeping positive Mark Anderson Director of Program

Recently, I read a great definition of Mindfulness. “Mindfulness is about waking up and being aware of what you’re thinking so that you can assess the impact of your thoughts and then make an intentional choice about what to do next. Mindfulness is about managing that gap between your thoughts and actions.” With this focus we can better interact with those around us, our co-workers or the ever-changing flow of participants who pass through our work site. It can also help us deal with situations that we encounter in our daily life. Each of us takes about 20,000 breaths a day. We are entirely unaware of most of these, which is fine. I would like you to consider that the breath can be of enormous

help in maintaining mindfulness and a state of calm and presence of mind. To be successful in mindfulness you must return your attention again and again to what is happening right now. Your breathing is happening right now. One breathing method is 7/11 breathing. Count to seven as you breath in and count to eleven as you breath out. Do this a couple of times in a row. Counting helps keep your mind on the simple act of breathing. I find that walking around can be an excellent method of mindfulness practice. When you do this with awareness of what you are doing you are achieving a traditional mindfulness practice, especially – though not only – if you feel agitated or impatient. Managing the gap between our thoughts and our actions can help us continue to work in a positive way and can help us continue to achieve amazing results during each day. Take a 7/11 breath or take a thoughtful walk – let’s find joy in the journey.

MUSEUM MOON PIE MADNESS! Help us celebrate the 48th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Lunar Landing & 100 years of Moon pies! Where: Philmont Museum @ Hardesty

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When: July 20th from 8 to 9 PM

WHY: Moon pies, ice-cream & cool Philmont Space stuff! The documentary, In the Shadow of the Moon will be shown at the SSSAC immediately following this event (around 9PM)

Ham radio for the Jamboree Dale Finley Ham Radio Operator Amateur radio will be on the air from Philmont July 17 to 28. Watch for station K5K on the porch near the Tooth of Time Traders. Stop by and pickup your QSL card and brochedure. You’re invited to participate, or observe. Dale Finley, ham radio call sign KB5NFT, will be the primary operator and assisted by Dale Hiatt, KC5MAY. These ham operators will promote “Radio Scouting” by using equipment provided by Icom America, a sponsor of amateur radio within Scouting. Antennas will be suspended

Blister Care

Tessa Cattermole KU Medical Student

It’s day four of your trek and you’re having the time of your life when a troublesome sensation starts to develop in your boot. As you hike on, the feeling turns from that of annoyance to pain. Another day passes and suddenly you have an egg-sized monstrosity of a blister taking over your foot. How did this get so out of hand? Should you pop it? How will you possibly hike Baldy tomorrow? Blisters are one of the most common ailments we treat in the infirmary. They range from mildly uncomfortable to outright trekruining. Thankfully, most can be managed on the trail. How does a blister form, anyways? When skin is damaged by the friction of your boot against your foot, fluid collects between the epidermis – the outer layer of the skin – and the layers below it. This pocket of fluid, otherwise known as a blister, is a good thing because it protects the underlying tissue, allowing it to heal. So first

high in the nearby trees as well as vertical antennas on the ground. These antennas along with Icom’s transceivers will allow communication across the country and at times around the world. Radio modes will include: HF Voice, HF PSK, HF RTTY, DStar, Echolink, HF Winlink Email by radio as well as other voice and digital modes. This operation will also coincide with the National Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. We’re hopeful that we will be able to make frequent contacts with station K2BSA at the Jamboree. Stop by and see if we’re successful. You can observe or get on the microphone as well. In addition to K2BSA, there will be a number of other amateur radio stations on the air. Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is one of the few hobbies that requires a federal license, which is issued after

passing a technical exam. License classes are held frequently around the country, including here in northern New Mexico. If you’re interested in pursuing a license, find your local amateur radio club to determine their class and testing schedule. Then get involved. It can’t be too difficult. There are over 700,000 licensed hams in the USA. There will be plenty of opportunities to check out the station, make some contacts, or just learn more about how it all works. It’s great fun and this is a superb way to learn more. Just stop by and say “Hi!” We’ll watch for you at K5K, the ham radio station on the air from Philmont, Cimarron, New Mexico. Our new Cimarron 2m repeater is active. 145.210 - offset PL 110.9 If you would like to contribute or donate antennas or equipment, please contact: Dale Finley or Dale Hiatt. Dale Finley at kb5nft@ gmail.com or call 214-244-2100.

