Roving Outdoor Conservation School (ROCS) Trek
June 15 - August 2
Roving Outdoor Conservation School (ROCS) Trek
The Roving Outdoor Conservation School (ROCS) is an exciting 21-day program for scouts who have an interest in conservation and natural resource management. A wide variety of unique conservation projects, hands-on science, special backcountry program, and visits from natural resource professionals gives participants an in depth look at the science driving modern land management and conservation.
The aim of all ROCS treks is to use adventure, learning and expedition behavior to foster a unique relationship between each participant and Philmont. Through hands-on learning in its forests, rivers, alpine meadows and mountaintops, participants will learn to be inquisitive and engaged in the native world around them. Participants will leave Philmont with a deeper appreciation for the land and will have backpacking and leadership skills that can be applied to their future adventures.
Who May Participate?
To be able to participate in the ROCS Trek, 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.
- Have strong camping and backpacking skills; previous Philmont experience is not mandatory but is strongly recommended.
- 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.
- Complete a BSA Annual Health and Medical Record. Philmont height and weight requirements will be strictly enforced.
Session Dates
Session #1: June 15 – July 6
Session #2: June 23 – July 14
Session #3: July 12 – August 2
*All ROCS sessions are Co-ed.
Program Fee/Scholarships
The fee for ROCS is $950 in 2024. A $150 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 are available on a limited basis.
Register for Roving Outdoor Conservation (ROCS) Trek- 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
| ROCS 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 |
