Philmont Scout Ranch offers programs for Scouts with disabilities or special needs. These programs are designed for Scouts, along with their parents and caregivers, to provide personalized adventures with supportive leaders.
Philmont uses the Zia name for the indigenous Zia people, whose symbol is on the New Mexico state flag, reflecting Philmont’s commitment to inclusivity and accessible experiences for all Scouts.
Philmont Scout Ranch was recognized by the National Special Needs and Disability Committee in 2024 as a Special Needs Prepared Camp.
Philmont is proud to partner with Scouting America’s Special Needs and Disabilities Committee. Together, we ensure that Philmont programs, staff, and facilities are prepared and meet the needs of all youth and their families.
Program Descriptions
Fee: $430
This national training spends a week learning best practices working with Scouts with special needs or disabilities, their families, units, districts, and councils across all programs. Participants will have the opportunity to work with Scouts and their families attending the Zia Family Experience and to visit various Philmont program areas. Other topics this year will include how to expand your district or council committee through relationships and ways to include more individuals with special needs in Scouting.
Links
Fees: $440 for Zia Participant. $440 for Zia Caregiver, Additional Adults and Children 11+ $495, Children 6-10 $450, Infant 0-5 $200
Register Now: Click Here
The Zia Family Experience at Philmont Scout Ranch is a specialized program under the Philmont Family Adventure Camp designed to provide an adaptive high-adventure experience for Scouts with disabilities or special needs, along with their families. It is a highly supported and personalized program that caters to a wide range of functioning levels, including those with physical, intellectual, emotional, and/or hidden disabilities.
Participants in the Zia Family Experience engage in various activities offered at Philmont. The program has two program sessions daily, in the morning and afternoon. Program areas use adaptive equipment to ensure that all Scouts, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy activities such as hiking, horseback riding, shooting sports, and C.O.P.E. (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) course. Other activities include the craft center, museum tours, conservation projects, fishing, and a host of fun and engaging evening events.
The Zia Family Experience is part of Philmont’s broader efforts to make scouting accessible to all, providing Scouts with disabilities and their families the opportunity to experience high adventure and create lasting memories.
The Zia Family Experience is only open to youth with special needs and their family members. Please start the registration by adding the Zia Participant, then add the parent/caregiver and any additional family member who wish to attend this program.
Building on the success of the inaugural trek in 2024, we are offering two “Supported” 7-day backcountry treks designed for Scouts with special needs. This trek requires a parent or caregiver to go on the hike. This customized experience is designed to meet the Scouts abilities and is supported by trained staff and volunteers. Each trek is limited to a 12 person crew; 6 Scouts and 6 parents/caregivers.
Interested families must complete a pre-screening form. Each family will then participate in an interview to ensure that the family understands trek requirements and potential constraints. After approval, the family will be able to register online.
Event Flyer
2026 Treks: June 20-27
2027 Treks: TBD
Please complete this Interest Form to begin the registration process for both 2025 and 2026 Treks.
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Resources for Trek Participants
2026 Sample Itinerary
Trek Preparedness Seminars (We highly recommend that participants watch these videos. There is a new one added each month. If you sign into the guest book link in the video description you will be able to earn a patch when you arrive if you watch all of the videos.)
Video 1 (Overview): Click Here for Video
Video 2 ( Gear): Click Here for Video
Video 3 (Cavalcade):Click Here for Video (Not required to watch for Zia Trek)
Video 4 (Itineraries): Click Here for Video (Not required to watch for Zia Trek)
Video 5 (Health and Safety): Click Here for Video
Video 6 (Trail Food and Cooking): Video coming February 18th, 2026
Video 7 (Base Camp Procedure): Video coming March 18th, 2026
Video 8 (Review and Final Updates): Video coming April 5th, 2026
Facilities
Philmont Scout Ranch and the Philmont Training Center are committed to providing a safe environment for all guests. Listed below are ways Philmont is delivering accommodations to meet the needs of families with special needs or disabilities.
Philmont Scout Ranch offers both wheelchair-accessible tents and a limited amount of ADA roofed housing.
The Terrace Canvas Tent is a wheelchair-accessible option that can accommodate two people and is placed on a concrete platform. It contains amenities such as chairs, a locker, an electric outlet, and a light. The Showerhouse with lockable, ADA compliant private rooms are accessible via the concrete sidewalks.
Additionally, the ranch provides ADA roofed housing, which is similar to a hotel room, and contains one open room with twin beds, a futon, a microwave, a refrigerator, and a private bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower. This accommodation is available in different styles, with varying sleeping capacities.
These options cater to individuals with accessibility needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their stay at the Philmont Scout Ranch.
The Training Center has some adaptive equipment that families may request to use.
- Action Track Chair: Built for rugged terrain and backcountry trails. Provides freedom and independence to experience Philmont.
- Portable Commode Chair with adjustable heights.
- Shower Chair. Allows individuals to access a broader range of shower facilities on property.
- Wireless Hearing Device connecting an individual with sound systems for large group gatherings.
Please contact the training center to reserve equipment before arriving at the ranch.
Philmont employs a full-time chief medical officer who oversees a world-class medical facility (Infirmary) licensed by the State of New Mexico. During the summer, the Infirmary is supported by professional doctors, nurses and medical students that ensure the well-being of all guests and handle critical medical issues as needed. Philmont is a key partner in providing emergency care for Cimarron and other local communities.
During the Zia Experience and Zia Trek, additional health care volunteers provide support to ensure the health and safety of our Zia guests.
Philmont provides adaptive equipment to make our adventures more inclusive. Program areas such as climbing, horseback riding, and shooting sports use equipment that gives every youth an opportunity to participate.
The program bowl has a section for wheelchairs.
All buildings are easily accessible using built in ramps and wide doors. The only building that may be difficult for individuals with limited mobility is the Villa Philmonte.
Philmont is able to accommodate most dietary needs. Please let the training center know before you arrive if an individual has food allergies, dietary restrictions, or needs special accommodations for meals.
The dining hall is accessible and tables can be lifted to accommodate wheelchairs.
The training center has a variety of housing units that can accommodate individuals and families with special needs. Families staying in terrace or deluxe tents can use our beautiful shower houses.
Each shower building has individual, locking rooms with both bathroom and shower. Each shower house has four handicap accessible rooms with accessible showers. Families can also request portable potty and shower chairs if needed.
Philmont does not provide accessible transportation. Access to a variety of our program areas is via a school bus. However, we do work with families to provide appropriate transport where needed. Depending on the situation, families may need to provide their own transportation to program areas.
For More Information
Please contact the Philmont Training Center at Philmont.trainingcenter@scouting.org or call 575-376-2281.