things first – don’t pop that blister! Doing so on the trail increases your chance of infection and further tissue damage. Instead, cut a hole in a piece of moleskin slightly larger than your blister. The hole should completely surround the blister without touching its edges. Encircle your blister with one or more layers to protect it from further friction. You can apply tincture of benzoin or an antibiotic ointment under the moleskin to help it stick. What if it pops on its own or if popping it is unavoidable? Sometimes an extremely large blister on the bottom of your foot can impede your ability to hike. If you must pop a blister on the trail, first sterilize a needle with boiling water or flame for two minutes. Puncture the center of the blister with a hole just small enough for you to gently massage all the fluid out. It’s important to leave the overlying skin intact to protect the layers below from infection. Finally, apply antibiotic ointment and a dressing such as a band aid or moleskin to keep out moisture and infection. Aim to change the dressing every one to two days. As a reminder, this is a last resort since blisters are often more painful once popped and leave you susceptible to infection which will

surely land you in the infirmary! So what’s the best treatment for a blister? Prevention! Here are five tips to achieve blister-free bliss while on the trail: 1. Wear well-fitting boots. They should be snug all over but not tight. The goal is to avoid friction so make sure your heel isn’t sliding around and your toes have room to wiggle. Of course if you’re reading this, it’s probably too late to get a new pair of boots so if you’re worried about friction, consider buying hiking insoles before you hit the trail. 2. Break your boots in. Wear them while walking your dog, taking the trash out, or mowing the lawn. Keep your feet and your mom happy! 3. Trim your toenails. Bonus tip: trim them straight across to avoid in-grown toenails. 4. Wear wool socks with a snug fit to keep moisture at bay. Consider adding a thin liner sock underneath to reduce friction. Change socks any time they get wet. 5. Listen to your feet. If you feel a blister or ‘hot-spot’ forming, cover it with a band aid or good oldfashioned duct tape immediately. Remember, your feet are your best hiking tool so treat them well for a happy, blister-free trek!


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Continued from page one: More than thistles everywhere.” “It’s about understanding what’s going on in the world around them,” added Environmental Educator Hannah Stewart. “This trek is a chance to learn about how to become stewards of the land.” As their conservation time draws to a close, a few thistles still dot the field where they have been working. The girls gather up and decide to stay until they have finished pulling out all of the thistle before heading back to the cabin for lunch. “I like getting my hands dirty and I like doing hard work and finishing it,” said participant Sofie Schwink, from Longview, Illinois. “I think nature gives a lot to me, I should at least try to give something back.” Most of the girls on the crew have been to Philmont previously, whether through NAYLE, Rayado, or a Mountain Trek. The common thread among them is clear: they love the outdoors and they want to learn as much as they can about the world around them. “I knew I wanted to come back, and I knew I wanted to come back for a long time,” said Jemma Johnson-Shoucair, from Marblehead, Massachusetts. “I’m always looking to learn new things, especially about a place I love so much.” In the first week of their trek, the ROCS crew did several conservation projects, which included building trail and removing invasive species. “I have so much fun doing conservation work and being able to go ‘wow i helped Philmont, I helped build a trail someone else is going to hike on, I helped thin out a forest.’ That made me feel really good, and I want to do more of that,” said Laura Phillips, from Perry, Kansas. In between hiking and doing conservation projects, the Environmental Educators, and occasionally special guests, teach lessons about topics like hydrology and arthropods. Learning about the outdoors while outdoors gives the girls a hands-on opportunity to test their knowledge as they learn.

“It’s my kind of learning style because I like doing different activities not in the classroom,” said Gwei Strong-Allen, from Cambridge, Massachusetts. “I’m just excited to learn more,” said Emmalee Passmore, from Rigby Idaho. “I love learning and doing conservation. We’ve had a lot of lessons which have really made us focus on the reason behind the conservation. I think that’s been really cool to know exactly why we’re doing the conservation work we’re doing.” In addition to doing more conservation than a typical trek, ROCS also gives the participants a chance to work with and meet other people who are just as passionate about the environment from across the country. “I like having just girls [in our crew],” said Kris Kayworth, from Pensacola, Florida. “We’re ROCS sisters and I wouldn’t trade them for anybody else.” “All the girls are really nice,” agreed Schwink. “I think the dynamic’s really fun.” Though they’re only on Day 8 of their trek, the girls are optimistic and joke around as they work to finish clearing the field of musk thistle. Even as the sun beats down on them, they continue to work diligently. “A lot of these girls are going to go on to do amazing things,” said Adams. “To have this be the foundation for their lifelong learning and desire to help the environment is pretty cool.”

