Daily Fee: $145
Get ready to trade the classroom for the trail! The Philmont Advisor Skills School (PASS) is an action-packed weekend designed to immerse adult leaders in the skills, procedures, and spirit of Philmont. Led by seasoned rangers and backcountry staff, PASS isn’t just a training—it’s a hands-on, boots-on-the-ground adventure that prepares you for the summer trek ahead.
You’ll hike into the backcountry, sleep under the stars, and learn to lead like never before while mastering essential techniques—from hanging bear bags and firing up stoves to setting up camp in the legendary “Bearmuda Triangle.” This experience equips you with knowledge and confidence you won’t find anywhere else—plus a few sneak peeks into new programs, meals, and gear. Wrap it up with a banquet, a patch you’ll wear with pride, and the feeling that you’re truly ready to guide your crew through the rugged beauty of Philmont.
Participants will have an on-site, hands-on learning experience that will give a better understanding of the following Philmont skills, procedures, and resources:
After checking in and processing the evening before, the course will start with a quick tour of the Day 1 process in base camp, gear shakedown, and outfitting services for food and supplies. The crew is taken to a backcountry trailhead for a short hike to a camp where the training will commence. The next day includes a short hike and a return to base camp for continued sessions, tours of the Villa Philmonte and the National Scouting Museum. The closing dinner will be a special opportunity for recognition and closing words and presentation of the official PASS patch.
Some of the upcoming PASS courses has an option to add on a Wilderness First Aid course the Monday and Tuesday after the PASS course. This will be taught on-site by one of our certified staff members and will quality for your crew’s Wilderness First Aid requirements for your Philmont Trek. Space is limited due to class size restrictions and will be filled on a first come first serve basis. The course is ESCI Wilderness First Aid and is a 16 hour long course.
If spots remain, other Advisors not participating in PASS can sign up for this Wilderness First Aid Training opportunity. The cost for the course for non-PASS participants will be $175. Use the special WFA registration form linked below to see what dates and spots remain for the courses.
Weather varies with the time of year that you come for your PASS Course. July and August courses you can expect temperatures in the 80s with lows into the 40s and in Winter months can expect highs in the 50s and lows in the 10s or colder. Weather will be monitored closely to ensure a safe enjoyable experience for all. In the event of snow predictions or actual accumulation, programs will be modified to take advantage of the unique opportunity and still complete the curriculum. Guides leading the PASS courses are already trained for winter programing and winter camping gear will be available for PASS participants.
The PASS program is tailored especially for any adult leader registered for the coming summer seasons but is open to ALL registered Scouting America leaders who want to learn more about camping at Philmont!
Crews are limited in size and will be mixed groups of leaders from across the country. (Crews are limited to 12 persons each.) Space is limited, so register early!
The PASS program is tailored especially for any adult leader registered for the coming summer seasons but is open to ALL registered Scouting America leaders who want to learn more about camping at Philmont!
Crews are limited in size and will be mixed groups of leaders from across the country. (Crews are limited to 12 persons each.) Space is limited, so register early!
The PASS program will be offered during multiple weekends during the year. Arrival dates are on Fridays, with departures on Monday mornings. See below for a basic outline of the schedule. Weekends the program will be offered are:
October
17-19, 2025
January
9-12, 2026
January
16-19, 2026 – WFA Add-on
January
30- February 2, 2026
February
30- February 2, 2026
February
March 2, 2026
Day 1
Arrival Day, Orientation, base camp tour, begin gear shakedown (please arrive by 3 pm).
Day 2
Gear Shakedown, transport to backcountry, hike to camp, begin skills training, fundamentals of Philmont camping.
Day 3
Continue Philmont camping skills, introduction to Philmont Second Season programs, return to base, tour Villa Philmonte, Classroom Sessions, Banquet.
Day 4
Departure Day (depart after breakfast).
Fee: $145 per participant. This covers three nights at Philmont, dining hall meals, trail meals, course materials, Philmont crew related gear, and a special PASS patch. Transportation to and from Philmont is not provided, but you may be able to coordinate with other participants for ride-sharing opportunities.
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Reservations are accepted on a first come, first served basis the November of the year prior.
By registering one to two years in advance, crews give themselves the best chance to secure their preferred trek dates and allows ample time for fundraising, physical conditioning, leadership development, and shakedown hikes to ensure everyone is ready for the challenge of the Philmont.
Reservations are confirmed upon receipt of non-refundable deposit of $500 per crew and a completed reservation form. The balance of fees are due upon arrival at Philmont.
The Philmont Resource Toolbox has everything you need to get ready for your trek—equipment lists, itineraries, Guidebooks to Adventure, and all required forms. It’s your one-stop hub to help you hit the backcountry trails prepared and confident.
Any new crew reservations for 2026 booked on or after April 17th for arrival dates after July 15th, 2026, will be eligible for 2025 pricing.