Want to come to Philmont but don’t have a crew? Have you been to Philmont before, but can’t get enough of Philmont’s backcountry? Do you have a child who is in either of those situations? Whatever the case may be, there’s one easy solution: individual treks.
Philmont Scout Ranch provides an unforgettable and life-changing adventure along hundreds of miles of backcountry trails. Summit peaks, hike over mesas and enjoy the program put on by our 36 staff camps during your Philmont trek. Program includes horseback riding, burro packing, blacksmithing, fishing, rock climbing, rifle shooting and more. For those who choose to embark on individual treks, there are additional experiences related to the focus of each trek.
Participants sign up for individual treks on their own, and their crew is then organized by Philmont staff. Staff members also serve as leadership throughout the duration of the individual treks. Individual treks have specific themes and last for varying amounts of time, so take a look at the options and see which one is best for you or your Scout!
- Order of the Arrow Trail Crew (OATC) is a 14-day individual program that brings members of the OA together from across the country for a week of trail building followed by a week of trek program. It focuses on the tenants of the Order of the Arrow: brotherhood, cheerfulness and service.
- Ranch Hands is a 16-day program for Scouts and Venturers who have knowledge of horsemanship and horse care. For 8 days, they work with the Wrangler department and Philmont’s horses, and then they embark on an 8-day cavalcade.
- Rayado is a 20-day trek for those who want to challenge themselves physically and mentally. The program is known for developing outdoor leadership, problem solving and advanced outdoor skills.
- Roving Outdoor Conservation School (ROCS) is a 21-day experience for individuals that combines unique conservation work with field lessons and guest speakers that help participants understand the environment that makes Philmont special.
- STEM Trek is offered in 7-day and 12-day sessions. It is meant to give participants an up-close look at how science, technology, engineering and math manifest, or are developed in conjunction with, the natural world.
- Trail Crew Trek (TCT) is a 14-day program that consists of seven days of trail construction followed by seven days of trek. TCT is designed to develop leadership skills and prepare participants to plan conservation projects in their communities.