After a long day on the trail, all six members of the Women’s ROCS crew embrace during the after show of the Rich Cabins campfire. A ROCS trek, which stands for Roving Outdoor Conservation School, is a 21-day trek which brings guys and girls together from around the country to learn about conservation. Hunter Long/PhilNews

On the morning of Saturday July 8th, 2017 the ROCS crew gathered and identified various arthropods for the lesson on arthropods. Using small hand lenses and plastic bags to capture the insects, the girls were able to observe and draw the insects in their personal field guides. Hunter Long/PhilNews

On Friday July 7th, 2017, the ROCS crew began their conservation work of removing the invasive species from the surrounding meadows of Rich Cabins. The work was challenging, every thistle had to be removed from the roots with a shovel and then its flower removed from the rest of the plant and disposed of. Hunter Long/PhilNews

Carrie Anderson, the Conservation Associate Director of Environmental Education, instructs Laura Phillips on how to measure for nitrates in the lake on top of Wilson Mesa. Nitrates are just one of the checkpoints for sustainability within a water eco-system that the ROCS crew measured.Hunter Long PhilNews

On Saturday July 8th, 2017. The ROCS crew begin their hike for the day to French Henry from Wilson Mesa. Throughout the hike the crew was challenged with technical downhills, grueling uphills, and steady rain. Hunter Long/PhilNews



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Continued from page one: Fixing yesterday rush for lumber that occurred in the early 20th century. Loggers cut down virtually every tree with commercial value, in an effort to feed the nation’s insatiable demand for railroad ties. While this effort was essential to connecting our country, it had a profound effect on Philmont’s forest. “Today, you don’t see a lot of old trees.” Pueblano Camp Director Zachary Garmoe said. “Most of these trees you’re seeing are a lot younger than what you had 100 years ago, when there was a lot of old growth.” After Waite Phillips donated his property to the Boy Scouts, who promised to preserve it, the pendulum swung in the opposite direction. Going with the prevailing wisdom of the era, land managers suppressed wildfires for over 75 years. While this policy did technically preserve land, it ignored the critical role that periodic wildfires play in keeping the ecosystem in balance. When these fires failed to occur, forest undergrowth exploded, leaving some areas with almost four times the amount of trees they would otherwise have. This unbalanced ecosystem led to the massive Ponil Complex Fire in 2002 that scarred much of the North Country. Because of the amount of available tinder, this wildfire burned so intensely that it changed the composition of the soil, killing mature trees and leaving damage still visible today. To prevent a similar occurrence further South, Philmont began a program in 2016 to clear underbrush. Known as the Forestry Work Crew, this branch of Conservation is currently working on an area around Clark’s Fork. Ultimately, the goal is to restore the forest to its previous balance. “We’re coming in here and removing any trees that would have historically been removed by fire, and trying to do some ecological restoration so that this area looks more similar to what it would have historically before people started settling in the area,” Forestry Technician Noah

Shepperson said. The only signs today of the Forestry Crew are the buzz of chainsaws and the felled trees lining the ground that are waiting to be dragged away and burned for firewood. The major effects of their work will be seen years down the road, when hopefully Philmont is restored more closely to its previous ecological state. “We’re essentially doing work that really will not, in some senses, come to fruition in the time that we’re here,” Forestry Crew member Brad Nellis said. “In many senses the real success of this project is in how long of an impact, how lasting of an impact we have.” On the other side of the Ranch, the Cimarroncito Reservoir sparkles in the sunlight, framed by Cathedral Rock and a gorgeous view of the valley below, the horizon stretching beyond it. All around the valley, various species of trees and underbrush grow thickly. “Stop and look at the view,” Visiting Forester Bob Sturtevant advised a crew passing by. Sturtevant’s job as a Visiting Forester includes giving tours of the Demonstration Forest and teaching crews about the ecology of the area, but part of that is getting the crews’ attention. Once he has their attention, the Scouts are eager to see what the foresters have to show them “This is an easy audience, because the kids that come here [to Philmont] have an interest in being here and we can kind of just peak that desire to know more and to have a heart for it,” said Fred Hellenberg, also a Visiting Forester. The Demonstration Forest is a 45-acre tract of land set aside for the purpose of teaching Scouts about forestry and the ecosystem in Northern New Mexico. “Forestry is anything to do with trees. Anything whatsoever, from growing trees to harvesting trees to taking care of sick trees to managing large tracts of land, like National Forests or National

