Health & Safety at Base Camp
Infirmary & First Aid
The safety and well-being of every crew member is Philmont’s top priority. Our fully staffed Infirmary at Base Camp provides medical rechecks before hitting the trail, simple first aid, medical support, and routine care before and after your trek. Whether it’s a quick check-up or managing a pre-existing condition, our team is here to ensure you’re healthy and ready for the trail.
Stay Connected: Mailroom Services at Base Camp
The Mailroom at Base Camp keeps you connected throughout your Philmont adventure. Purchase mailing boxes, packing supplies, postcards, and postage, or pick up mail sent to your crew—all designed to help you send and receive messages while on the trail.
Note: Postcards and postage may also be purchased at the Tooth of Time Traders and the PTC administrative offices.
[link to Shipping Equipment details in Traveling to Philmont]
Capture the Moment: Crew Photos at Base Camp
Order Your Crew Photo Today
Commemorate your Philmont adventure with a professional crew photo taken at Base Camp before you hit the trail. These high-quality prints are a lasting keepsake of your journey together—perfect for sharing, framing, or adding to your Scout memories.
Faith & Reflection: Chapel Services at Philmont
Chapel services at Philmont offer Scouts, advisors, and staff a peaceful space for reflection, prayer, and community before and after their trek.
A variety of religious services support participants in their faith, including weekly faith-specific services at Camping Headquarters—Jewish on Saturdays, and Protestant, Catholic, and LDS weeknights at 7:00 PM and Sundays at 9:00 PM—as well as Sunrise Services at the Philmont Training Center Chapel on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Chaplains also provide spiritual support through services in select backcountry camps, personal counseling, and opportunities for Jewish participants to observe Shabbat in designated chapels.
Kindling the Flame: Opening & Closing Campfires at Philmont
At Philmont Scout Ranch, every journey begins and ends by the light of a shared flame. The Opening and Closing Campfire ceremonies are more than just tradition—they’re moments of reflection, connection, and inspiration. Crews gather beneath the stars to celebrate the spirit of adventure, set intentions for the trek ahead, and later, to carry the fire home in their hearts. These powerful ceremonies remind Scouts and leaders alike that while the trek may end, the values and memories forged at Philmont burn brightly long after the embers fade.
Campfires take place every evening at 7:30 or 8:00 PM. Location is weather dependent.
Gear Up for Adventure: Outfitting Services at Base Camp
At Philmont’s Base Camp, outfitting is made easy with a full range of gear rentals ready to get you trail-ready. Whether you forgot a pack, need a tent, or want specialized equipment, you can rent high-quality gear on-site—no hassle, no extra packing stress. This convenient service ensures every crew can focus on the adventure ahead, fully equipped and prepared for the challenges of the backcountry.
- Backpack Rental: Philmont provides internal frame backpacks, complete with pack covers, for a $30 rental fee.
- Staff Assistance: Philmont staff will help you with proper fitting of the rented backpack.
- No Reservations Needed: Pre-reservations for backpack rentals are not required.
- Other Gear:Philmont also provides other crew gear like tents and food.
- Tooth of Time Traders: While Philmont provides most of the necessary gear, you can purchase gear Tooth of Time Traders.
Logistics: Keeping Philmont Safe, Coordinated, and Connected
The Logistics Department at Philmont plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and coordination of all crews in the backcountry. Every crew’s itinerary is carefully tracked using a detailed scheduling and check-in system that monitors movements across the entire ranch. Staff at Logistics Headquarters stay in constant communication with backcountry camps, Rangers, and emergency services to keep tabs on each crew’s location and progress. If a delay or issue arises, the Logistics team is often the first to respond and take action, whether rerouting crews due to weather or dispatching support in emergencies. With thousands of participants hiking each summer, this behind-the-scenes team works tirelessly to keep everyone accounted for and safe throughout their Philmont experience.
