The first day of your trek is very busy with many Base Camp stops to ensure you are all set and ready for the backcountry. Chart your course by reviewing the Base Camp map
Base Camp Procedures
The general order of the first day is as follows:
Arrive at the Welcome Center
- The earlier the better. Typically, crews that arrive before 10:00 AM get through the Base Camp procedures in one day.
- Crew Leader and Lead Advisor check-in and receive tent assignments.
Meet Your Ranger
- Your Ranger will be waiting for you at the Welcome Center and they will meet your crew right after you are done getting checked in.
- Your Ranger will be with you the entire day, guiding you through the Base Camp process to ensure you are ready to hit the trail the following day.
- He or she will go out into the backcountry with you for two nights and teach you everything you will need to know about having a safe and enjoyable Philmont trek.
Drop Off Gear at Your Tents
- Your Ranger will instruct everyone to bring water, rain gear, and prescription medications with them through the rest of the stops in Base Camp.
- The Lead Advisor needs to bring any changes to the crew roster and payment paperwork with them.
- The Crew Leader needs to bring an unmarked overall map and their Crew Leader Fieldbook with them
Crew Photo
- Extra photos can be purchased on the Philmont Photo Archive.
- Can be taken in field uniforms or crew t-shirts.
Camping Registration
- Ranger, all Advisors, and Scouts over 18 go inside while the rest of the crew waits outside the building.
- Any outstanding payments are made and certifications and IDs are checked.
- The crew roster is turned in.
Outfitting Services
- Receive gear such as tents, bear bags, bear rope, pots, dining fly, etc.
- Receive food for first few days of the trek.
- Purchase fuel needed for the trek.
Medical Recheck
- All crew members review their medical forms with Philmont Infirmary staff member.
- Bring all prescriptions in their original containers to be reviewed at medical recheck for expiration date and dosing, this includes emergency medications such as EpiPens® and inhalers.
Mail Room
- Any gear that was shipped ahead of time can be picked up.
Shakedown
- Your Ranger will run through a gear shakedown with your crew ensuring all necessary gear is taken on the trail and all non-essential gear is stored in Base Camp.
Logistics Trip Plan
- Crew Leader and Lead Advisor will be called into Logistics and will receive information about campsites, trails, program opportunities, water availability, horse rides, etc.
- The Crew Leader needs to bring an unmarked overall map and their Crew Leader Fieldbook with them.
Security
- Receive lockers if crew did not use personal vehicles for transportation.
Museums
- Take a tour of the Villa Philmonté, National Scouting Museum, and Kit Carson/Rayado.
- Sign up at the Museum and Seton Memorial Library
Dining Hall
- Lunch is at 11:30 AM
- Dinner is at 4:45 PM
- Breakfast the following morning is at 6:30 AM
Crew Leadership Meetings
- The Crew Leader, Chaplain’s Aide, Wilderness Pledge Guia, and Advisors all meet at the Hardesty Casa Center at 5:45 PM for their respective meetings.
Opening Campfire
- Meet at the Welcome Center at 8:15 PM
Depart Base Camp
- The first buses leave for the backcountry at 8:00 AM and the last buses leave Base Camp at 3:00 PM. Typically, a crew departs for the backcountry approximately 24 hours after they arrive at Philmont. The earlier you can arrive, the easier the first few days will be.