Parks,” Sturtevant explained. “Sometimes forestry involves trail building, sometimes road building, anything that involves the forest itself.” “We want the Scouts to take away from this program an understanding of the ecology of this forest and the need for active management to keep it healthy,” he added. Visiting foresters come to the D e m o n s t r a t i o n Clarks Fork Forestry Crew member Ben Strobel chainsaws logs into small pieces to Forest every be burned off Philmont property to help reduce wildfire potential on June 30, 2017 at week throughout Clarks Fork. Drew Castellaw/PhilNews the summer to run the program. They stay a short distance away at Hunting Lodge, but spend the majority of their time at the Demonstration Forest, talking to and teaching as On July 7, 2017, The staff at Cramany crews as they ter Lake work on one of their Fred Hellenberg, a visiting forester from Dixfield, railroad ties. The Crater Lake can. Maine explains the enduring effects of manmade Both Hellenberg damage to tree barks to a troop passing through counselors and participants will be working on making ties all and Sturtevant Demonstration Forest June 28th, 2017. summer long. Shane Mrozek/PhilNews are Eagle Scouts Andrew Avitt/PhilNews who’ve been to the natural way it should be, the it was a natural way to replenish Philmont before, and both now way it is right now. But it’s not.” trees,” said Scout Caiden Reynolds work in forestry, giving them The information shared at the from Troop 333 in Farmington, ample experience to share with Demonstration Forest comes as a NM. crews. Those types of revelations surprise to many, both crews from The foresters take the crews across the country and those from are exactly what the visiting on a trail that winds through the the Southwest who may be more foresters hope for when they teach forest so the Scouts can see what familiar with the local ecosystem. participants. they’re learning about in real “You can see some of the lights “I didn’t realize this wasn’t time. A heavy layer of underbrush the natural landscape, because going on in their minds as far as, is evident underneath a layer of obviously there’s so much nature ‘Oh I get it, I understand.’ Once crowded trees, and is beginning to around,” said Scout Allen Hilton you start to understand how it take over much of the land from from Troop 175 in Farmington, works, you’re a lot more observant Cimarroncito to Hunting Lodge, NM. “It’s really an eye-opener to of your surroundings,” said “In the natural distribution of see this isn’t how the forest used Sturtevant. “To really understand trees, there’s more openings than to be and that there are ways to how the forest works and how the trees,” Sturtevant explained to one control it and put it back to where animals and the trees interact and crew. “There’s a lot more trees it was.” all that, it’s really eye-opening.” now, 10 to 20 times more trees “I thought we wanted to prevent than there used to be. People don’t forest fires because they just understand that, they think this is destroy things, but I didn’t know


6 | PhilNews

90 years later

Chapel Services

Elizabeth Harper Staff Writer

Surrounded by abundant grass and gardens, the Spanish Mediterranean style Villa Philmonte is an eye-catching sight for anyone who drives by Philmont. The beautiful building, originally Waite Phillips’ summer home, celebrated its 90th anniversary on July 4th. The building was part of Phillips’ famous second gift to the Boy Scouts, which also included 91,000 acres of land and Cattle Headquarters. Nearly a century later, Phillips’ gift is still being used exactly the way he wanted it to be. Each day the staff at the Villa give 16 tours, many to crews coming on or off the trail, but also to the tourists who pass through the area. They are able to share the story of Phillips, and of Philmont, and explain how such a strong legacy came to be. “My favorite thing is definitely doing the tours,” said Villa Curator Nancy Klein. “It’s nice to tell them this beautiful story of generosity, the reason we’re all here. It is a great fun story to tell.” As the curator, Klein does facilities management and supervises the gardens. But the most important part of the job for her is interacting with visitors and sharing, not just Phillips’ story, but also the story of Scouting. “There’s a category of people here at Philmont not everybody sees, but it’s the tourists that go through Northern New Mexico,” Klein said. “They get here and they see the Scouting purpose really intentionally played out, and they are pretty jaw-dropped by it.” Between the 22,000 Scouts that come to Base Camp each year and the thousands of people who go through the Philmont Training Center during the summer, it’s no wonder those who aren’t familiar with Scouting are impressed by Philmont Scout Ranch. “That’s just a very subtle outreach we do,” added Klein. “It’s unintentional in anybody’s job description but it occurs and I


