Friends of Philmont

Stay connected - Give back - Be part of what comes next.

Philmont stays with you long after you leave. Whether you’ve stood on the Tooth of Time, sent a crew, served on staff, attended a conference, or believe in what this place represents, you are part of the Philmont story. 

 

Friends of Philmont is a community of supporters who help care for the Ranch, strengthen programs, and ensure that future generations experience the adventure, leadership, and connection to the outdoors that define Philmont. 

Membership Levels

Base Camp Friend – $138* annually 

Your first step back to Philmont 

Base Camp Friends are the foundation of the Friends of Philmont community. This level is about staying connected and having access to meaningful ways to engage with the Ranch year-round. Base Camp membership is rooted in Philmont’s legacy, inspired by 1938, the year Waite Phillips gifted this land to Scouting. 

 

As a Base Camp Friend, you receive: 

  • Friends of Philmont membership patch and stickers 
  • Founders Patch for inaugural-year members (April 2026–July 5, 2027) 
  • Quarterly Friends of Philmont updates (stories, impact, and Ranch insights) with updates on Friends-supported projects, camperships, and conservation efforts 
  • Invitations to exclusive virtual Friends programs and seasonal updates 
  • Access to register for Friends of Philmont experiences and opportunities throughout the year 

 *Are you under the age of 30? If you are under 30, you can join at the Base Camp level for $38. This reduced rate is made possible through the generosity of others, helping ensure the next generation can stay connected to Philmont and its mission. 

Switchback Friend – $250 annually

Help elevate the experience 

Switchback Friends deepen their connection to Philmont and gain earlier, more consistent access to experiences and insights from across the Ranch. 

 

As a Switchback Friend, you receive: 

  • All Base Camp Friend benefits 
  • Early access and priority registration for Friends of Philmont experiences 
  • Quarterly behind-the-scenes virtual sessions featuring Ranch operations, programs, and staff 
  • Seasonal “State of the Ranch” updates with leadership including expanded updates highlighting projects, planning, and program development 
  • Recognition as a Switchback Friend in select communications 

Peak Friend – $1,000 annually

Make a lasting impact

Peak Friends play a leadership role within the Friends of Philmont community. This level offers the closest connection to the Ranch, its people, and its future. 

 

As a Peak Friend, you receive: 

  • All Switchback Friend benefits 
  • First access and reserved opportunities for select Friends experiences and pilot programs 
  • Invitations to small-group leadership briefings or gatherings (virtual or in-person) 
  • Live broadcasts and recordings of select Philmont programs and moments 
  • Annual impact briefing and report highlighting the direct outcomes of your support 
  • Recognition connected to Friends-supported initiatives and impact 

Tooth of Time Friend – Lifetime Membership

A lasting commitment to Philmont 

The Tooth of Time level represents a lifelong connection to Philmont and a commitment to helping care for the Ranch for generations to come. This is more than a membership. It is a statement of stewardship and belonging. 

 

As a Tooth of Time Friend, you receive: 

  • Lifetime recognition as a Friend of Philmont 
  • All Peak Friend benefits for life 
  • Guaranteed access and priority placement for select Friends of Philmont experiences 
  • Invitations to exclusive, small-group gatherings and hosted weekends at Philmont 
  • Personalized updates tied to areas of interest (programs, conservation, facilities, access) 

Friends of Philmont Experiences

All Friends have the opportunity to participate in a rotating calendar of unique Philmont experiences throughout the year, which may include: 

Behind-The-Scenes &

Immersive Access:

See Behind-the-scenes of  Ranch operations, including facilities, food logistics, conservation work, livestock, and museum programs, paired with exclusive virtual and in-person experiences.

Service and conservation engagement:

Hands-on service and conservation opportunities that directly support the Ranch while allowing participants to contribute to the land and its long-term sustainability actively.

Creative, educational, and skill-based experiences:

Creative and learning retreats, including photography, writing, music, painting, and outdoor skills, offering opportunities for both personal development and skill-building in a Philmont setting.

Flexible and varied adventure options:

Flexible adventure experiences such as day hikes, short backcountry overnights, and seasonal themed weekends, along with unique program formats like hut-to-hut style treks and pilot programs that expand beyond traditional trek structures.

Connection and continued engagement:

Opportunities to reconnect through reunion crews or shared experiences with family and friends, supported by seasonal and rotating offerings that provide new ways to experience Philmont throughout the year

Be Part of What Comes Next

Philmont has always been a place that changes lives. 

Friends of Philmont ensures that it continues. 

Your involvement helps care for the Ranch today while building what comes next for future generations.