Gratitude and Grace
The Philmont Grace is a tradition shared by thousands of Scouts and Scouters who have journeyed through the mountains of Philmont. Often recited before meals, this simple yet meaningful prayer reflects the spirit of gratitude, reverence, and respect for nature that defines the Philmont experience.
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Philmont Grace “For food, for raiment, for life, for opportunity, for friendship and fellowship, we thank Thee, O Lord. Amen.” |
Dining Hall Cuisine
Fueling Adventure and Fellowship
Before the boots hit the trail from Base Camp or the next big session kicks off at the Philmont Training Center (PTC), visitors gather in one of Philmont’s welcoming dining halls—places where stories are shared, friendships are formed, and appetites are satisfied. More than just a place to eat, they are a cornerstone of the Philmont experience—where nourishment meets tradition.
A Taste of the Backcountry
Philmont isn’t just a backpacking paradise—it’s also an unforgettable culinary adventure! Your crew’s journey begins and ends with hearty meals in the base camp dining hall. But once you hit the trail, get ready for a truly unique dining experience in the wild.
Every 3–4 days, your crew will stop at designated backcountry commissary camps to restock with lightweight, trail-tested meals packed in durable, recyclable bags. Each meal is crafted to fuel high adventure and is portioned for two hungry hikers. You’ll sample a rotating menu of 30 unique meals over your 12-day trek—hot dinners under the stars, and easy-to-eat breakfasts and lunches designed for life on the move.
Meal schedules follow a fun and simple calendar system:
For example, every crew eats B1, L1, D1 on the 1st, 11th, and 21st of each month.
So whether you’re climbing Baldy or crossing the South Country, your trail meals keep pace with your adventure. Plus, many staffed camps feature “swap boxes”—treasure troves where crews can trade unopened items or find surprise extras left by fellow travelers.
Trail Cooking 101
No campfires here—Philmont backcountry meals are cooked with backpacking stoves and shared with your crew in scenic wilderness kitchens. Your Ranger will teach you how to hang bear bags, safely prepare your dinner, and clean up using Philmont’s time-tested “two pot” method.
Need a refresher? Check out our video guides below, and explore more backcountry skills and gear info in the Philmont Shakedown Guide.
Backcountry dining at Philmont: where every meal comes with a view and a story.
Allergies & Dietary Needs
Please use a separate plastic bag for each meal.
Place substitute items in a plastic bag labeled with:
Participant’s Expedition #
Participant’s Name
The meal number**
Example
628-A
John Smith
Lunch 1
**Meal schedules and labels are determined by the calendar date, rather than a crew’s day on their trek (for example, every crew eats B1, L1 and D1 on the 1st, 11th, and 21st of each month; every crew eats B2, L2 and D2 on the 2nd, 12th, and 22nd, etc.).
You may either bring the substitute items with you (recommended) or ship them to Philmont at least 14 days in advance of your expedition. If shipping, the package should be addressed as follows:
John Smith
628-A
Philmont Scout Ranch
47 Caballo Road
Cimarron, NM 87714
On your arrival day, labeled substitute items should be taken to Logistics. Substitute items will be sent ahead for your crew to pick up along with your regular food pick-ups at commissary camps on your trek.
Packaging Substitute Items
At Philmont, we know that great adventures require great fuel—and that everyone deserves to eat safely and confidently on the trail. Whether you follow a gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, or kosher diet, or have food allergies or sensitivities, we’re here to support your dietary needs.
Our trail meals are designed to provide the high energy required for backcountry trekking and typically include a variety of high-carbohydrate, high-calorie items containing wheat, dairy, and sugars. You can view the most current ingredient lists for all trail meals—including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and special meals like Chuckwagon and Abreu Dinner—using the links below.
If someone in your crew requires specific dietary accommodations for medical (such as allergies or intolerances) or religious reasons, please bring suitable replacement food from home. Philmont will help ensure your substitute food is packed and transported properly to the backcountry and will inspect all items for safe delivery.
Please note that there is no fee reduction for those bringing their own food.
We’re committed to making Philmont accessible and welcoming for every participant. If you have questions about how to prepare for your dietary needs, check out our resources or contact us for support before your arrival.