In the Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, and LDS Traditions, daily at 7 p.m. at each respective chapel

June 27, 2017- The main living room of the Villa Philmonte features a beautiful self-playing piano dating back to the 1920s; as well as, dozens of interesting pieces the Phillips family brought to the home after a cruise through the Mediterranean. Tanner Britton/PhilNews

Art, Books, Cards, Jewelry, Pottery, Salsa, New Mexico Gifts, & More!

July 4th, 2017 marks the 90th Anniversary of Waite Phillips’ famous home the Villa Philmonte. Tanner Britton/PhilNews

think it’s really important. It’s one way we can talk about ourselves to society. It means a lot to them. They never knew that we were as heartfelt or intentional as we are with our program.” The beauty of the Villa itself and its historical accuracy also appeals to visitors. Originally the Villa itself was used as the Training Center. In 1975, it began to develop into a museum after the adult training programs were outgrowing the building. “The museum stays the same all the time, and it’s supposed to,” Klein explained. “What happened historically is Waite and Genevieve Phillips gave us the Villa in 1941 with the second gift of land. Between 1975 and 1980 it became the museum as we know it today, and those who were sort of leading the pack on that were Chope and Virginia Phillips, the son and daughter-in-law.” Per Chope and Virginia’s request, nothing in the house is ever to be moved or rearranged. Instead, they wanted the house to look as it did when the Phillips’

spent their summers there. The paint colors and the outside of the Villa are also to remain the same. The only thing that can change is the Waite Phillips Gallery, which houses photos of and additional information about the Phillips, Waite in particular. “We’ve never changed anything architectural. Anything that has the house today looking different than the original drawings, Waite and Genevieve did. We don’t change anything,” Klein said. The legacy of the Phillips’ and the Villa Philmonte is a special one that will endure for years to come and will continue to spread as more and more people come to understand what Philmont is all about. “When I do tours I really emphasize the fact that this gift was almost personally given to everybody and that we’re able to feel that and know that we were taken into account by these people who gave us so much,” said Klein. “I think it helps to cement the idea that we’re all here for a purpose.”

Open Daily! We Welcome Scouters! 341 East 9th Street P.O. Box 322 Cimarron, NM 87714

Phone: 575-376-9040

Explore the Aztec Mill Old Town Cimarron, NM

Artifacts and history in a most unique museum

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



Complete rules and submission guidelines: registerphilmont.org/photocontest

Enter from: July 1st July 21st Over $600 in prizes awarded!

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Russell's Variety Store Fishing Tackle, Camping Supplies, Books and Media, Devotional Items, Gifts, Jewelry, Apparel, Southwest Blankets, Bajas, Stationary, Hardware, Craft Supplies, Domestics and Housewares, plus lots more

Scouts Welcome!! 31083 Highway 64 Cimarron, NM 87714 575-376-2502

Open Daily 9 am - 6 pm

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Family and epic views Andrew Kliewer Staff Writer Throughout the summer, anyone walking down the lush green lawn of the Villa Philmonte can hear the shouts of children playing, intermingled with the chatter of their families and the sounds of various programs. For thirteen weeks, the nearby Philmont Training Center bustles with activity as new participants roll in, eager to learn skills that will benefit current and future Scouts. Between June 24 and July 7, this pattern continues unabated. However, there is one key difference during this two week period: almost every family and participant at the PTC belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The reason for this influx into the PTC is LDS weeks, in

which members of the LDS faith from across the United States and Canada come to Philmont to attend a series of conferences intended to strengthen the bond between the LDS Church and Scouting. Since 1913, when the LDS Church became the first chartered organization of the Boy Scouts of America, the relationship with the Church has been a keystone for Scouting in the United States. Today, according to the Dallas Morning News, over 300,000 youth from the LDS faith are members of the BSA, and Scouting is an integral part of the Church’s program. At the PTC, Church leadership learns how to further apply the Aims and Methods of Scouting into their programs. “The purpose of the LDS weeks is to help the leaders understand how the Gospel directly relates and correlates with Scouting,” conference participant David Wilding from West Corinne, UT said. “There’s a reason that the LDS church has chosen the Boy Scouts of America as the activity arm of the church for young men.

