Crew Arrival Day
By Heidi Wakefield
There is nothing quite like the excitement of setting foot on Philmont for the first time. The buzz of crews preparing for the trek ahead of them, the tooth ridge poking out behind Basecamp, and the smell of Cimarron’s summer trees are beyond exciting; they’re unforgettable. The first day at Philmont focuses on preparation, safety, and tradition so that Scouts have the best chance of success on the trail. Every part of the arrival-day process is essential to both the well-being of participants and the preservation of the traditions embedded in the Philmont experience.
Upon arriving at Basecamp, Scouts filter through the Welcome Center, greeted by a brief overview of the ranch and general housekeeping. Not only is the Welcome Center an identifiable part of Philmont, but important for maintaining the high standards of safety and organization at the ranch.
After the welcome talk, crews meet their Rangers, Philmont’s guides responsible for walking Scouts through the first day on Basecamp and the following two days on trail. Rangers leave their crews on the fourth day to experience the backcountry on their own.
Crews listenign to Welcome Center Staff as they arrive at Philmont
Photo By Elena Scherry
Welcome Center Staff, add tent assignments to the information board.
Photo By Elena Scherry
Safety is the most important thing at Philmont, and it starts with making sure all participants are accounted for and ready for the trek ahead. Advisors, Crew Leaders and Rangers head inside CHQ to check in at registration, verify IDs, and receive their Crew Copy, their formal trek itinerary.
At any given time, there are anywhere between 1,600 and 1,800 participants in the backcountry, requiring 24/7 radio monitoring and rigorous organization. Responsible for managing the radio room, weather conditions, trip planning, as well as all other communication, Logistics knows the whereabouts of every person on and off base. Therefore, before leaving base, Advisors and Crew Leaders attend a mandatory meeting with a trip planner to revise and finalize their planned trek. Using the Crew Copy as a guide, Crew Leaders mark up their maps, using a key of color specific markings for their intended camping locations, water conditions, and routes throughout the entirety of the trek. That way, each backcountry camp is prepared to receive each crew that comes through.
Logistics Staff shows the water quality at the backcountry camps they will visit on their trek.
Photo By Elena Scherry
Scouts plan and mark the trek route on the map in Logistics on day one.
Photo By Elena Scherry
Next up, Outfitting Services, Crews can check out Philmont-provided gear, such as tents, dining flies, pots, and even have backpacks fitted to size for a small additional fee. Although Scouts are allowed to bring all their own supplies, it is required that they take bear rope, scrapers, and strainers, all provided by Philmont. For any additional missing gear, the ToTT provides many camp essentials available for purchase. As well as items that maybe not be under the ten essentials, but should be, such as stuffed mini-bears, Philmont belt buckles, and branded sweatshirts.
Following gear comes food preparation. Crews hand their Crew Copy to The Commissary, who provides them the correct number of meals in accordance with their days on trek, and the number of participants.
Ranger takes back baskets that previously held the crew’s meals for the trail.
Photo By Elena Scherry
The crew sets up tents and inspects crew gear before departing on the trail.
Photo By Elena Scherry
The photo above shows the Ranger Song printed on the back of every Ranger’s handbook. In the left photo, Rangers stand next to the Ranger Bell, preparing for the traditional pre-meal Ranger Song.
After Outfitting Services, it might be 11:45 which means, time for lunch! At the Camper Dining Hall, lunch is kicked off with Ranger Bell, a long-standing (and trust-falling) tradition at Philmont. Rangers leading crews step up to the bell in the Dining Hall courtyard and perform a high-energy chant and trust fall before lining their crews up for lunch. A community-centric event that invites participants into the world of Philmont. Just one of the many camp traditions that keep Scouts talking about the excitement of Philmont for years to come.
Photo By Elena Scherry
One of the most identifiable images associated with Philmont is the classic yellow sign photo in front of the Tooth of Time, capturing the crew, their Ranger, and the yellow sign with the trek number and date. Crew photos are a fond way to look back at participants’ time at Philmont and see how they’ve changed over the years, and even between treks.
All photos taken by MPS can be found at www.philmontphotoarchive.org
Photo By Matt Stepp
Photo By Matt Stepp
All participants headed out to the backcountry are expected to complete a physical before arrival to Philmont. This is for the safety of the participants, ensuring their health is up to standard for what is expected on trek. It is vital that Scouts pass, or else they endanger themselves and those responding to first-aid emergencies.
Rangers also lead their crew in a group shake-down of backpacking gear. They have their Scouts empty their packs, taking inventory of their gear, giving anyone a chance to pick up last-minute gear from the Tooth of Time Traders if something is missing.
Ranger lead crew on a shake down before hitting the trail
Photo By Ryan Ash
Crew member gets his physical checked at Medical Recheck
Photo By C. Vollmer
Advisors, Crew Leaders, Chaplain’s Aides, and Wilderness Pledge Guías Meetings are held daily, starting promptly at 5:45, after dinner at 5 pm, to learn about their roles on their treks. Before Scouts have the opportunity to attend Chapel, held every night at 7 pm. Scouts are allowed to pick which service best suits their crew, being able to choose from LDS, Jewish, Protestant, and Catholic services.
Scouts and Staff members attend the Jewish Chapel Service at Basecamp
Photo by Caroline Fallin
Scouts and Staff members attend the Prodestant service at Basecamp
Photo by Caroline Fallin
Finally, Crews meet their Rangers at the Welcome Center before making their way to the opening campfire bowl at 8:15. Originally written by Disney staff, the campfire now encompasses interpretive staffers, singing and telling the origin of Philmont and the history of the Land. Scouts are encouraged to sing and jump along to the engaging outdoor amphitheater-style performance as the sun sets behind the ridge. Opening Campfire is a tradition that playfully educates participants about the significance of Philmont and the importance of being present on the trail to fully experience what Philmont has to offer. A sentiment that is easy to skip over, but important to remember.
Crews watch the opening campfire show.
Photo By Elena Scherry
Crew Leaders receive their American flag to carry during their trek.
Photo By Elena Scherry
The first day at Philmont is many things: exciting, a little overwhelming, and inspiring, but most importantly, it is about ensuring the safety of the participants, the preparedness of the crew, and upholding the long-standing traditions of Philmont, making it unlike any other high adventure camp and a story to tell for a lifetime.
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Staff preform opening campfire show for Scouts.
Photo By Elena Scherry