Ranch Hands
July 7 - July 24
Ranch Hands
Ranch Hands is a program for Scouts and Venturers who have knowledge of horsemanship and horse care and want to expand their skills and experience. The Ranch Hand crew will work with the horse department staff, taking care of Philmont’s 300 horses and 80 burros, hauling hay, saddling, and performing other horse program tasks.
Who May Participate?
To be able to participate in the Ranch Hands 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 physically fit, able to lift and handle materials up to 65 pounds.
- As with all Philmont horse programs, participants must not weigh more than 200 pounds.
- Be able to work and live under the leadership of one of Philmont’s horsemen at one of the horse camps or at headquarters.
- Complete a BSA Annual Health and Medical Record.
Previous Philmont experience is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. In order for Philmont to comply with New Mexico work law, no exceptions can be made to these requirements.
What Activities Does the Program Include?
After an eight-day work session, the Ranch Hands crew embarks on an eight-day Cavalcade under the leadership of a horseman and wrangler. Participants ride trails through some of the most beautiful country in the United States. Each night is spent in a different backcountry camp, where the program may include rock climbing, archaeology, mountain man rendezvous, or homesteading. The final afternoon of the Cavalcade features a horseback gymkhana in the arena at Ponil Camp.
Additional Information
Program Fee – $525
Register for Ranch Hands – 2024
Register: By individual
Season: Summer
Age: 16 years old by the start date and not yet 21 by the end date
Leadership: 2 adult leaders provided by Philmont
Registration: Anytime
| Ranch Hands 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 |