Continued from page one: From coast to COPE

Head of Dean Program Councelor Jackson Graydon stands in front of the Head of Dean Cabin on July 5, 2017. Graydon biked from the Georgia coast to San Fransisco, CA in a little over two months before working at Philmont. Drew Castellaw/PhilNews

way up from Georgia to Maine, he ran into someone on the hike back South who planted the idea in his head for the cross-country ride. “I met a guy in Virginia in 2013 that had just ridden from Seattle,” Graydon said. “He had done at least twice as much as I had done in two months, and I had been on the trail for four months already.

So I realized wow [biking] is fast, you can go really far.” Graydon took the idea and ran with it, spending time watching YouTube videos and reading accounts from others who had completed cross country rides. Once his seasonal job at a Christmas tree farm ended this past spring, he seized the opportunity


It’s because they’ve looked at the program, and they see that it has good values.” A multitude of families is a more than common sight during LDS weeks. Those invited to the conference are not only allowed, but encouraged to bring their spouses and children. Throughout the two week period, family members can engage in a variety of fun activities, including crafts, games, pony rides and more for younger children. Older teens above the age of 14 can even embark on a 6 day Mountain 26th, for PTC’s Later Day Saints week, each attending family Trek, with up to 30 miles of June made a banner introducing themselves to the others. Their introduchiking in the Backcountry. tions were followed by performances from a few of the families. Dalton “I currently have two kids Puckett/PhilNews that are out on trek,” participant up Lover’s Leap to a lantern tour Kristi Wangsgard from Ogden, UT Chris Chase from Bismarck, ND said. “I have one daughter of the Kit Carson museum, every said. “People are just cooperative, and my wife here, and they’re day is an adventure in it’s own the nature is beautiful and the staff having an excellent time. They’re right. By the end of the conference, is hardworking and attentive. But making friends with people that families come away not only with probably more than that it’s just they’ve never met before, and it’s new knowledge about Scouting, that there’s a feeling of peace and but with a greater appreciation for friendliness here, and the beauty awesome.” Spouses, known during LDS the outdoors and a strong sense of that’s all around you, it just can’t be beat.” weeks as “Silverados” have a community. “People call [Philmont] a Zion variety of activities to occupy their time as well. From a sunrise hike place, and for us it is,” Participant and set out from the Georgia coast on March 5. Although Graydon did spend time with relatives in Alabama and Oklahoma, he spent the majority of his nights camping. “I didn’t have a particular place to sleep every night,” he said. “I just went until it got dark or whenever I wanted to stop, and I would camp wherever I could find a secure spot.” After battling fierce winds in Oklahoma that at times slowed him to walking pace, Graydon finally reached Philmont in April, which he had been planning as a major stop. As he rode into the mostly empty Base Camp, Graydon hoped to refill his water bottle and, believing that he had missed this summer’s deadline, to fill out a job application for 2018. After looking around at vacant buildings, he finally made way into the open Marketing and Photography Services office. There he ran into Marketing Specialist Dave Brinkman, who greeted him and showed him around. After spending the night with Brinkman and his roommates, Graydon was able to meet Associate Director of Program Eric Martinez and fill

out an application. A week later, he received an offer for the current summer, as a Program Counselor at Head of Dean. “I was pretty excited because I didn’t expect a Backcountry job that quick,” Graydon said. “I’m currently a COPE facilitator [at Head of Dean], so I got placed here because it was a good fit with my previous outdoor experience.” Although he had secured the job he wanted, Graydon still had to face the most challenging part of his journey as he traversed across the West. This began with a series of flat tires in Arizona where he ran out of patches, leading him to hitchhike to Boulder City, NV. After a series of other events, Graydon finally ended his ride in Ventura, CA, where he was able to take a train to San Francisco and conclude by riding over the Golden Gate Bridge. However, the next day, as he toured Fisherman’s Wharf, Graydon’s bike and many of his possessions were stolen, leaving him with only the belongings he had on him to bring to Philmont. “I lost replaceable things at least,” he said. “It was worth a lot,

but luckily I’d already finished. I’d already accomplished my big goal.” Currently, Graydon is working at Head of Dean, helping crews come together through the COPE program and entertaining Scouts and Advisors on the porch with stories of his journies. One question that comes up frequently is what Graydon’s next big adventure will be. He currently has several ambitions, including kayaking down 80 foot DeSoto Falls in Alabama and rowing across the Atlantic Ocean. While these may sound challenging, Graydon knows that, just as he hiked the entire Appalachian Trail and biked across the country, he can accomplish these feats with the right combination of preparation and determination. “It makes my dreams or my goals way more attainable because if I’m planning on doing something, I’m no longer in that mindset of you have to be somebody to do that, or you’ve got to know someone or something like that,” Graydon said. “It’s more like, if those people can do it, I can do it.”


