Use the following list as a guide in deciding what to bring. If you are working in Base Camp, you can plan for hot weather during the day (80s to 90s) with cool nights (40s to 70s). It can be much cooler in the higher elevations of the backcountry. Metal wardrobe lockers are provided for staff in base camp and can be locked with a standard gym padlock (you must provide the padlock).
*Pets are NOT allowed at Philmont.
If necessary, Rangers can be furnished with a backpack and trail tent for the duration of employment at no charge (unless damaged).
First year staff will be issued a $90 uniform voucher during check-in to assist with the cost of uniform parts at the Tooth of Time Traders. Returning staff will receive a $65 voucher and volunteers will receive a $40 voucher. For staff who are employed the entire season, we recommend 3 polos, 1-2 bottoms, and a belt (staff cap provided). Bring extra spending money if you intend to purchase more than recommended.
*Items & quantities are recommendations; bring what you think you will need within reason.
| Option 1 – Philmont Staff Uniform | Qty | Comments |
| Current color Philmont Staff polo | 3 | Clean & in good condition |
| Philmont driftwood shorts/pants/convertibles | 1-2 | Some positions require non-synthetic pants |
| Athletic/hiking socks, BSA or Venturing socks | 3+ | Any earth-tone hiking sock is appropriate |
| Philmont, Scouting, or plain belt | 1 |
| Option 2 – BSA or Venturing Field Uniform | Qty | Comments |
| BSA Tan or Venturing Green uniform shirt | 1 | Insignia should reflect Adult BSA membership |
| BSA or Venturing or Philmont shorts/pants/convertibles | 1 | |
| BSA or Venturing socks | 1 | |
| Appropriate colored epaulet loops | 1 | Should match primary BSA registration & insignia |
| Scouting or Philmont belt | 1 |
Be aware of the weather; Expect frequent rain; Know your needs.
| Type | Qty | Comments |
| Casual clothing | 2-3 sets | T-shirts, shorts, pants, dresses, etc for days off |
| Sleep clothing | 1-2 sets | |
| Western Clothing | Required for Wranglers/Horsemen; Something to wear for western night at the PTC | |
| Rain jacket | 1 | Durable, waterproof, with hood; wear over mid-layer for extra warmth |
| Insulating Layer | 1 | Wool, fleece, or down pullover/sweater |
| Outer-layer jacket | 1 | Synthetic or down recommended for cold night temps |
| Hat/Beanie | 1-2 | Staff cap provided; wide-brim hat for sun protection; wool/fleece beanie for warmth |
| Gloves or mittens | 1 | Thin gloves good for cold mornings or high elevations |
| Underwear | 6-12 | Enough to last between laundry days |
| Socks | 6-12 | Combo of casual/athletic/hiking socks (liner socks optional) to last between laundry days |
| Sports bras | 3-5 | If applicable |
Treat your feet well and they will return the favor.
| Type | Qty | Comments |
| Hiking boots/shoes | 1 | Well broken in, durable, comfortable; Trail runners are acceptable |
| Casual shoes | 1 | Closed-toe athletic shoes (for when you’re not wearing boots) |
| Sandals | 1 | Optional; socks MUST be worn with sandals |
| Shower Shoes | 1 | Flip flips, etc. – A little something between your feet an the communal floor |
|
Type |
Qty |
Comments |
|
Sheets (twin size) |
1 set |
Sleeping in a sleeping bag ALL season can get uncomfortable and smelly |
|
Blankets |
1-3 |
Fleece/wool/down blankets for when it gets cold at night (especially at high altitude camps) |
|
Full-size pillow |
1 |
Be nice to your neck for the season |
|
Towels |
1-2 |
Backcountry staff recommended to have two sets (backcountry & base camp) |
|
Laundry bag |
1 |
Canvas or mesh |
|
Toiletries |
|
Soap, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, hair ties/clips, comb/brush, lip balm (with SPF), skin care products, razor, shave cream/gel, over the counter medicine (allergy, painkillers, etc.) |
|
Prescription medication |
|
Enough to last duration of employment or make arrangements to refill |
|
Sunscreen |
1 |
You are more susceptible to sunburn at higher altitudes |
|
Sunglasses |
1 |
Polarized strongly recommended |
|
Watch |
1 |
Punctuality. |
|
Sewing/Repair kit |
1 |
You never know when you will lose a button or tear a hole in something |
|
Personal First Aid kit |
1 |
Band-aids, moleskin, tweezers, Ibuprofen, etc. |
|
Backpack (50-70L) |
1 |
For backpacking on time off; Pack rentals available to staff (charges for loss or damage) |
|
Tent |
1 |
2-person tents available to borrow from Outfitting Services (charges for loss or damage) |
|
Sleeping bag |
1 |
Rated to 20°F (if you choose to sleep in a sleeping bag all season or backpack on time off) |
|
Sleeping pad |
1 |
Provides padding and insulation from ground (if you choose to backpack on time off) |
|
Flashlight/Headlamp |
1 |
Do not forget extra batteries |
|
Day pack |
1 |
Carrying essentials around camp, day hikes, etc. |
|
Nalgene/Water bottle |
2 |
Durable water bottles, keep hydrated at higher altitude |
| Creature Comforts | Qty | Comments |
| Throw rug | 1 | Add some comfort to your tent/living area |
| Camera | 1 | Batteries/chargers, accessories, etc. |
| Musical instrument(s) | Supplemental replacement parts; not restricted to music camps/positions | |
| Notebook/Pen/Pencil | 1 | Take notes during training, journal your experiences, send iCamps |
| Sunglasses | 1 | |
| Religious Text | According to your faith | |
| Roll of quarters | 1 | For coin-operated laundry machines |
| Thermos/Travel mug | 1 | For hot beverage drinkers |
| Flip flops/Shower shoes | 1 | A little something between your feet and the communal floor |
| Fan | Tents get hot mid-day | |
| Personal Lamp/String Lights | For reading without disturbing tent/roommates or providing alternative lighting options (a simple lamp is provided for tents) | |
| Games (card/board/tabletop) | A deck of cards always provides entertainment; Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons and Dragons, Catan, etc. are pretty popular among staff |
Shipping Your Equipment
A footlocker or trunk is best for shipping your equipment; be sure yours is equipped with a clasp and padlock or a built-in lock to safeguard your gear.
UPS provides daily delivery to Philmont Scout Ranch and is the most available service in the local area if it is necessary for you to ship your personal equipment. Use your Philmont Mailing Address shown in the section below when shipping via UPS. All shipments must be prepaid. You should plan to ship your baggage at least two weeks in advance of your arrival date and mark each parcel:
Your Name & Dept/Camp
HOLD FOR ARRIVAL [Date]
47 Caballo Road
Cimarron, NM 87714
Incoming packages will be delivered to the Philmont Mail Room at CHQ or the PTC office.
Personal Property Security
Philmont is not responsible for the loss of personal belongings. It is recommended that items of value be left at home and that you provide loss coverage for your personal effects. This may be included on your parents’ homeowners’ policy. If you can bring a foot locker and padlock, you will have extra storage and security.
Philmont is NOT responsible for theft of or damage to vehicles, bicycles, or personal property. Damaged or stolen items will not be replaced by Philmont.