Order of the Arrow Trail Crew Trek
June 8 - July 27
Order of the Arrow Trail Crew Trek
Join a crew of Arrowmen dedicated to cheerful service on this 14-day adventure. Experienced Philmont Conservation Department staff with strong OA backgrounds will lead participants on the two-week program. The first week focuses on leaving a tangible legacy through trail construction and maintenance. The second week is a seven-day backpacking trek through Philmont’s backcountry, designed by participants. Prepare to be challenged mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Constructed with the ideals of the Order of the Arrow at its center, the OA Trail Crew focuses on personal growth through cheerful service and challenging outdoor experiences. The first week participants will build trail at a remote backcountry worksite and will learn skills needed to successfully trek through Philmont their second week at the ranch. Crew members are expected to work with diligence, and as a reward they have the privilege of helping to design their own trek week.
Who May Participate?
To be able to participate in the Order of the Arrow Trail Crew program, participants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America.
- Be at least 16 years old by the date the program begins and not yet 21 by the time it ends.
- Be in excellent physical condition, able to hike 10 or more miles with a 50-pound backpack and able to lift and handle materials up to 75 pounds.
- Complete a BSA Annual Health and Medical Record. Philmont height and weight requirements will be strictly enforced.
- To comply with the BSA Youth Protection requirements, each session must have a minimum of two participants from the same gender attend. Individual youth participants may register without a buddy of the same gender, however, if no other youth participants of the same gender register, your session date may need to change or be canceled to comply with BSA Youth Protection requirements.
Scouts from the same unit, or otherwise acquainted, will be placed in separate crews.
2024 Session Dates
Session 1: June 8-22 (Coed Crew)
Session 2: June 15-29 (Coed Crew)
Session 3: June 22 -July 6 (Coed Crew)
Session 4: June 29-July 13 (Coed Crew)
Session 5: July 6-20 (Coed Crew)
Session 6: July 13-27 (Coed Crew)
Program Fee/Scholarships
The fee for Order of the Arrow Trail Crew is $500 in 2024. A $50 deposit is required with this application with the remaining balance due at the time of acceptance into the program. Additional expenses, including travel to and from Philmont, as well as miscellaneous purchases, are the responsibility of the participant. Scholarships from Philmont are available on a limited basis. To apply, complete the scholarship application linked above. Scholarships are also available within the Order of the Arrow at the local levels. Most sections have scholarship funds, and your lodge chief should be able to put you in contact with someone in your area who will know more.
Scholarship Information
Additional Information
Feel free to contact us with any questions at philmont.conservation@scouting.org.
Register for OATC – 2024
Register: By individual
Season: Summer
Age: 16 years old by the start date and not yet 21 by the end date
Crew Size: Provisional Crew will be organized by Philmont
Leadership: 2 adult leaders provided by Philmont
Registration: Anytime
| OATC Toolbox | |
| Traditional Trek Details | 2024 Crew Packet |
| 2025 Registration Information | 2024 Guidebook to Adventure |
| Fees and Scholarships | 2024 Guidebook to Adventure for Advisors |
| 2025 Financial Aid Application | Shakedown Guide |
| Trek Requirements | Facilities |
| Health and Medical Record | Patches and Awards |
| Planning Calendar | Equipment List |
| 2024 Itinerary Guidebook | Dining in The Backcountry |
| Philmont Prep Seminars | New Mexico Fishing License |
| Traveling to Philmont | Promote Your Philmont Trek |
| 2024 Custom Crew Shirts | Council & Unit Planning Guide |
| Crew Photos |
| Discover Philmont Scout Ranch | |
| About Philmont | Contact Us |
| Visit Us (Open Year-Round) | Covid-19 Updates |
| Frequently Asked Questions | Philmont Training Center |
| Tooth of Time Traders (PSR Store) | BSA Family Adventure Camp |
| Philmont Museums | Basecamp Webcam |
| Seasonal Staff Opportunities | Philmont Photo Archive |
| Philmont Staff Association | Philmont Stories (Blog) |
| Conservation Department | Resources |
| Philmont Wildfire Recovery | Ambassador Resources |
| Wildfire Recovery & Mitigation Fund |