The pickle man Elizabeth Harper Staff Writer

In the CHQ mailroom works a man whose Philmont experience is both fascinating and impressive, spanning decades. “This is my 36th time I’ve been here,” said Ranny Keys, one of the mailroom clerks. “I’ve been on 31 treks. I brought a group of boys out here to an OA function. I’ve been to the PTC three times. And this is my first year to work [here]. I felt like I needed to give back.” Similarly fascinating is the name Keys has made for himself among staff members and crews alike. Keys hands out little pins with pickles on them to the staff members he meets and as such is known as ‘The Pickle Man.’. Many staff members wear their pins proudly, which causes other staff and participants to take notice of the trinket. . Although this is his first summer g working here, Keys’ tradition of handing out pins goes all the way g back to his first Philmont trek. s “I started, in 1984, bringing E palmetto trees because our state s flag has a palmetto tree on it,” h explained Keys, who is from e South Carolina. y For several years he handed g out palmetto tree pins to the staff y

, e l e e n

s m m u , e n e

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Friday, July 14, 2017 he met in the Backcountry while on trek. However, he soon had another idea. “The staff that had on green shirts, it was such an odd color green that they [were] called ‘pickles’ back in the 80s. And I thought, how about a pickle pin?” He began searching for a placeto purchase pickle pins. He couldn’t find what he wanted locally, so he called the H.J. Heinz Company, now the Kraft Heinz Co., in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The people there were more than happy to help Keys with his search. “They said, ‘How many do you want?’ and sent me two or three hundred [pins]. That lasted me two or three years because I just gave them to the staff in the Backcountry. Then I just kept going, kept doing it over the years.” Since he knew he would be spending his summer in Base Camp this year, Keys got 1,000 pins in preparation for all the staff he’d interact with. “I’ve handed out a lot,” he said. “[People] will see a pin and want to know where they got it, and they’ll tell them to go over and see me. I’ve gone through a good many. I’ve still got plenty though.” Even participants will take notice of the little green pins and ask where to get them. Keys doesn’t mind when people come up to him and ask for a pin. “It’s something to do, and

everybody gets excited about it,” he said. On one of his treks in the 90s, Keys got a chance to give a pickle pin to an important figure in Philmont history. “I gave Chope Phillips one, up on Shaefer’s [Pass]. I met him one day when he was horseback riding up there,” recounted Keys. “I had my crew up there for breakfast real early. He was up there with a group. He signed my Wilderness Pledge Card. I got my picture with him. [It was] kind of exciting.” Keys has seen the value of the Philmont experience time and time again on his many treks. “I’ve enjoyed every one of them. But the most important thing is about the youth. Bring in the youth, make sure they have a good time. I never brought but two or three kids out of all those years that didn’t have a good time and said they wouldn’t come back. Most of them want to come back.” Though he enjoys his job and handing out pickle pins, Keys is always conscious of Ranny Keys, aka the “Pickle Man”, has been coming to Philmont for more the bigger picture that the than 30 years and has been giving out small pickle pins as long as he has Philmont experience is a part been here. One used to be able to find him in the Backcountry but this is his first year “officially” on staff. Shane Mrozek/PhilNews of. “[Philmont] is the greatest changes them. They get a lot more you have to let them fail and you experience a young man could self-confidence, better at what they have to guide them. Everybody ever do,” said Keys adamantly. do. It’d be great if everyone could makes mistakes. You have to learn “They grow up a lot. It totally do it. You have to let them try and from them.”

PSA: PSA volunteer vacation Tim Rosseisen Board Member, Philmont Staff Association Your Philmont Staff Association launched the new Volunteer Vacation program in 2016 . It was an outstanding success! Twentyseven PSA volunteers gathered last September for a week in the Backcountry, camping at Whistle Punk trail camp and spending their days constructing the new spur trail to the top of Cimarroncito Peak. There

has never been a trail to this summit. The work is part of the Conservation Department’s plan to open up a little used area of the Ranch. The PSA Volunteer Vacation is being offered again in 2017 and work will continue on the same trail. Openings are still available – you can register on the PSA website: www.philstaff. org This year’s date is September 16th thru the 23rd. Cost remains the unbelievably low amount of only $210. Complete details are provided on the website. If you’re looking for a true and

worthwhile way to give back to Philmont, the Volunteer Vacation is really the perfect opportunity. It’s a week of hard, dirty, physical labor, but it’s also a fantastic week of cool camping under the stars at 10,000 feet, great food, soaking in the backcountry, and sharing stories and experiences with like minded Phil-friends. The rare and coveted Volunteer Vacation patch is also pretty nice! Registration ends August 15th. Sign up today. Any questions can be submitted via the website or talk to Dollie in the PSA Office.


10| PhilNews

Recent Baseball Standings

GET YOUR ADVENTURE

American League East Boston Red Sox New York Yankees Tampa Bay Rays Baltimore Orioles Toronto Blue Jays

W 40 45 47 42 41

L 33 41 43 46 47

GB 3.5 3.5 7.5 8.5

Central Cleveland Indians Minnesota Twins Kansas City Royals Detroit Tigers Chicago White Sox

W 47 45 44 39 38

L 40 43 43 48 49

GB 2.5 3 8 9

West Houston Astros Los Angeles Angels Texas Rangers Seattle Mariners Oakland Athletics

W 60 45 43 43 39

L 29 47 45 47 50

GB 16.5 16.5 17.5 21

National League East Washington Nationals Atlanta Braves Miami Marlins New York Mets Philadelphia Phillies

W 52 42 41 39 29

L 36 45 46 47 58

Central Milwaukee Brewers Chicago Cubs Saint Louis Cardinals Pittsburgh Pirates Cincinnati Reds

W 50 43 43 42 39

L 41 45 45 47 49

West Los Angeles Dodgers Arizona Diamondbacks Colorado Rockies San Diego Padres San Francisco Giants

W 61 53 52 38 34

L 29 36 39 50 56

GB 9.5 10.5 12 22.5

GB 5.5 5.5 7 9.5

GB 7.5 9.5 22 27

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SHOP ONLINE AT TOOTHOFTIMETRADERS.COM

OFFICIAL ONLINE STORE OF PHILMONT SCOUT RANCH



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Join The PSA! Connect with over 3,200 current www.philstaff.org and former staff members like yourself who have hiked Philmont’s rugged mountain trails and who are vitally interested in and dedicated to the future of Philmont. Projects that make a difference • Seasonal Staff Scholarships • Staff Amigos • Rayado, ROCS, & STEM Scholarships • Volunteer Vacation • PSA Staff Dining Hall & SSSAC • Handicap accessible bathrooms at PTC Dining Hall • Funded early years of Cabin Restoration • Donated dollars to flood restoration projects. • Raising funds for new PSA building and Museum Expansion Project Benefits of PSA Membership • High Country The bimonthly magazine of the PSA containing the latest news of the ranch, activities of PSA members and news of northern New Mexico. • Online Resources Give back, keep informed, and purchase PSA clothing and gear on our website www.philstaff.org • Regional and National Reunions During the off season get your Philmont fix by hanging out with other PSA-ers who live in the area. Or return back to the ranch for the annual reunions. • Membership card and sticker I-Camp to: PSA OFFICE Or Drop off: PSA office in the Beaubien Building at PTC Or Mail to: Philmont Staff Association 17 Deer Run Road, Cimarron, NM 87714 Seasonal Membership $15.00

Includes a year’s subscription to High Country, the PSA membership directory, all additional mailings, an open invitation to all PSA events and a vote in PSA elections. Contact Information: Name Mailing Address City, State, Zip Email Current Position Previous Positions and Years Circle which membership option you would prefer $15.00 One year membership Method of Payment

$60.00 Five year membership Total Amount $________

Payroll Deduction (available until July 31) ______ Cash_____ Check_____ Visa_____ MasterCard_____ Credit Card Number_________________________________ Expiration Date_____________________________________ Name on Card______________________________________ Signature__________________________________________ Make Check payable to: Philmont Staff Association *$60 membership will be deducted from payroll in two $30 installments.


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Shane Mrozek/PhilNews

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